Tracker Mobile to support Blackberry and Android phones?

We've had notification that Pocket PC Creations (the software we use to create Tracker Mobile) is due a major upgrade. We are partners with the company that produces Pocket PC Creations (known as PPCC) and so we are asked for our input to new versions and we get to test them before they go on public release.

Up to now, PPCC has only support Windows mobile devices. They are hoping in the new release to also support Blackberry phones and the new Android devices too. They may even be able to support Nokia phones running the Symbian operating system.

No specific release date yet for the new software but we'll update you as soon as we know.

Google Maps becomes Google Sat Nav (for free!)

Google Maps (maps.google.com) was a revelation when it was launched and they soon followed with a mobile version for phones and pocket PCs.

For a while, you have been able to request directions but it wasn't designed to be used "in car" as it didn't have voice instructions and the features you'd expect from a Sat Nav like TomTom or Garmin.

Well, that's about to change and Google have released their "proper" Sat Nav version of Google Maps. For free. Not the time to buy shares in TomTom...

For more info: http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2009/10/announcing-google-maps-navigation-for.html

Toy Tracker at Birmingham Toy Library Event

Another fun day for Tim and Elaine at the Toy Library event on Monday.

Thank you to all concerned for making us feel so welcome and for allowing us to demonstrate what Toy Tracker can do.

You see photos from the event here (scroll down towards the bottom of the page).

Tracker Web Server update

Tracker Web Server now logs the IP address of the connecting computer within its audit trail.

Some client administrators have reported hacking attempts (though none have been successful due to Tracker Web Server's inherently secure architecture) and this new facility means that the IP addresses of hackers can be reported to the appropriate authorities.

For more information, contact the office on 0845 612 2402.

Tracker Upload Manager improved

We've created a new, better version of Tracker Upload Manager, the program that sorts and confirms delivery of incoming survey data from pocket PCs.

The new version of Tracker Upload Manager has:

• a new "architecture" which makes it more reliable
• a facility to send emails to the surveying manager or the admin department whenever data arrives and text messages are sent to surveyors
• an improved log facility to enable uploading errors to be tracked and resolved
• a new option which enables specific survey milestones to be auto-updated when data arrives.

If you use Tracker Upload Manager, contact us for a free update.

You can find out more about the Tracker modules here: http://start-software.com/products/tracker-for-environmental-consultancies/modules/

Vista Service Pack 2 (SP2) Released

Microsoft have released Service Pack 2 for Vista. I have installed it and all seems well so far - my laptop is probably starting up and shutting down slightly more quickly and so far nothing has stopped working.

If you have automatic updates switched on, your PC will prompt you to install it. Be warned - it does take an hour or so to apply.

If you want to download it manually, take a look at http://support.microsoft.com/kb/935791 for more information.

Tracker manuals now online

Kim has finished putting the Tracker manuals online.

If you need to download the latest copy of the manual, click here.