Wireless Access on Oregon Train

Fifteen years in the making.  That's according to what Daily Wireless said about Wi-Fi access on Oregon's comuter line that went online on Friday.

 

Along a 27 mile route, I can see lots of folks making use of this service.  Personally, I'm not too thrilled about this since I get car-bus-train sickness very easily (I'm fine if I'm the driver).  But I think this is the right step forward.

I'm hoping that stations will also be outfitted with wireless Internet service in the next step.  I mean it's not likely folks will just go to intermediate stops just to go P2P crazy.  And it would be a natural progression in providing commuters service.

Furthermore, it can help promote public transportation.  Obviously, the Oregon route provides free Wi-Fi to all riders.  But at stations, Wi-Fi access can be provided for a small charge to monthly ticket holders.  For mobile folks who don't ride the trains as much, they can buy Wi-Fi creds for an additional free (say $) for5 the day.  

As you read further, you see how much Wi-Fi access is being charged.  The BART seems to be the most ambitious project for public transit but the charges could hinder adoption of the system.  $300 a year.  It reminds me of T-Mobile's hotspot charges.   These days, it's practically free with some services.  Plus, in this economic condition, I'm not sure a lot of Bay Area folks will be eager to shell out a monthly $30 fee for Internet access for a small part of their day.  Plus, it stands to reason that a lot of folks will already have Internet access through their mobile devices. 

Charges aside, let's hope we'll see more wireless Internet access in public venues.  If anyone know of a site that provides lists of wireless Internet in different cities and train stations, let me know.  I think a lot of folks will be interested in knowing if their cities offer Wi-Fi access.  

Source:  Daily Wireless

Mobile Update

It's been a while since we've done mobile update on gadgets and wireless and mobile issues.

We're back on at Mobile Digerati. We're also working on different sections for the new web site that will help mobile warriors keep track of the latest on wireless political and technical developments.

But we'll continue to provide updates at Onxo, On Apple, and On Android here so that we don't lose track of our readers.

As always, any suggestions, criticisms, and whatever else I might forget to say is greatly appreciated. It's always fun sharing our thoughts with everyone.

We don't write up a lot of information on Windows Mobile and Palm. Not for a lack of trying but we have a couple of sites that we recommend readers turn to for those updates:

• Palminfocenter
• WM Poweruser

Wireless Services Not To Be Impacted By Economic Troubles

A while back, a survey of Americans and Candians suggested that wireless services would be one of the last things to go when choosing what they are willing to sacrifice.

Only home Internet services and movie rents ranked higher than wireless services. Do you find that surprising? Not at all. Our society is simply adapting to new technologies and taking advantage of the freedom affording in not having to be tethered to a landline or Wi-Fi access point.

Macsimum News relayed a report from Strategy Analytics that wireless growth will gain at a rate of 3.9% in 2009, albeit down from 7.5% in 2008.

For wireless providers to entice subscribers into keep or signing up services, SA suggested wireless providers must simple give mobile users more bang for their buck. A few things come to mind without forcing providers into revamping their business model: better network coverage and increase data speed.

Both ATT and Verizon report their healthy growth in wireless data revenue. In 2009, this trend is likely to continue and it makes sense for the wireless providers to continue to invest in this area and provide additional incentives than what they already have.

I'm sure these guys know mobile users are more likely to give up their landlines and premium televisions before they part with their iPhones or Blackberries. But it doesn't meant that when the contract is up, they won't look else where for better deals.

In fact, sweetening the deal can only go so far. I would go further and try to see if I can lock up users when their contracts are nearly up before they're up and they can start looking else where for deals.

Via Macsimum News

Busy Mobile 2009

A lot of tech companies have done well in the last few  years.  Some have done better than others.  That is without a doubt.  So, it's safe for us at Onxo to say that we won't see the kind of wholesale failures that this credit market has inflicted on the banks and investment firms.

So, Samsung, Acer, Dell, HP, RIM, and Apple will likely be keeping mobile warriors happy with new softwares and gears through this economic downturn.  I truly envy those with disposal capital to spend on these cool toys.

First up will be GSMA in Barcelona.  Yes, my fellow American mobile warriors.  Not everything revolves around the US I'm afraid.

A lot of mobile gears will make their debut between Feb 16-19.  Heck, even Acer is getting in on the action after they took the pole position with netbook sales.  A quick glance at the exhibitor list has HP, Sony, RIM, and Samsung at the show.  From the list, it looks to be a busy event.

It's no Davos but I think Barcelona is where mobile folks wants to be.  Who cares if Clinton, Putin, or the diminishing bankers aren't here.

Then what?  Looking at production cycles of the past, we may see RIM refresh some of their smartphone lines.  I doubt we'll see a new version of Bold or Storm in the first quarter.  I would say second quarter is possible but third quarter more likely.

For Google's Android, we're suppose to get an update, Cupcake, any time now.  A hardware update is direly needed.  Seriously, compared to the sleekness of the iPhone, Bold, and Pre, the G1 leaves a lot to be desired.

Besides, HTC, others are also working on their own Android phones.  Samsung and Motorola.  Samsung is doing well and Motorola is looking at an Android phone, a Pre of their own, to save what's left of their mobile device operation.

And speaking of Pre, this is going to be interesting.  Palm didn't give up a date.  I wouldn't even call "some time in the first half of 2009" a range.  Are you kidding me?  Your whole future rides this and you can tell your fans and investors when it'll come out?  Regardless, the Pre has me excited and I'm hoping for a T-Mobile version in the second half of 2009.  I'm not switching to Sprint just to use it.

Okay, you probably think I'm going right into Apple and the iPhone.  Not yet.  I'm wondering what Nokia is up to.  Lots of folks believe Apple will take the crown for smartphones (I still don't think of the iPhone as just a smartphone) but Nokia has been in this business for a long time.  They've seen what RIM did with Storm and how Android hasn't quite set the mobile world on fire.  Sight still on the iPhone.  N97 is pretty cool but much as with the rest of the industy, it looks more like a "me too" rather than anything revolutionary.  However, I'll take that over the G1 any day.

Now, Apple.  No idea or clue.  We'll see the iPod Touch refreshed in the fall just in time for what's likely to be another dismal Holidays Season.  More memory - definitely.  Other features are likely but with voice just added with 2nd gen iPod Touch, we might see more softwares that utilize it.  The headset could be upgraded to one with voice capability like the one they're selling now.

iPhone.  Money's on June/July time frame.  There's no hurry right now for Apple to rush anything out.  Personally, I'll settle for longer battery life with 3G use and more memory.  I kind of like the first iPhone look. These plastic white and black cases doesn't do it for me.  Expect Apple to make it thinner if they can.  I think most of the improvements will happen on the software front rather than hardware.  Love to see more Jetson features but given the battery life as it is, it's not gonna happen.  Rumors will carry us through boring days but don't get too excited, okay?

Now, netbooks, UMPC, and tablets.  I probably wouldn't have used one (given how poor I am) but I was majorly upset when Nokia ended their N810 WiMax edition.  Dude, what's up with that?  Ever heard of perseverance, Nokia?

We're likely going to see a new tablet from Nokia in 2009.  It really hasn't done much with it nor has Nokia promote the heck out of it either.  It stands to reason that if they spend even a quarter of the effort they spend on the handsets, the N820 or whatever they decide to number it will really be one heck of a device.  Add E-ink tech in there and it'll really blow the Kindle out of the water.

This goes the same for the iPhone platform.  Already e-reading is very popular on the iPhone and iPod Touch.  I spend a great portion of my time on these Apple devices reading.  Of course, I love to a bigger screen just for that.  I can really use a tablet based on the iPhone platform but that's wishful thinking.  We'll see Apple tablet rumors another three to four times in 2009 but I doubt we'll actually see the device.  Nokia and Archos can really take this opportunity to rule this segment of the market.

And guys, innovate.  Don't think just because Apple doesn't have a tablet means you can sit pretty.  They're perfecting another "insanely great" revolution here.

And how about Android on a netbook or UMPC?  Well, that's difficult to say.  I'm sure Google and Android partners has locked up some top engineers and won't let them see the light of day until they crank out something really cool.  Okay, forget the cool part.  Just Android on a netbook or tablet.

It'll be a busy year as device makers try to grab an increasing mobile market that is expanding beyond simple handsets and smartphones.

So, how about mobile gaming?  DSi for America in April.  That's so lame.

Briefly about Apple gaming.  I honestly don't know if anyone is afraid of the iPhone or iPod Touch in gaming but I'm sure Nintendo and Sony are looking at the multi-touch potential really hard.  And given the diminishing pricing on in the app store, I think tier one developers aren't crazy about bring over their franchise games to Apple's mobile platform.  There are a few.  Konami has a few coming and EA with Spores.  But we'll have to see how these folks make out with volume instead.  Love to see a great Madden or Tiger Woods though.

Back to DSi.  With it's older DS sibling, it's outselling PSP in Japan...and pretty much everywhere else.  Sony needs PSP2.  Again, Onxo will not traffic rumors but we've heard a lot of PSP2 chatter lately.  It means nothing without Sony confirming it.

PSP 3000 came out in August of 2008 (wiki), so if PSP2 comes out this summer or the fall, that would really be something to watch.  Take that, iPod Touch!

Okay, but the thing to watch for mobile gaming is Nintendo and Sony's app stores.  Those we'll see in 2009.

And speaking of app stores, just about every mobile platform from Windows Mobile to Nokia to RIM will have one this year.

Like I said, 2009 will be quite busy.  Mobile warriors, rejoice!

Link:  Mobile World Congress

Zune - Where To?

Microsoft is looking forward to Zune hardware updates for 2009.  Didn't exactly say when in 2009 but we have their word on that.  Of course, this is today and we've got eleven more months in 2009 left and a lot can change.  After all, back in December, we had all assumed Zune was going to take a chunk of Apple's iPod marketshare.

Where to now for Zune?  $100 Million less than Redmond was expecting.  No major hardware update last year.  Could Microsoft be thinking to fold despite public statements to the contrary?

There is a lot of different directions Microsoft can take this that any speculation from wild rumors on blogs to Wall Street analysts is just as valid.  In fact, I'm likely to believe blogs than Wall Street dumb-dumbs these days. Regardless, I hope Zune doesn't go away.

I was reading a Zune-centric blog and I misread the title.  I had taken Windows 7 for Windows Mobile 7.  Guess where I like to see Zune features show up?

Verizon: LTE Going Forward As Scheduled

Looks like Apple isn't the only one innovating, or in Verizon's case, simply sitting on their butt.  LTE deployment will go ahead as scheduled.

When?  2010 according to SAI.  Let's this is what it'll take to get Sprint's WiMax and whatever else T-Mobile has planned rolling.  It's good to have cash, growth, and vicious competitors to get the old heart pumping.

First half of 2010 is when LTE will go online.  Note that ATT is sharing a network with Verizon on this.

Note:  LTE isn't the only thing we can look forward to in 2010.  2009 just started.  We're waiting to see what WiMax which has a 18 month lead on LTE, faster 3G, and possible white spaces to keep us busy through 2009.  Wouldn't you like your Android, iPhone, or Pre to be running at insanely fast speed wirelessly?

Another note:  Here's hoping we get some stimulus love from the Obama Administration for these roll outs.  This is another form of investment in the future.  It's no interstate highway but it's what'll keep the US competitive for the next decade.

 Via  Silicon Alley

Mobile Tip: Skype-To-Go (With T-Mobile's MyFaves)

What does T-Mobile's MyFaves have anything to do with Skype you ask? A lot if you put the two together.

MyFaves is available on some of T-Mobile's services that allows subscribers to enter up to five numbers in the US that they can call day and night for as long as they want without using up minutes in their plan. Cool eh? No so if you're Miami Heat's Wade.

So five numbers. All you can eat. Or talk in this case. How do you extend that? You merge it with Skype. Skype is offering a $2.95 a month that allows unlimited calls to the United States and Canada. In addition, you also get a voicemail for your Skype ID. But you're saying "hey, but I'm tethered to a PC or laptop. Nothing new here".

Not impressed. Here's the game changer: Skype To Go.

As a part of your Skype subscription, you are assigned a special telephone number. You can pick one that's local to you. From there, you can call anyone and the call goes through via Skype. You are only charged the minutes of your mobile service. The skype call is free.

No longer tethered to a desk. But here's with T-Mobile's MyFaves come in (I think you're getting this right about now). You add your Skype access number as one of your MyFaves number.

Now, you've got Mom, Grandma, hottie number one, hottie number two, and Skype number. Five numbers.

More than that, it makes the number of people you can call for free from five to virtually unlimited.

I had to call some folks overseas yesterday and I was running out of Skype credits. So, I finally decided to give Skype's unlimited international call plan a try. I signed up for the cheaper 3-month plan (I think I saved $3 over the month-to-month plan of USD 9.95). I added my Skype-To-G0 number to MyFaves and I did the same for my mom (we have a family plan with T-Mobile).

Yesterday, we made about three hours of mostly international calls. I got charged zero dollars and cents.

We're currently testing this out with our work phones. Especially for businesses that accrue thousands of dollars a month like ours (we make tons of international calls), $9.95 a month for one line is a bargain. We might end up getting two or three Skype lines to see how it works out.

We'll be back in a week and month on this subject to update you on how it goes.

Note: Only one person can make a call at once via Skype. So, if my mom is using the Skype-to-go number or the Skype program (available for multiple OSes), I won't be able to use it.

Another Note: I can't wait until Truphone or real Skype becomes available on the G1 and iPhone. I can seriously do a lot of damage here.

Last note: Even if have wireless subscription other than MyFaves or T-Mobile, being able to call Mexico unlimited ($5.95 a month) or internationally ($9.95 a month) and save tens, hundreds, or thousands of dollars is worth it. I think assigning a local landline works as well.

Apple Won't Sue Palm

A development, if you call it that, during Apple's Q1 2009 financial call gave bloggers a lot of material to write.  I'm not talking about the blow-out quarter, the numbers of iPhone, iPods, and Macs sold.  

It's that Apple will defend its patents.  Worth writing about?  I guess so since I'm weighing in.  So, here's my take.  Apple will not sue Palm.  Not likely.  But the Internet media will take this and run with it.  In fact, the facts are facts and here are the facts.

• All individuals or businesses that own patents will defend it.  Nothing news worthy there, right?
• Tim Cook, Apple's interim CEO, was asked a dumb question by an "analyst", about Palm's Pre and its multi-touch features and competition for the iPhone.  Cook declined to take the bait but did assert that Apple will defend all of its patents.  See above.  
• Bloggers cheer.

I've gone through the few articles I can find on this issue posted so far but I was interested in reader comments.  I find them to be more intelligent than the posts at times. 

After filtering through the mudslinging, many posters have noted that Palm has worked with touch for years and has a large arsenal of patents itself.  So, Palm could potentially have something in there somewhere that allows for its own multi-touch implementation. 

In fact, it's also likely Palm may have developed its own multi-touch technology.  A more likely scenario I think.  I don't think Palm is stupid enough to knowingly violate Apple's patents.  Talk about suicide.  If that were the case, I believe its shareholders would have the right to sue Palm for stupidity.  

So, no Apple-Palm lawsuit coming.  Not likely.

If any mobile warrior out there has the technical background in this matter and can shed some light, love to hear from you.  What'll likely happen in six months or so when the Pre finally is out on the market, we'll see more competition, more innovation from Apple and others, and users win.

Mobile Lessons Today

I'm not at work. Nor am I at home watching the Presidential Inauguration. I'm in a jury pool performing my civic duty as a citizen (we just heard about a 90-day case).

I decided to leave my Macbook at home in favor of my XO (OLPC laptop) that I got in 2007's G1G1 program.  What did I learn about mobility, power management, wireless Internet, and true computing on the go?

• Battery power, despite my best effort at power conservation (dimming, turning off features I don't need) is great but it doesn't lengthen time as much as I hope. 
  
• Battery technology needs more advances such as those Apple will be employing in their new 17" Macbook Pro.  If not the battery chemistry, creativities and innovations in battery deployment is needed.
• 3G  isn't necessary unless you absolutely have to have fast mobile Internet because it'll hinder your mobility if you are away from a power source and will have to rely on it.
• EDGE is good enough for audio streaming.  After my iPod Touch ran me through what I needed to see via the new Ustream app,which worked beautifully, I wanted to give it a rest I can conserve what battery life's left for music and games in the afternoon.  So, I turnedto my G1 for updates and analysis on the Obama Inaugural Speech.
• As good as the iPod Touch and iPhone's battery are under Wi-Fi access, tax it with video streaming and you can forget about the 6 hours of battery life Apple indicated.  I had hoped to write stories and blogs, listen to music, and play games for much of the day.  I've likely got only 30% of battery life left.
  
• A laptop is a good source of power in an emergency if you have to charge your devices.  I've mentioned this in the past but I'm saying it again here.  Right now, there are tons of Macbooks and other laptops in the jury room and not an outlet available. I don't know how long I'll be here and I don't want wires dangling so I decided to charge the G1 a bit.  
• For writing or blogging, just about any device will work.  The XO, which I updated the OS last night, is handling Web 2.0 stuff quite well.  I post to a novel site with my amuteurish gibberish quite aquately on the iPod and G1 but the XO with its full-featured browser beats both.  Particulary, the ability to add links, edit styles (like bullets), and more easily to switch between windows and tabs.
  

At the end of the day, I still rather have what I've had access to than not. The building offer Wi-Fi access and for that alone, I really appreciate it.  In fact, I was impressed the network's ability to take  the load without a hiccup with just about everyone who has a laptop streaming video for their fellow jurors.  

Note:  I like numbers and statistics.  In the jury room, I see folks from alll walks of life.  Lots of mobile warriors.  I'm seeing a lot of iPhones, a few Blackberries, and my one G1.  Most others still use regular phones.  A third of us has some kind of mobile device(s).  Those who's got it out are either texting or playing games.

Quite a few laptops as I've mentioned above.  It's funny. All the Macbooks seem to congregate in one area and the rest of the laptops everywhere else.  I think about 5% of us have a mobile computer.  I've got the only XO.

Netbooks Hot, Revenues Not

Can anyone really not see this coming?

Even as mobile warriors snatched up netbooks by the millions because of their mobiliyt, ease of use, light weight, and, in some models, speed.  

However, there is an impact as a result of this.  Lower revenues.  But more than that, it really speaks the weakness of the sector as PC growth grew a mere 1% while revenue dropped 20%.

Liluputing's blog has an interesting note.  Even while netbook sales skyrocketed, I have always thought some folks bought them because as a secondary computer, again for it's mobile qualities.  But we'll know in 2009 if the netbook invasion will continue as economic conditions have curtailed consumer spending worldwide.

It's my belief that the industry is in trouble if mobile users decide netbooks and low-cost computers are the way to go.  For years now, we have been devoid of innovation and this lack of compelling reasons for consumers to upgrade.

This can turn into a vicious cycle for the computer firms that are relying on netbooks to prop up their sales. With shrinking revenues and profit margin combined with a lack of vision and innovation, we can be looking a downward spiral not unlike what we've seen with the television industry in the 80s.  

Note:  There's a reason why Sony come out with the Viao P.  And I applaud their decision to come at the netbook segment in a different way.  Now, I like good inexpensive tech as the next guy.  I love my MacWind.  But Sony will insulate itself from a shrinking revenue pie.  

Impact on mobile users:  I think netbooks will only get cheaper and cheaper.  I'm talking about XO cheap.  The magic number for netbooks is going to be $200.  There's a chance we'll reach in 2009 particular if the economy worsens and these PC guys start eating their young.

Source:  Litiputing

Microsft Jobs Cut - Maybe

This I'm a bit concerned about.  CNBC is reporting on Microsoft cutting jobs due to the recession.  For a while, it's been rumors.  

However, CNBC did specify that Redmond may find another way to cut costs without laying off workers.  

As a mobile user and looking forward to the next generation of mobile platform and gadgets from Microsoft, I really hope any new development on the mobile front isn't curtailed or benched.

Already Windows Mobile 7 has been pushed back nearly a year and still no sign of the WM 6.5.  Now, we know Balmer has indicated to us not to expect a Zune-phone, I wonder if not job cuts, what can Microsoft afford to cut?  And can Microsoft afford to commit less than 100% of their efforts to fight off their competitors?

If anything, it would be good for Microsoft to say to the shareholders "hey, things are tough.  But we'll get through it.  Cutting back and laying off folks just isn't the answer.  We've got bucks in the bank and we're still building lots of cash.  We'll continue to invest in the future.  Your patience will be rewarded once the global economy gets back on the right footing".

I seem to recall another company making such a declaration in their fourth quarter financial call and it seemed to have gone well with the analysts.  And they too have a lot of cash.  And they too have indicated they were going to innovate their way out of the downturn.

Source:  CNBC

OS X Without the Mac

Traditionally, with we talk about Apple's Mac with the OS, we refer to it as "Mac OS X".

Now, Appleinsider has revealed that Apple has decided to trademark the "OS X" with the "Mac".  As explained, it's likely because Apple's OS exists in multiple devices that are not Macs:  iPhone, iPod Touch, and Apple TV.

Not to mention on a myriad of non-sanctioned devices like my MacWind.  So here's where I think this is interesting.  Just OS X.  

What I'm about to say is mere speculation on my part (I have no sources, this is not a rumor, but just my educationed musing) but consistent with Apple traditon of taking unassuming steps that are laid out on a road map that eventually somewhere.   Can this be the towards possibly licensing OS X for use outside of Mac computers?

Here's why based on Apple's past actions.

• PowerPC to Intel transition - no one thought that was possible.  Blood enemies and all.  Things change.  Time change.
• Apple has AMD chips running OS X in Cupertino.  We have to be very naive to think otherwise.  Cell chips?  You bet.  
• No disk drive.  Now, no user changeable batteries on some Macbooks.  Already, that exists in the iPod and iPhone lines.  And let's not forget no firewire on the unibody Macbooks.  Apple is very sneaky at adopting new technology as they are at dropping older ones.
• USB - Apple wasn't the first to use it but it was certainly the one that introduced the public to it with the original iMac.
• iPod Touch with recoding abilities.  Right.  VOIP is more like it.  iChat Voice or Video years down the line?  Definitely.
• Some experience now with certifying apps - may translate that experience into hardware certifications.

Those are behaviors that Apple has exhibited in the past that had me wondering about this trademark change and potential of OS X licensing.  Nothing in those behaviors sugget OS X on Viaos or Inspirons.  Nor should we just take Apple's word if Apple executives, Cook or Schiller, offers Apple's explanation for this change in trademark.  

Apple likes to surprise people so don't be surprised if OS X licensing is in the cards.  Apple will still make Macs.  And as far as licensing, I'm sure Jobs and Co. has made sure Apple always come out on top - in technical and financial terms.

If this happens, it'll be soon.  Windows 7 is coming soon.  Based on personal judgment and what I'm reading in the press, Redmond may have a remedy for it OS woes. The public is still fuming over Vista and corporations are sticking with XP.  If Apple wanted to take OS marketshare, this is the time.

Source:  Appleinsider

Note:  I know the other side of the argument:  Steve Jobs will never let this happen.  I'm almost with you on this one.  Jobs has never public said he regretted not licensing the Mac OS in the 80s but he has publicly said he marvelled at Microsoft's ability to make deals.  Maybe Jobs, health willing, will try to make a few of his own now.

Steve Jobs Leave of Absence Till June

This just in.  

Steve Jobs of Apple Inc will take a leave of absence citing distraction his health situation has created.  In the letter, Jobs indicated his health situation was more "complex" than initially thought.  

Tim Cook will take over day-to-day duties.

Source:  Yahoo News (AP)

Note:  After Jobs initial explanation a couple of weeks ago, many doctors were quoted in the media wondering if Jobs' cancer had returned.  Then, a hormonal issue as stated by Jobs was easily remedied. 

Wish you the best, Steve.  See you in June!

What To Expect From Apple In First Half of 2009

We didn't see a new tablet from Apple.  Heck, we didn't really see anything new at all from Macworld.

However, updates and new products from Apple is certain in 2009.  I've provided an update on what we can expect from Apple for 2009.

And as always, I look forward to what you have to say.

Link:  On Apple

Apple To Set Next Mobile Standards

First let me say I'm a fan of all things mobile - gadgets, life, technology, and so forth. I'm well-read but no expert (my expertises lie elsewhere).

However, it is logical to assume that if you're the leader in any particular industry or market, you are likely to be able to set standards for the rest to follow, whether they like it or not. Apple is certainly in this unique position to do just that with their iPhone platform.

According one report, Apple has a good chance of displacing Nokia as the top smartphone developer with 40% of the market share by 2013. That is a lot of mobile devices on which you can dictate to the market in terms of prices, features, and the level of innovation.

I'll get more into the various aspects of this potential Cupertino dominance later but it is incredible how far things have come since June 2007 when the first iPhone went on sale. Now, just about everyone is forced to have an app store for their mobile platform. Tie-in services are like to come from Nokia and Sony as Apple has with its web services.

Now, wireless standards. G4. To put it simple, it's WiMax. It's LTE. It's difficult to figure out just where Apple would go as more and more mobile users are likely to choose the iPhone as their mobile platform. When it comes time to negotiate new terms with wireless providers, it potentially provides Apple with the leverage to demand for more features to be accessible over the data network.

Should that happen, we can see potential for new changes in mobile life. We'll get into whether Apple enclosed platform model is good for mobile warriors later on.

Windows 7: Successfully Installed

Early I mentioned my fellow mobile warriors about giving Windows 7 a try given how much publicity it's receiving.  Honestly, I rather give Windows Mobile 7 a try, you know, whenever it finally arrives.  But for now, let's talk about Windows 7.

It's fast!  Easy.  And for a beta, it's quite stable.  I've only given it a try for the last four hours but from what I've read (I read and read as much as I can find about crashes and such first), it's very stable.

On the surface, it isn's all that different from Vista but maybe it's "Windows 7" and not "Vista" that I'm a bit more optimistic about it.  Don't get me wrong, there is a feel to Vista I don't feel lags like I sometimes get or weird warnings that pop up when I tried to digging into Windows 7 the way Vista likes to annoy users with.

Now, installation.  That was a breeze.  Nothing complicated.  Setting up the network.  Now, how do I say this?  Freaking easy!  I can't believe how easy it is.  It's Leopard easy.  XP wasn't this easy.  Not even close.  Vista.  Man, the times I wanted to take a bat to it.

I'm still messing around with it but if you want to move beyond XP but you're trying to avoid Vista or aren't ready for a Mac, give Windows 7 a try.  The beta will last through August.  You've got more than seven months to take it for a spin.

Mobile Tip: Windows 7

Some of us felt burnt by Vista.  Now, Microsoft has quickly released Windows 7 beta for the general public.  

Well, I, for one, am looking forward to Windows 7.  XP is great but I do want a modern 64-bit OS for my Athlon and, maybe, even my Macbook.  

So, if there's anyone else out there in the same boat as I am, this is what you can do.  Download virtual PC from Microsoft which is free.  Download a copy of Windows 7, which is also free during the beta period.

I'm trying to see if I can install Windows 7 on top of Virtual PC to give it a try.  The beta ends on August 1, 2009, which is plenty of time to get used to it.  And if you don't like it, you simply delete the installation and not have to worry about it screwing up your XP or Vista setup.

Link:  Virtual PC , Windows 7 Download

Note:  You might have some trouble downloading Windows 7.  Just keep trying or do it during off hours.

Android's Future Needs To Include Tablets

While folks are still lamenting not seeing an Apple netbook or tablet from Macworld, it leaves a lot of room for others to make their move.

Sony did it at CES with the Viao P. But what's more interesting is this device I spied on Gizmodo. This is the future of Android. Android isn't just smartphones but the netbooks and the wave of touch tablets likely to come at us wave after wave.

Now, netbooks are fine but I think tablets is where people will gravitate towards eventually. Lighter, smaller form, and, if things go right, longer battery life. And for mobile warriors, without the battery life to support your life style, netbooks will only take you so far.

On the other hand, Android tablets offer an uniqueness because of its ties to Google. I'll go even further in saying that Google needs a gTablet. It would make sense for Google to create such a device because it would show the market confidence in not just the search engine but its whole computing philosophy.

Let's face it. A lot of readers out there know and use Google services and apps. Position the Android and devices it powers as an everyday necessity. Think of it as the mobile user's wallet. Apple is positioning it's devices for gaming and push into enterprise (I'm putting this in very simple terms), Microsoft and RIM are battling it out and trying to hold their ground, and Palm is simply trying to survive, this gives the Android tablet to change how mobile warriors think about computing and accessing data that affect their lives.

With a gTablet, Google can begin to corner the market all to itself and move millions of desktop bound users into the mobile realm. On its terms.

Note: Remember white spaces. Guess who's a big support of it. Google. Get gTablet to work with white spaces and Google will never have to rely on wireless providers again. Also remember GrandCentral? Trust me. Google is not letting it languish in some backroom and forgotten. I think I'm on to something here.

Palm Makes Move Today

This is it. My first love with a PDA/Tablet was with the Palm, not the Apple Newton.

PalmInfocenter has a live blog when Palm makes its last effort to mount some sort of resurgence and win back mobile warriors.

New device. New OS. It's gonna be exciting! Grab your donuts, coffee, or whatever else and enjoy the show!

Starts at 11am PST.

Via PalmInfocenter

Presidential Mobile Warrior

We already know President-Elect Barack Obama is just as tech savy as the average mobile user. He's got a Macbook and an iPod. Sorry, not a Zune. He had a Blackberry but the Secret Service likely made him give it up. Yes, Apple fans. Even if he used an iPhone, he still would have to give it up in the name of national security.

What makes Obama a different mobile warrior than the rest of us are his rides. Air Force One. Okay, maybe a couple of you readers out there might own a jet or two. But nothing like the AF One.

Now his limo. On the day he takes office, Jan 20th, he will be riding in a brand new limo the Secret Service had it custom made by GM for the forty-fourth President of the United States.

I first saw it last night on CNN but now ABC News is also having a go at the new armored Presidential ride.

• At least 5 inches of plating
• Run-flat tires
• Seals to prevent against chemical or biological attacks
• CD player - this is the only piece of technology we know the limo has for sure.
• Not in the ABC report but what I saw on CNN was that it has these locks and bolts that seals the President in the car to prevent someone on the outside from ripping the door off.
• According to the news on TV, the President will be completely sealed from the outside. No outside noise whatsoever.

I'm sure it'll have some sort tech we might be familiar with. Of course, I'm just speculating but giving how this President likes technology and how much his Presidential campaign and transition period relied on the Internet, there are likely a couple of gadgets in there we can expect to see. Well, it's what I like to have in the limo if I was the President of the United States.

• Mobile communication center - I'm not taking about just cell phones. The Presidential Limo will have a hub for Internet access.
• Television - like LCD monitor for video conferencing.
• Forget the CD player, dude. Just need a jack for the iPod.
• Oxygen supply. I'm guess this is in there because if the limo is sealed from outside, it'll need air somehow.
• Like where the President will be sitting is going to be a remote or arm rest where he can control his onboard tech. Not different from what Kirk or Picard has in their command chair.

Source: ABC NEWS

If you were President, how would you like to outfit your limo?

Steve Jobs Is Fine: Just Hormones

I just received a notification (5:45am PST) that Steve Jobs in a letter to the Apple community that he's fine.  He'll undergo treatment for hormone imbalance that has caused weight loss.  His doctors believe he'll regain his weight by Spring.

He'll be continue to be the CEO of Apple.  Great news for mobile warriors even if you're not an Apple fan. Expect full-on innovation from Cupertino and leaving no breathing room for competitors.  

Best of luck on your recovery, Steve!  

Expect "iDiet" by WWDC in June.  Just kidding.  More on the open letter. This quote says it all:

So now I’ve said more than I wanted to say, and all that I am going to say, about this.

Basically, Jobs is saying to Gizmodo: Shut the f@#$% up!  Here is the letter:

Dear Apple Community,

For the first time in a decade, I'm getting to spend the holiday season with my family, rather than intensely preparing for a Macworld keynote.

Unfortunately, my decision to have Phil deliver the Macworld keynote set off another flurry of rumors about my health, with some even publishing stories of me on my deathbed.

I've decided to share something very personal with the Apple community so that we can all relax and enjoy the show tomorrow.

As many of you know, I have been losing weight throughout 2008. The reason has been a mystery to me and my doctors. A few weeks ago, I decided that getting to the root cause of this and reversing it needed to become my #1 priority.

Fortunately, after further testing, my doctors think they have found the cause -- a hormone imbalance that has been "robbing" me of the proteins my body needs to be healthy. Sophisticated blood tests have confirmed this diagnosis.

The remedy for this nutritional problem is relatively simple and straightforward, and I've already begun treatment. But, just like I didn't lose this much weight and body mass in a week or a month, my doctors expect it will take me until late this Spring to regain it. I will continue as Apple's CEO during my recovery.

I have given more than my all to Apple for the past 11 years now. I will be the first one to step up and tell our Board of Directors if I can no longer continueto fulfill my duties as Apple's CEO. I hope the Apple community will support me in my recovery and know that I will always put what is best for Apple first.

So now I've said more than I wanted to say, and all that I am going to say, about this.

Steve