Adjusting the Scroll Wheel Speed on Samsung BlackJack II

This has long been something that owners of the BlackJack II have complained about.  The scroll wheel is a pretty good idea, but it takes too much to make it go around.  One full rotation is required to move the highlighted item by 1 step.  Unfortunately, there is nothing that can be done with the original BlackJack II.

However, if you have a BlackJack II that is running Windows Mobile 6.1, you’re in luck. First off, Samsung has addressed the speed issue from the get-go.  Now, a quarter turn will move the highlighted item by 1. Which in turn means that 1 full rotation is the same as moving 4 places. There’s no interface for adjusting the speed of the scroll wheel, however, if you’re still looking for more from your scroll wheel there is a registry location that you can play around with.

Using your favorite registry editor, browse to HKLM / Software / Samsung / KeyRun.  In this location you should see a entry called WheelSpeed with a value of 1.  I changed this to a number of different values, but the only one that seemed to make a difference was 0 (Zero). No reboot is required after making the change.  I simply closed the application and then relaunched it  (You might even be able to skip that step, but I wanted to be sure). Now, with 1 full rotation, I can move 12 spots in the list. It’s not the same level of responsiveness as the i620, but it’s much better than before.  

And for everyone that is wondering if they can put this setting on their BlackJack II running Windows Mobile 6; the answer is no.  I did try that and there was no change on the device - that I noticed anyway.

Happy scrolling!

Playing Around with the Samsung i620 Slider Smartphone

The first thing you will notice when you pick up the Samsung i620 is just how small it is and how well it fits in your hands. Samsung is really on to something with this ultra small sliding form factor. It’s the right size for any pocket or purse, and it’s a lot of fun to hold and slide open/shut. I often found myself sliding the phone just for the sake of sliding it. The sliding mechanism is so smooth and the spring action really helps to pop the phone open. I’ve used other sliding phones, but never have they had such a nice slider/spring combination.

Once you held the phone and played with the slider for a good couple minutes, you’re going to start to wonder about the specs of this little guy. It’s a European-based Tri-band device, which means it supports GSM 900/1800/1900 frequencies. Which works great if you’re in the EMEA, but if you’re North American based, this device will have mixed results when it comes to cellular reception. If Samsung had managed to include one more band, then this phone would be a sure fire hit in North America. I’ve heard rumours that there is a North American Tri-band device that is going to be released in the fall of 2008, but at this point I haven’t been able to confirm anything. Aside from the cellular bands supported, the phone also features GPRS/EDGE/3G HSDPA at 1.8 Mbps, 64MB RAM, 128MB ROM, MicroSD support, Bluetooth v2 with A2DP, 2 Megapixel camera, VGA video-call camera, and measures 113mm x 59mm x 11.8mm with a weight of 95 grams. Read more

Easily Manage Multiple Network Data Settings on Windows Mobile

One of the great appeals of a GSM device is the ability to swap SIM cards and as a result, networks. As an example, I have a Samsung BlackJack II from AT&T running on Fido’s network. When I travel to the US, I just pull out my Fido SIM and put in my AT&T SIM and I’m off and running without those nasty roaming charges. The only problem is when it comes to data - I don’t want to have to enter those settings every time I travel. Typically, I would leave all the network settings in the phone and just edit the Connects To setting for the networks. I would set the network I don’t want to use to connect to Work and the network I want to use to Internet. It works, but it can get to be a pain trying to edit all those entries and with the new network settings lock, it can be near impossible (especially if you don’t want to hack your phone). Thankfully, there is a handy little utility in Windows Mobile that lets you flag a given network as the default making it very easy to switch between networks. It’s not a new feature, it’s in both Windows Mobile 6.1 and 6. It may also be in 5, but I don’t have a device handy to check that on.

To change the default data settings to match the network you’re currently roaming on, simply hit Start / Settings / Connections, then press the right Menu key and select Advanced. You should now see a screen like the one in the one above. Select the settings that match your current carrier and your done.

Welcome to Mobile Jaw!

Mobile Jaw is a site dedicated to talking about mobility.  We’re not trying to be another breaking news site - there’s plenty of those around.  Mobile Jaw is going to focus on articles, reviews, tips & tricks, and our random thoughts as they relate to mobility.  When we say mobility, we’re not just talking about phones - although, that will be a big part of our focus.  For us, Mobility is using technology to help keep you connected to the things that matter when you’re out and about.  We don’t want to restrict the conversation to any one area.

Got comments? You’ve heard it before. All the normal rules you find in other online communities apply here. It’s quite simple. Be altruistic – help your fellow human beings by using your jaw on this site for the benefit of others. Have your say. But please tell us what you think without using foul language, disparaging or off-colour comments of people, places or things (including the products). If there is something you like, feel free to rave about it. And if there is something you don’t like, you will find that people are generally more receptive to constructive criticism, and appreciate well-positioned viewpoints. This is a forum for person-to-person communication on what is really great (and not so great) about technology. When you engage in conversation, we challenge you to find a way to be candid without being condescending. We know you will find a way.

There are still issues to resolve on the site, but it’s all starting to come together. I know the search isn’t working, and I still need to do something about Avatars.  If you stumble across any other issues, please let me know! With any luck we’ll have everything running smoothly in the not too distant future. 

New Network Settings Lock on Windows Mobile 6.1 Devices

Windows Mobile 6.1 adds a new level of locking to your device. Along side the standard Carrier lock, SIM lock, and Application lock, you will now find a lock for the carriers data network settings. This lock prevents you from modifying the carriers pre-loaded data settings. Why would anyone want to lock those settings? The answer is simple, to reduce the number of support calls from customers who have screwed them up. However, there are some people, like me, that need to modify those values. From what I’ve been able to gather on this, AT&T appears to be the only carrier that has actually turned this feature on. I’m sure this will change, but for now, it’s just AT&T.

But don’t worry, I’ve got the details on what you need to do to unlock this setting and let you change the values as needed.  Before I get into the steps I need to give the standard disclaimer about modifying your device. I don’t know what effect this will have on your contract with AT&T - I imagine none, but who knows.  Also, there is a chance that you can really mess up your device by changing the registry.  If you’re not comfortable with making changes to the registry, I would recommend you don’t attempt these steps. So, with that out of the way, on with the details.

1. Before we can make any changes, we need disable the application lock on the device. In this case, since it’s a BlackJack II device I recommend downloading the GPS Unlock tool from MoDaCo.  This small CAB file will setup the built-in GPS to work on COM4 and also start the application unlock process.  Once you’ve installed it on your device, download SDA_ApplicationUnlock and run it on your computer with your phone on ActiveSync (or WMDC).  Congratulations, your BlackJack II is now application unlocked.
2. If you don’t have a registry editor for your device, download one and install it.  For editing the registry on the device, I recommend PHM.  If you want to do it from your desktop, then try SOTI’s Pocket Controller Pro.
3. Using the registry editor, browse to the following location: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ Comm \ ConnMgr \ Providers \ {7C4B7A38-5FF7-4bc1-80F6-5DA7870BB1AA} \ Connections \ AT&T IMS
4. In this location you should find a key called ReadOnly with a value of 1.  Change this to 0 (that’s a zero, not an O). You’ve now unlocked the first GPRS setting. 



5. Now, browse to the following location: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ Comm \ ConnMgr \ Providers \ {7C4B7A38-5FF7-4bc1-80F6-5DA7870BB1AA} \ Connections \ MEdia Net
6. Once again, you will see a key by the name of ReadOnly with a value of 1. Change this to 0 (that’s a zero, not an O). You’ve now unlocked the second GPRS setting.
7. Finally, browse to this location: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ Comm \ ConnMgr \ Providers \ {EF097F4C-DC4B-4c98-8FF6-AEF805DC0E8E} \ AT&T WAP
8. And once again you will find a key by the name of ReadOnly. Change this to a 0 (that’s a zero, not an O).  You’ve now unlocked the Proxy value.

That’s everything you need to do.  Now you’re free to modify or disable the pre-configured settings to suit your needs.  One thing to note: Each of the those registry locations had a long unique string after Providers.  This will be the same for any Samsung BlackJack II device with Windows Mobile 6.1.  However, I don’t expect that it would be the same for another device. So, if you’ve found your device has these locks and it’s not a BlackJack II, you will need to browse the entries under Providers to figure out which one is the right one.  Please post the correct values along with your phone in the comments so that others can benefit from the knowledge.

Style and Grace in One Package - Apple’s Super Slim Wireless Keyboard

I’ve tested out a number of wireless keyboards in the past, but never really found one that I liked or worked well enough for me to continue to use it every day.  I had a chance to play with Apple’s ultra slim Bluetooth keyboard recently, and I have to say that I was pretty impressed. To start with, this thing is super thin and light weight.  It’s truly an impressive keyboard when you hold it in your hand. Apple did a great job on the design - no real surprise there.  Two AA batteries are inserted in the tube at the top of the keyboard to power it. Even the screw to open and close the battery compartment is well thought out.  It’s a deep thread and only requires a short half turn to open or close. So you’re not twisting the screw forever just to swap batteries. The overall feel when typing is quite nice. The keys are easy to press and spaced at a normal space, or at what feels like a normal spacing to me. 

To install this keyboard, Apple’s instructions tell you to install the software on your computer and then follow the prompts on your screen.  Which works really well if you are installing this on your computer.  I however was not.  Like a true mobile geek, I wanted to pair it with my Smartphone before doing anything else.  That’s natural, right? So, I fired up the keyboard and the little green light started to flash which means that the keyboard is in discovery mode. I searched for new devices from my Smartphone and instantly made the connection.  Unfortunately, that’s where the fun ended.  Apple’s manual doesn’t tell you the pairing code.  If I had walked through the desktop install I might have known a little more about how this works, but in all reality, Apple should have put the steps into their manual so people wouldn’t have to guess at how it works.  Not everyone is buying the keyboard to use with a desktop.  After trying the standard pairing codes to no success, I did some searching around the internet and figured out that there is no default value set.  You need to enter the code on the device and then on the keyboard in order to pair it. So once it’s entered on your mobile device, hit next or done on the device and turn to the keyboard and enter the same code followed by pressing the enter key.  Presto - You’ve now paired the units, enjoy!  Using this process, I was able to pair the keyboard with 2 different Windows Mobile devices and a BlackBerry unit too. 

I think the keyboard is big on style, small on size and great on functionality.  My only real complaints are the lack of documentation and the price.  While it’s not super expensive, it’s more than I would be willing to pay for a wireless keyboard. Perhaps in 4 or 5 months the price will drop down to a more reasonable range.  I only say this because I don’t need a wireless keyboard to do my daily work. If you’re in need of wireless keyboard action, this is a great choice.  Check one out and see for yourself.

Unfortunately, the keyboards weren’t in the office for very long before they left to see action at a conference. Once they return in a couple weeks I will snap some pictures of the units along side some mobile devices and even a standard desktop keyboard. Tune back here in a couple weeks and I should have the pictures for you.

Hacking the Quick Launch App on Samsung BlackJack II

In my previous post about the quick launch application on the BlackJack II, I talked about some keys being locked to pre-loaded applications. It would be nice if I could remove the AT&T Mall shortcut as I’ll never be using that. Same goes for the Media Net shortcut. It’s not that those aren’t valuable services, I’m just not using AT&T so they don’t make any sense for me to have.

To remove this restriction, you will need a registry editor that can modify the device’s registry. I like to use the one that comes with SOTI’s Pocket Controller Pro. But there are plenty more to pick from, including ones that run on the device like Resco and PHM.

So, fire up this registry editor and browse to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ Software \ Samsung \ KeyRun. You will see a value in that location called PreDefined and you’ll never guess what values it has stored in it. That’s right, it has the letters that are restricted and cannot be changed. Simply edit this value and remove the letter you want to change or remove all the letters, the choice is yours. Once you’ve made the changes, just reopen the Function Key option from the settings menu and you can now set the letter you want to the program of your choice. A word of warning on this - be careful to setup everything the way you like.  I went to delete a tag I didn’t want and it repopulated the predefined values on me. 

If you don’t want to mess around with the predefined values; If you look under the KeyRun folder in the registry, you will find a number of letters. Each entry here is defined in the functions list.  Simply modify the letter you want to point to your application of choice. AppPath should be the path to the program and AppTitle should be the name of the app. 

Let me know how these work out for you.

Quick Launch your Favorite Apps on the BlackJack II

The original BlackJack from Samsung sported a really cool quick launch application that was launched when you did a press and hold on the scroll wheel. The list of applications was fully customizable and you could scroll through the list rather easily. Overall it was a great application that I used daily.

Enter the BlackJack II, Samsungs newer revision of the original hit device. The BlackJack II adds GPS, more memory, 3G, and Windows Mobile 6.0 pre-loaded. What it lacks is the very popular scroll wheel. This was replaced by a d-pad that supports scrolling by twisting the outside of the d-pad around. The downside of this new integrated d-pad/scroll wheel combo is that it takes almost a full rotation to increment 1 row in the application you are looking to scroll through. The other downside to this new control is that there is no longer a quick launch application on the device. I guess Samsung decided that there was nothing to press and hold so let’s get rid of the application all together.

Well, they didn’t completely remove this quick launch application. Instead, they created a Fn-Key shortcut system. From the Today screen, you can press and hold the Function key followed by a key on the keyboard to launch a given application. The list of application is customizable - somewhat. There are some values that are pre-populated and can’t be changed. As the image indicates, Fn+C will launch AT&T Mall. That’s all well and good, but I would much rather have Fn+C launch the calculator. You can add any un-used letter and browse to any application on your device that you want to launch. But you can’t change the default applications. At least not without hacking the device (more on that in a future post).

Samsung did a great job with the BlackJack II. All the extra features really help to take what was a good device and make it great. It’s too bad they decided to remove the scroll wheel, and equally bad that they didn’t use the same Quick Launch app from the original device. These two features would take a great device and make it amazing.

Roaming Data Only Matters with Email?

Windows Mobile 6 introduced this concept of data roaming when it comes to email. Basically it warns you that you are about to send/receive email and since you are roaming, it may cost you more for that data. Why they didn’t connect this alert to your carriers settings I will never understand. Anyway, the alert is a handy feature when you are actually roaming. For whatever reason, my phone thinks I’m roaming all the time. I know I’m not and my monthly bill reflects that. As such, I find this warning very very annoying. Thankfully Microsoft thought of this and has provided an option that allows you to turn this warning off. The problem I’m having is that I can’t turn this warning off unless I set the account to automatically send/receive email on a given schedule. If the account is set to manual, then I’m stuck with this warning message. :-S

Great feature Microsoft, but to really make this work, take it out of Outlook Mobile and put it into the carrier settings. That way I have one spot to go and disable the warning instead of changing the setting for each of my email accounts. It also allows you to have a different setting for different connections. Perhaps I have a second account that’s cheaper on roaming data, so I don’t want to see the warning when I’m on that network, but I do if I’m on the other network. That seems to make the most sense to me.

Trying to Go Mobile with Twitter

I’ve been using Twitter for the last couple months as a good quick way to stay in touch with friends and to provide quick updates about what in the world I’m doing. I started out using a Windows Mobile app called TinyTwitter that would allow me to read and post from my account. But I’ve so many problems with it that I think it’s time to try out another app. Mauricio from GeekZone suggested I take a look at Fring. I had used Fring a while back, but after downloading and installing the current version, it’s clear that things have changed and been improved. It appears to handle a number of communication protocols - from MSN Messenger, to AIM, to Skype, to Google, to Twitter and even a couple more. Overall I would say Fring is packed with features. Unfortunately, there’s a couple negatives as well. First, I found it to be very cluttered and confusing to navigate. That’s not terrible, but it’s a little annoying. I’m sure over time I would get used to the layout and better understand things. The other problem, which is more of a showstopper in my books, is the power usage. My battery went from about 80% when I went to bed last night, to just about 10% when I awoke 5 hours later. That’s pretty bad in my books. I need better battery life than that. I didn’t even realize that it was running, but it was and it chewed through all my power.

So now I’m back looking for different Twitter apps for Windows Mobile. If you have any suggestions, please share them with me. Until I find something worthwhile, I’ll just use the mobile version of their website. It does a pretty good job by itself!

Next Page »