I’m a fan of Live Maps – since getting to the US I’ve used them a lot to find my way around strange cities (even used them to get a look of my office before I went for interview!)

There is always work going on with the Virtual Earth team to improve the quality of the product and they’ve just rolled out another release.

This update is much bigger release than originally planned – it includes three full sprints of development (the milestones used by the team). As always the changes visible in the user interface only scratch the surface of the dozens of improvements across the application tiers including Geocoding enhancements, browser compatibility (Safari and IE8), parsing improvements, reverse geocoding, printing improvements, integration with GPS devices, Map Cruncher integration, 1-click “party” directions and tons more.

For sites that host their own functionality on top of Live Maps the team have also released an upgrade of the Map Control to version 6.1 for developers.

Get the full scoop on the update on from the Virtual Earth blog.

Catching up on reading after my recent trip overseas Seth's post on "Fear, hope and love" reminded me of the recent experiences in several airports with pre-light security - in the US, France and the UK - and the impression it left one.

In the USA the TSA are taking theatre to a fine art and not really adding much feeling of security. I'm sure they help but they're not making the process of air travel that much more pleasant. On this most recent trip it wasn't too bad. The queues were short (the advantage of flying out early on a Sunday morning I guess) and the inconvenience fairly minimal - laptops out, shoes off but I got to keep my belt on. I was amused to discover that although they confiscate things like nail files it's possibly to buy them in the stores air-side. Maybe they're less dangerous if you just paid a huge markup for them.

In France I was annoyed at the need to re-pass security. I was only using Charles de Gaulle as a transit point - I'd been cleared by the TSA and in secure areas ever since... why did I need clearing again just to board a flight to Heathrow. It wasn't because they don't trust the Americans - the same thing happened to me going the other way as well. It's not like the French are the victims of much in the way of international terrorism (some would argue they are more likely to be the perpetrators!). The queuing area was a little less salubrious and tight for space but the staff were fairly friendly. Laptops, boots and this time belt all had to come off.

The UK seemed to have the most thorough screening process, but it was also the slickest and least disruptive. A spacious feel, good lighting, air conditioning that kept everything from getting hot under the collar created the right atmosphere for the process. Preliminary checks for liquids etc (with plenty of workspace to re-pack your back if needed) ensured the folks carrying a full tube of toothpaste didn't make everyone else wait. The best bit was not having to take my laptop out of the bag at the x-ray machine (keeps the queue flowing, reduces the fear that it's going to get stolen the other side, and reduces the rush to re-pack your bag when you rejoin it after the scan). Belt and boots both had to come off, but only because both have fairly large buckles. Despite the English reputation for taciturn and authoritarian behavior I found my former fellow countrymen to be the least intimidating, yet more reassuring, of the three glimpses of the security machine.

I'd hate to say who is doing most to keep the public safe, and who is having the most positive impact on passenger experience (thought the folks at T2 LHR seem to be ahead in my book) but returning to Seth's point selling hope (I won't go as far as offering airline security "love") rather than fear is the better strategy.

I know we'll never return to the casual travel days of the 1980s but by taking as much care of the branding and experience around security as the airlines do of other aspects of their public face it can certainly become a pleasant and safe experience again.

A couple of months ago I finally took the plunge and got a new toy - a Samsung Q1 Ultra UMPC (Ultra Mobile PC) running Windows Vista.

I'd been looking for a better solution for a lightweight device that was easy to take on the road with me but that would do a better job of email than my phone, and could also connect to the corporate network and allow me to demonstrate Silverlight apps and other things that I often need to do when I'm out of the office.

As a bonus I wanted something that I could use to read ebooks and catch up on RSS feeds as well as email, but I didn't want to have to carry a whole slew of devices.

The tipping point that got me to go and get one wasn't a huge frustration with the current tools I had available but rather a sneak preview of the next generation of the Origami Experience that was announced yesterday at CES.

While the original was pretty good the integrated RSS reader in the new version was enough to push me over the edge. The added bonus of the Picture Password app helped clinch the deal as I'm not convinced fingerprints are the way to go and hated the thought of entering my password on the Q1U's dinky little keyboard.

While I love the Q1U I think it's a second generation device of a platform that's going to need to get to third or maybe fourth to be really fantastic.

The complaints aren't big things, it's mostly down to horsepower and stamina.

My machine is configured with Vista and, as everyone knows, it does take more resources to run smoothly. The fairly low spec CPU does an okay job of basic apps but in conjunction with only 1GB of RAM and a 4800rpm HDD it's quite easy to get it thrashing. I'm wondering if I dare brave opening the case up and trying to fit extra RAM and/or upgrade to a SSD... maybe one day!

Even with the underpowered processor the battery life isn't stellar. I suspect a lot of that might be (ironically) down to the disk thrashing that goes on but I'm starting to think I need a bigger battery.

My other gripe is the keyboard. Although it seems like a great idea the keys are actually harder to use than on my Wizard - I'd much prefer a slide-out keyboard or similar (in fact I think I'll end up getting a fold-up bluetooth keyboard... which will drain the battery as well!).

That does lead me on the the hidden peril of UMPCs.... on their own they are small and lightweight, but throw the power brick, and a spare keyboard and maybe a mouse and a USB hub and whatever else into the bag as well and it does take up a fair about of packing room!

That said, the Origami Experience is pretty fantastic and inking in Vista opens up a whole new dimension in ways to get things done.

Hopefully with the interest that Nokia, Intel and Cononical (Moblin project), and even apparently Apple are showing in this space we're going to see rapid steps to the next generation of devices.

For now if you're thinking about a UMPC I recommend checking out sites like jkOnTheRun, UberTablet or UMPC Buzz as well as the Origami Project site.

As someone who spends a fair amount of time traveling the current "security threat" response has had me standing in pointless lines for people to sniff my shoes for explosives.

Almost nothing I see reassures me that I'm any safer flying - in fact, some of the things I see disturb me even more by their sheer hypocrisy - for instance watching an un-scanned, un-xrayed person with carry on luggage go in an exit gate at Seatac recently.

It seems I'm not alone... a recent piece on the NYTimes "The Airport Security Follies" pointed out some of the more obvious flaws and got a pretty positive reaction in the comments... but still politicians need to be seen to be doing something (so they go for obvious high profile stuff, rather than actually making a difference).

Six years after the terrorist attacks of 2001, airport security remains a theater of the absurd. The changes put in place following the September 11th catastrophe have been drastic, and largely of two kinds: those practical and effective, and those irrational, wasteful and pointless.

The first variety have taken place almost entirely behind the scenes. Explosives scanning for checked luggage, for instance, was long overdue and is perhaps the most welcome addition. Unfortunately, at concourse checkpoints all across America, the madness of passenger screening continues in plain view. It began with pat-downs and the senseless confiscation of pointy objects. Then came the mandatory shoe removal, followed in the summer of 2006 by the prohibition of liquids and gels. We can only imagine what is next.

....

How we got to this point is an interesting study in reactionary politics, fear-mongering and a disconcerting willingness of the American public to accept almost anything in the name of “security.” Conned and frightened, our nation demands not actual security, but security spectacle. And although a reasonable percentage of passengers, along with most security experts, would concur such theater serves no useful purpose, there has been surprisingly little outrage. In that regard, maybe we’ve gotten exactly the system we deserve.

more....

One thing about being a newcomer to the US is it's very easy to get lost and confused.

Getting around I'm learning to live with the foibles of my GPS but finding local businesses can be an interesting challenge.

Most of the 411 (information) services I've tried either cost money or make me listen to an ad, and I've not been especially impressed.

Then I discovered that Microsoft Research run their own 411 service at 425-727-2321 if you're local or 877-MSFT-411 (877-673-8411). Remember that as a research project it's not always commercial strength but it accesses the power of Live search so it's pretty high quality.

Then recently we acquired TellMe who brought their 411 service with them. Just dial 1-800-555-TELL and say “Business Search”.  You can get a number and map sent to your phone via SMS. They've also got an app that runs on your phone that you can use to query the service - also a free download. 

Also available from Microsoft Research is a service offering real time traffic / gas prices / weather / and stock prices (The first three are currently only available in Washington State) - just dial 877-MSFT-511 (877 673 8511) to check it out (with the caveats about Research projects from above).

And don't forget Windows Live Search for Mobile which gives you business searches, maps and more all in the palm of your hand.

So, a few weeks ago I had to make a mad dash to Toronto to work with the great folks from Thurling Media to show them the parts of Expression Suite they were integrating into their Expression/Silverlight introduction for NAB. It was a pretty insane trip (I spent more time on each flight than I actually spent in Toronto) but we were able to do some great stuff with Expression Design, Blend and Media - and their edit looks great.

This extract from the full video shows mostly the bits I helped out with. If you were at NAB you'll have seen the full thing. Although it all looks real the screens were actually remoted from a different room on site and the mouse and keyboard was actually being driven by me.

I'm looking forward to further opportunities to work with these guys - it's great to spend time with a very talented team who so obviously enjoy their work and produce great quality HD content.

One thing that bugs me using mobile WiFi hotspots is having to go to the providers initial webpage and enter my details before I can use the service.

On the laptop it's a pain (especially if you close it down while you have a cup of coffee and have to log back in again) but when I'm using my K-Jam it's really annoying as you have to fiddle about with the browser, tap in a username and password and hope that their javascript works right on the phone browser ... just to check email.

It's even funnier in Tullys where all you have to do is agree to the terms and conditions, but have to do it before you can proceed (but it's worth it for the Yerba Mate!)

But my frustration is now ended thanks to Devicescape.

All you have to do is set up your profile on their site and download their app to your PC or device (works for me fine on both Vista and my K-Jam) and then when you encounter a defined hotspot as if by magic it does all the login nonsense for you and you're up and running without having to think about it.

I've only been using it for a couple of weeks, but I was in the UK last week and used a hotspot that I'd not defined (annoyingly it was the UK branded T-mobile who don't seem to roam well with their US compatriots) and I found it quite frustrating to reconnect my phone there.

Places that charge by the hour and give you a code you have to enter to enable access (and keep a "ping" window open to confirm connection) are still a nuisance but as the roaming across hotspots improves I'm hoping one day to be able to go anywhere in the world and not have to think about connecting but just enjoy ubiquitous connectivity with services like Devicescape performing magic in the background.

Despite the very public problems some GPS and mapping solutions have I decided to get a GPS for the car recently to help find my way around Seattle and the surrounds. As we had friends come to visit and a little emergency it actually turned out to be a very good idea.

After a month or so of using the device though I think that the "state of the art" is a way off yet, and there are some features that would be really good to see in all units, not just the high end $1000+ monsters.

The maps get out of date. Mine comes with an annual update, that I have to pay for if I want. I'd prefer to pay a monthly subscription fee and know that I'll be getting updates as and when they happen not have roadworks shut down a junction for 6 months but keep having the route try and exit there. The same goes for Places of Interest - it's so out of date I'm directed to drive past two Starbucks to get to the closest one in its database. You'd think that some of the locations in the system would even subsidize the cost to know customers can find them. A Bluetooth connection, a cellphone and a data plan and the updates could trickle in incrementally. A USB connection and a PC and they could be done when you remember. It's not rocket science.

A smarter solution would be to have a live integration with something like Live Local or Live Mobile - current maps, local businesses and current traffic information. Add to that weather info and you've got a solution that understands where I want to go and the current conditions that will affect my drive.

Slow down when it's a good idea like around schools. Having the local speed limits flagged (especially schools, hospitals, elderly care, shopping precincts etc) and reminding you (nothing intrusive, just a little ping) when you're going too fast would be good - especially if you don't know the area and you've got a transition from 55mph to 20mph just around a corner...

Learn from my (your) mistakes. If I keep taking a different route (for instance when a street is actually one way, but not flagged correctly in the database, or a road is closed due to roadworks so I always take a particular detour) assilimiate that information and learn from it. Use my preferred route to over-ride or inform the algorithms.

I don't want it to sing and dance. I've got an iPod I can use in the car with my iTrip. I don't need another music player from a tinny speaker. And I've got Sirius (though I'm still not sold on that idea!). I guess if it's wired into the car (mine is powered off the aux power at the moment) and can use the car speakers it's a better idea, and provides a way to get MP3s into the car.

A better musical accompaniment would be to build dynamic playlists from my collection based on time, route, driver - perhaps a pick'n'mix from locally available data and a service like MSN Radio or Pandora. Of course that's more viable when the data networks move to a more high speed, flat rate model (or WiFi, WiMax and Satellite work out how to work together to provide ubiquitous coverage)

Despite the above list however I'm quite pleased with the Garmin nuvi 350. It's not perfect, but it's a lot better than being hopelessly lost!

If anyone is building the perfect GPS system though, can you include speed limit information (so I've always got a reminder on screen) also the ability to download where I've been onto my PC and show it on Live Maps....

I'd thought about getting a GPS bluetooth device and using it in conjunction with my K-Jam and something like Pharos, CoPilot or Windows Live Search for Mobile but in the end I like a simple, easy to use solution that just works.

It's a little thing, but it bugs me every time it happens. I go somewhere that I have a WiFi account with (eg t-mobile at Borders), power up my laptop or pull out my WiFi enabled cellphone and expect to surf the airwaves...

But no.

Even if all I want to do is sync my Outlook I still have to go into my web browser and fill in some extra credentials on their web form before I'm authenticated on the connection.

At Tullys I can't even complete the form in PocketIE so I can't make use of their WiFi with my phone.

At least on the corporate network I get a prompt from the WiFi connection to enter my username and password (but I wish it remembered them, rather than asked me every time).

Would it be so hard to set these hotspots up so that however it needs to work I can store the relevant credentials in the same way I can store the SSID and my WPA2 password?

WiFi may well becoming more ubiquitous but until I can use it everywhere without worrying about roaming, who I have an account with and what credentials I need to log on (and how to do that for each particular service) it's not going to become an invisible technology.

Heck, I often find myself using the EDGE/GPRS data connection on my phone to sync Outlook because it's quicker and easier (I do have a flat rate data plan luckily)

Anyone got any suggestions, tips or handy tools to make this easier?

Update: Excellent news for Vista users... it appears for the first 90 days after the Jan 30th launch Vista mobile users will have free access to t-mobile hotspots ;)

When the original Origami products appeared in the form of Ultra Mobile PCs (UMPCs) they had a pretty hard story to sell.

Very small tablet devices, cool functionality but on the whole a little underpowered and hard to use.

Time passed and the team has been hard at work improving the Origami UI, enabling it in Vista and improving apps such as IE and the Microsoft Reader as well as the media player and picture viewers so they're much more "fat finger friendly".

Given the advances of the UI and the performance level of the hardware I'm wondering if we're getting to a good commuter device here. I can imagine having a high end PC at work, and laptop or office PC at work and a UMPC. Utilizing a combination of Exchange (corporate or 3rd party) the Groove server and the SyncToy folder synchronization power toy and maybe even Windows Home Server (and a Windows Mobile smartphone) you can grab the appropriate device for the task in hand and get what you need to done, wherever you are.

Okay, so it's probably a little complicated for the average user but it's becoming more real . Of course I'd still like a "real" keyboard on my UMPC for when I'm replying to email of trying to fix up lines of code, a bigger CPU (but better battery life) and an even better version of Reader (in the demo it doesn't use portrait mode which would be more intuitive for reading).

Maybe combine it with SideShow so it can act as a media player and I wouldn't need a Zune, and add a camera and it would make a great VoIP video-phone!