Sat 12 Aug 2006
Accessing Files and Applications on PC from S60 Phones
Posted by Antony Pranata under PC ConnectivityCan we access files stored on our PC’s somewhere from our S60 phones? Yes, absolutely. There are already some solutions available out there, but this time I will discuss the free one, i.e. SoonR.com. Thanks to Yasugi Hidenobu from Osaka, Japan who has pointed out this nice service.
One feature that I like from SoonR is that no additional software needed on our S60 phones. The built-in web browser, such as S60 OSS Browser, will do. Furthermore, SoonR allows us accessing some other applications too, such as Microsoft Outlook and Skype.
How does SoonR work? It works by installing an agent on your PC, called SoonR Desktop Agent. The agent will then share your files to your phone’s browser via SSL connection (128 bit SSL to be exact). It works the same way to access applications, such as Outlook and Skype. Your phone acts as remote control to the applications via SSL connection.
OK. Let’s start experiencing SoonR.
- Download and install SoonR Desktop Agent from SoonR web site. Follow the instructions to register a new account too.
- After installing SoonR Desktop Agent, you should be able to see it on the Windows task bar.
- Open the agent to configure which files you want to share. You can do it by right clicking SoonR icon in Windows task bar and selecting Open menu. Click Folders button to select which folders to share.
- Now, we are ready to access the files from our mobile phone. Open the web browser on your S60 phone and go to http://www.soonr.com/. Enter your user name and password in the login screen.
- After login, you will see your shared files and applications. Now you are ready to go…
- You can access your remote files, such as accessing photos or videos.
- You can also access your Inbox, Calendar and Contacts on your Microsoft Outlook.
Note: Unfortunately, I haven’t managed to make phone call via Skype. SoonR is able to call the phone, but I couldn’t hear anything. Well, it is still in beta phase, so this might be one features that is not really working yet.
Update (16-Aug-2006): I have managed to make a phone call via Skype. The problem last was that I used a phone without SIM card. IMHO, calling via Skype is one of the coolest features of SoonR.
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August 16th, 2006 at 3:52 am
Does this mean that the SoonR is able to access your PC? Since you access your computer through their wap/web interface? Or a hacker that hacks their service, can access your PC?
August 16th, 2006 at 8:14 am
@Andy: Note that before you login, it asks for user name and password. There is another option at SoonR that add another “password” for better protection. However, if the hackers can get those passwords, then yes, they have access to your PC. So, keep your password carefully.
August 16th, 2006 at 6:56 pm
Gents, thanks for posting a little bit about SoonR on your BLOG. SoonR is as secure as any banking website that you goto. If a hacker gets a hold of your login credentials, then they can log in as you and get access. This is why it’s important to keep your login to yourself. This is also true of any website with a login.
With that said, SoonR has worked hard to be sure that the connection from your phone to our service and your PC is encrypted and secured. Everything on our servers are virus checked, etc. before anything is sent out. Our servers are physically secured via multiple levels and no user data is stored alongside content data. We understand security is a big deal and we work hard to make it safe.
Also, I am wondering about your issues with Skype support. We have several thousands of people using that feature, so we know it works. It has even been endorsed by folks at eBay (owners of Skype). Head on over to our forum and look in the help area for the Skype feature. There are a variety of things you can try to remedy the problem you’ve seen.
Once again, thanks for trying and writing about SoonR!
Song
(One of the SoonR guys)
August 16th, 2006 at 8:49 pm
@Song: Thanks for the clarification. That’s also good news for corporate who want to use SoonR for their business.
About Skype, I am not sure what’s going on. I have tried several times to make a phone call. The connection is established, but there is no sound. I will try it again later and let you know what’s the result.
August 16th, 2006 at 9:47 pm
@Andy: Just another update. Now I can connect my phone to Skype. The problem was that I use a phone wihout SIM card. I was using WiFi only. It seems SoonR will still need normal GSM network. It’s my fault.
August 18th, 2006 at 10:02 am
This is excellent… I just have one question regarding the Skype part. Do you have to be connected on the pc already in order to access if via your mobile browser? That was the one thing that I didn’t like about EQO.
August 18th, 2006 at 11:28 am
@Darla: Unfortunately it uses the same approach as EQO. Your Skype on your PC has to be always online. Otherwise, you won’t be able to make a phone call via Skype.
August 19th, 2006 at 9:56 am
really great one Antony ..
but what about the optimum connection speed required for Soonr ?
August 19th, 2006 at 9:59 am
@varun: Normal GPRS connection should be okay. However, I usually use WiFi because it is much faster.
August 21st, 2006 at 5:16 pm
I wanted to address the question of speed of the data connection. Although we will take advantage of a fast connection, SoonR has been tested and works well on even 2G type phones.
I should also clarify that the Skype support uses a hybrid of connections. To begin the call, you use a data connection to your PC to initiate the process. The actual call back to your mobile phone is via SkypeOut, so the data connection speed does not matter at that point.
Also, unlike many other Skype compatible offerings, SoonR does NOT require a dedicated client to be installed on the phone. This opens up the Skype functionality (and a lot more) to many more phones. Remember with SoonR that there is no software installed on the phone. If you can access the web with your phone, the odds are very good you can use SoonR.
August 21st, 2006 at 8:40 pm
@Song: Thanks for the clarification.
September 3rd, 2006 at 8:15 pm
[…] Accessing Files and Applications on PC from S60 Phones […]
September 8th, 2007 at 2:55 am
This is perfect for me because I have alot of pics of the kids that I don\’t keep stored on my phone.