My favorite mobile discovery this year was actually the usage of G-Sensor in a wide range of applications. I think that it adds a whole new functionality and a new dimension to PDAs. The ability to use it in games (like titter) and as a remote (like G-Remote) is very exciting.

I predict that G-Sensor will play a bigger part in PDA usage during 2009.

Device: Dell Axim X51V

Another personal prediction is that LBS (location based services) will be more common in 2009.
GPS based LBS and the use of the device's built in camera can introduce new applications (e.g. taking a photo of a restaurant across the road, will result in the full menu sent to the device, taking a photo of a famous landmark will result in information about it sent to the device, etc.)

My phone is the ATT Tilt which I got in 2008 and I have to say having a PDA phone is #1 on my list. And having a phone with wifi is #2.

#3 EWallet – saved me countless time by having acct numbers, even needed my wifi password once and I had put it in there.

#4 Windows Live Search. GPS – hello I'm directionally challenged! If I can get lost it will happen, but with this FREE utility, driving around in NY is not so much of a hassle anymore. Plus finding the cheapest gas around, restaurant phone numbers … fabulous!

#5 pRSS reader. Another FREE utility that rocks. The upgraded version is hawt! Now syncs to google reader.

#6 MyCalculator. I use the calculator a lot and this is FREE, easy to use and sophisticated enough for me.

According to me, the netbooks will continue to evolve and we will see more powerful netbooks in 2009.

I've an htc diamond for which I would love to win a case from either proporta or sena

great contest JAMM!

I discovered the I-Got-U GPS data logger. It is pretty cool that it is small and unobtrusive to carry when I jog. Yet, it records everywhere I go and the speed I travel.

I think my biggest discovery will not be of much interest to most, but I have installed Visual Studio 2008, and have started tinkering with writing my own WM apps (I'm only using the trial version for now).
I didn't spend too much time over the Christmas break doing much, but I think I figured out how to start a program that will open a new window and read files from my device (emulator and actual).
I'm a C programmer, and the wizard is for C++, so I had problems trying to figure out the C++ specific stuff, but I think I figured out how to create a new program that is C specific that will work with the C++ compiler. Now I have to work on that.

I think development for mobile platforms will boom in 2009. Apple had a great start, then started stabbing programmers, so they'll whittle down to simpler programs. I think the android apps will start running hard this year, and make all the iPhone development fall to the side (because of Apple).

I have an Axim, x51v.

My biggest discovery of 2008 was how addicted I could become to a Blackberry. I had attempted to not get saddled with one for a couple of years but having email on my hip has converted me to a BB geek. Now to just convince the boss I should get a better unit. But it still hasn't replaced my Axim for a lot of things.

My prediction for 2009: the return of the stylus! Everybody suddenly discovers that using a stylus for a small device was not such a bad idea anyway

My biggest discovery was that pressing and holding the red key on my touch actually locks the device. Call me stupid, but I had no idea about that.

My biggest discovery was the iPhone 3G itself! I didn't have a 2G and drooled every time I saw one. Finally my VZ contract came up and I was off. WOW – this phone blows any other phone I've owned out of the water (and yes I owned 'smartphones'.)

-Larry
8GB iPhone 3G / 2.2

2009 Prediction – Larger 'video/pro' iPhone. I don't think the iPhone Nano rumors will be true but we'll see.

-Larry
8GB iPhone 3G / 2.2

In 2008, I got two new devices: the HTC TyTn II and an iPod Touch. Now the TyTn II was a very nice upgrade from the HTC Wizard, but my real discovery was the iPod Touch. I was using a Creative Zen 16 GB before (which I also got in 2008 by the way) but the iPod Touch totally blew it away. It's SO much easier for podcasts (combined with iTunes) and the games are really amazing.
While my PPC used to be my main device for everything, it's now just for e-mail on the go (no WIFI) and my PIM stuff, while my iPod Touch for all entertainment (music, video and games).

(My devices: iPod Touch (1st gen, 8 GB) and HTC TyTn II.

In 2009, I don't know what new devices to expect. However, at the end of the year I can renew my contract and pick a new mobile device, so I will be looking closely at the market to see what my new device should become. I think it will still be a Pocket PC because the iPhone is still very expensive. So since only WM 6.5 is predicted for this year, I think that my new mobile device will still be a Pocket PC (with WM 6.5) and that it will be outdated very quickly. But that's the way it is, I simply need to renew my contract at that time.

Again, my devices are an iPod Touch 1st gen 8 GB and a HTC TyTn II

Biggest discovery? Well, Doug's postings on the iPod Touch had me sold and it's been a fascinating device to play around with.
My favorite things? Oh, that's a toughie. I'm going to call a tie between my HTC X7501 and iPod Touch. Within 0-3 months I will be getting an HTC Fuze, and it'll be very interesting to compare the X7501 to that.

Predictions? Hopefully increased adoption of SSDs!

My favorite mobile discovery this year was the iPhone 3G itself. I was a long time WinMo user and I loved all my WinMo phones and pda's. But the iPhone, while it is somewhat restrictive and I do miss Pocket Informant (not for much longer )….the iPhone is so well put together and everything seems soooooo integrated. The contacts app, maps app, Safari, other location based-apps, email, and iTunes rocks.

I used to use a Sansa with Windows Media Player and sometimes Media Monkey, but the iPod function on the iPhone and iTunes are simply easy and amazing. It is SOOOOOOOO much easier to manage and sync my music and manage my podcasts with iTunes and my iPhone.

iPhone 3G user and loving it.

My prediction I'm most looking forward to in 2009, is Windows 7 and more SSD laptop love. I'm one of the few people that LOVE Vista. I've installed it on all 3 of my former XP machines. Granted they were high end XP machines…not lacking on ram or video cards, but all 3 of them have consistently performed much better on Vista than on XP. My Dell XPS m1210 has no problems hibernating with Vista, whereas with XP, the hibernation choked and failed regularly.

If Vista is working so well for me now, and Windows 7 is sounding so much better, I CAN'T wait to get Windows 7.

iPhone 3G user and WinVista on 1 Dell Desktop, 1 Dell Laptop, and 1 custom built desktop.

Thanks for the opportunities to win some prizes. Thanks.

Well, my favorite mobile discovery of last year is that I bought myself an iPhone 3G! It felt like taking a huge plunge with the purchase price being quite costly, not to mention signing on with The Evil Empire (r) for cell service. But after a few weeks of rolling around the App Store and delighting in the ease of use and the endless functionality, I am very glad I got my feet wet! Now, if only I can focus on work from 9 to 5 instead of hearing the App Store's silent siren call…

My prediction: a Mac laptop without keyboard http://www.theonion.com/content/video/apple_intro…

My favorite mobile discovery is that you can still get a decent Windows PDA that is not a wireless phone. When my Axim X51v died, I was surprised to find the HP made a non-phone PDA (iPaq 210) that supported WM6 and had graphics equal to the Axim 51v. Plus it takes SDHC cards.

I'm looking forward to more functionality on my iPhone 3G. Being able to access the iTunes store on-the-go, but I know we'll see more this year.

My favorite discovery of last year was the iPhone 3G. I had been using Windows Mobile devices for YEARS before this (typically on HTC handsets), but it was never quite right.

While there are MANY things I would change about my iPhone 3G, it still stands head-and-shoulders about my WinMo predecessors.

My favorite mobile discovery of 2008 was twitter (before owning iphone). I loved being able to connect to large amounts of people with just a single text from my mobile phone, having a large network on twitter was very helpful to me in 2008.

In 2009, I wanna see a zune phone! I wouldn't buy one, I just want to see what it would look like, and its functions.

Prediction 2009 – Netbooks will become even bigger. I hope that the prediction includes Apple coming out with a version and soon!

-Larry
8GB iPhone 3G / 2.2

If I was going to predict anything, it would be a larger iPod, not a netbook, but that sort of size, a touch screen device to rival the itty bitty PC! We might call it an Apple Tablet!

Best Discover Was the Mino AVI Movie camera. Looking forward to hopefully more attention to Windows Mobile 6.1 software on the website.

The best discovery would be an amazing 7″ ipod touch!!

Best Discovery – to go w/ my iPhone I'd say the app store was also one of my best discoveries. It makes the iPhone that much more awesome.

-Larry
8GB iPhone 3G / 2.2

In 2009 I'm looking forward to have my iphone during the new year. :-] (new iphone user)

My prediction for 2009 is a continued integration of wireless phones and the standalone GPS/navigation system. Rather than have a separate GPS, your wireless phone could interact with a simple LCD mounted or built in to your car. Location and navigation information would come from your wireless phone; the display device would only have a small memory and little computing power.

So, I am getting 'some' ideas from previous post and my 'new and/or best of 2008' are repeats, but here they are.

My Device ATT Tilt, is also one of my best for 2008. I love it!!
My best of software is also my most used.
1) eWallet – easy to use, synch, and contains all of the data I need handy
2) Newsbreaker, every morning with coffee I review my feeds of about 30 or 40 works great
3) Winterface!!! Wonderful addition to the WUI, I think this was/is the most important addition to the phone.

Thanks for the contest… JCRiverRat

My two favorite mobile discoveries of 2008 on the software side are Live Mesh and Remember the Milk w/ MilkSync. Between these two I can work from my office, my home or anywhere with my Fuze.

On the hardware side, I was blown away when I tried a BlueAnt V1 headset. It is about my 20th BT headset. Headset numbers 17, 18 and 19 for me were Jawbone 1, Sound iD 100, Jawbone 2. I bought the V1 after I read Doug's review and have not looked back – especially after the recent firmware update. BlueAnt's Customer Service is about the best I have ever experienced – in any industry!

My favorite piece of hardware in 2008 – though not mobile – continued to be my SqueezeBox. Of all the toys I have – expensive and inexpensive – the SqueezeBox is easily my favorite gizmo.

My prediction for 2009. 2008 was the year all windows mobile device owners tried to make their device look like the iphone, right? Well, 2009 will be the year all iPhone owners will try to make their iPhone look like a windows mobile device For a first sign, see: http://www.tuaw.com/2009/01/06/aniweather-makes-w…

In 2009 I'm looking forward to longer battery life (in general).

In 2009 I’m looking forward to having my iPhone . just got mine on the first

My Device ATT Tilt, is one of my best for 2008. I love it!!

I have a couple more favorites for 2008
1) FreeCaddie – is a free GPS Golf course software. Since the Tilt has GPS (which works great) I am able to actually have GPS on the course for FREEEEEEEEEEE!!!! A helluva deal considering most GPS Caddie devices are at a minimum of $200.
2) Farkle – Yep a game… Designed by Smart Box Design, is the only game software I paid for last year. The wife like the software and I had no choice.
3) Winterface!!! Wonderful addition to the WUI, I think this was/is the most important addition to the phone. (Yep – I repeated myself from earlier because I like the interface so much.)

Thanks,

MY device is an iphone.

And it just happens to be my best mobile discovery of 2008, (technically I got it on the 1st, but it was close to being in 2008)

I love my iphone to death! I'm only had it for about a week and I'm already hooked.

My favorite mobile discovery for 2008 has to be Mobile Facebook. Since I jumped on the bandwagon in the middle of the year, I couldn't get off it so having it on my phone is a MUST. Prediction for this year is Apple will have an HD version of iPhone/Touch.

I have a 2nd Gen Apple Touch

I am a newbie to iphone/Touch and to me, it's a great discovery

2nd Gen Touch

Since more and more states are banning texting and holding a phone while driving illegal, my prediction for this year is more voice-to-text, text-to-voice software/hardware that'll make emailing/texting handsfree.

2nd Gen Touch

Man… I love reading the comments regarding the best and thoughts for 2009.

So, my 'pie in the sky' idea for 2009.. someone will release a Web Radio. InternetRadio (for yur car, your pocket, etc.) This device will replace satilitte radio completly, The internet radio will link in several different paths and will deliver podcasts, pod music, total all web entertainment.

Now, that's thinking outside the box!

My biggest mobile discovery of 2008 didn't come until Christmas when I got an iPod Touch. I've been reviewing mobile games for 4 1/2 years now, and I was starting to get bored with the latest offerings (which have trickled away greatly in the last couple of months anyway). Now I'm actually excited about mobile gaming again, and really looking forward to what 2009 has to offer.

My favorite discovery was receiving an eeepc from my wife and finding that it makes a great device for internet and email on the run. Best part was that we got it free from our local bank during a promotion.

Another prediction is that 2009 will be the year of the battle of the OS. Palm WebOS, Android, iPhone, and Windows Mobile will compete heavily with each other and will continue to bring updates and UI improvements.

Another prediction, end of 2009, we will all have a mp3 player, pda, phone and watch in one:

First sign:
http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2009/01/08/video-lg…

For 2009, I think Palm will be a major contender. That is if they support the new OS like they did in the past. PalmOS updates always came from Palm. Unlike WM which updates come from the carrier, which is usually never.

My latest prediction for 2009 is my wife and I switching from a CDMA provider to a GSM provider. Yay, now I can switch phones easily.

I also think WiMAX adoption will slow down considerably due to market conditions for the forseeable future.

The most exciting news in 2008 was the announcement of a "virtual phone" by VMWare and iPhone–unlike a "dual sim" phone, the Virtual phone will have 2 different states: a normal 3Gor GPRS phone, and a control console for Virtual Memory applications…the first virtual phone is due to appear in 1st quarter 2009…

Another personal prediction is that we will see a consolidation of Touch-Shells in 2009.
Currently there are many touch based shells available for WM, and of course there is the iPhone GUI which inspired many of them. I predict that at the end of 2009 we shall see less shells available, but the once that will remain will be much more mature (and cool )

My prediction is actually that we will see a lot more WiMAX based devices in 2009. I think that the market needs to find new ways to expand, and WiMAX seems to be the natural choice.

Well that's already available. My Nokia N82 and E71 (as well as any Nokia running S60 3rd Edition) have an application called Internet Radio: http://europe.nokia.com/A41107005
It has a really BIG directory of preloaded stations, and I can queue in any radio's html address if it's not there, to start listening. A very nice app must I add.

All of us are becoming more and more used to using our Bluetooth headsets with our phones. while this is very convenient, it means that we need to carry another thing with us besides the phone itself. Also, the Bluetooth headset sometimes runs out of battery before the phone does.

My prediction is that we will see more and more phone enabled devices that will have a built it compartment to place the headset in, and that when the headset is in the compartment, it will charge from the phone's battery.

I know that I would love to have such a device…

Just got my phone yesterday…soooo…
I love Pandora. And I am hoping for TV and Radio…too much!!??

another prediction: the return of windows mobile. Everybody talking about the iphone and android, but news like this just amazes me: http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2009/01/10/windows-…

You know what's really great here, I'm seeing lots of usernames I haven't seen for a while!

Prediction for 2009, Microsoft will stop updating OS's in older devices, inline with their strategy to cut down the amount of devices they service, and regain a bit of control over the platform

I have a feeling you're probably right on the money, Pedah. :^P

I agree, James. I think as long as the iPhone isn't particularly business-friendly, at least in those organizations with a Microsoft server/desktop infrastructure in place, WinMo will still have a decent marketplace. It will be interesting to see how much traction and support Android will get in the coming years.

Certs,

You were a winner in this contest, however, you did not leave your email address. Please use the contact us form to send your email address. Thanks.

Cliff,

You were a winner in this contest. However, you did not leave an email address for us to contact you. Please use the contact form to get ahold of us and we will get you your prize.

Thanks.

ahh! I go away for a week, and I miss the first 7 days of competition in months! :p serves me right.

My favourite mobile discovery of 08 is windows mobile itself, I don't know why I didnt get a WM device earlier. My HTC Touch – while basic – has been terribly useful.

Just to prove my previous point about the return of windows mobile, check out this my home program: http://www.shbt.hu/

Prediction for 2009….

There's more mobile OSs on the market than ever now. The last year has seen the new Palm Pre OS, Android and iPhone. Add to that, Symbian, Blackberry and WM…

Developers can't target all of these platforms. While it might not happen in 2009, I think at least one of them will flop. At the very least they will all claim their own particular segments of the market.

Which one depends on how MS reacts and how well android and the palm pre's OS attract developers.

I think that location based services will really take off in 2009.

I currently use the Touch on Sprint.

I own a HTC Touch Diamond, and I absolutely love it! It's my first WM device that has 3.5G, WiFi and GPS all built into a single device, and I absolutely love that I can do everything I need with this one device. My only hope (and prediction) is for an updated Touch Diamond replacement running on Windows Mobile 7, has capacitive touchscreen and sporting the most advanced microprocessor available for mobile phones.

after seeing the fantastic concept of invisibleshild in one of the last posts here in JAMM, I predict that in 2009 we'll see a lot less usage of old fashioned cases for PDAs.

Another contest: http://mobilitytoday.com/news/slingcatcher_giveaw…

redsn0w and yellowsn0w and bluesn0w!

The best mobile discovery for me was Live Mesh. It's amazing to share pictures and documents in real time…

By the way, in the same line and almost as useful as Live Mesh there is QIK, for sharing video. Works really well under 3G.

For 2009 we'll see and use even more applications in the cloud, and in real time. I hardly connect my Cruise to the computer nowadays, and keep everything in sync through Exchange/Live Mesh.
Location based services can also play a major role, provided that AGPS is more widely spread to allow for faster satellite locks…

Considering the recent plane crash and the citizen journalist that captured it and sent it out via twitter, we all should be a bit more aware of what's going on around us, and information dissemination.

my prediction for 2009: I will win a brand new WinMo device on a great contest at a great site.
I'm crossing my fingers that this particular prediction will come true

One thing that I would like to see is an application that will automatically change your ringer profile based on your calender.

I think we'll see more netbooks with 3G internet chipsets included. Companies might also start bundling them with services. I think we'll also see smartphones becoming more mainstream thanks to the iPhone and other friendlier devices.

My favorite mobile discoveries from this past year (hardware): my new Samsung Omnia and my Lenovo x61.

My favorite mobile discoveries from this past year (software): S2U2, Google Maps for WM, OneNote Mobile, Opera, and Samsung's "Smart Reader".
(My device is a Samsung Omnia)

Predictions I'm looking forward to for 2009: I'm excited to see whether the Modu will be a success. The company claims that convergence is not the way forward and in fact people want multiple devices that do their jobs well and can communicate seamlessly. I've been following them since I read about them on Gizmodo and am very intrigued about this possible revolution in the mobile market. (No affiliation)

Predictions I'm looking forward to for 2009: I can't wait to see the SDXC cards hit the shelves. Sriously, 2 TB on a single flash card is absurdly exciting for us geeks even if we can't work out what we'd do with it!

Predictions I'm looking forward to for 2009: I heard (and this is only a rumor so don't get upset if we don't see it until 2012) that Apple might add Copy and Paste to the iPhone this year.
(My device is a Samsung Omnia)

Predictions I'm looking forward to for 2009: Operating systems and browsers are moving forward quickly and this year ought to see first mobile Firefox as well as the next generation of desktop Firefox. Also, I'm hoping to see WM6.5 or even 7. Windows 7 might be a feature on many desks and notebooks by the end of the year too.
((My device is a Samsung Omnia)

Predictions I'm looking forward to for 2009: Ereader devices are set to have their biggest year yet and I'm hoping that competition, an increased market size, and the evolution of the display technologies can finally deliver on this promising area of consumer mobile tech.

(My device is a Samsung Omnia)

My favorite mobile discoveries from this past year (hardware): I forgot about my MoGo mouse that I've been using every day and only discovered in 2008. A fab bit of mobile tech that I highly recommend.
(My device is a Samsung Omnia)