Windows Phone Thoughts: A Classic Just got Better: SPB Pocket Plus 3.1.2

Figure 3: Pocket Plus features and plug-ins can be easily configured to suit the user's needs.

Version 3.1.2 provides a list of commands that can be mapped to hardware buttons. For those who use certain applications or features frequently, being able to quickly and easily map that function to a hardware button is a very nice feature. For example, I've mapped my unused “Record” button to a close program context menu. So, when I press this button, a context menu pops up and lists all of the programs that I have running. Each program has an “X” next to it and I can choose to close any running program or all running programs, depending upon the settings I’ve chosen for this feature.

Another new feature that I’ve come to love is the fast program switching feature incorporated into version 3.1.2. This feature allows the user to assign often used programs to a hardware button and cycle through them by pressing the assigned button. Given that it’s easy enough to put on your Today screen whatever programs you frequently use, this may not matter, however, this does prevent the user from having to look for the icon.


Figure 4: By tapping and holding an object in Internet Explorer, a context menu opens to provide options.

In version 2.5, Spb incorporated the ability to open multiple windows in Internet Explorer. In this new version the program also offers what Spb refers to as a “Link Context Menu.” In short, when you’re viewing a Web page, you may tap and hold a link on any page and a menu will pop up. The menu allows you to open the link in a new window, open it in the background while remaining on the page you were viewing, or copy the link to your clipboard. If you don’t have a Web enabled Pocket PC, or you don’t subscribe to a GPRS service, this feature obviously will not do you any good.

As long as we’re on the topic of Web-related content, we may as well consider the encryption capabilities of version 3.1. Are you interested in or in need of AES encryption? Spb 3.1 supports strong encryption. For many, this probably isn’t a big deal, but it’s a nice feature for those who need it. Again, if you can’t or don’t access the Internet with your Pocket PC, then this feature doesn’t add any value to the program.

Another potentially useful feature in this version includes the ability to add icons to the Today screen from File Explorer. The user can navigate to a file and choose that file to be available on the Today screen. So, in essence, this means that any files you have on your Pocket PC or your memory card can be selected and made available on your Today screen.

Last, and pretty much least, are two fairly superficial additions to Version 3.1.2. These additions are mostly eye candy but they include extended themes and new icon sets, and there are now three sizes of icons to choose from instead of only two. Also, icons can be assigned to the tabs on the Today screen.