Softonic > Pocket PC > Latest releases

Ad-Aware Anniversary Edition 8.0.3 Free-Advanced protection from all sorts of malware

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0200

Now that spyware, malware and other online threats are more frequent and more dangerous than viruses, you need to count on a reliable tool to protect your system against them.

Ad-Aware is one of the most popular anti-spyware tools, with millions of downloads worldwide and the well-earned trust of countless users. This new Anniversary Edition has been launched to celebrate the app's tenth birthday, but it's also quite an improvement on previous versions and other similar tools.

The first new feature we noticed in Ad-Aware Anniversary Edition is a completely redesigned interface. After a few versions with only some slight changes, it was about time Ad-Aware's developers decided to give the interface a total overhaul. The result is a clearer, easier-to-use app, with large Web 2.0 style buttons.

Beyond graphical appearance, Ad-Aware Anniversary Edition also offers some interesting new tools, such as real-time protection against malware (only for active processes in this free version, though), external drive scanning, full integration with Windows Security Center and Windows Explorer, automatic updates and, above all, a highly-improved resource management which makes the program much lighter on the system and radically enhances memory usage.

Another remarkable feature is the so-called TrackSweep, a tool that erases all the traces left behind you after an Internet browsing session. TrackSweep is compatible with Internet Explorer, Firefox and Opera (sorry Chrome fans) and automatically deletes elements like cache memory, cookies, history and last typed URLs.

That said, bear in mind that Ad-Aware Anniversary Edition keeps some functions reserved exclusively for the Pro and Plus versions. However, it's still a reliable, effective anti-malware tool that will keep your system safe and sound without disturbing your daily workflow.

Ad-Aware 2008 features an excellent package of security tools with which you can efficiently protect your PC from spyware, malware and other undesirable elements.

Download Ad-Aware Anniversary Edition 8.0.3 Free in Softonic

Stellarium Portable 0.10.2-Take the stars with you wherever you go

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0200

Stellarium is a popular open source astronomy application that enables you to gaze at stars from the comfort of your own home. And now with Stellarium Portable you can put the whole universe in your pocket.

Stellarium Portable offers the same tools, options and functionality as its desktop version, only with this one you can install it on any USB device and use it on any PC without leaving traces on the system. The only requirement is that the host PC needs to be powerful enough to render the maximum quality.

With Stellarium Portable you'll be able to look at the sky from any location in the World, which means you can check the different star constellations visible from different areas in the world. The program also lets you add extra information to the image, such as a grid with parallels and meridians, constellation art based on mythological figures and cardinal points, among others.

While Stellarium Portable doesn't include highly-detailed imagery and makes traveling from one point to another a bit confusing sometimes, it's also a very interesting app – as long as you like astronomy. And if not, it also works great as an entertainment for coffee break.

Stellarium Portable is a pocket-sized free planetarium that will please all astronomy fans out there.

Download Stellarium Portable 0.10.2 in Softonic

TeamViewer 4.1.6320 Portable-Simple, safe desktop sharing tool

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0200

As soon as your friends and relatives find out that you know a bit about computers, you're lost. They'll be constantly asking you for help with the most varied tech issues, as if you were a permanent, free customer support service.

Luckily you can count on TeamViewer Portable to lend you a hand. This standalone version of the popular desktop sharing tool TeamViewer lets you gain access to your friend's, relative's or customer's computer in a snap and what's more, it doesn't require any technical skills on the remote side.

All you have to do is run the program and ask the other person to run it as well. Each time you run TeamViewer Portable you'll be given a unique session number and password which you can use to enter the other person's PC. This means TeamViewer Portable can be used for both entering a remote computer, or let another person enter yours in case you need remote assistance as well.

Besides viewing the remote desktop just as if you were sitting in front of it, you can also make use of the program's features: embedded chat client, file transfer tool, the possibility of recording the session, support for VNP connections and more.

TeamViewer Portable is a stripped-down version of the paid application and therefore lacks some extra modules and functionality. Nevertheless it's still a great helper when you need to fix small problems in remote systems or show someone else how to do a certain task on the computer.

TeamViewer Portable is an excellent desktop sharing tool that lets you manager remote systems in a safe way and without requiring high technical knowledge.

Download TeamViewer 4.1.6320 Portable in Softonic

Notepad++ Portable 5.4.4-Text editing on the move

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0200

If you like Notepad++, you'll love Notepad++ Portable. It keeps the same great functionality of its big brother, but in a new edition specially designed to be stored and used in a USB memory key.

Once installed, the application hardly takes 2 MB of space, so it's suitable even for the smallest removable drives. During our tests, we didn't miss anything from good ol' Notepad++: support for dozens of coding languages and several text file formats, syntax highlighting, ability to open multiple documents simultaneously and lots of extra tools.

The only downside to this great little application, if we're to find any, is the fact that you have to download spelling files apart if you want to use the spellcheck. Apart from that, Notepac++ Portable is probably one of the best text editors available… and you can carry around in your pocket!

Download Notepad++ Portable 5.4.4 in Softonic

Dynamic Auto-Painter 1.8-Turn your photos into works of art

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0200

Ever thought that Monet would have painted a great picture of you? With Dynamic Auto-Painter, you can do it yourself!

Dynamic Auto-Painter is a neat application that crafts your photos, images of paintings and other items, such as CAD renderings and sketches, into paintings. The process is very easy. Upload your source image to the program, choose the artistic style you're looking for, tweak the settings and press "start". Dynamic Auto-Painter will take it from there, painting a version of your photo - either until it's finished, or until you stop it and fill in the fine details yourself. While the program is painting, you can also pause it and specify where you want more detail, or change the size of the brush it is using.

Dynamic Auto-Painter has a variety of settings, controlling everything from canvas size to how much detail the brushes paint. That said, you don't need a profound knowledge of these options before you start to paint. When you do feel like getting to know the program a little better, however, you can read the users manual, which provides a clear and in-depth explanation of its functions.

As well as controlling the paint effects, Dynamic Auto- Painter lets you modify the original image so that it will be more suitable for painting, meaning you can blur irrelevant parts of the photo, increase contrast, etc. The process is not a particularly quick one, but when you see the amount of detail that goes into each project you'll see why. Each of my paintings took about 5 - 10 minutes to "autopaint", although you can reduce the number of automatic brush stokes, and consequentially, the time.

Dynamic Auto-Painter will let you turn your photos into true works of art.

Download Dynamic Auto-Painter 1.8 in Softonic

bbPress 1.0.1-Excellent WordPress-style forum creation platform

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0200

WordPress is the undisputed king of blogging platforms in my opinion. So I was very interested to hear that its developer's Automattic had brought out a similar platform for creating forums.

As you'd expect, bbPress is plain and simple to use and yet creates elegant results in a matter of minutes. No more stressing about forum database admin either - bbPress makes administering a forum as easy as maintaining comments on a WordPress blog. And of course, like WordPress, it's highly customizable with plenty of scope for add-ons and plug-ins.

The good news is that keeping bbPress open source and free is Automattic's number one priority, so there's little fear of nasty charges creeping in once you've got your forum up and running.

bbPress works on a template system very similar to that of WordPress. You can switch between themes in a few clicks. Of course, if you have any CSS knowledge, you can change the code and styles to your liking. If you've got a WordPress blog, bbPress forums integrate instantly, meaning you can add a forum to your blog very easily.

Unfortunately, at the moment bbPress is still quite limited by the lack of plugins and themes available. It reminds me of the early versions of WordPress, although judging by how far that's come, it won't be long before bbPress has a thriving community of users creating plug-ins.

At the moment, there's no way to integrate bbPress templates with your default WordPress blogs, though this will be addressed in future releases. If you want to see a bbPress forum in action, check out the WordPress.org and Technorati support forums, which are based on it.

You'd expect nothing but a quality product from the makers of WordPress and bbPress certainly doesn't disappoint. Despite being limited, like early releases of the blogging platform, bbPress is only going to get better.

Download bbPress 1.0.1 in Softonic

Boxee 0.9.13.6684-Turn your computer into a complete multimedia center

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0200

Computers are moving away from being just a workstation to becoming a multimedia center where music, video, pictures and more can be shared with family and friends.

Boxee lets you transform your standard home computer into a multimedia hub from which you can manage your local media files as well as a wealth of online media sources such as Flickr, Pandora, YouTube, Icanhascheezburger and LastFM, among many others.

The program employs a novel interface which may take a little getting used to. Menus are hidden until you roll over them, giving you access to the different parts of the center; applications, local media, browsable online services and an app box from which you can select new applications to add to your dashboard.

Boxee is fully customizable, allowing you to set your preferences so that they will best serve your multimedia needs. You will need to sign up to the Boxee website (free of charge) to get the most from the program and form part of the online Boxee community.

Boxee centralizes your multimedia collection in a sleek, imaginative interface that allows you to share, discover and enjoy.

Download Boxee 0.9.13.6684 in Softonic

Ice Age 3 Demo-Join Sid and his friends in Dinosaurland

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0200

In the Ice Age 3 demo, enter the world of your favorite prehistoric characters as they come face to face with the dinosaurs.

The demo features three game modes. In Buck to the Rescue, you have to navigate your way through caves and up cliffs using your whip to help, and slide down vine and dinosaur routes avoiding falls and spikes. Egg Roll has you playing Sid, who has to protect an egg by rolling it carefully around the icy world. In Run Sid Run, control Sid as he runs towards the camera, with a T-Rex chasing him down.

Kids will no doubt love playing Ice Age 3. It's well presented, has lots of character voices, and it relatively easy to control. None of the levels in the demo are too challenging, but should provide some replay value to younger children. In this demo the levels end abruptly - you're only given a taste of each. But the Run Sid Run level is visually impressive, with the screen shaking as the T-Rex roars, and the vine-riding section or Buck to the rescue is also really fun.

As a demo it's nicely varied, and shows promise for the full game, which looks like being great fun for fans of Ice Age 3.

Download Ice Age 3 Demo in Softonic

Youtube Downloader HD 1.2-Download YouTube videos in high definition

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0200

YouTube recently started offering videos in high definition, and there's already a specific application that allows you to download them.

Just like other online video downloading tools, Youtube Downloader HD enables you to have a copy of that YouTube video you like so much downloaded right on your hard drive. It's as easy as entering the web address of the video you want to get and hit "Start". The video is saved in HD AVI or high quality, iPod-compatible MP4.

The good thing about YouTube Downloader HD is that it doesn't download HD videos only. You can use it to download regular YouTube FLV videos and convert them to AVI straight away, if you want. The downside to it is that it only works with Youtube and not with any other video sharing website.

With YouTube Downloader HD you can download videos from YouTube in high quality AVI or MP4 with just a single click.

Download Youtube Downloader HD 1.2 in Softonic

PokerTH 0.7.1-Free poker game (Texas Hold'em)

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0200

Most of the PC card games you play are probably limited to the Solitaire, Hearts of FreeCell that come bundled with Windows, so why not spicing it up and playing some poker instead?

PokerTH makes it really easy. This virtual card game enables you to play poker in its Texas Hold'em variety, one of the most popular poker-based card games in casinos and poker rooms worldwide.

The game's appearance and behavior is similar to other card games so you'll be playing in no time. You can play against up to six opponents, all of them controlled by the computer. If you want to face real human players you'll have to play a network game, either in LAN or via the Internet. Unfortunately the poker server didn't seem to respond during our tests, so I couldn’t' test online games properly. In any case my guess here is that the router at the office is configured in such a way that I can't access poker servers from work – I don't understand why.

PokerTH features a very complete settings menu that allows you to configure and customize the game any way you want. The only thing missing is having some background casino music, but you can fix that with your own MP3 collection.

PokerTH is a free Texas Hold'em poker game with which you can play poker against the computer, on LAN or via the Internet – that is, if your router is properly configured.

Download PokerTH 0.7.1 in Softonic

UseNeXT 5.00-Download just about anything from Usenet

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0200

Usenet used to be a complicated file-sharing network that only experts could understand. Then came along UseNeXT and blew the doors right open to anyone who's familiar with clients such as eMule and Limewire.

The difference being that UseNeXT is far more powerful in terms of the hits you'll find and the speed you can download them. UseNeXT provides anonymous and ad-free access to over 200 terabytes worth of MP3s, videos, games, pictures, and software. In addition, it's home to over 60,000 Usenet discussion boards and most importantly, the subscription system means it's legal and allows it to use it's own servers for super-fast downloads.

UseNeXT even comes with its own browser that can unpack and repair failed downloads as well as feature a built-in media player that allows you to preview files before they're downloaded. Using it is pretty easy. When you open the main interface, you have a list of 'Newsgroups' along the left-hand side where you'll find content organized by category. Beware if you're allowing minors to use it because there is a substantial amount of adult content, which you can choose to hide on first use.

Double clicking on any file will immediately take you to the download manager. Alternatively, you can use the search box to hunt for specific content. By clicking on the newsgroups, you can see the most popular download content by category in an instant.

For those who don't want to waste valuable bandwidth, there is also a 'Free Downloads' section that allows you to download content without reducing your monthly download limit. Finally, the latest version of UseNeXT features coverflow for spectacular viewing of multimedia content and images.

UseNeXT is an extremely impressive network that might not be free, but offers significantly more content and speed than free P2P clients.

Download UseNeXT 5.00 in Softonic

Yoono Firefox Extension 6.1.1-Your life online in a sidebar

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0200

Yoono is a Firefox add-on that allows you to bring together many of your social networks, chat programs and more. If you want live updates from Facebook or MySpace while you browse elsewhere, this could be for you.

Yoono sits in a collapsible sidebar in Firefox. You can sign in to Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Flickr and so on, and Yoono will send little pop up alerts every time you have an update or message. You can decide what you get alerts for, and whether you want audio notification too.

As well as social networking, Yoono will also sync with your Google reader account, and you can listen to internet radio from places like Last.fm. Unfortunately, you can't currently sign in to Last.fm, or listen to user radio stations. Your Yahoo Mail and Gmail accounts can also be added, so you can stay constantly up to date with your email too.

Yoono is customizable in terms of functions, you can add or remove any of the services mentioned, choose the size of the side bar and one of four skins. There could have been more skins, four is not a lot.

We liked how well Yoono collected together social network sites as they work very well. The chat programs are not so good. MSN is a little buggy - if you receive a message while typing, your typing disappears, which is quite frustrating, and the people you're chatting with don't get the '...is typing a message' alert in their MSN. Hopefully this will be fixed in future versions.

Apart from that problem, Yoono is a cool idea, pretty well done. Aesthetically, if you have lots of features activated in Yoono, it can be a bit untidy, but it does save you from keeping your social network tabs open and is pleasantly flexible.

Yoono is ideal for people who need to be constantly connected and up to date with their social world.

Download Yoono Firefox Extension 6.1.1 in Softonic

Vuze (Azureus) 4.2.0.4-High definition movies and downloads to your PC

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0200

With the release of Vuze, Azureus is jumping onto the legal torrent bandwagon. This application features the classic and extensive Azureus torrent client and adds to it an online platform from which you can download and submit legal audio and video content.

Vuze’s interface is a complete shake-up to what Azureus users are used to. The BitTorrent developer has decided to focus on online multimedia content and introduce user participation. The first thing the user sees is a "Find, Download, Play" screen to introduce you to Vuze. You can browse files by using the left side menu, divided in time, main channels and tags. The menu at the top also links to hot and new content. Vuze takes the web 2.0 road and you'll see that most of the files have tags. You can write out a comment and leave a rating. The program also makes it a no brainer to send a video by email and link to content directly from your blog or website. Additionally, there are social bookmarking links for each file.

Downloading torrents is as simple as using the search bar, which the gives you options to search the Vuze site and results from the major bittorent sites such as Btjunkie. You can also easily add more sites to that list if you wish.

We won’t expand on the qualities of the Azureus client, for which you can read a review here. Vuze tries to innovate by adding social tools to the program and providing legal content in the Vuze HD Network. There are numerous channels to choose from, yet we were disappointed with the content in general. On some channels there's very little to watch and on others you don't necessarily find what you were hoping for. Much of the content feels cheap and throwaway, even if it is in glorious HD.

On the downside Vuze does nothing to atone for Azureus's principal drawback: the overuse of your RAM and DSL connection. Yes, Vuze is still a resource and bandwidth hog, and there's nothing you can do about it.

The whole interface is really simple, though the program is so heavy you will get some slow down, and the amount of legal content is still limited, Vuze is a promising application for sharing and enjoying legal content.

If you're already hooked on the original Azureus bittorrent client, take a leap into the future with Vuze.

Download Vuze (Azureus) 4.2.0.4 in Softonic

UltraVNC 1.0.6.4-VNC Client/Server (remote desktop)

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0200

Whenever someone needs my help with their computer I usually connect with them through a screen sharing software such as CrossLoop.

However, this can be a very bandwidth-heavy way of doing it. Plus, of course, the recipient needs to have the software installed. That's why UltraVNC is a useful alternative - an easy-to-use, fast and free software that can display the screen of another computer on your own screen. The difference between UltraVNC and other screen sharers is quite simply the lightness and speed of it.

Of course, the recipient needs to have UltraVNC installed but once they have, you have a whole host of options open to you including file transfers, a viewing toolbar, scaling options and even text chat. However, what impresses most about UltraVNC is the speed, Where some screen sharing programs severely lag behind because of bandwidth issues, UltraVNC is lightening fast at connecting and sharing.

As an alternative solution to most bloated screen sharing software, you'll appreciate the lightness and speed of UltraVNC.

Download UltraVNC 1.0.6.4 in Softonic

PowerArchiver 2010 11.50-Versatile and highly effective compression program

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0200

Download PowerArchiver 2010 11.50 in Softonic

Celestia 1.5.1-Real-time space exploration on your computer

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0200

Unless you are a millionaire or an astronaut, space travel is probably out of reach. Bring it a little closer to home with Celestia.

Celestia is a real-time, 3D space simulator that lets you fly around galaxies, checking out all the fascinating things they contain - from planets and stars to asteroids and space stations. It may only be a simulation, but, unless you win the lottery, it is probably the closest you're going to get to the real thing.

For free software, Celestia is extremely complete. It has a wealth of demos, online and offline user guides, a wiki, a forum and even a Wikipedia entry! It is just as well that all this help is available, however, because it is not a particularly easy program to use. In theory, you navigate around the universe by using the mouse or the keyboard. Right-clicking on an object (such as a planet) will bring up various options, while in the tool bar you can perform more complex tasks, such as searching for Bayer designations, taking videos, tracking objects and configuring options. Although all that sounds pretty normal, it is not as easy as it seems.

I found the controls to be jerky and non-intuitive, and despite spending a fair amount of time playing around with it, didn't manage to get it working as well as I suspect it can. Briefly reading the manuals didn't help either, and I think that to get the most out of Celestia, you would have to put some serious research in.

Astronomy fans and those with a burning interest in our galaxy will surely make the effort that is needed to really get the most out of Celestia. The program definitely encourages serious dedication and obviously has been created by a person - Chris Laurel - who loves what he does. Celestia is meticulously researched and put together, and there is a multitude of extra resources on the website.

Celestia: a beautiful and fascinating program for those willing to make the effort.

Download Celestia 1.5.1 in Softonic

FUEL Demo-Free roaming arcade racing in a huge environment

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0200

FUEL is the latest driving game from Codemasters. Throwing you into a post-apocalyptic world, you have to race for your survival and to earn the game's currency - fuel.

The major achievement of FUEL is its enourmous 5,560 square miles world. It also features dynamic weather events that look spectacular as you fly over the wastelands. This demo lets you roam freely around a portion of the world, either in a Buggy or on a motorbike. You can also compete in a race on the bike.

While the scenery is immediately impressive, it seems to make the game very power hungry, and to run FUEL smoothly even on the lower detail setting, you'll need a high-end PC. The driving is very much arcade style, and you are free during a race to take whatever route you want between checkpoints. It's not the best driving experience ever - last year's PURE was faster and more enjoyable - but it's certainly the biggest. Control feels quite floaty - as if the vehicles aren't entirely on the ground.

If you enjoy the racing here, the full game sounds great, with more space to explore than in any other game. It's a big download for a demo, but driving fans will love messing around in the post apocalyptic hills and valleys of FUEL.

FUEL is a great concept, but is let down by a slightly weak driving experience.

Download FUEL Demo in Softonic

DéjàClick 1.4.0.0-Create super-bookmarks to save time!

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0200

Do you have a web page routine you repeat upon every startup? You can set Firefox to open with various tabs already open, but with DéjàClick you can created complex routines that can be replayed at will.

Once installed in Firefox, all you have to do is hit the record button on the DéjàClick toolbar, reload your start page, then go through your routine. Hit 'Stop', and you'll have a recording of what you did, including passwords and so on. You can save this routine, which is encrypted and password protected for your security.

Next time you start Firefox, simple click 'Play', and your morning routine will play out in front of you automatically. It's quite weird, as it happens at the same speed you recorded it, so you will see login details being filled in as you typed them. In the options menu it's possible to speed playback time up, but not to speed it up so you go directly to your destination pages.

When you fist start using DéjàClick, there are too many annoying pop-ups asking for permissions and confirming actions. These make the process much less easy. However, after this annoying start, DéjàClick works quite well. Whether you like it or not depends on how comfortable you feel watching your routine happening automatically!

It feels unnatural, but can actually be a real time saver, as you can use it to automatically sign in to multiple pages and click through to destinations when you start up Firefox.

Download DéjàClick 1.4.0.0 in Softonic

FastPictureViewer 1.0.101.0-Minimalist photo viewer to quickly browse image folders

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0200

If you're tired of the Windows native image viewer and want to use another tool to browse through your photos, look no further. We found it for you.

FastPictureViewer is a fast, straightforward photo viewer that lets you scan the contents of a whole photo folder in a very easy way. You can move along pictures with many different key combinations (arrow keys, + and – keys, page up and page down keys) and also the mouse wheel. Plus the mouse buttons can be customized to quickly zoom in a photo.
FastPictureViewer works only with JPG and HD photo formats, and also supports XMP ratings which are compatible with popular photo tools like Adobe Lightroom.

That said, don't expect to find many other features in this program. FastPictureViewer doesn't include all the bells and whistles you could expect from an image viewer. I would say it's especially addressed to users who just need a tool to quickly review photos and pick those which need further editing.

The program features a sleek, dark interface with a minimalistic design that contributes to put all the attention on the photo itself.

FastPictureViewer is an attractive, easy photo viewer that's mainly focused on browsing large picture collections and doesn't include any extra tools like the ones you find in similar apps.

Download FastPictureViewer 1.0.101.0 in Softonic

Firefox Throttle 1.1.3-Cap the upload and download limits on Firefox

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0200

We've all had problems where our browsing speed has been limited by other uploads or downloads or problems on a network.

Often this can be related to other processes on your system but more often than not, it's because you have other downloads and uploads, such as on a P2P network, that's hogging all your bandwidth. In which case, usually there's not much you can but close the offending application down. Not to however with Firefox Throttle which allows you to limit the uploads and downloads on your system. You set the limits according to how much bandwidth you have and the program does the rest.

You can exclude certain IP addresses however if it's essential that certain programs or pages need lots of bandwidth. The good thing is that this program can even be used as a solution over an entire network because you can install it on individual PC's. . The problem however is that users can easily uninstall it meaning that they can hog even more bandwidth to their heart's content whilst others suffer. To ensure that lost bandwidth is "caught up with" at a later stage, it also features a "bursting mode" which detects when your bandwidth is at low usage and allocates it those applications that have been held back. Unlike it's Internet Explorer counterpart IE Throttle, Firefox Throttle also includes some nice little add-ons such as a traffic stats analyser (for your current session and after the last reset) plus a status panel with traffic counters.

This is a useful little utility that can be of help to those individuals or even organisations that have been experiencing bandwidth problems or just web master that want more info over their traffic stats.

Download Firefox Throttle 1.1.3 in Softonic