Dashwire: Web-Based Management of your Phone

[Jason Dunn]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.dashwire.com' target='_blank'>http://www.dashwire.com</a><br /><br /></div><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/jd-dashwire.jpg" /><br /><br />We get a lot of software press releases and pitches here at Pocket PC Thoughts, and while some of them make me wonder what the developer was thinking, some of them are simply brilliant. That's where I'd put Dashwire, in the brilliant category. As functional as our phones have become, they're still limited by screen size and input methods. Even the best keyboard and the best screen on the best Windows Mobile phone still pales in comparison to a an average desktop keyboard and monitor. Dashwire leverages that to allow you to manage your phone better using some very smart software. Some of the things they list that Dashwire can do today via their Web-based interface:<br /><br />• Send and receive text messages (SMS)<br />• Add and edit phone contacts<br />• Easily organize your photos and videos<br />• Listen to voicemails<br />• Set Internet favorites, ringtones, speed dials, and wallpapers for your phone<br />• Transfer contacts and settings to your new phone<br />• Automatically upload photos and videos<br />• Find friends and people you want to follow<br />• Create a personalized web page to share your media<br />• Add comments and star ratings<br /><br />The power users among us will say "Oh, but I can already do that today with third party apps, Outlook, etc." I get the sense that Dashwire isn't aimed at those folks - it's more of a centralized solution for people that don't already have a solution in place. Even if you have your own way of doing the things on the list above, being able to do all that from one place is tempting, no? <a href="http://www.dashwire.com/tour/video">The video they put together</a> gives a great overview of what Dashwire can do, so check it out and sign up for a free account. <br /><br />Curiously, Canada isn't one of the countries listed, so if you're a fellow Canuck sign up pretending to be an American (something we've all had to do now and then). I just signed up for it this morning, but haven't tried it yet - I'm interested to hear what Pocket PC Thoughts readers think of it!

[Underwater Mike]

I'm not a prime target for the service, as I have a hosted Exchange account, but it certainly looks interesting. Of course, I'd be a bit reluctant to allow a third party access to all my info given the rather skimpy documentation on their site.

[fone_fanatic]

seems really cool! I also have an exchange account but getting it to upload my pics would be cool... i have about 2 years worth of pics on my storage card which i've NEVER got around to uploading on my pc and sort them out...

I just tried to register and it said i'll get an email when its my turn to join..

[hamishmacdonald]

From the video, it looks like a great implementation of a great idea.

Now I have to wait for my invitation.

Is it that useful in practice, or will I always still prefer using my desktop apps or the handheld? Could something like this ultimately replace WMDC?

We'll see.

[ctmagnus]

Curiously, Canada isn't one of the countries listed...

Actually, it is. ;)

I just signed up for it, hoping that this doesn't require an ActiveSync/WMDC connection to run.

[fone_fanatic]

I just signed up for it, hoping that this doesn't require an ActiveSync/WMDC connection to run.

i was reading through the support and faq and i can't find exactly where it is but you'll only need activesyn/wmdc if you don't have access to internet from your device.(can't remember if wifi is supported). Seems like you get an app to install on your device which mirrors your devices activity to the site.

Also has anyone been able to register? I put my info (phone # carrier and device) and still haven't received the confirmation email... i'm eager to try this site out.. looks like i'll have a new homepage if this works as good as the video shows.

[gsanson]

Too bad it's only for Windows Mobile devices. Yes that is right ladies and gentlemen Windows Mobile.
I know this site is geared towards that OS but there are tons and tons of smart phones out there that do not use Windows Mobile, kind of a shame if you ask me.

maybe someday there will be a unversal version for ALL phones... :cry:

[Sniff]

I've been wanting something like this, to manage my phone with a real full size keyboard and screen.

Funny, I've just watched the video and can't help but feel like this guy went to the Steve Jobs school of product presentation.