By Jessica Dolcourt
(12/20/06)
You think you like your Pocket PC or Windows Smartphone now, but when you see our collection of best free software made just for the portable operating system, your heart will beat a little faster. From music and chat to ring tones and games, these free mobile applications rise above the rest. If your favorite Windows Mobile software isn't on the list, be sure to tell us about it in the discussion at the bottom of the page.
GSPlayer
You need music, and you need it now. GSPlayer simply and effectively manages your MP3s with sound quality that's more than acceptable. Not a fan of the basic blue look? Skins are available, too.
Skype for Pocket PC
The lovely thing about mobile telephony is that you don't need a phone to use it, which makes Skype ideal for wireless-enabled Pocket PCs. If you do have a Smartphone, paying your wireless fees is still less expensive than making a direct international call.
Kevtris
The addictive Tetris-like game adds an extra aid and extra hurdle. Shadowy placeholders will remove some guesswork by prompting you where pieces fall, but navigating with the small buttons on your device is its own challenge.
Spybot - Search & Destroy
As mobile attacks are on the rise worldwide, security is one area where you don't want to skimp. With free basic protection for Pocket PC and Smartphones, you have no excuse not to.
Acala 3GP Movies Free
Entertainment is a big perk of owning a PDA. This free program by Acala handily converts a range of video files to a 3GP format that plays on your mobile device. Now all you need is the popcorn.
Magic Button
Wouldn't it be great to have a single command that actually closes a Pocket PC program with the push of a button? Enter Magic Button, which populates your Taskbar for easy control over running programs and lets you map digital versions of hardware buttons to boot.
ToneThis
Most free ring tones sound like they've been ripped from bad video games. Instead of shelling out for a tune that reminds you of Lemmings, produce one from your desktop and transfer it to your device.
Google Maps
The truth is, everyone needs good directions. We recommend giving Google maps a spin. Too bad the program doesn't also use GPS sensors to pinpoint our current location on the map, but for free, we can't complain!
See all posts
