Pocket RAR is a tool designed to help your work with RAR archives on your Pocket PC. The RAR format has an excellent level of compression, helping you make sure that you conserve space on your Pocket PC's storage.

WinRAR provides complete support for RAR and ZIP archives and is able to unpack CAB, ARJ, LZH, TAR, GZ, ACE, UUE, BZ2, JAR, ISO, 7Z, Z archives.

WinRAR is easier to use than many other archivers with the inclusion of a special "Wizard" mode which allows instant access to the basic archiving functions through a simple question and answer procedure. This avoids confusion in the early stages of use.

A powerful, easy to use compression tool with great inter-compatibility.

Download Pocket RAR 3.80 in Softonic

The speakerphone is one of my favorite mobile phone features of all time, and it's great to be able to talk and have your hands free at the same time.

Unfortunately, setting speakerphone as your default way of answering the phone isn't really possible on the Windows Mobile platform - unless you have SpeakerPhone installed on your device. This simple, free utility automatically switches on the hands-free mode when a call comes in, or even when you make an outgoing call.

Configuring SpeakerPhone is a very straightforward proposition. You simple need to enable the appropriate option in the Incoming or Outgoing call menu in the program. You can also set the application to auto-answer, specifying the delay time.

Once launched, the application will hide itself and display an icon on the home screen, which you can use to open it and adjust its settings. This makes SpeakerPhone very simple to operate, although it would've been nice to have seen some extra features tagged onto the interface, such as in-call volume control or a Hold switch.

But if you just want a quick and easy way of automatically switching your device to speakerphone, this app is ideal.

Download SpeakerPhone – Auto On 1.05 in Softonic

If you're looking for a complete cleaning, reorqanising and all round general cleansing solution for your Windows Mobile device, then SKTools comes packed with a bunch of tools to make your life easier.

This is a genuinely powerful maintenance toolkit with so many tools included it's hard to know where to start. All of them combine to ensure that your registry is clean, your hard drive spic and span and that your RAM is completely flushed clean. Tools at your disposal include those to clear your temporary and cache folders such as IE contents, IE history, Mail attachments, Terminal Server client cache, Opera cache, NetFront cache and custom folders. In addition the program finds and deletes temporary, empty and obsolete files, malicious or corrupted registry keys and values, faulty shortcuts and other files that are deemed to be taking up valuable space on your portable device but are not needed anymore. It also of course empties recycle bins and deletes temporary files. The FreeUP RAM tool is probably one of the nicest feature of this toolkit allowing you to free up to 50K-2M of RAM. It can be set to kick in whenever your RAM reaches below a certain point and close tasks that are hogging your RAM. Note however that it can sometimes struggle to deal with excessive RAM usage and end up slowing down your system more than speeding it up.

This is a handy set of tools for Windows mobile devices that does an efficient job although apart from the RAM cleaner, doesn't perform anything you wouldn't normally expect from such a package.

Download SKTools 4.4.1 in Softonic

Depending on which particular handset you have, changing the volume on your Pocket PC isn't always as easy as it should be. Thankfully, help is here in the form of SetVolume.

This simple utility allows you to control the volume of your device through a wonderful, touch-friendly interface. It basically consists of a large speaker button with a gauge circling it. You can increase and decrease volume either by hitting the plus and minus buttons, or by swiping around the circle, in much the same way as you would with an iPod.

Hitting the button in the middle will activate vibration mode, while holding it down for two seconds mutes the device. This is an especially handy way of shutting your mobile up quickly if you're in a business meeting or a cinema.

Closing the application is pretty easy and you can do so by pressing the upper right-hand corner of the screen, or just by leaving it for five seconds.

SetVolume is great to use but perhaps the developer could've gone a stage further and integrated it as a Today screen plug-in with transparency, so you could call up it more easily.

Still, SetVolume proves to be one of the simplest ways to control the volume of your Pocket PC.

Download SetVolume 0.4.3 in Softonic

So it's not the most exciting new application you'll find on Softonic but it could save you a lot of money and embarrassment. Similar to Apple's iPhone locking tool S2U2 gives you the power to block your PDA's keyboard and screen by means of a sliding bar. That's pretty much all there is to it. Oh and it's also a screensaver when your mobile's not in use. I knew there was something else.

Download S2U2 1.22 in Softonic

There are lots of areas of your mobile device that it's nice to be able to keep an eye on, but the default Windows Mobile interface isn't really cut out for this.

PDAStatus addresses this issue, allowing you to view all manner of information about your Pocket PC's status from the Today screen, through a series of large, customizable icons. Once installed, the application makes it much easier to check information without having to delve through the Windows Mobile menu system.

The program displays lots of useful information including battery charge, available memory (ROM, RAM and external card space), and even the amount of balance remaining to make calls if you're on a pay-as-you-go plan. The software also includes a backlight manager, allowing you to manage when your light comes on, and giving you the opportunity to save precious power by doing so.

It's pretty easy to set everything up and I really like the fact you can customize everything from the icons themselves to the position they appear on the Today screen. It would be nice to be able to map other information onto here, such as unread messages or news alerts.

Nevertheless, PDAStatus certainly provides an interesting way of presenting status information on your Today screen.

Download PDAStatus 1.1.6 in Softonic

These days many of us take our photos around with us on our mobile devices. But viewing them all can be a cumbersome experience unless you have a program such as S2V.

S2V is a stylus-free picture viewing application for Pocket PC. It comes with a stylish, user-friendly interface that makes browsing through your photo collection really easy. You operate S2V simply by sliding your finger across the screen to move back or forward through the images. You can rotate the images and zoom in or out, which is done using the d-pad.

An option on the bottom menu of the S2V interface allows you to call up your files and folders, which, again, are very easy to peruse with your fingers alone. S2V can also be used to set wallpapers for your Today screen through its support for S2U2.

S2V certainly provides a more interesting way of viewing photos on your mobile, but unfortunately it's not perfect. For starters, the program lacks any kind of transition effects or the ability to apply soundtracks, which usually come as standard in slideshow apps. More worryingly, I found S2V was prone to frequent crashes and this becomes pretty annoying after a while.

Once the developer has ironed out all the bugs though, S2V could become an essential download for anyone who keeps photos on their Pocket PC.

Download S2V 0.42 in Softonic

There's so much good stuff lurking on my computer that I forever want to take it with me and share it with the people I meet on my travels. Having recently lost my USB stick and not owning a memory card reader makes this a bit tricky though. Thankfully, Card Export II addresses this issue, allowing you copy data from your PC or Mac to the multimedia card or internal memory on your Pocket PC.

The application is ever-so easy to use: simply rig your phone up to your computer via the USB cable and a few seconds later the memory cards installed in your handset will show up as removable media in Windows Explorer. You can then simply transfer these onto your handset using your Pocket PC to slide them across.

If used properly, the program can save you the money because you don't need to buy additional mobile memory. It's ease of use means that if you need to take data around with you, then you need to install Card Export II.

Download Card Export II for PPC 3.14 in Softonic

The virtual wallet market is popular with software developers. Nearly all PDA users make use of some sort of virtual wallet program to store their credit card numbers, email passwords or other personal data. eWallet, already regarded by most as the leader in its field has improved on its already excellent reputation with version 4, a feature packed virtual wallet application which is near perfect.

Whatever information you want to keep safe, eWallet is designed to help you entering and retrieving your data with the least hassle possible. Like most virtual wallet programs, it includes a range of categories to choose from as well as a ‘custom’ category option. However, because eWallet’s range of categories is so expansive (check out the ‘internet settings’ option with space for IP addresses, default gateways and more), you may find that you never even need to create a custom category.

When you create a new card (a card can represent an actual credit card or any other record), you’re immediately given a range of customisation options which exceed the offerings of other programs. Change the colour of your card, add a custom .ico icon file, or even a sound effect to make each entry unique and easily recognisable. Cards can be created in the main set of your data store or in unlimited levels of subcategories, offering a level of organisation which is simply unavailable in other applications.

eWallet’s level of security is also impressive. With frequent requests for your passcode, you can be sure that no one can simply pick up your PDA and gain access to your cards. eWallet offers 256-bit encryption where some of its competitors still don’t encrypt your data at all. It also offers you the option to set password hints on individual items, a handy and popular data-protection technique often employed on websites. With top level stability, eWallet can be relied on to stand up to the job, even if you use your virtual wallet application frequently.

As you may be able to tell, we were pretty happy with this version of eWallet! It has so few flaws that the biggest issue we had was with the non-alphabetic listing of icons in the card-editing screen – hardly a critical issue. Synchronisation via SyncPro is actually far better than using ActiveSync, given that it doesn’t need to upload/download the entire database each time it syncs: SyncPro is capable of only updating the latest changes you’ve made, saving you precious time.

eWallet performs its core role with simplicity and ease of use and then offers you a higher level of customisation than any of its competitors. It’s not only the best in its category but one of the few absolute ‘must have’ programs for Palm, Pocket PC and Windows Smartphones. With practically no negative points, it just can’t get a higher recommendation!

Download eWallet 6.1.3 in Softonic

It’s hardly a secret that Microsoft’s native handwriting recognition software for Pocket PC leaves much to be desired. Calligrapher 8.3 fills the gap left by Microsoft and adds plenty of extra features to sweeten the deal.

Calligrapher allows you to enter text directly into the main window of any application, rather than forcing you to write in the small field at the bottom of the screen. This makes for a lot more freedom than in other handwriting recognition tools, gives you more space to work in, and clearly helps the program to recognize characters and words more accurately.

As well as the standard features, Calligrapher boasts a built-in spell checker which is a nice touch, but it is the accuracy of the recognition engine which really impresses. You’ll need to take some time to learn how to use this application, but it’s easier to use than many of its competitors so this is shouldn’t prove to be a major issue.

In all, Calligrapher 8.3 is a major improvement on your Pocket PC’s default handwriting recognition software and is recommended to anyone who has struggled with Microsoft’s disappointing effort.

Download CalliGrapher 8.7 in Softonic

One of the features of the iPhone that blew me away was the way you can scroll through your list of contacts by tapping your finger on the screen and dragging it down the list. iContact rips this feature for Windows Mobile devices, allowing you to use your forefinger, index finger, or even your pinky, to peruse your contacts using a system that's sensitive to forces of acceleration and deceleration, known as 'inertia scrolling'.

The program enables you to list all your contacts alphabetically, scrolling includes inertia and allows you access to the details of each contact with a simple tap. It works okay, but it's far from seemless, and if you have a PDA with a lightweight processor then you'll experience some degree of lag when scrolling, which gets annoying after a while. It's still in development stage though so hopefully these problems will be ironed out before too long.

While it's rather a crude copy of the iPhone's fluid intertia scrolling capabilities, iContact provides an interesting way of listing contacts for those with a powerful enough processor.

Download iContact 0.8 in Softonic

I love using my Pocket PC but I've never found the experience of navigating files on the device as slick as it is in the native version of Windows.

Resco Explorer replicates the look and functionality of Windows Explorer on your Pocket PC. Granted, Windows Explorer isn't perfect, but it's a whole lot more intuitive than Windows Mobile's hotchpotch of a file manager, as this neat application proves.

The program is installed painlessly via Windows onto your Pocket PC, and once in place, provides a much quicker and easier way of navigating through your files. Initially, folders are displayed in a column, though the layout can be tweaked to the max, by applying a tree structure view, changing icon and folder sizes and sorting using a range of variables.

Open the 'Menu' and you'll uncover a treasure trove of settings that allows you to completely customise your file management experience. There's a Send option for quickly sharing files via email, Bluetooth or Infrared; a fast and reliable Find tool, file encryption, an Edit menu for performing file commands, and a comprehensive Help menu too. Delve into the 'Options' menu and amazingly you'll discover there's yet more settings for personalising your file manager.

If you're looking for a quicker and easier way to navigate and manage files in Windows Mobile, I doubt you'll find anything better than Resco File Explorer.

Download Resco Explorer 2008 7.05 in Softonic

When first run, Spb Wallet asks you to create your first encrypted wallet file. This stage includes a password strength test which will warn you if your password looks like it's too simple. Next, you're presented with a list of categories for data storage, headed by a very handy 'About Spb Wallet' section. This area contains a lot of guidance on how to use the program, template creation and more.

The number of categories and templates available is impressive enough, and that's before you factor-in the easy-to-use template creation tool. Most of the templates also have smart little icons - and again, you're allowed to create and import your own if you want.

Spb Wallet features 256 bit AES encryption, an industry standard, which is apparently very difficult to crack. The biggest risk to your data is probably your PDA itself: always remember to back up important information regularly.

Download Spb Wallet 1.5.2 in Softonic

Imagine if you could use your Pocket PC to sniff-out wi-fi hotspots. No more of that walking around wth your laptop looking for that elusive WiFi. Simply use Sniffi to literally sniff out WiFi spots in your neighborhood or working area. Sniffi is an advanced WiFi networks manager which may be used to search for hotspots, as a connection manager or as a network parameter monitor.

The application works in a very similar way to Windows WiFi network manager. The list of available networks is clearly displayed together with their ID, protection status and signal strength. There's a day/night color profile, fullscreen switch and you can switch it from vertical to horizontal mode easily. You can even perform pings on available networks and view TCP/IP stats for each one.

This is not the most effective WiFi detection system as much will depend on your mobile's capabilities but if you can't be bothered turning on your laptop to see what's available, its better than nothing.

Download Sniffi 2.35 in Softonic

SKSchema is a multi-functional scheduler allowing to automatically perform different actions at the time specified as well as to perform actions depending on other programs being launched/closed. The program can be used as an advanced alarm clock and also as a reminder.

SKSchema features include:

• Runs programs, plays sound files at the specific time, with the specified periodicity
• shows a reminder at the time specified along with a signal (a sound file, vibro). A reminder can be postponed
• Sends sms at the time specified
• Makes a phone call at the time specified (it is very useful when somebody should be woken up automatically)
• Switched PDA on and off and makes a soft reset at the time specified
• Closes the indicated programs at the time specified
• Clones an event (for example, to beep every 25 min within 5 hrs)
• Switches a phone on and off (PIN-code input is possible), BT and Wi-Fi on/off
• Emulates a screen tap or a keyboard input
• Supports scripts which are to be executed at the time specified as well as directly from Explorer or with a shortcut in Start Menu
• Watches launched and closed programs (by window name) and performs different actions for these events
• Has an adjustable Today plug-in showing the most immediate tasks and also used for a quick-launch of SKSchema
• It is possible to create frequently used sets of events

A multi functional sceduling tool for your Pocket PC.

Download SKScheMa 1.2.10 in Softonic

Accessing applications and resources on your Pocket PC can sometimes be a bit fiddly. So, perhaps it's time you installed an application launcher on your Windows Mobile device.

Elecont Launcher is a fully-featured quick launch plug-in for your Today screen, designed to provide you with speedy access to your favorite programs, web addresses, documents, or control panel items.

Setting up Elecont Launcher proves very easy. You simply need to click the icons you want to appear on the Today screen from the list displayed. Here you can even set up quick links to files on your device that you regularly need access to. Other things you can customize are the size of the icons (small, medium, big, very big), sounds, and the interface language.

Elecont Launcher certainly offers a finger-friendly way of accessing apps and files from the main Pocket PC display. However, you should be careful about adding too many shortcuts with Elecont Launcher, as your Today screen can end up looking a little overcrowded.

If you're sick of having to wade through countless screens to get to your favorite apps, then Elecont Launcher is well worth a try.

Download Elecont Launcher 1.0.74 in Softonic

Let's face it, using the Internet on your Pocket PC can leave you with a lot of crap clogging up your device. Not only does this eat into your memory, it can also slow down your device. Therefore, it makes sense to remove the stuff you don't need. ClearTemp helps you to do this without any hassle by locating, sorting and removing all types of temporary files stored on your device.

From the main ClearTemp environment, you can view the size of all temporary files available, including the temporary cache, browser history, temporary installations, URLs, cookies, and a lot more besides.

To remove them, simply select the type of file you want to delete and click 'Apply'. These files will then all be removed automatically, freeing up that valuable memory space on your PPC. Be careful though, because once they're gone then there's no way of getting them back if you really need them.

All in all, ClearTemp provides a quick way of clearing memory space by wiping out unneeded files from your device.

Download ClearTemp 1.0.3 in Softonic

Brand new version of the popular shareware utility for Pocket PC, Total Commander 2.0 adds new functionality to an already good program.

New in version 2.0

• Support for portrait/landscape switching
• Save column widths in full view
• FTP client, registry editor, and access to LAN (local area network)

Original features, still as good as ever:

• Copy, Move whole subdirs

• Inplace rename, create dirs

• Delete (no recycle bin)

• Zip and unzip

• Properties dialog, change attributes

• Built-in text editor

• Search function (also for text)

• Select/unselect groups of files

• Select with [Sel] button

• FTP client

• Registry editor

• LAN access

• Send/Receive via Infrared (OBEX)

• Brief, full and large icons mode

• Single or two file window mode

• Option to hide all files in ROM

• Directory hotlist as in Total Commander

• Directory history through dropdown list

• Tree view

• Configurable button bar

• Simple help function

• Supported languages: English, German, Catalan, Czech, Danish, Dutch, French, Hungarian, Italian, Polish, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Spanish and Swedish

Add many features to your PocketPC with this great piece of shareware!

Download Total Commander 2.51 in Softonic

With data theft constantly on the rise it's becoming increasingly important to guard your personal information in a safe place.

Rather than writing everything on a piece of paper and hiding it somewhere in your house, why not use your PDA to do the job for you? TealSafe is designed to provide you with the tools to do just that, offering a safe haven for your bank details, web log-ins, credit card details, frequent flyer info and personal contacts.

The software provides a comprehensive infrastructure for storing information, using powerful 128-bit encryption to make it very difficult for anyone to hack into your details. The interface is arranged into a series of categories, each representing a different type of data, such as Bank Information, Calling Card list, Security Keys, Software Key list, etc.

The input forms for each category are nicely tailored to suit the type of information you're likely to store in it. Each comes with a neat little icon and you can even edit the categories and create your own. In order to access all your secret data you need to choose a master password for TealSafe, so make sure you don't forget this one, or you're screwed!

Overall, TealSafe makes for a reliable place to store your data securely.

Download TealSafe 1.46.03 in Softonic

Despite all the advancements in mobile technology in recent years, no manufacturer has yet managed to invent a self-powering phone, and as such our devices are often rendered 'immobile' such is out need to charge them all the time.

One of the surest ways to drain the power from your Pocket PC is having the display on all the time. Of course, most of the time this isn't a problem as you don't actually leave the screen on at all times.

However, there are certain applications, such as MP3 players, GPS loggers and desktop syncing tools that, by default, leave your display running while you're using them. In most cases you don't need to see the display and as such are simply wasting precious battery.

BlackMe provides a simple, no-nonsense way of turning off your phone's display when you don't need it on. You just need to assign a key to the program, then strike that key any time you want to power-off the display. Pressing the central button on your PPC's d-pad will switch the screen back on. It really is that simple.

Although BlackMe has nothing in the way of a program interface or special features such as display shutdown scheduling, you may still find it a valuable battery lifesaver.

Download BlackMe 1.2 in Softonic