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Looks like Resco is finally turning its attention to the aging Photo Viewer app, which while very popular and powerful has become quite dated in terms of UI (see our earlier review).

In their forums (via ppcgeeks) they are showing off their "alpha" version, meaning this is very early in development. Having said that, we gave it a spin on our Treo Pro and, darn it all ... the thing runs very well.

What can you expect? How about it is very fast in terms of the UI and loading photos, the UI is gorgeous and very intuitive. We especially like the easy zoom feature and the much-needed "touch" interaction.

Also, there's:

• G-sensor support
• Touch friendlyness
• The folder shows the preview of the pictures inside it
• 100% zoom in and out using double clicking (zoom the double clicked area)
• Thumbnail and list view and multiselection operations
• Direct access to the camera
• Upload to Facebook, Flickr

Normally we steer you guys clear of betas, let alone alphas, but in this case we're going to have to give a thumbs up as it seems quite stable and harmless (it's about 2mb for the install.).  Take a peek after the break for a few screenshots.

Exe installation file | Cab installation file

Another week, another release of Google Maps for Windows Mobile. [via XDA] And, lookie, they even gave us release notes again. Here's what's new in Version 3.2.1:

• Places of interest: Selectable icons and labels on the map allow you to choose prominent businesses or places of interest in order to see business info, reviews, photos, Wikipedia articles, and a lot of other local information. To select an icon or label, use the 5-way pad or joystick to pan it to the center of the screen or tap it on touchscreen phones. Learn more about these icons and labels already available on maps.google.com.
• Favorite Places (English only): Explore the favorite places of local experts from cities around the world. Find out where they like to go, and why, from their own perspectives. From the Maps main menu, go to 'Layers' > 'More Layers' > 'Favorite places.' You can also see these on your computer by going to http://google.com/favoriteplaces.
• Layers: The "More Layers" list of layers is now organized as a tree of layer categories.

Go get 'er here (desktop) or here (cab).

Well, looky here!  Google did a major update to Google Maps for mobile.  Previous version was v3.0.1.6 and the new one is a spanking v3.2.  Such a leap must mean something new and sure enough, there is Google Layers a hitherto unknown feature from our overlords.

Layers allow you to add extra information to your current view, including Wikipedia entries.  That's right, you can now pull down localized Wikipedia info which appear as iconic "W"s on your screen.  Selecting them will bring up a lil' info bubble on that area.  Other "layers" include traffic, transit and My Maps which are your personal customized maps (done via desktop).  Huzzah!  That's pretty darn cool.

They've also fixed a few bugs, re-enabled copy/paste from various field (thank you), additional search results and...well shoot, they even put all this info in an actual 'Release Notes' file which you can read in gory detail.

Get your download here: http://m.google.com/maps

We've seen the low-end Samsung Code debut on U.S. Cellular, and now it appears slated for Metro PCS, the carrier's first Windows Mobile device.

The specs:

• Full QWERTY keypad
• Jogwheel with 4-way navigation
• Windows Mobile® 6.1 Standard Edition
• 2.0 MP Camera/camcorder with Flash
• Picture Messaging (MMS)
• Bluetooth® 2.0
• Office Mobile:
• CDMA 1XRTT 800/1900 MHZ EVDO Rev 0 Technology
• Flash/RAM: 128 MB
• Removable Memory: Supports up to 32 GB
• Talk Time: up to 6 hours
• Standby Time: up to 12.5 days
• Battery Type: Li Ion - 1480 mAh
• Size: 4.61" (H) x 2.3" (W) x? .54" (D)
• Screen size: 320 x 240px
• Weight:3.6 ounces

Phone News believes the Code should be available sometime next month.

Via wmpoweruser

It hasn't been too much of a secret that we're expecting the Sprint Touch Pro 2 in the early part of September. We've already seen a direct ship date of Sept. 3, and now it looks like that's been pushed to Sept. 8, which could point to an in-store date of Sept. 13, if Sprint follows its MO of Sunday launches. Price is $599.99, before rebate and subsidy, we presume.

After the break, we look at a gem of a leak scored by bigchico68 at SprintUsers.com. (And thanks, aero, for the tip!)

We're still expecting LG to ramp up its Windows Mobile fare in a massive way, and this phone could do so with a running start. The LG "Monaco" — yet another in that long line (see here, here and here) of AT&T leaks from Engadget — is pretty close to that list of supposed Windows Mobile 7 required specs. Here's what's listed:

• Quad-band EDGE, tri-band 3G.
• Windows MObile 7.
• 3.2-inch 480x800 touchscreen (that's a little under the 3.5-inch requirement).
• 1,500 mAh battery (may change).
• Qualcomm QSD8650 snapdragon processor.
• WiFi.
• 5MP camera with autofocus.
• Bluetooth 2.1 +EDR.
• AGPS
• MicroSD.
• And as an accessory, a Pico-projector.

Don't think that September availability date's gonna happen, but this is still a sure sign that good things are ahead from LG.

Whoopsie. It appears Samsung just spilled a few more beans as to the existence of the Omnia II on Verizon.

We'd already seen an inventory sheet from Best Buy showing the phone on the Big V. The Boy Genius Report now says the Aug. 23 date listed there is an in-stock date and not an actual launch date. But BGR also has spied the Omnia II on Samsung's Web site. And at the time of this writing, the site now lists "We apologize but we are currently doing maintenance. Please try back in a few minutes."

"Maintenance," as we all know, is code for "All right. ... Who screwed the pooch?"

So, look for the Omnia II any time now, most likely.

Update: OK, so the peanut gallery, er, folks in the comments are saying this page actually had been up for a few days. And to that we respond thusly.