Newsbreak v2.0
from Ilium Software

Discuss this Review!

Newsbreak is one of the most heavily used applications on my device (as you can see from the Today screen plug-in). RSS feeds are the predominant method I use to stay current on just about everything. I was delighted to learn that Marc Tassin and the gang at Ilium were working on an updated version to this already great application.

The highlight of Version 2.0 is podcast support, but they've also added Microsoft Live Search integration, improved one-handed operation and some new eye candy (icons and such). More detail about those features in a moment.

NOTE: I am using a Pocket PC 2003 device, so the menuing is obviously different than a Windows Mobile 5 device. Feature-wise, the app is the same, so keep that in mind in all of these screenshots...

Podcast Support

One of the best updates is the ability to download podcasts easily. This feature also allows you to download & watch videos and view attached files and images.

.

Microsoft Live Search Integration

Live Search has been integrated into the application which makes for very powerful RSS searches. You can still use Syndic8, but Live Search is a great add to the New Channel Wizard.

.

Improved one-handed operation, Other Features

I became quite adept at using version 1.x one-handed, but there were still times that I needed to reach with the other hand and tap something. The new menu layout has virtually elminated that need. Again, I remind you that I am still using a Pocket PC 2003 device (what can I say? I think the XV6600 rocks!), so the menuing will differ for a Windows Mobile 5 device. With a newer device, one-handed operation is definitely achieved throughout.

In these next three screenshots, I show how you can mark an individual item as Read or Unread. Previously you could only do that with an entire feed - now you can choose items individually.

The Sort feature has been enhanced as well. You can sort by Date, Status (read/unread) or by Keyword as well as a combination of the three. The sort is customized for each feed.

You can also customize your view to display just the new items or just the items of interest to you, determined by Keywords you have established. It certainly cleans up the screen nicely...

Data storage takes into account the fact that you will be potentially downloading large files, so you can choose the location to store the data as well as the percentage of space that podcasts will be allowed to consume. This is a good setting for the forgetful person, who might accidentally accumulate to the point of filling up their card! :)

When reading an individual item, the Tools menu has been changed slightly. If there is a podcast available through this feed, you can act on it from the Tools menu, and you can also send the item link in an email. For Newsbreak veterans, you will notice that Save to File is gone. I rarely used that feature anyway. Emailing a news item, however, I use almost daily!

Bottom Line

I think these new features are a great addition to an already great piece of software. The addition of podcast support is very wise, as more & more people are beginning to seek and use such features in their mobile devices. Who needs a %&$ iPod anyway?! Not a Windows Mobile user! Not with things like Newsbreak with podcast support! :)

You can try or buy Newsbreak v2.0 here.

.

Discuss this Review!

Screenshots in this review were obtained using Pocket Controller - Professional
which was generously provided by SOTI