Ten Must-Haves for Windows Phones
This list of must-have software for Windows Phone (formerly Windows Mobile 5, WM6, etc.) has been rehashed from time to time, so check back, and if you find yourself with a must-have, tell me about it!Okay, these are my criteria for a must-have freeware for Windows Phones:
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- It must be extremely light on RAM and ROM, at least when compared to other applications of its kind. This is especially important for programs that replace existing WinMo applications (and they must do the job a LOT better to be considered a true replacement).
- I prefer that it be a multi-tasker. Things that only do one thing must do it EXTREMELY well to be considered.
- It’s got to add something to the usefulness of the device. I’ve played some really fine games on my WinMobile device, but that’s a subject for its own page. Games are not considered part of usefulness in this article.
Loading ...QuickMenu
Lets you navigate your programs and settings menus just like a windows desktop machine. No more closing 6 folders after you’ve run your program. Menus are highly configurable, and can include or ignore currently open programs. Latest version has exclusion rules for always-on programs. Also has built in battery/memory indicators, and can make X button close programs or minimize, at your preference (with opposite action happening on long-tap of X button). Also has built in hibernate feature to recover RAM loss issues. Does so many things, and looks so clean and professional, I can’t resist. This is my #1 WinMo App!
Total Commander CE
Vastly superior to the default file explorer in every WinMo version I have ever used. Manage & explore files and folders, create shortcuts, has built-in registry editor, built in FTP manager, built-in LAN manager, built-in ASCII editor. All around superior tool.
Mortplayer
For those who use their mobile as a music player. Kills the screen and sets buttons to act like just a media player to save power while listening, has great skinning capabilities, and is very feature rich. It even has a timeout feature to play as you go to sleep and then “put itself to bed.” Also is compatible with most BT Stereo headset playback controls, which not many audio players can claim. Plays mp3 and ogg formats only, but skins, controls, and “player” modes are worth this limitation. This is a one-trick pony, but oh, what a trick!
iContact
Replaces the default contacts manager, and does so with class. I was a long-time fan of PocketCM contact manager, but it just became too bloated and slow to continue recommending it. Although iContact does not manage SMS threading like PocketCM does, I found that I don’t really miss it that much. Skinnable, to a certain degree, but it’s main benefit is that it already looks 100 times better than the Windows default contact manager, and is finger friendly, unlike the default.
ClearTemp
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One of the few single use items on this list, but only because it performs a critical function that I haven’t seen done half as well by any multi-tasker (including SKTools). Cleans out your mobile’s temp files, strips dead links, clears unused registry entries, and generally makes your mobile a more hospitable environment for your files. Does it quickly and safely.
TCPMP
The Core Pocket Media Player does for Windows Mobile what Windows Media Player did for PCs, but never could do for mobile devices. Simply a superior tool. Plays nearly any media format, and has easy to use controls and playlist management. Not my first choice for using my WinMo phone as an MP3 player, though, as was previously noted. Much better for video playback, and even other audio formats.
Schap’s Advanced Configuration Tool
This amazing tool helps you modify a LOT of registry settings that would otherwise represent a tedious manual task. Saves me a TON of time on customizing after I flash a new OS to my phone, and lets me adjust things as needed. Just remember to close any open work before using this, as the last step is always a reboot.
Google Maps for Mobile
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Puts navigation tools on your mobile. Even those without GPS can use it, and it will use radio triangulation to guess your current location! Those with GPS have better accuracy, but the same full features. Needs no other explanation, really. Simply the “go-to” program for finding things on the go. Now has additional search capabilities for finding nearby businesses, etc. just like Live Search…which renders Live Search useless to me, yet again.
Opera Mini Browser
The Pocket IE browser is, well, lame. It’s about as good as any other WAP browser, which isn’t saying much. If you want an iPhone-like web experience with your WinMo phone, try this browser. Yes, it’s by far the largest app I’ve ever recommended, but the heavy download comes with the functionality of a full browser. The only thing that would make this app perfect would be the ability to switch between full screen (default) and seeing my taskbar, so I could watch the clock and/or battery strength while surfing, and pull up notifications. Very smart surfing, considering the screen size.
UPX4PPC
File sizes of applications and their libraries getting you down? Well, bring them down, in file size, I mean. This little application will make all of your uncompressed .exe files and .dll files much smaller (sometimes as much as 40% smaller!), leaving you with more memory space to add more applications!
Honorable Mention
MyMobiler
Technically, this is a PC application, but it’s made for use with your mobile. Does the one thing ActiveSync should have done, but never did, lets you see and operate your mobile from your PC monitor! Allows for typing, touch actions, and can even be used to drag-n-drop files. Must-have for anyone who works from their mobile a lot while synchronized with a PC.
I realize there are a ton more great freeware applications (I didn’t even bother with some of the great alternatives to Pocket Internet Explorer!), so you can expect to see more posted here soon!
