[maemo-developers] PIM stuff (was Re: Projects Nokia should support (yours?))

[From: Graham Cobb]

On Friday 24 October 2008 16:46:12 Sarah Newman wrote:
> David Greaves wrote:
> > I propose:
> >  * The GPE suite (especially synchronising)
> >  * Canola (some limitations that become annoying quickly)
>
> GPE seconded FWIW.  I might be able to help with finger-friendliness and
> maybe location-based task reminders (as I have the time, no kidding this
> is short for many of us.)

I didn't suggest GPE because I had the impression that Nokia may have plans to 
solve the PIM problem in some different way (some other app?) in about the 
Freemantle timeframe.  Not sure where I got that impression from -- probably 
something someone said at the Summit.  But quite likely not even true!

I would be very happy if Nokia did want to support GPE (for example, rewriting 
the GPE contacts database to share the database with the built-in contacts 
app or sending/receiving contacts/events to/from phones over bluetooth).

If Nokia did not want to support GPE itself, I would suggest considering 
Opensync as a way to improve integration with Nokia (and other manufacturers) 
mobile phones.  The previous version of Opensync runs on Maemo -- I have not 
had time to get the current version running but it isn't far away.  Opensync 
itself is running way behind schedule (the new version is a complete rewrite 
and is not yet fully usable).  But the tablet really needs a user friendly 
graphical UI to control opensync: with that I think there are some 
interesting things that could be done with Opensync on the tablet.  Some 
examples:

o Automatic or semi-automatic synchronisation when specific bluetooth devices 
(phones, or PCs) are nearby.  

o Sync over USB (particularly with Outlook).

o Use of avahi to allow tablets (and PCs) on a local WLAN to find each other 
and sync (with appropriate security of course).

o Extending Opensync to non-PIM objects such as photos.

I see the tablet being a useful "central point" for syncing various devices 
(take the tablet to work and sync with your work PC, take it home and sync 
with your home PC and your partner's PDA, sync with your phone, take it to 
your friend's house and sync football matches with him, etc.).

Actually I really see that as part of a more general better "Phone 
Integration".  For example, it is ridiculous that the tablet can't send and 
receive SMS and MMS through a paired phone.

Graham