Top 10 Windows Mobile Applications

One huge advantage Windows Mobile has over other mobile operating systems is the vast number of add-ons, freeware applications, and paid software that is available for it. There are literally tens of thousands of programs available, and while many of those applications are useful, searching for the top upgrades can be mind boggling. That's why i've put together this Top 10 list for Windows Mobile users.

Keep in mind some of the applications listed will only work on newer Windows Mobile 6.0 and Windows Mobile 6.1 Operating systems, while others may work fine on other versions of Windows Mobile.

The programs listed below are also in no particular order, as they each offer their own area of expertise, I simply listed them as they came to mind.

SRS WOW HD Audio is freeware, meaning it's absolutely free. The program allows users to create enhanced audio offerings for their Windows Mobile based devices. The program requires at least Windows Mobile 6.0 and allows users to create a full audio spectrum, this means you can utilize your device's speakers at one level and then use your headphones at a completely different level for better headphone output. Just like equalizers found on your computer you can easily slide around audio effects until you find the sound you're looking for.

If you watch a lot of videos on your cellular device there is no better player available than the TCPMP player, the application supports the top formats available including DivX, XviD, and MPEG2. The application also smooths out any hiccups normally found on devices. I tested it on an HTC TyTN II and on a slower HTC Touch with only 200mhz and the video was smooth and loaded without a problem, even when using my memory card to play the video.

The Opera Mini Browser has always been ahead of the Windows Mobile Internet Explorer, and now with OperaMini 9.5 mobile browsing has improved leaps and bounds. The application allows for easy zoom in and zoom out screentaps meaning you can see the whole webpage and zoom into sections.

It also allows for easy bookmarking, renders pages more quickly than other offerings and supports JavaScript and Flash applications. You literally see the web as it is intended to be seen. A must have for internet heavy users.

ActiveSync is great if you want to simply transfer information between your device and your PC, with MyMobiler, however, users receive even more abilities. For instance, MyMobiler users can literally control their device from their desktop. This allows users to see their device on their desktop after the program has been installed on both their phone and their desktop. Once installed users can use their mouse to move around their phone's operating system, and even type messages with their PC's keyboard.

If you need to send long emails via your devices outlook but don't have outlook access on your computer this application can go a long way, allowing your device's Microsoft Exchange Server to be accessed via your phone, while typing long email messages via your computer. It's also great when you need to transfer a lot of files and want to use a mouse rather than a more frustrating stylus option.

This application allows you to easily disable all data connections, yet you can continue to use your device's phone features. This application is great if you're travelling and don't want to pay exorbitant data roaming fees. It's a simple program that can save you thousands in data costs.

Google is quickly becoming the king of Freeware applications and the Google Maps mobile application leads the way. This mapping software will not only allow you to pull up locations by address, you can also use your on-board GPS to trace your route and find directions to your required locations.

The free application also takes advantage of Google's huge database of business information, for instance you can type "Barbershop" into the Google Maps search bar and instantly find barbershops in your area. Google Maps unlike the $99 TomTom Navigator 6 software isn't limited to 6-10 million points of interest, but rather updates as new information becomes available.

Adding to the list of Google Maps features, users can click on phone numbers that display and their phone will automatically call the location, this means you can literally make reservations and then instantly find driving directions. Google Maps is now offering voice directions as well, making it not only the best option, but a free option that blows the paid GPS market away.

The Google Maps API will also allow users to take advantage of Assisted GPS which requires a data connection and can triangulate GPS positions within a few feet when cell phone towers are present.

Since Microsoft obviously develops the Windows Mobile Live Software it should come as no surprise that the best search option for the device is their Windows Mobile Live Search Application, but it goes one step further allowing for fast and well targeted web searches, heck you can even do it hands free. First like our Google Maps application listed above, the Windows Mobile Live Search application does allow for mapping to selected locations, it even provides turn by turn directions and satellite imagery. Where it really shines though is its ability to find the cheapest gas stations in your area, while showing you movie showtimes and other up-to-the-second interactive offerings for your area.

Best of all the application can work hands free. If you're driving you simply speak a business name or an address and the application goes to work for you. You can even search hands free on the web allowing you to use Windows Live Search to find the information you need. Using hands free search you can even look at weather, stocks, news sections and more. It's a free application that integrates all the best of search into one easy to access, easy to install, and easy to use application.

Read on for the final three best Windows Mobile applications.