So when I first used the HTC HD2 (The best Windows Mobile phone out there), I immediately noticed how bad the lock screen was. It wasn’t useful because of it’s lack of notifications which are the most important thing in a lock screen. I had to unlock the phone to find out if I had any new messages. From a personalization point of view, I couldn’t do anything to make it more personal. The way to unlock the device was old and boring unlike the Android and iOS lock screens. So overall, the HD2’s built in lock screen was terrible and not very unique. In fact, it’s not just the HD2’s lock screen that’s bad, all touch screen Windows Mobile devices have terrible lock screens. That’s where Pocket Shield comes in.
Pocket Shield is a $14.99 application for your touch screen Windows Mobile phone, which makes the lock screen a lot more customizable and more “protected”.
So lets start of with the design features. Once Pocket Shield is installed, the lock screen is completely skiable with downloadable skins. These skins are completely free and can be downloaded in the application. Each skin has all the features that Pocket Shield offers. Two of the notable skins include Android and Windows Phone 7.
When using Pocket Shield, there are several ways to unlock your device (this is configurable in the configuration panel. Some of these methods take advantage of some of the sensors in your phone no matter what Windows Mobile phone you have. Some of the ways to unlock the phone include flip to unlock and gesture unlock. One of the notable ways of unlocking your phone is with the built in proximity sensor. For example, if you get a new email when your device is in your pocket, the phone won’t unlock to show you’re the email. As soon as you take the phone out of your pocket, it will unlock. For me, this is the coolest feature of Pocket Shield.
The configuration options are just as good for locking your device and notifications on the lock screen. You can control many settings like how long should it wait before it locks automatically. Unlike the built in lock screen on the HD2, you can also configure the notifications on the Shield Lock screen like if it should show new mail. There are so many customizability options in Pocket Shield, which satisfy even the must fussy customer
The last major feature in Pocket Shield that I am going to cover is the custom phone screen. If your someone that accidently clicks buttons while making phone calls, Pocket Shield has got you covered. There are configuration options for blocking the hardware keys and answering the call by a gesture (moving the device). Just like the locking feature, you can completely customize what happens during a call.
Verdict
Overall, Pocket Shield is a must have app for the HD2, and other Windows Mobile phones. It improves the lock screen and makes it completely customizable with the free skins. It takes full advantage of your device’s sensors which makes it more interactive it’s surroundings. The shield feature stops accidental button presses in your pocket. The settings panel is user friendly and easy to use. Personalizing the Pocket Shield couldn’t be easier and takes 5 minutes at most. The only negative thing I have to say about it is that you can only get it for Windows Mobile currently. It would make a nice Android and possibly iPhone app. The Price is reasonable at $14.99 and because if a sale, you can get it for $9.99 right now on the JDB pocketware website. There is also a free trail if you want to give the app a spin before purchasing.
Pocket Shield by JDB Pocketware gets a 9/10
