vTap is a standalone application that you simply install on your Shadow and it just works. The service draws from many online video sites. You can scroll through a listing of video results and read the short synopsis for each video. Selecting play will begin downloading the video. Once enough of it is downloaded you can begin playing or it will automatically play once the download is complete.

I have tested this over Wifi and EDGE and it works just fine. There are several settings available such as Audio Only (for those that just want to listen) as well as different video quality levels. One draw back is it automatically switches the input method to ABC. For those that prefer XT9 you have to switch it back in another application by holding down the * key.

Watch the video above and then point Pocket Internet Explorer to http://www.vtap.com to install it.

 Enjoy!

Tim writes in about CNET’s informative video on using your Slingbox on your cellphone. If you own a Slingbox then this is a must see. If you don’t own one then watching the video will only increase your awareness

I have been lucky enough to be included in the closed beta of the new Skyfire Browser. Before I opened the newly installed browser on my windows mobile standard smartphone, I honestly didn’t think it would be as cool as it turns out to be. Watch the video below to learn more:

 EDIT note: This video is also available on YouTube

Austin Whitelaw points us to a preview video put out by the creators of the browser themselves.

 Enjoy!

Awhile back Danny asked about Opera Mini 4. In this video we go over a quick install of the alternative browser Opera Mini 4 and a few features. If you just want to jump right into it, you can get Opera Mini 4 here, download the High Memory Version.

Note: Opera Mini 4 should work right out of the box with default T-Mobile settings. If it doesn’t you might want to review them with customer service.

EDIT 07FEB2008: Updated FlashVideoBundle File 

Dennis asked if there was a way to watch online videos on the T-Mobile Shadow. Windows Mobile doesn’t include the native ability to watch online video however there is a method for enabling a near seamless method of watching video on the T-Mobile Shadow. We’re not talking just Youtube, there is also Google Video, Veoh, Daily Motion and many more. Now you can one up your iPhone friends…again

What you need:

1. TCPMP for Smartphones 0.72RC1 <–Shadow Users     (Pocket PC users need this one)
2. Skunkworks FlashVideoBundle
3. Wifi connection for better viewing

Once you have downloaded and transferred these files to your phone. Install them using file manager. Be sure you install both files to the same place (either Device OR Storage Card), they need to be in the same place to work correctly. Be sure you install the right one for your device.

From the home screen, click the Start button and scroll down the programs list. You will see the ‘TCPMP’ as well as an Internet Explorer icon called ‘Video Sites’, go ahead and select that to get a good list of various sites. Use the ‘Video Sites’ link

***Warning: The default Video Sites file contains links to video sites that contain adult content, to change this simply go to the folder Device > Program Files > TCPMP and delete the folder ’sites’. Next rename the folder ’sites.clean’ to ’sites’***

Note: TCPMP original site has been down for sometime, you can still get other versions of TCPMP here.

Flash Video Bundle was created by zbob and there is a discussion page here.

Marco Arellano shows us how to change the icons in the Neo Interface in this thread.

This is a video of the new icons in action. Pay attention and you can find the different icons.

One of our reader’s informed us of a mistake on a video. In the Unboxing video I had stated that the proprietary input on the T-Mobile Shadow prevented it from being charged by the usual mini USB, this was incorrect which is GREAT news. It turns out that even though the input has the unusual shape it can still acommodate mini USB for charging and syncing.

Which brings up an important point. We are currently working on bringing a Shadow exclusive forum to AllShadow.com so you, the community, can share insights and how-to’s with each other.

In this video we present a quick browsing tip and introduce the beta of Live Search for Windows Mobile that includes Voice recognition. Remember, if there is something you want to know about the Shadow feel free to ask!

If you would like to jump right into the newer Live Search for Windows Mobile just point your Shadow’s browser to m.live.com, select “Download interactive maps”, on the next screen select “Download” and you will be on your way to a better search experience. Don’t miss out on the video for a quick introduction to it’s features.

T-Mobile worked with Microsoft on this new Windows Mobile homescreen interface dubbed ‘Neo’. The results are a friendlier more efficient interface and it is definitely worth checking out. Watch the video for more…

The Shadow is here! This thing is slick. Check out this video for Part One of the unboxing. The T-Mobile Shadow has the new NEO interface that takes Windows Mobile to a whole new level of useability.

Be sure to come back soon for more indepth videos and a look inside the T-Mobile Shadow