Tuesday, May 13, 2008

MochaFTP - Another Windows Mobile "GOTTA HAVE IT" App!

Or, how to drag and drop files to your Windows Mobile phone without wires!

Every now and then, an application will catch my eye that is so unique and useful that I just have to write about it.
Unlike some other apps I've spoken about in this blog, MochaFTP is not new software. In fact, I'm always surprised when people haven't heard about it since it dates back to at least the days of Windows Mobile 2003, and perhaps even the Pocket PC days of yore.

But aren't there already plenty of FTP clients on Windows Mobile?

Yes, but MochaFTP isn't a client.

Its a SERVER.

This little program will create an FTP server out of your handset that will allow any computer with an internet connection to send and receive to.

The interface is very simple. Run the application, and it will display a status screen with your current IP address, data meters, and details of the current activity.
(See screenshot to the right)

By default, anonymous login is enabled. You can set permissions and additional Usernames/Passwords by poking around in the File menu.


Once you've given yourself a Username and Password for Read/Write access, go over to any computer and enter the IP address of your handset into any FTP client, or even Windows Explorer if you don't have an FTP client that you prefer (remember, the syntax is ftp://username:password@yourIPaddress if using explorer).

(The Pic above may have been squeezed to fit into the layout space. On a Windows PC, you can right click and select "view image" to see the original)

You can then browse your entire directory structure remotely, and drag/drop files as you please.

So is this similar to USB Mass Storage device applications such as Card Export or Wm5torage?

Actually, it has quite a few advantages over the USB Mass Storage apps.
For starters, those apps usually only give you the Storage Card, whereas this gives you the entire directory structure, internal memory, Extended Rom, etc.
Also, obviously you don't need to physically attach a cable to connect to a PC since its all over the air using your data connection.
It will, however, be somewhat slower than using USB, and this will become more noticeable if transferring large files on slow data networks and/or if your device supports USB 2.0. However, for smaller files such as pics and documents, this is a fantastic solution.

Is it Expensive?
Actually, its free.
It used to be commercial software, but the author has declared it freeware, and provides the registration code on his website.

What are you waiting for? Go get it!
http://www.mochasoft.dk/freeware/ftpd.htm