THE MARK TAYLOR CANDLESHORE BLOG

QUESTION: 

Hello, I just got my blackjack II a couple days ago, and have found a strange problem, if I hold down the home key it takes me directly to the task manager, when stopping all tasks, MobileSpeak plays the voice changing sound almost like the taskmanager was trying to end the Deck Talk process but couldn’t.  After this happens, I stop all the extra tasks I have open, return to the today screen, and then I lose my home functions with MobileSpeak and have to restart the phone.

I wondered if this was a strange issue with Windows Mobile six or the AT&T Black Jack Two firmware that is on the phone.

In Windows Mobile Five the Task Manager didn’t try to stop any part of MSS from working.
ANSWER:

This is not a strange problem although I can see why you would think it is.
Keep in mind that the task manager is a built-in function of the Windows Mobile operating system.  That is, from the Windows perspective, MSS is merely another third-party application.  Windows does not know that MSS is an accessibility program necessary to provide speech /Braille output or magnification to a low-vision or blind person.  Consequently, when you issue the Stop All command from the Windows Task Manager , it tries to end any or all currently running third-party applications including MSS.

The solution is to use the MSS Switch To Application Dialog box to stop any or all programs.  When this MSS Dialog box is displayed, MSS, not the Windows Mobile operating system, decides which programs to act upon, which, of course, does not include MSS itself.  Therefore, using the MSS Switch To Application Dialog box will allow you to stop any or all currently running programs except MSS, itself.

In the Default command profile, press Home+2; this, like the task manager, will display all running applications except MSS.

Mark

In an attempt to make the documentation for MSS a little more user friendly, I have adapted and reformatted Chapter Three of the quick start guide for Mobile Speak Smart Phones in a way that I think is easier to use.  I have removed the tables.  This documentation applies to version 2.0. 

The available formats include MS Word 2003, plain text, and US Braille ready code (*.brf).

Simply right mouse-click on the desired format and choose “Save Target As” or some similar phrase (depending upon your web browser) in order to download the file.

Click Here To Begin:

I hope you find the documentation helpful. 

Mark Marcus

Hello,

When I first read on this list that Handy Tech would no longer be selling Code Factory’s Mobile Speak licenses, I was truly surprised. 

I called Kelly Dunn, the support specialist at Handy Tech, regarding this.

In short, Kelly told me that the main reason why they are no longer selling MSS licenses is because they cannot afford to do so given that Code Factory has partnered with A T & T.  That is, A T & T can sell the licenses at a subsidized rate–in effect, undercutting smaller vendors.  Further, even though customers are purchasing their licenses from A T & T, they call smaller vendors like Handy Tech for technical support. 

As most of us know, one of the highest costs of doing business is technical support.  It is the primary reason why so many companies have outsourced their tech support teams to countries like India. 

Without being compensated, smaller vendors like Handy Tech, simply cannot afford to support A T & T customers. 

Please note the following two points:

1.
I told Kelly that I was going to send a post of our conversation to the list so no confidence has been breached. 

2.
Kelly informed me that Code Factory has requested a meeting with Handy Tech to discuss this matter further.  So perhaps Handy Tech is not out of the MSS game just yet. 

Until Next Time,

Mark

CONTACT INFORMATION FOR HANDY TECH:

Handy Technology Inc
1349 Pike Lake Drive
New Brighton, MN 55112
(651) 636-5184 Voice
(866) 347-8249 Fax
info@triumphonic.com
www.handytech.us

Well, I am back on stage again. 

The show continues for another day.

In short, I think the entire ordeal was a good thing because it has motivated me to get back on the proverbial road and climb that mountain that is my destiny.  The thought of this brings pure joy to my heart.  No one can or will stop me from my destiny which was ordained before the day I was born.  It is what makes me great; and there is nothing greater except God.

Thank you for being my guardian angel. 

I give you my word that when my ship comes in, you will be on board with me.  Believe me when I say that you have secured passage. 

Love,

Mark Marcus

Hello Everyone,

Someone wrote on this list that Dolphin is targeting a slightly different market group than is CodeFactory.  I spoke to Gareth Collins at Dolphin, today, and he assures me that this is not the case. 

Because of our recent discussions regarding alternative voices for MSS and the fact that it appears that some of us want more choices, I started thinking about Dolphin again.  (more…)

You are so very welcome, Bryan. 

(Big Smile)  Your words made my week.  Thank you.

It’s all about taking care of family.  All of us on this list have a common interest and, thus, a common goal.  As far as I am concerned, that makes us family. 

My late grandmother taught me that all any of us have is our good name and our good word.  She taught me that when one says he/she is going to do something then she/he had better be willing to move heaven and earth in order to keep that promise, in order to keep that good word intact.  I grew up in Kentucky and we were extremely poor.  In our darkest hours my grandmother would tell all of us little kids that all a poor man has are his dreams and his good name.  She taught us to treasure these above all else for once they are gone they can never be replaced.  She once said to me, “No one can take your good name away from you; that is something that you must throw away.” (more…)

Believe it or not I found myself, once again, in the A T & T Wireless store today.  (Big Smile)  Yes, they all know me in this particular store.
Whenever I walk in, the sales people yell, “Hi Mark!!!”  I love it.

Anyway, today I took a friend there to assist her in purchasing a new phone.
During my visit, I discovered that A T & T has finally released a 3.5 headset adapter for the BJ2.  What does this mean?  It means that, with this adapter, one can use regular standard earphones with the Black Jack 2.  I’ve been waiting on this for a few weeks now. 

Also, Samsung has released a beautiful form-fitting black leather case for the phone.  Inside the case, the screen is protected by clear plastic while the keyboard remains uncovered.  The back of the case is fitted with a belt clip which can be removed allowing the user to slide the entire unit into a shirt pocket.  All necessary ports are accessible while inside the case.
This case is just for the BJ2. 

The cost of the case is approximately 30 dollars and the price of the headset adapter is approximately 20 dollars. 

Now for the best part, as of today, these two items are not listed on either A T & T’s website or the Samsung site.  In fact, most of the sales people in the store were not aware of their existence.  I learned of them by talking to the store manager.  Further, neither of these two items were out on display.  Strange, eh?

(Smile)

Mark

I have noticed something that I think is kind of neat about my BlackJack 2 and ActiveSync 4.5.  I am not sure but I would bet that the same applies to any Windows Mobile 6 device running ActiveSync 4.5 or Mobile Center in Vista.

First, I have set a custom password up on my phone.  This means that after locking the keyboard, I must enter the password to unlock the phone.  Please note that I am not referring to a SIM PIN password but merely a device lock.  I must also enter the password when powering on the phone.  OK, so I am a little paranoid.  (Big Smile)

Because of this security measure, whenever I connect the phone to my PC with the USB cable, ActiveSync gives me about 12 seconds to enter the correct password on the phone which, at the same time, prompts me to enter the password.  If I enter the password, the synchronization process begins as usual.

However, if I do not enter the password within the allotted time, the prompt will disappear from the phone and ActiveSync displays a message telling me that, should I wish to try again, I must disconnect the phone and reconnect it.  At this point, I simply press the [ENTER] key on the computer keyboard to acknowledge the message and that is all. 

Now keep in mind that the phone is still connected to the computer and is charging.  I can still make and receive calls all while the phone is charging. 

The Point: 

The point is, sometimes I want to charge my phone but not sync it up with the computer, for whatever reason.  By not entering the password, I can do just that. 

In effect, the computer becomes merely a charging station and not a sync partner. 

It is great for when all I want is a little power.  (Smile) 

Mark Marcus

Hello,

The following are the instructions for getting the Samsung BlackJack II connected to the AT&T/Cingular 3G/Edge data network.  Consequently, these instructions apply to AT&T/Cingular customers, only.

1.
From the Settings menu, select Connections.

2.
Select G P R S.

3.
Select ATT IMS.

4.
It should “Connect to: The Internet”.

5.
Under Access Point, it probably says: “ims.cingular”.  If so, change it to “wap.cingular”.  Please note that this should be in lowercase letters.

6.
The Username and Password fields should both be empty of any characters.

7.
Set the Authentication field to “CHAP”.

8.
Both the Primary and Secondary DNS fields should be set to “0.0.0.0″.

9.
The IP ADDRESS field should be empty.

10.
Click “Done” until you get back to the 1st settings screen, then, restart your phone.

That’s all there is to it.

Hello Everyone, 

Well, for those of us who cannot use the software application P D A Net in order to get our BlackJack 2 to act as a broadband MODEM for our computers, there is an alternative. 

Before I list the very simple steps in which to accomplish this please be aware that the Samsung Black Jack 2 does not come with WIFI.  I do not know if it can be upgraded to include this but at this time the unit is G P S capable, only.  For those who may not know, it runs Windows Mobile 6 Standard edition. 

Please note that the following instructions are for subscribers of A T & T/Cingular Wireless with the D P A unlimited data plan.  As far as I know, one must purchase the P D  A unlimited data plan in order to access any data on A T & T’s network with this particular phone so this should not be a concern. 

In short, the reason for the method described below is so you can get your laptop computer connected to the Internet by using your Samsung Black Jack 2 as a MODEM without having to pay a tethering fee or by having to purchase an Air card.  Also, this method necessitates the use of a USB cable to link the phone and the computer.  And, yes, you can receive and make calls while you are using the phone as a MODEM but the data transmission will be halted until the call is ended.  Oh yeah, make sure you are logged onto your computer with administrator privileges when you set this up.  Afterwards, you can return to a limited user if you so desire. 

OK, on to the show:

To get this to work on Windows XP with service pack 2:

1.
Install the Samsung modem driver from the CD which comes inside the phone’s packaging.  Simply insert the CD and the Samsung installation program will launch.  Select the additional tools item and then select to install the MODEM drivers>  This program may or may not be accessible with screen readers.  I think it is, however.

2.
>From the home screen of your phone select Start, Settings, Connection, USB.
3.
Change the field from ActiveSync to MODEM.  Then Click Done until you return to the Home Screen of the phone.  Please note that you will need to change this field back to ActiveSync should you wish to synchronize your phone to a
PC again.   

4.
Connect the included USB data cable to both the phone and the computer.
Because you have switched modes on the phone, ActiveSync will not launch as the computer sees your phone as a MODEM and not as a phone to be synchronized. 

5.
Once the plug-and-play configuration states your new hardware is ready, open Internet Explorer.

6.
>From the Tools menu within Internet Explorer, select Internet Options.

7.
Select the Connections tab.

8.
Click on Setup.  This will launch the New Connection Wizard.

9.
Select “Add Dial-up Connection”.  In the phone number field type in “*99#”
(without the quote marks).  In the username field type in “ISP@CINGULARGPRS.COM” (in all uppercase).  The password should be “CINGULAR1″ (In all uppercase).  You are now ready to use your BlackJack2 as a modem using the A T & T G P R S service.

Access speed is about 284k and sometime a little better depending on your location.  You may wish to select the option in IE to use the modem when your network connection is not present.

10.
Close Internet Explorer and restart it to launch the connection dialog box.
11.
When the connection dialog box appears, simply Click the Connect button. 

OK, that is all. 

Mark
PS
I absolutely love this new phone.  Of all the cell phones I have owned, I think about 12 in total, this is without a doubt, my favorite. 
 

Hello Family,

Yes, I am like a proverbial “dog with a bone” on this one. 

I have been doing some research and I am happy to report that many, many other users of WM6 phones both sight impaired and not are reporting almost identical problems with using their previously working Bluetooth devices with WM5 as I am. 

To refresh your memory, in short, the Bluetooth device that was working perfectly in WM5 does not do so in WM6.  Simply put, the device will not function as both a headset and as a handsfree device as it did in the previous version of Windows Mobile.  It would seem that Voice Command is not the cause of this issue.  In fact, my research suggests that CodeFactory may not be the cause of the problem as many sighted users are reporting the same issue. 

Well, I do not have the resolution but I think I finally understand the cause of this problem.  I learned today that in order to get full functionality with Windows Mobile 6 via Bluetooth, one must use an A 2 D P compliant Bluetooth device.  This is more commonly referred to as a stereo Bluetooth headset.  Believe it or not, the term stereo does not merely refer to allowing one to hear two music tracks but also, and more importantly, divides the signal stream between the phone and the headset into two channels; one channel handling voice information such as those taking place on a voice call and a data channel which handles the transmission of other information from the phone. 

It should be noted that the best rated Bluetooth devices for noise cancellation for conversation are not A 2 D P ready.  So, at present, one has to choose between full functionality and superior quality, an unfair choice, to be sure. 

After I consulted with someone on this, what I have been experiencing is completely consistent with his explanation of the problem.  In short, at present, my Bluetooth headset is acting like a headset or a microphone but not both at the same time.  According to my consultant, without the A 2 D P compliance, there is simply not enough bandwith to carry all of the frequency needed to provide the functionality we enjoyed when using Windows Mobile 5.

I hope this sheds a little light on this for all of us. 

Thus far, I have decided to keep my current BlueTooth even though it is not A 2 D P compliant for its voice transmission quality is the best I have ever experienced. 

If any of you decide to purchase a stereo Bluetooth headset, please let the rest of us know about it and your results, OK?

Keep reading as I have pasted a more technically accurate description of the entire matter below.

Mark
PS
I apologize for any and all typos in this post.  I am extremely sleepy but wanted to get this information out to you as soon as possible.

Bluetooth - A2DP explained.

,    |   Features

By David Field, Staff Writer   Comment Now     Email to a friend     Print
this story

Bluetooth is a ubiquitous wireless technology that has gained a lot of followers because it does its job with minimal fuss. Between its popularity and the demand for wireless headphones, Bluetooth is about to be extended to carry high quality stereo audio signals with the introduction of A2DP — Advanced Audio Distribution Profile.

Low quality audio was necessary in the first version of Bluetooth for reliable transmission to mobile phone headsets, because that market was rightly picked to drive the uptake of the technology. Now, consumer demand for wireless everything has meant high quality wireless audio has to be provided, and because you can’t change the reliable, low quality handset profile in Bluetooth, the A2DP profile has been created to compliment it by providing the bandwidth to send high quality audio.

This is what will power the next wave of Bluetooth headphones, and is being called Stereo Bluetooth by Motorola to avoid consumer confusion. In essence, Bluetooth’s available bandwidth is divided between two layers, a data layer and a voice layer. Mobile phone headsets use the voice layer — a small amount of dedicated bandwidth. All other Bluetooth communication happens through the much wider data layer. A2DP sets aside a section of the data layer and sends high quality audio through it.

Behind the Scenes

Mobile phone headsets have a throughput of only 64kbps, which is a limitation of the voice layer. Although this means rubbish sound quality (which is nonetheless good enough for mobile phones) the upshot is that there is less chance of interference. This dedicated, bandwidth-limited voice channel works well for voice transmission but makes music sound like it’s being picked up through an AM radio attached to a tin can with some string. Even though three 64Kbps connections can be used simultaneously, more audio flexibility is needed.
The remaining 723Kbps of bandwidth is called the data layer, and provides all other Bluetooth functionality. A2DP simply carves off a chunk of the data layer, then streams high bit rate audio through it. The data layer also provides services like synchronization, image transfer, remote control and network access. The bandwidth is shared by all these services, so if you are streaming audio and trying to do other things, you may get dropouts. The uptake of Bluetooth 2, with 3Mb/s of bandwidth as opposed to 1Mb/s will avoid this problem.

Although many newer devices will support A2DP out of the box, using it natively on a computer without a dongle may be a problem, and one entirely dependant on your Bluetooth adapter. Windows XP doesn’t support Bluetooth headsets natively, let alone A2DP headphones. It leaves that task up to your Bluetooth hardware’s driver, which may not yet support A2DP. If you can’t get a driver update to enable A2DP, you can use a dongle to get on the bandwagon, which both Blue Ant and Motorola have already started producing.

Using it

Just because the audio is being routed through a wider data path doesn’t mean that the other benefits of Bluetooth have to be abandoned. The modular nature of Bluetooth means that the control profile, which is used to accept calls in headsets, can be used to play, pause, stop and shuffle through tracks on the client. Remapping controls away from the host device and onto the headphones has a certain appeal. It’s functionality made funky and lazy.

Bluetooth has high expectations to live up to due the accessorisation it has brought to technology. Consumers are demanding wireless music playback from
MP3 players, and since the voice profile won’t let headsets deliver it to them, A2DP has fudged the underlying rules of Bluetooth audio transmission to let them.

Hello Family,

I thought I would share something positive with you.  I am still hoping Eduard and CodeFactory will find some way of resolving my sound routing problem with my BlackJack 2 but in the meantime I thought you should know…

I absolutely love my new Motorola Bluetooth headset which I purchased last night for $130 including tax.  Why?

1.
It has an actual on/off switch so I absolutely know when it is powered on or off.  This is helpful because in the past, I have accidentally pressed the power buttons on my previous headsets and caused some confusion. 

2.
When the unit is powered on, it plays a little song that lets you know it’s powered on and not in paring mode.  Also, it has definite ascending and descending tones for each press of the volume up and down buttons. 

3.
The size of this little guy is incredible.  It is so light and small that I have forgotten that I am wearing it.  It does not block any ambient sound and when I crossed the street today with it on, I experience no loss of outside noise of any kind.  Remarkable, to say the least.  Unlike many of the other smaller headset, this one fits both in your ear and has a little loop for added security. 

4.
Because this, the latest model from Motorola, is Bluetooth 2.0 rather than 1.0 or 1.2, one can go as far as 110 feet away from the base unit with virtually no sound degradation.  In fact, I tested the unit as far away as 140 feet and the sound was perfect in both controlling Voice Command and talking to others on the phone.  Please note that the BlackJack 2 is a Bluetooth 2.0 compliant device.  Both the phone and the headset must both be Bluetooth 2.0 in order to enjoy the added range. 

5.
This unit is rated at 7 hours of talk time although a friend of mine who purchased his 3 days ago says that he has tested it up to 9 hours. 

6.
The quality of the transmission it superb.  Callers tell me that I sound as clear as a bell on this unit.  In the past, while other units were certainly acceptable most people I talked to on the phone preferred that I use the base unit.  Not so with this new Motorola headset.

I have owned as many as 14 different Bluetooth headsets.  In fact, I still own 5 units that are charged and ready to go.  I have discovered that they all pale in comparison to this new one. 

After my disappointment with the interaction between the Bluetooth, base unit, and MSS last night I was all set to take this device back but after using it for a few hours I cannot imagine using anything else. 

Congratulations to Motorola on this one.  Oh yeah, I almost forgot.  (Smile)
The name of this unit is the Motorola Pure. 

Most Sincerely,

Mark

I would appreciate any corrections to my instructions from those of you who own and/or use Qs. 

John, I am posting this reply to the entire list.

OK, here it goes:

1.
Assuming that you have already downloaded the files you wish to copy, select them and paste them to the PC’s Clipboard.  You can do this by either pressing the key combination [CTRL]+C on your computer keyboard or selecting
Copy from the Edit menu in Windows Explorer.  

2.
Connect your device to the PC via either U S B or BlueTooth.  Doing this should launch ActiveSync or Mobile Center depending upon the operating system.  I am only familiar with ActiveSync so I can only provide instructions to that program. 

3.
After you have confirmed that your device is successfully connected to your computer via ActiveSync, from the Tools menu of ActiveSync, select “Explore Device.”

4.
Open the “My Windows Based Device” folder from the resulting list of files and Folders window.  At this point, you are placed in the root folder of your device (SmartPhone or P D A as the case may be). 

5.
Paste the previously selected files from your computer’s Clipboard into this root folder.  You can do this by pressing the key combination [CTRL]+V on your computer keyboard or selecting Paste from the Edit menu of the Window currently in focus.

6.
Finally, once the files have been successfully copied to the phone, they should now be allowed to become ring tones by your phone’s software. That is all there is to it

John, again, I do not use a Q so I do not know how to select ring tones from within the phone, itself but I am sure that others from our little family here will take you to the next level should you need assistance.  Just let us know, OK?

I hope this helps.

Mark