Caller2Picture For Smartphone Reviewed

[Brad Adrian]

<a href="http://www.ppcw.net/index.php?area=story&amp;story=1046872476">http://www.ppcw.net/index.php?area=story&amp;story=1046872476</a><br /><br />Our good friend Arne Hess has been able to preview the alpha version of Vision To Reality's (V2R) Caller2Picture application for the Smartphone.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/adrian/caller2picture.gif" /><br /><br />If you've never seen this little application on the Pocket PC Phone Edition, you've really missed something neat. Caller2Picture allows you to assign any kind of image (usually a photo) to each of your contact entries. Then, when you receive in inbound call from someone you've assigned an image to, that image appears on your phone screen. It's a great idea for someone like me who has trouble putting a name and a face together.<br /><br />Arne's got some screen shots and even a WMV animation that show how it works. Be sure and read his comments and final conclusions about Caller2Picture (I'll give you a clue: He uses the words "Woo-hoo.").

[Cardie]

&lt;jaw drops>

You mean this isn;t a standard feature in PPC Phone Edition?

Sheesh!!!

[Arne Hess]

&lt;jaw drops>

You mean this isn;t a standard feature in PPC Phone Edition?

Sheesh!!!
No, it isn't - unfortunately on one hand, on the other hand it's part of Microsoft's strategy not to include everything which is possible but delivering a framework where 3rd parties are able to develop/deliver cool additional applications.

[ChuckyRose]

I have to admit, looking at the phones they have had here in Japan for quite a long time, and the features that are not standard on them, it makes me wonder what the heck the rest of the world is struggling by with. Not only are cameras practically standard on every single phone you buy, and have been for some time, but when you enter a new phone number in the phone, there is a spot where you can assign a picture to a contact which shows up whenever the person calls.

Also, it's interesting to note that when you ask if someone has an e-mail address, they immediately assume you are asking for the phone e-mail address since EVERYone has one. Some people I know here are still puzzled by how to use e-mail on an actual computer. And all the applications that are available for the phones? Whoof! You could be busy for a long time trying to catalogue all of them. Oh well. I guess I'll just enjoy my phone and all the already standard features on it. :wink:

[fishd]

&lt;SMUG> My P800 has this as standard &lt;/SMUG> :wink:

Seriously though... it suprises me that the SPV doesn't have this as standard...otherwise what's the point of selling the camera-of-dubious-quality that seems to be the norm for new cellphones ?

[Mike Wagstaff]

otherwise what's the point of selling the camera-of-dubious-quality that seems to be the norm for new cellphones ?
To get people to pay exorbitant amounts of money to send pictures via MMS, naturally. ;)

[krisbrown]

Well, here's a turn up for the books, MR anti-Microsoft here, has just bought an Orange SPV :oops:
After finding a site which gives full info on unlocking the phone for sim and dig signature, I couldn't refuse the offer from an Orange shop, £150 quid with camera and all cables/cradle.
Did you know you can unlock the phone sim-wise, just by removing battery with power cord attached, swopping to new sim and replacing battery, it will recognise any sim after that in 2mins :D

http://www.coolsmartphone.com/index.php

This did amuse me though, from the webmaster himself

"There's a lot of people saying that this (Orange SPV) phone is "crap" and "don't buy it". I'd disagree. We've identified some faults, but they're faults that can be sorted (mostly) with over-the-air updates, which I'm sure will come."