Android: Open But For Who?

Android has been billed as open. Based on Linux, it is open-source. Okay. But when we like to compare Android to the iOS ecosystem, we like to say it open. Apple's iPhone and iTunes definitely is not.

But what is this definition of open? And for who?

I have to root my G1 to install the tethering app. Without performing some hairy digital surgery, there was no way to install and use the app. And T-Mobile was not about to provide me with the keys to the kingdom, willingly or otherwise.

And of course, the marketplace is open for most apps and most developers. There is hardly any policing (hence, the increasing regularity of trojan horse apps). There is of course a great number of virtues in this. For developers.

What about for consumers?

When the sales guys at Verizon, ATT, Sprint, or T-Mobile tooted the Android phones as open compared to the iPhone, are we the consumers suppose to know they mean for the developers and not for the consumers to do with the phones as we wish? That certain functions are locked out but the device OS and SDK remains open for developers to create any app they want. And even if can find and download those apps, we, as Android users can't use them.

In that case, isn't the iPhone just as open? As an Android user, I like to feel like I can rely on the strengths of the platform. Mostly, the Google apps and less curating involved. I think that alone is enough to entice users.

Open it is not but Android does offer a plethora of devices. Choices.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPod touch

RIP: Cellular Phone Plans, September 3, 2010

I mark today the death of regular cell phone plans. Well, the beginning of a long but certain process to see the end of mobile phone plans. Why now? Well, if not now, when? If now me, who?

So, let's mark this day. And how?

A Generation Will Grow Up Without the iPod But It's Not A Bad Thing

Yesterday, I was reading about the declining revenue source the iPod line would be for Apple. And it's likely going to be the case with each passing year. And with each passing year, uni-purpose devices like the iPod and GPS will cease to exist, giving way to more useful and powerful devices like the iPhone.

At the same time, game consoles like the DS will also be discontinued or it will evolve into something more like the iPod Touch. This isn't a pro-Apple post but rather what I see as a reflection of how consumer electronic devices are changing to adapt to the mobile needs of the users.

When I go out, I still see kids holding tightly in their hands their DS or iPod but I also see a lot more now with an iPod Touch. I also see older kids with mobile devices than just a MP3 player that they are constantly texting with.

In a case, I envy this generation and the next ones going forward given the amount of mobile technologies that is available to them, provided these devices are used constructively.

Growing up, I was greatly influenced by anime. And not just anime. Remember Inspector Gadget's niece, Penny, with her "Computer Book" and her high-tech watch. And any sci-fi books and shows also featured devices that I could only dream up growing up.

Now, today's kids have it all. Not quite the level of Penny's Computer Book but still very impressive. With my G1, iPhone, and iPad, I've been able to accomplish tasks that I ordinarily need to be tethered to a laptop but no more.

And these kids are likely to be able to do more in the coming years with their mobile devices other than to play games, listen to music, or play games.

Advice For Google: Port Buzz But Don't Make It Creepy

I think Google can revitalize Buzz but it needs to make it work for Android. I think it's one of those things that Google can really make work given that Android is a mobile OS.

However, given the uproar at launch, Buzz can really do a relaunch. However, it's hard to tell just how many people actually use it as it was intended. Personally, I've stopped using it. I didn't have a need for it. I've got Facebook and Twitter already and those are the two main ones.

Here's what I think Google should go for Buzz. Allow people to update their status, thoughts, what-have-you on Buzz but also allow them to be directly ported to any of the major social networks. I've always been a fan of apps that allow you to go to one place to get all the things you need done.

Take Meebo. It's got its own chat system but you can log on through its app on the Web, an Android smartphone, or the iPhone other instant message providers. Yahoo, ICQ, AIM, MSN, and even Facebook.

See, Google? Meebo has its own chats and made itself the gateway through which other IM services can also be used. Google should do the same with a Buzz app for the Android and other mobile platforms.

So long as Google isn't stupid about it, I can see a Buzz app as I've described it take off. Heck, I'll download and use it on my G1. And just maybe, I'll even use the Buzz features as well.

Qik: Live Video Streaming For Mobile Warriors

Qik. I like you to meet the company that’s going to be on the forefront of mobile video streaming. And it’s not just ordinary stream I’m talking about here.

With the Qik app for the iPhone and Android devices, any mobile warrior can become a broadcaster.

Qik has been around for a bit now but it was only recently when Apple allowed Qik to stream live video from the iPhone app that it has suddenly gained a lot of attention in the media and blogs.

For instance, I was able to provide a live stream from my iPhone 2G tethered to the G1 via Wi-Fi Tether and show off a couple of minutes of video from last night’s dinner to a friend overseas.

There is a wide range of implications for this new mobile app. Forget citizen journalists providing near instant updates with still pictures, now folks can report on news right from their mobile device.

How about for folks who can’t make it birthday parties and weddings? No problem if someone at the event is kind enough to provide some live video of the vow or candles being blown out.

The video quality for Qik was good enough consider where we are today with streaming technology and I’m confident that we’ll get to play with better quality videos as mobile devices become apt at handing the load and wireless speed improve with additional 3G upgrades to 7.2mbps or 4th generation wireless. Keep in mind that I was streaming through a tethered iPhone over 3G.

But there is something that I have to come back to: battery life. Wow, did Qik kill my battery on the iPhone. It wasn’t the app’s fault. It’s a fact of life, you know? If live user-provided content are to make inroads, battery life has to improve vastly. I’m going to try this weekend to see what kind of battery life I’ll be able to get out of this.

I’ve got an external battery glove for the iPhone and I’m also able to stream directly from the G1. And I’ve got an extra battery for the Android phone.

Gameloft And Others Cut Back on Android Dev

Gameloft, as well as other developers, are cutting back or abandoning Android app development all together.

This is what I'm afraid of. Right now, I don't see a lot of people getting excited about their Android phones. It's as simple as that. Android is one of the most exciting mobile platform on the market today for the media, bloggers, and armchair quarterbacks, but it just isn't generating the same kind of excitement among users as the iPhone and iPod Touch is doing for its users.

I've spent $$$ on my iPhone apps while I've spent less than $20 on my G1. Why is that? Here's a couple of reasons:

1. Even at 10K strong in the Android Marketplace, the few apps compare favorably in use, feel, and looks as even mediocre apps in the iTunes app store.
2. I don't know if any app I buy now will work with my future Android devices. Already, there is a lot of fear of fragmentation is what I'm hearing and reading about. Just thinking about the Microsoft Windows Mobile situation.

Basically, Google created a huge potential and has yet to made it work for developers as well as users. You can't blame users or developers for this.

Gameloft is reporting the iPhone has already grown to 13% of its revenue while iPhone apps are selling 400 times better than Android apps. One can attribute that the fact that the iPhone has been in the market two years longer than Google's mobile platform. Maybe.

However, after a year, I believe Apple had been bragging about one billion downloads.

Well, I attribute that to the beta-ish status of the G1. I am hoping the new devices like Droid and others running Android 2.0 will realize the full potential what Android can do.  We'll see what Google does to help its developers and it better come through big time.

Note:  Google is in the mobile market to sell ads and be a player in mobile search.  It gives away its apps for free.

Reading On A Smartphone Is Good Enough?

A friend sent me a great article from the NY Times about ereading and whether people will be reading with their iPhones or Kindles.

I had some time to think about that since I ordered my first reader, Barnes and Noble's Nook.  I won't get it until early December.  I eagerly anticipate it's arrival and I can see myself get a lot of mileage out of it.

Nevertheless, the mobile device I carry with me, whether it is my G1 or iPhone, will almost certainly be with me 24/7.

The NYT article doesn't take sides but I decided to provide a little more meat on the subject.  It's an interesting one.  It's also quite important because our reading behaviors can ultimately decide what publishers and tech companies do.

Lots more at Onxo Mobile Society.

More at NY Times.

T-Mobile And Android Cliqing

T-Mobile will allow existing T-Mobile users the opportunity to pre-order Motorola's Cliq on October 19th. For Google and its mobile platform, Android, things are looking up even as mobile competition continue to heat up.

But with Cliq sporting the similar specs as the one-year old G1 but sporting a new social skin, MOTOBLUR, potential slugginess and low battery life might be issues that users aren't going to be happy about.  I know, I know.  There I go again with the battery life.

However, Android is a mobile platform and we need to expect modern devices to demonstrate some sort of stamina when it comes to supporting our mobile computing needs.

As a mobile user, I'm excited by the competitive mobile landscape.  Over at On Android, I get a word about the Motorola Cliq.  If you're in the market for an Android device, head over and see if the Cliq is right for you.

Can There Be One Dominant Player In The Smartphone Market?

When people think about the OS market, it's Microsoft.  When people think about MP3 players, it's iPod.  There's no question about that.

When people think smartphone, you probably get quite a different picture.  And it matters who you  talk to.  Blackberry.  Windows Mobile.  Symbian.  Am I leaving anyone out?  Hmmm....probably.

Palm's newly minted CEO, Jon Rubinstein, believes there can be multiple winners in the smartphone and mobile device market.  It's an assessment that many folks including myself also believe in.

There was a time when Palm had the whole PDA market to itself after Apple withdrew with the Newton all the while people begged Jobs to buy Palm.  Of course that didn't happen.  Today, Palm is struggling to be relevant in the mobile market.

As for Apple, it'll be years before we know if the iPhone has enough attraction and Apple has the ability continue to innovate ahead of its competitors.  We know Apple has planned years ahead.  Nevertheless, iPhone exclusivity deals will keep Apple from an encore performance with the iPhone as it did with the iPod.  It's likely that if Apple will dominate a market outside of MP3 players, it'll have to be a market of mobile devices it creates all to itself.  For now, Apple will have its followers.  A good number to be sure but nothing like the iPod market.  But Apple products tend to generate a loyal following.

RIM likely has the best chance to be a dominant player in the market along with Nokia.  The problem is both of these companies lack the passion it once had.  Nokia with the cell phone market and RIM with the smartphones.  Without reasons for mobile users to stay loyal to these two brands, they will continue to find users looking else where for their mobile needs.  However, if either of these two companies do find that spark of passion to truly innovate, watch out, folks.  Nokia has the best name recognition but RIM is looking to make a big move in China.

That leaves Android and Windows Mobile.  It's hard to say at this point for these two wild cards.  Wild cards?  Because we know so little about how Windows Mobile 7.  We don't know if Zune will be included in the mix or not with Windows Mobile.  Has Microsoft found a cohesive mobile strategy?  We know Android is cheaper in terms of licensing but it seems to lack focus.  Google and its superfriends have had only one Android device, the G1, on the market.  There is also talk about Android in netbooks.  As far as I'm concerned, Android needs more work and until Android 2.0, anything else is beta.

So perhaps, Palm's CEO has is correct.  There will be many winners in the mobile market and there's will be not one super dominant player in the market.  Still, the potential is there for one or two companies to make a move to put a hurt on its competitors.

Glimpse Into Mobile Reporting

Perhaps, we got a glimpse in to the future of reporting news.  When Michael Jackson's untimely death was announced, the local, as well as national and international, media flocked to UCLA Medical Center in Westwood, CA.

With Dave the Mobile Warrior monitoring the airwave, he noted, as did one observant local reporter, many reporters were filing their reports wireless via their Blackberries and iPhones.  Furthermore, the more famous reporter personalities were reportedly twittering updates and what was going on in the crowd.

Could be this how future reporting is going to be like from now on?  Very likely and it'll grow in sophistication.  As news networks like CNN encourage viewers and online readers to send in video and their personal reports, it is quickly becoming an experiment that reporters and news men and women are likely to follow.

Most folks carry a mobile device or smartphone equipped with at least 2MP camera.  Even some such as the G1 and the new iPhone 3G S are capable of recording decent quality video that can quickly be uploaded to networks or sites like Youtube.

In fact, Youtube revealed just today that mobile video upload increased 1700% in recent months and just 400% since the iPhone 3G S with video capability debut last weekend.

But more than just hardware technology, applications like Twitter will only become more prevalent as tools to bring break news and providing headline news to millions of subscribers.

There really no way to saw just how far the news media will embrace new technology.  As a matter of fact, the news media is usually steps behind more savy users and only after months, even years, of use does the media figure out just how they can use new technologies for their advantage.

There is hope that the media as a whole is more tech savy now.  It isn't uncommon for a portion of a news broadcast from CNN or local news to guide viewers or readers to chatrooms, tweets, emails, and online videos.  Even now, the Los Angeles news channel, KCal 9, is asking viewers to join their live broadcast in chatrooms.

As far as mobile tech goes, there is much more growth and evolution for reporting and getting news.  Just as Palm Pre has Synergy to combine texting, contacts, and calendars from across different platforms, it isn't inconceivable for the inclusion of twitters and special news feeds to be incorporated.

In fact, newspapers encountering difficulties in acquiring or just retaining eyeballs should look to a Synergy like technology that will allow them to get their materials to mobile users.

For my fellow mobile warriors out there who are thinking of journalism or have thought about it at some time in your lives, with mobile tech, it's never too late.  You just need a good scoop.

Note:  Michael Jackson's death came as a shock.  Despite his eccentricities, his music brought joy to millions and his influence crossed boundaries, industries, and ages.  Heck, he helped me launched my singing career.  Ahem...my "singing in the shower and no one can tell me to shut up" career.  I can't sing if my life depended on it for real.

Another note:  When news broke, Twitter was overwhelmed for a time.  That has not happened for a while.  Not even during the swine flu or the Iranian elections coverage brought Twitter to a crawl.

Steve Jobs: We Sold 1 Million iPhone 3G S In 3 Days

Today, Apple's Steve Jobs announced in a press release that Apple has sold over 1 million iPhone 3G S in just three days (including the pre-orders - I'm sure that helps a lot in terms of accessibility). And one more thing, Jobs added, "I'm back".

Okay, he didn't but Apple's press release said that as it mentioned him as the CEO.

You always have to read between the line when it comes to Apple. For mobile warriors who likes to keep scores, Apple also mentioned over six million iPhone 3.0 downloads. The interest thing is that Apple made no mention of regular iPhone 3G sales during this past weekend. Very interesting indeed.

Having said that, Apple sales usually get bumps like this and level off. iPhone sales, with their expensive contracts, has yet to reach the levels achieved by the iPods. I really want to know how Storm 2, the plethora of new WM devices, T-Mobile's second Android phone, and Pre will do in the coming months.

Here is Apple's full release:

Apple Sells Over One Million iPhone 3GS Models iPhone 3.0 Software Downloads Reach Six Million

CUPERTINO, California—June 22, 2009—Apple® today announced that it has sold over one million iPhone™ 3GS models through Sunday, June 21, the third day after its launch. In addition, six million customers have downloaded the new iPhone 3.0 software in the first five days since its release.

“Customers are voting and the iPhone is winning,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “With over 50,000 applications available from Apple’s revolutionary App Store, iPhone momentum is stronger than ever.”

The new iPhone 3GS is the fastest, most powerful iPhone yet, packed with incredible new features including improved speed and performance—up to twice as fast as iPhone 3G—with longer battery life, a high-quality 3 megapixel autofocus camera, easy to use video recording and hands free voice control. iPhone 3GS includes the new iPhone OS 3.0, the world’s most advanced mobile operating system with over 100 new features such as Cut, Copy and Paste, MMS*, Spotlight™ Search, landscape keyboard and more. iPhone 3GS customers get access to more than 50,000 applications from Apple’s revolutionary App Store, the largest application store in the world where customers have already downloaded over one billion apps. iPhone 3GS offers twice the capacity for the same price with a 16GB model for just $199 and a new 32GB model for just $299.** And iPhone 3G is available at the breakthrough price of just $99 for the 8GB model—a huge milestone for the high end smartphone market

Mobile Tip: Watching NBC Videos on Smartphones and Mobile Devices

If you've got an iPhone, iPod Touch, or G1, you're in luck.  I'm guess it'll work with the Pre.  Probably the Blackberries.  Here goes.

Point your mobile browser here:  NBC Mobile.  You can watch many videos including full episodes.  It was a sweet discovery and I'm glad to be sharing it with you.

For other mobile sites that offer videos for your iPhone or G1, go to Onxo Mobile Tips.

Note:  I don't know if this works for all smartphones.  I assume this will work with the Pre because its browser is based on Webkit, the same used in the iPhone and G1.  But I think it has more to do with H.264 video support.

Palm's Options

There's been a lot of talk about the Pre and how it is Sprint and Palm's hope to collectively gain marketshares in their respective market strike a blow against their competitors.

By all estimates, Palm sold about 55,000 Pre before they ran out of stock.  Before Apple's WWDC keynote when new iPhones were introduced and due to go on sale on June 19th.  Still Pom will have nearly two weeks all itself (assuming the $100 price drop of the iPhone 3G doesn't stunt demand for the Pre).

Still, Palm faces an onslaught of competition beyond the iPhone as other mobile device makers gear up for their summer lineup.  I'm talking about Storm 2 and G2 (G1 is likely to continue to be available, with a price drop being likely).  Windows Mobile 6.5 should also get into the mix with great momentum (however, any excitement is likely confined to WM loyalists until WM 7 comes out in 2010).  Though I've only been able to find one phone, ATT and Samsung's Jack (for $99 with contract).  It'll ship with 6.1 but upgradable to 6.5.

There will be a lot of debates about Palm's future and what path they should take.  I think mobile warriors all over should pay close attention as this may change the mobile landscape, how mobile providers operate, and pace of innovation and 4G network deployment.

There are facts and developments at Palm that you should know about:

• Jon Rubinstein has been appointed the CEO of Palm.  He's likely to bring further Apple-like changes to the company.  This might compel Apple to double its effort to innovate the iPhone platform to try and put more distance between the iPhone OS and the Pre WebOS, which many bloggers and tech watchers determined to be the closest challenge to the iPhone (Blackberry OS and Windows Mobile dominates the market in terms of marketshare).
• Palm has many former Apple engineers who helped with the Pre development.  Rumblings of poaching from Cupertino exist but there is no way to affirm or deny this fact.
• Palm engineers are offering advice to the new executive team.
• Palm is likely to be availabe on other networks in 2010.  Verizon first.  Perhaps there may be GSM models in the works for ATT.
• You'll read blogs about Palm buyouts, Palm's options, and more whether Pre's success will continue as it faces newer and updated mobile devices and smartphones.
• Windows Mobile 7 should be available in the first half of 2010.  By then, the WebOS will be at least six months old.
• Palm has expressed interest in expanding the WebOS beyond the Pre.  No firm statement beyond a vague comment has come from Palm.  There is speculation about the WebOS in the Centro while others have offered suggestions along the line of licensing WebOS to third party phone makers.

Fierce Wireless has offered a simple post on Palm's options.  Simple being the operative word since the same applies to RIM and Apple except Palm isn't in as strong a position.  Onxo will start a series of how Palm should deal with its future, who might be interested in a buyout, and the likely competitions Palm will face.

Test Drive the Pre A Bit - Lives Up To Hype

I got to spend some time with the Pre at my local Best Buy.  Over all, I am impressed with the Pre.  The design is very unique and takes a little getting used to.  The pictures on the Internet does not do it just, for better or worse.


I have an issue with the app support at launch and that's going to be critical.  And with the iPhone 3.0 and iPhone 3G's lower price at $99, G2 and Storm 2 on deck, the Pre will be competing in a very crowded market.


I've provided more notes at Onxo Gadgets and some recommendations on what you should do if you're in the market for a smartphone.  Overall, Palm knocked it out of the park but it was going up against last year's smartphones like the Storm and G1.  And even last year's iPhone 3G is very impressive, possibly for years to come.  


More Pre impressions at Onxo Gadgets

T-MOBILE HACKED! (MOBILE ALERT!)

THIS is very hot.  Spread it around.  According Phandroid, T-Mobile was hacked.  Personally, I'm no too concerned about T-Mobile's internal data being stolen but I'm concerned about the subscriber information that may also be taken and for sale to the highest bidder.

I just got off the phone with T-Mobile.  The guy I spoke with said he's been at work since 2PM EST and his front page (I'm assuming they've got some kind of a bulletin they can go to to find information) has nothing about this.  This is a similar claim for readers and bloggers who have spoken to T-Mobile.  If there is an investigation going on, it's understandable that T-Mobile is cooperating with authorities (I'm sure its competitors are also cooperating as well).

For fellow mobile users who are T-Mobile customers, just be aware  and if we hear more, we'll let you know about it.  It's a matter of time before official word from T-Mobile comes.

How legitimate is this claim?  Well, I'm not a server guy, programmer, or remotely involved in the business, just an mobile fan.  But according to a post in insecure.org and some readers, the claim seems very real.

Via  Engadget, Slashdot (More details here)

Note:  I have a G1 so...

On Android: Cupcake Onscreen Keyboard Use

Over at On Android, I've updated my user experience with Cupcake and I focused on the onscreen keyboard.

Go on over and see if the new Android OS has made things better for G1 users and how it compares to the iPhone's input scheme.

Pre Reviews - Links Available

It's time already. Some lucky folks with great number of readers, smarter I suppose, got their hands on Palm and Sprint's Pre before everyone else.

Engadget and Gizmodo both come out with their reviews at just about the same time. I guess it was probably some sort of embargo placed on them.

Anyway, the gist is that WebOS is very impressive though work needs to be done. It's pretty much the same story for the iPhone OS in the first year and Android 1.0/1.5 now. The app store is a bit bare given the beginning of the Pre but Palm needs to get more folks excited about developing for the Pre.

The hardware, according to Boy Genius Report and the two above mentioned reviews, feels cheap. Wow, I thought the G1 felt cheapy. And the Pre was worse. Of course, not everyone can come out and hit a grand slam Apple did with the iPhone. Still, it's the first gen Pre. Still, this is Palm's shot at getting back into the smartphone game. It may well be Palm's last shot.

Both reviews have different takes and worth reading to see whether the Pre is for you or if you just want to read and see if your current phone or mobile device measures up.

As for the competitive landscape in the mobile market, a lot will change in the next couple of months. Pre will go on sale this Saturday while Apple will come out with the next iPhones soon (late June/early July) and T-Mobile is slated to put G2 on the market around the same time frame. Windows Mobile 6.5 and RIM will follow after that. It's great to see so many of these guys trying for our hard-earned money.

In conclusion, the Pre is exciting and I'm looking forward to see if I can get my hands on one to play with soon.

Here's a CNet video review worth watching.

Reviews: Gizmodo, Engadget, BGR, PC World

Dear Game Developers

Hello.

We're fans of mobile technology, its way of life, and we are also gamers. And we're writing you this letter because we want to let you know what the mobile warriors Onxo represent, the ones who also like to play games on their Blackberries, G1s, and iPhones, and others, want from you.

Traditionally, you develop for the Nintendo's DS (now DSi) and Sony's PSP. Both great platforms. Millions of fans. Including a lot of us by the way. You've given us hours of fun and, in turn, we've made you rich (billions in capitalization). And over the years, we've grown together.

Now, there is a tech evolution going on with smartphones and mobile devices that are capable of a lot of computing and graphic crunching powers. And increasingly, folks are playing games on them. This is very evident with the iPhone platform where games dominate the app store. Apple recently released a list of top downloaded apps. Wanna guess what kind they are? Games. All games.

So, going forward, we like you to consider this when you develop games for us. Give us quality games. Don't short change us. Here are some pointers to start you off with:

• What you give the platformers, we want it too. EA, let's use you as an example. Spore is pretty good on the iPhone. But we would love the depth you've given for the DS version. It got boring after a while. Still a great game and I go back to it often enough. Depth.
• Don't use your flagship names to sell watered down games. Here's why. A lot of mobile users are new to the gaming scene and may for the first time be introduced to your titles. And with a dumbed down game like Metal Gear Solid for the iPhone, it makes the whole franchise look bad. Needless to say, the game got a little boring for us.
• Charge us more. If it's a great game, we'll pay for it. Honest. One of you give it a try. You'll see.
• But don't rob us either. Digital distribution is nothing like having to deal with the packaging, memory chips, plastic covers, and printing. There was a rumor going around that Apple might offer a premium gaming section. It's not happen. Make compelling games and we'll buy them.
• Releases. Simultaneous releases would go a long way in tell the mobile warriors I represent that you care. And in turn, you'll have earned our respect.
• Be innovative. Some smartphones have buttons. That makes it easier for you. But like the iPhone where there are no button, it might drive you a little crazy. Well, that doesn't seem to stop the two-man teams from coming out with great schemes for controls.

Listen, take it from Gameloft. They're developing more and more sophisticated games and they're making tons of money. I know you can do it. A lot of your developers are mobile gaming fans just like us - so set them free!  The mobile market is ripe for rich, sophisticated, and fun mobile games.  

Soon, there will be like, you know, a lot of different app stores. Build good games for them and the sky'll be the limit.  That means "$$$$$".

Regard.

PS. Keep up the good (generally) work on the DSi and PSP. And really wow us with the stuff you've got cooking for DS2 and the PSP2 when the time comes (later in 2009).

Battery Life In Mobile Devices - Game Changer

I was reading an article today about upcoming battery changes to the iPhone. It's a rumor piece. I love it even as I avoid talking about it here.

But it did get me thinking. Any advantage that Blackberries might have or the iPhone UI advantage it might enjoy over other mobile devices and smartphones will be less apparent as those who are unable or incapable of innovating simply copy enough of leading features and user interfaces that mobile warriors will almost find but a few devices that truly stand out.

So, it will have to be hardware that drives the differentiation. Specifically, I'm talking about battery life in today's mobile world. The iPhone 3G is one of the worst on the market. It's hard for me to say that. And worst still is the Android G1. I'm good during the day as I'm near an outlet or plugged into a computer where I can charge with the USB cable. But on weekends, I've had to learn to ration my use (usually, I carry and iPod Touch with me to entertain me when the G1 is about to die on me).

I can't say if 2009 will be the year where battery life makes any sort of meaningful leap forward but Apple's new battery technology currently being employed in their high-end Macbook Pro (17") looks promising. No word other than wishful thinking by many Apple fans that the technology will trickle over to the iPhone researchers in Cupertino.

For others like Sony and Samsung, they might try to compensate with new screens or chips. But that really doesn't matter. It'll always come down to the battery.

Note: Busy second half of 2009. Pre, iPhone, G2, new Blackberries. We'll be watching closely not what the new features are but how long these devices and smartphones last on a day's charge.

Kindle For iPhone

It's live now for download.

I mean we heard about it when Amazon launched Kindle 2 but no one really thought it was going to happen this quickly. Least of all, Kindle materials would be coming to the iPhone/iPod Touch before G1 or other smartphones.

You can go directly here if you have iTunes installed. I downloaded a couple of free books and bought a Star Trek novel. So far I can say that it works as advertised. You can buy the books directly through Safari on the iPhone. It was quick and easy.

Once you open up Kindle for iPhone, the app automatically sync via Whispersync. You're taken directly to the "Home" page and you will see everything in your library. Simple.

Just as everyone is saying Kindle 2 is a great improvement over Kindle, I am waiting for Kindle For iPhone 2.0 or at least some sort of improvement over the UI.

After trying out eReader and Stanza, I suggest Amazon take a look at those two apps and see how far they've come on the iPhone. In fact, eReader has years of experience developing mobile ereader applications for the PC, Windows Mobile, and Palm.

Regardless, this an encouraging first step for Amazon as well as Apple. I'm certain Kindle apps for other platforms should be available in no time.