HTML email is, perhaps, the most visible and welcome, of the new features. It renders even complex HTML emails speedily and improved zooming options making it easy to get around even complex HTML emails. S60's default Messaging application does not support HTML emails, an Achilles heel which was not fixed even for the email centric Nokia E71.
The HTML email feature uses the WebKit engine from S60's built in Browser which gives its excellent all round performance. However due to platform constraints (availability of the framework / APIs) this does mean that the feature is only available on FP1 (S60 3.1) and above devices.
Usability improvements include better connection handling, easier set up (first use wizard), and keyboard shortcuts. There's also enhanced support for some Exchange 2007 only features (see this chart for more information).
RoadSync version 4 now supports Tasks and Contacts photo synchronisation. The connection settings have also been
reconfigured to allow you to change access point more easily. This include full support for WiFi based access
points (great for when you're in the office and want to use a faster connection).
RoadSync has advanced features that take advantages of new functions in Exchange 2007 such as 'search on server'
and 'follow-up' flags. There's also improved sub-folder support, another must have feature for many Exchange users.
RoadSync now supports full HTML email, a first for the S60 platform, and has much improved zoom
options, including short cut keys, which make it easy to see even more complex HTML emails.
RoadSync competes with Nokia's free Mail for Exchange Software. RoadSync already has a number of advantages over Nokia options (better support for Exchange 2007, support for sub folders) and the new version means there's an even greater gap. If you're a frequent user of Exchange on a mobile device then RoadSync is going to be the best option for you. It is well worth the one-off charge that you pay to get a license.
RoadSync 4 is available from the DataViz website where you can also download a 30 day trial. Single users licenses cost $49.99 with volume discounts also available. Users of earlier versions can upgrade to the new version for $29.99 (available direct from RoadSync only).
We'll be reviewing the new version of RoadSync more fully in due course.
Here's an extract from the press release:
This version is the first Exchange ActiveSync solution to richly display HTML1 formatted e-mails on all S60 3rd Edition Feature Pack 1 and Feature Pack 2 mobile devices based on Symbian OS™, the market-leading open operating system for mobile phones. In addition to HTML e-mail, new features include tasks and contact photo synchronization, pop-up notifications for new e-mails and keypad shortcuts for the most common messaging functions.
RoadSync 4.0 not only adds significant new functionality, it increases usability by improving its existing support for mailbox subfolders, font zooming, installation set-up and internet access point handling. DataViz is the first independent software vendor to license the Exchange ActiveSync protocol directly from Microsoft; RoadSync uses this technology to provide secure, wireless and direct push synchronization of e-mail, calendar, contacts, tasks and attachments with Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 and 2007 on non Microsoft devices.