I don't write a lot about Sprint because it kind of chugs a long but doesn't do much else exciting. And it's on WiMax so it like it is off to one side doing its own thing. So here is the 2nd Sprint post of the day.
And ironically, I am writing about what Sprint isn't doing. While T-Mobile is off dissing the networks that the iPhone runs on on TV and Web commercials, Sprint doesn't seem to say much of anything else about CDMA iPhone.
After all, Sprint's WiMax is faster than what Verizon and ATT's 3G networks. So it has just as much marketing weapon as T-Mobile.
So I wonder if this is indicative of who is getting the iPhone and who isn't? About fourteen months before Verizon go the iPhone 4, it did the same thing with some cute animations.
At this point, I am just not hopeful that my network will be getting the next iPhone. And if Sprint is supposed to get the CDMA iPhone next, it would not make sense to diss a phone that it might be getting next.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPod touch
Showing posts with label ipod touch. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ipod touch. Show all posts
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Mobile Payment Is Coming In A Big Way
The mainstream media has not caught on to it yet and I've talked about it here from time to time. But be prepared to be bombarded with tons of media reports, blogs, tweets, and e-mails about it in the coming weeks or months.
At week at the Mobile World Congress, near field communication, NFC, was being talked about as if it is the next holy grail of mobile. And to a follower of mobile happenings like myself, this is a big thing. In as few words as possible, NFC allows payments be made through mobile devices.
Think of this as what you can already do at Starbucks. You can order and pay through the app. Well, this will happen in a much much better way. There are a couple of devices on the market with NFC capability, specifically, Google's Nexus S. But as with some technology, being first doesn't mean much.
However, it is largely expected that Apple's next iOS hardware updates, including the next iPhone, will support mobile payment. And I expect an explosion of next generation Android devices to support this as well.
I really recommend reading up on it because just about everyone from your bank, credit card, wireless providers, and hardware companies will be getting in on this lucrative new business. Oh, and retailers would love this as well.
Also, there are also security concerns you'll need to be aware of.
So get ready media and ad blitz coming our way. I'll be devoting much much more attention than I have in the past. I started talking about almost two years ago, pointing the ease that the Japanese users have been able to enjoy with paying through their cell phones for years.
It'll be our turn soon.
At week at the Mobile World Congress, near field communication, NFC, was being talked about as if it is the next holy grail of mobile. And to a follower of mobile happenings like myself, this is a big thing. In as few words as possible, NFC allows payments be made through mobile devices.
Think of this as what you can already do at Starbucks. You can order and pay through the app. Well, this will happen in a much much better way. There are a couple of devices on the market with NFC capability, specifically, Google's Nexus S. But as with some technology, being first doesn't mean much.
However, it is largely expected that Apple's next iOS hardware updates, including the next iPhone, will support mobile payment. And I expect an explosion of next generation Android devices to support this as well.
I really recommend reading up on it because just about everyone from your bank, credit card, wireless providers, and hardware companies will be getting in on this lucrative new business. Oh, and retailers would love this as well.
Also, there are also security concerns you'll need to be aware of.
So get ready media and ad blitz coming our way. I'll be devoting much much more attention than I have in the past. I started talking about almost two years ago, pointing the ease that the Japanese users have been able to enjoy with paying through their cell phones for years.
It'll be our turn soon.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Sony Release Next Generation Portable Gaming - Yes, A Game Changer
In my family, I have always had respect for much of what Sony delivered in terms of electronics and innovation. And yes, the PSP was innovative. And with NGP, next-generation portable, Sony has once again showed that it is alive and well, and ready to kick sand in the eyes of Nintendo, Apple, and anyone else who says that its better days in mobile gaming was in the past.
Here's a rundown of the specs that is already rocking mobile gaming. You're going to get blown away big time.
Here's a rundown of the specs that is already rocking mobile gaming. You're going to get blown away big time.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Internet Withdrawal
Yesterday, I altered my T-Mobile wireless data plan: now, I am without data on my G1, iPhone, or my upcoming Sony Equinox. I have done away with wireless data completely. Why?
I find that I am too connected. At work, home, Stabucks, and bookstores. Not to mentioned between stops at intersections and anywhere that doesn't readily offer free wireless broadband. However, today, it was different. This afternoon, I went to a supermarket deli area for continuing work on my iPhone development. There was no Internet access there. But that was fine as I was able to get considerable amount if work done.
But then I went to my cousin's house for dinner. While he has wifi access, I didn't want to ask (he would have seen it as begging since he detests anything Apple), I held off on it.
It was problematic, not because I could not check my emails or tweet my about my withdrawal but I had a few missed calls that went directly to my Google Voice voicemail. The only solution was to call the missing numbers back but a couple of them I wanted to screen possible voice messages first.
And truly, there was discomfort. It was not so bad that I was going mad but it was like a really bad itch that I couldn't get rid of.
When I finally arrived home, within the range of my wifi network, the chime of mail beeped from my iDevices and I instantly fired up the mail app as soon as I put my car into park on the driveway.
You know what it felt like? Like I was coming up for air after holding my breath for along time underwater.
Okay, you might think me pathetic or exaggerating this ordeal. Okay, perhaps a bit. But the feeling of disconnect certainly was there.
Hoe long can I last with this experiment? I don't know. I am very good at adapting. And the reason I wanted to do this was I was afraid the constant connectivity was preventing from stopping now and then to "smell the flowers". I saw my nephew appreciate his new Wii. Had I had Internet access, I might have missed much of it.
I think this is for the best. Should a greater need require that I have wireless Internet access at all time, I can always get it back.
I'll continue to update my wireless-less experiment as well as my iPhone development experience. Hopefully, both endeavors will turn out well and fruitful.
Note: I was offered an option to being back my data at a considerable discount. But even with this enticement, I will try to hold out longer. Not only that, I was even offered for free a brand new Android device for being such a long and loyal customer. Yeah, I passed on that too.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPod touch
I find that I am too connected. At work, home, Stabucks, and bookstores. Not to mentioned between stops at intersections and anywhere that doesn't readily offer free wireless broadband. However, today, it was different. This afternoon, I went to a supermarket deli area for continuing work on my iPhone development. There was no Internet access there. But that was fine as I was able to get considerable amount if work done.
But then I went to my cousin's house for dinner. While he has wifi access, I didn't want to ask (he would have seen it as begging since he detests anything Apple), I held off on it.
It was problematic, not because I could not check my emails or tweet my about my withdrawal but I had a few missed calls that went directly to my Google Voice voicemail. The only solution was to call the missing numbers back but a couple of them I wanted to screen possible voice messages first.
And truly, there was discomfort. It was not so bad that I was going mad but it was like a really bad itch that I couldn't get rid of.
When I finally arrived home, within the range of my wifi network, the chime of mail beeped from my iDevices and I instantly fired up the mail app as soon as I put my car into park on the driveway.
You know what it felt like? Like I was coming up for air after holding my breath for along time underwater.
Okay, you might think me pathetic or exaggerating this ordeal. Okay, perhaps a bit. But the feeling of disconnect certainly was there.
Hoe long can I last with this experiment? I don't know. I am very good at adapting. And the reason I wanted to do this was I was afraid the constant connectivity was preventing from stopping now and then to "smell the flowers". I saw my nephew appreciate his new Wii. Had I had Internet access, I might have missed much of it.
I think this is for the best. Should a greater need require that I have wireless Internet access at all time, I can always get it back.
I'll continue to update my wireless-less experiment as well as my iPhone development experience. Hopefully, both endeavors will turn out well and fruitful.
Note: I was offered an option to being back my data at a considerable discount. But even with this enticement, I will try to hold out longer. Not only that, I was even offered for free a brand new Android device for being such a long and loyal customer. Yeah, I passed on that too.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPod touch
Sunday, August 15, 2010
MP3 Market Here To Stay For Decades
One day, Apple will retire the iPod. However, I'm willing to wager that it will not be for a long long while.
And what will the market look like?
I was the gym this morning. I saw a lot of iPhones and iPod Touches and a few iPods. Definitely more iOS devices than just regular iPods. There were a couple of Blackberries but the people were listening on their iPods and only used the RIM devices to make calls. Only one did while the other didn't did anything with her Blackberry at all.
That got me going about what the next few years will hold for MP3 players, specifically, iPods in general. It'll take years before smart devices overtake traditional cell phones and anyone who wants to carry around their music library is going to have to have an mp3 player or iPod. The market should continue to do well.
For Apple, the iPod remains a lucrative business year in and year out. It won't be a while until Apple thinks it's no longer in its interest to carry the iPod line and decide to do away with it.
But I think the iPod will take another form and evolve with the needs of its users. Take the iPod Touch. It's is an iOS device rather than an outright iPod. A few things are like to happen.
And what will the market look like?
I was the gym this morning. I saw a lot of iPhones and iPod Touches and a few iPods. Definitely more iOS devices than just regular iPods. There were a couple of Blackberries but the people were listening on their iPods and only used the RIM devices to make calls. Only one did while the other didn't did anything with her Blackberry at all.
That got me going about what the next few years will hold for MP3 players, specifically, iPods in general. It'll take years before smart devices overtake traditional cell phones and anyone who wants to carry around their music library is going to have to have an mp3 player or iPod. The market should continue to do well.
For Apple, the iPod remains a lucrative business year in and year out. It won't be a while until Apple thinks it's no longer in its interest to carry the iPod line and decide to do away with it.
But I think the iPod will take another form and evolve with the needs of its users. Take the iPod Touch. It's is an iOS device rather than an outright iPod. A few things are like to happen.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Why Apple Developed It's Own Chip For The iPad
Here's a very well written article from Technology Review about why Apple bought its own chip expertise and why Apple needs to design its own chips.
And it's so well written that even I understood the techno-babble in it. I don't try to use Onxo on these kinds of hardware topics but given the attention everyone has afford the iPad, both good analysis and the reactionary ones, I thought I'd share this one with you.
What's interesting is that even at this point, Apple is looking to control every element of its hardware development. We already know about how Cupertino is with software and user experience. One thing that struck out at me is that the current chip Apple uses from Samsung costs Apple $15 each but design its own may only cost $5.
Going forward, Apple will be using this chip on a majority of its products, iPad, iPod Touch, and the iPhone. We are looking at a combination of 40-60 million units a year. At a saving of $10 per chip by moving away from a 3rd party to one of its own chip, Apple is looking to profit between 400 to 600 million dollars a year.
On the market scale, this is something many of its competitors cannot match.
More at Technology Review.
And it's so well written that even I understood the techno-babble in it. I don't try to use Onxo on these kinds of hardware topics but given the attention everyone has afford the iPad, both good analysis and the reactionary ones, I thought I'd share this one with you.
What's interesting is that even at this point, Apple is looking to control every element of its hardware development. We already know about how Cupertino is with software and user experience. One thing that struck out at me is that the current chip Apple uses from Samsung costs Apple $15 each but design its own may only cost $5.
Going forward, Apple will be using this chip on a majority of its products, iPad, iPod Touch, and the iPhone. We are looking at a combination of 40-60 million units a year. At a saving of $10 per chip by moving away from a 3rd party to one of its own chip, Apple is looking to profit between 400 to 600 million dollars a year.
On the market scale, this is something many of its competitors cannot match.
More at Technology Review.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
What To Expect At Apple's Media Event On Wednesday
Unless you're still hungover from Google's Nexus One unveiling and CES, you ought to know that Apple will be holding a media event to unveil their next creation on January 27th in San Francisco. Presumably, Apple will introduce the iTablet/iSlate/iPad.
Also presumably, Steve Jobs will walk into the stage to great fanfare. After all, it'll be one of the rare public sightings of this Silicon Valley legend. And it's likely one of the last. I'm in the camp that Steve Jobs will handle less and less of these public events and other Apple duties and turn them over to his trusted lieutenants.
Steve will reiterate much of the facts from Monday's call with financial analysts. Millions of iPhones sold. Millions of iPods that were put in Christmas stockings. The success of the iMac line. Another billion or two of apps downloaded. Great success across the board.
Then Steve will go onto the main event. Oh, he might refresh the Macbook lines. There's talk that the Air might be delayed but no one will care since that's not why millions of fans are hitting the refresh button on their browsers for the latest from the live bloggers.
Oh, Apple's stock will go up and down based on what Steve has to say.
Then the real event starts. He'll talk about the crappy ereaders on the market. Everyone, including Kindle owners will see that Steve's right (after all, the reality distortion field will be turned up big time). He might take a swipe or two at Microsoft. That always gets the crowd rolling. Then maybe even subtle jab at Google.
He'll take an indirect route to talking about the iTablet by talking about music, print media, and videos. Then he'll eventually go onto the iTablet.
The crowd is dazzled. It goes wild because it defies expectation. How do I know this will happen? Because it's Jobs. Because this is Apple.
All the weeks of speculations and rumors - some true, some not. Some are misinformation from competitors. Some are misdirections from Apple itself. I'm not going to get into what they are or aren't because I have no idea myself.
Then there will be demos. News Corp will have a big showing, given all the leaks that Apple directed through WSJ and Foxnews. Demos from publishers will help solidify the iTablet's role in print and ebooks. If there is any kind of a new video business model to be showcased, Rober Iger will make the trek from Burbankand stroll onto the stage to say how happy they are to be a part of another Apple revolution (Steve sold Pixar to Disney in January of 2006 and is now the single biggest shareholder in Disney at 7% of Disney equity).
We'll also get demos from the video game studios. Apparently, Apple will be pushing the iTablet as a gaming machine given the number of video game blogs that received invitations to this event.
It's also possible Apple will parade heavy weights from other markets like medical and education to demonstrate how the iTablet will also change their industries.
90 Minutes later, Steve Jobs thanks everyone for coming and the US economy will have lost billions in productivity because for that 90 minutes and the rest of the day, folks will be clamoring to know more about the iTablet and how it'll fit into their lives.
Also later Wednesday night, keep an eye on the Apple-centric blogs because they'll have information on how to watch the event via a Quicktime stream, courtesy of Apple itself.
What I don't expect to see. I don't expect "...one more thing...". There's chatter about iPhone 4.0 making a presence. There's also talk that Apple will have something to say about iPhone availability on Verizon Wireless's network (personally, I'm holding out for T-Mobile). Based on past Apple events and its singular focus, that's not going to happen. The iPhone is kicking ass despite Android's best efforts and the Droid campaign. Apple will not be in a hurry to rush things out. I fully expect their annual iPhone product cycle to be maintained. Of course, as a fan, I hope I'm wrong.
Also presumably, Steve Jobs will walk into the stage to great fanfare. After all, it'll be one of the rare public sightings of this Silicon Valley legend. And it's likely one of the last. I'm in the camp that Steve Jobs will handle less and less of these public events and other Apple duties and turn them over to his trusted lieutenants.
Steve will reiterate much of the facts from Monday's call with financial analysts. Millions of iPhones sold. Millions of iPods that were put in Christmas stockings. The success of the iMac line. Another billion or two of apps downloaded. Great success across the board.
Then Steve will go onto the main event. Oh, he might refresh the Macbook lines. There's talk that the Air might be delayed but no one will care since that's not why millions of fans are hitting the refresh button on their browsers for the latest from the live bloggers.
Oh, Apple's stock will go up and down based on what Steve has to say.
Then the real event starts. He'll talk about the crappy ereaders on the market. Everyone, including Kindle owners will see that Steve's right (after all, the reality distortion field will be turned up big time). He might take a swipe or two at Microsoft. That always gets the crowd rolling. Then maybe even subtle jab at Google.
He'll take an indirect route to talking about the iTablet by talking about music, print media, and videos. Then he'll eventually go onto the iTablet.
The crowd is dazzled. It goes wild because it defies expectation. How do I know this will happen? Because it's Jobs. Because this is Apple.
All the weeks of speculations and rumors - some true, some not. Some are misinformation from competitors. Some are misdirections from Apple itself. I'm not going to get into what they are or aren't because I have no idea myself.
Then there will be demos. News Corp will have a big showing, given all the leaks that Apple directed through WSJ and Foxnews. Demos from publishers will help solidify the iTablet's role in print and ebooks. If there is any kind of a new video business model to be showcased, Rober Iger will make the trek from Burbankand stroll onto the stage to say how happy they are to be a part of another Apple revolution (Steve sold Pixar to Disney in January of 2006 and is now the single biggest shareholder in Disney at 7% of Disney equity).
We'll also get demos from the video game studios. Apparently, Apple will be pushing the iTablet as a gaming machine given the number of video game blogs that received invitations to this event.
It's also possible Apple will parade heavy weights from other markets like medical and education to demonstrate how the iTablet will also change their industries.
90 Minutes later, Steve Jobs thanks everyone for coming and the US economy will have lost billions in productivity because for that 90 minutes and the rest of the day, folks will be clamoring to know more about the iTablet and how it'll fit into their lives.
Also later Wednesday night, keep an eye on the Apple-centric blogs because they'll have information on how to watch the event via a Quicktime stream, courtesy of Apple itself.
What I don't expect to see. I don't expect "...one more thing...". There's chatter about iPhone 4.0 making a presence. There's also talk that Apple will have something to say about iPhone availability on Verizon Wireless's network (personally, I'm holding out for T-Mobile). Based on past Apple events and its singular focus, that's not going to happen. The iPhone is kicking ass despite Android's best efforts and the Droid campaign. Apple will not be in a hurry to rush things out. I fully expect their annual iPhone product cycle to be maintained. Of course, as a fan, I hope I'm wrong.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
McDonald's Wi-Fi Key To Tomorrow's Success
Have you been to McDonald's late? I saw there yesterday and again today. And I am very thankful for the free wireless Internet.
I think this is one of the best moves aside from Ronnie and Company keepin up with the times by constantly updating their menu.
Think about it. Now, the fast food joint gives the youths another reason to come to the restaurant. Why is this important?
The iPod Touch is considered to be Apple's Trojan horse as the Touch's increasing youth-oriented marketshare gives Apple a firm foothold in tomorrow's iPhone market.
Like the Touch, McDonald's free wi-fi is the restaurant's play to instill in the mind of the youth that it offers more than a high sodium diet.
As a matter of fact, it would make sense for McDonald to offer special entertainment or tech deals over time to engage this savy and hip market. A tie-up with a cool company like Google or Apple can help things a long the way. Maybe a Google deal will also help give Android a way to the youth market.
Regardless of whether Ronald McDonald makes a deal or not, Wi-Fi gives customers another whole reason to visit.
Sent from my iSlate (from the not too distant future)
I think this is one of the best moves aside from Ronnie and Company keepin up with the times by constantly updating their menu.
Think about it. Now, the fast food joint gives the youths another reason to come to the restaurant. Why is this important?
The iPod Touch is considered to be Apple's Trojan horse as the Touch's increasing youth-oriented marketshare gives Apple a firm foothold in tomorrow's iPhone market.
Like the Touch, McDonald's free wi-fi is the restaurant's play to instill in the mind of the youth that it offers more than a high sodium diet.
As a matter of fact, it would make sense for McDonald to offer special entertainment or tech deals over time to engage this savy and hip market. A tie-up with a cool company like Google or Apple can help things a long the way. Maybe a Google deal will also help give Android a way to the youth market.
Regardless of whether Ronald McDonald makes a deal or not, Wi-Fi gives customers another whole reason to visit.
Sent from my iSlate (from the not too distant future)
Posted with altBlogger.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Zune HD A Taste of What's To Come For Windows Mobile
Over at On Apple, we posted a "don't worry" opinion on what Zune HD means for iPod Touch developments and Apple fans.
However, it's not like we're saying Zune HD isn't a great hardware. We just don't think it's the right comparison with the iPod Touch given Microsoft's own admission that Zune HD doesn't have a full-blown mobile OS and we've yet to see what else it's capable of doing, storage capacity (thought we think it'll be between 16-32GB), and how long the battery life will carry an user through the day.
We firmly believe that Zune HD, though a potentially formidable video player to be sure, is merely a taste for mobile warriors of what's to come from Redmond. If you visit Gizmodo's first impression with the pictures and video, you'll see that Microsoft's risky decision to integrate Zune with Windows Mobile or even Microsoft's zPhone (Zune phone) later on may work out better than anyone believe (let's not kid ourselves. A Zune phone is forthcoming). In the past, Onxo wasn't sure that it was that integrating Zune and Windows Mobile was a move Microsoft need to make nor one that was likely to work out well.
Whatever Microsoft's answer to the current mobile offerings in the market (Android, Blackberries, iPhone, and Pre which has yet to be released), it's obvious that a lot of work was put into this. There's no doubt that Zune HD has elevated mobile video entertainment to another level with the OLED screen.
What remains to be seen is what Windows Mobile 7 can hold up its end of the bargain in this two-prong OS.
What I'm curious about is the roadmap that Microsoft has laid out for mobile computing, mobile entertainment, and, lastly, Windows or the Xbox.
First the mobile realm. The iPhone has garnered a lot of attention with the surprising move into casual gaming, I'm still a year or two away from really believing that Apple's mobile platform has the staying power in gaming against entrenched veterans. So the iPhone gaming may not be Microsoft's concern. Rather, its foes Microsoft is more familiar with: Nintendo and Sony. It's a good bet that mobile gaming devices from Nintendo and Sony will make leaps with their next upgrades. We've not heard anything yet regarding Zune HD's gaming capability and we might not until Windows Mobile 7 is out.
It's safe to assume that all three video gaming giants will have gaming stores for wireless downloads like Apple's iTunes app store. Microsoft will have an advantage in that its OS is a mobile platform whereas Nintendo and Sony's platforms are largely gaming in nature. We'll have to see if Microsoft does go with a dedicated gaming device at the end of the day, like the DS or PSP, or modeled Zune/WM's gaming potential after Apple's strategy.
If Microsoft does decide to stress Windows Mobile's mobile computing capabilities and relegate the integrated Zune capability into the role of a sidekick, then it's natural who it's competitors will be. In this case, we won't know until Microsoft has phones and mobile devices with WM 7 installed in the market. WM 7 maybe going up against Android 2, iPhone 3.0, WebOS 1.0, fall 2009 Blackberries if it comes out early 2010. Closer to the middle of 2010, the comparisons will be totally different at that time. At that time, Zune's media capabilities will be at a disadvantage. Also, keep in mind that Apple is pretty good at upgrading the iPhone OS every two or three months with new features.
I've also wondered if Microsoft will aligned a Zune gaming device (likely powered by Windows Mobile) closer with Windows or the Xbox. Or neither. Microsoft can make Zune Marketplace open to all of its proprietary platforms and provide users the choice of deciding if they want to play their music over the PC or Xbox.
A bit confused? Yeah, me too. Most folks have left the Zune for dead but months later, Microsoft surprises us with the Zune HD (did I mentioned that in the case of Zune HD, the "HD" is for the HD radio and has nothing to do with video?). It is proof that Microsoft has finally decided on a strategy for its mobile platforms. For Zune and WM fans, and mobile users in general, the mobile computing, and maybe gaming market is going to get really exciting in 2010.
Note: In Microsoft's press release, there were a lot of missing details. Maybe I'm an optimist but I hope Microsoft purposely left out information for competitive reasons and it is saving it all for a final announcement a la a special Zune event in the fall. Love to hear more about its current functions (unannounced ones, I hope), storage, battery life, and pricing.
Source: On Apple
However, it's not like we're saying Zune HD isn't a great hardware. We just don't think it's the right comparison with the iPod Touch given Microsoft's own admission that Zune HD doesn't have a full-blown mobile OS and we've yet to see what else it's capable of doing, storage capacity (thought we think it'll be between 16-32GB), and how long the battery life will carry an user through the day.
We firmly believe that Zune HD, though a potentially formidable video player to be sure, is merely a taste for mobile warriors of what's to come from Redmond. If you visit Gizmodo's first impression with the pictures and video, you'll see that Microsoft's risky decision to integrate Zune with Windows Mobile or even Microsoft's zPhone (Zune phone) later on may work out better than anyone believe (let's not kid ourselves. A Zune phone is forthcoming). In the past, Onxo wasn't sure that it was that integrating Zune and Windows Mobile was a move Microsoft need to make nor one that was likely to work out well.
Whatever Microsoft's answer to the current mobile offerings in the market (Android, Blackberries, iPhone, and Pre which has yet to be released), it's obvious that a lot of work was put into this. There's no doubt that Zune HD has elevated mobile video entertainment to another level with the OLED screen.
What remains to be seen is what Windows Mobile 7 can hold up its end of the bargain in this two-prong OS.
What I'm curious about is the roadmap that Microsoft has laid out for mobile computing, mobile entertainment, and, lastly, Windows or the Xbox.
First the mobile realm. The iPhone has garnered a lot of attention with the surprising move into casual gaming, I'm still a year or two away from really believing that Apple's mobile platform has the staying power in gaming against entrenched veterans. So the iPhone gaming may not be Microsoft's concern. Rather, its foes Microsoft is more familiar with: Nintendo and Sony. It's a good bet that mobile gaming devices from Nintendo and Sony will make leaps with their next upgrades. We've not heard anything yet regarding Zune HD's gaming capability and we might not until Windows Mobile 7 is out.
It's safe to assume that all three video gaming giants will have gaming stores for wireless downloads like Apple's iTunes app store. Microsoft will have an advantage in that its OS is a mobile platform whereas Nintendo and Sony's platforms are largely gaming in nature. We'll have to see if Microsoft does go with a dedicated gaming device at the end of the day, like the DS or PSP, or modeled Zune/WM's gaming potential after Apple's strategy.
If Microsoft does decide to stress Windows Mobile's mobile computing capabilities and relegate the integrated Zune capability into the role of a sidekick, then it's natural who it's competitors will be. In this case, we won't know until Microsoft has phones and mobile devices with WM 7 installed in the market. WM 7 maybe going up against Android 2, iPhone 3.0, WebOS 1.0, fall 2009 Blackberries if it comes out early 2010. Closer to the middle of 2010, the comparisons will be totally different at that time. At that time, Zune's media capabilities will be at a disadvantage. Also, keep in mind that Apple is pretty good at upgrading the iPhone OS every two or three months with new features.
I've also wondered if Microsoft will aligned a Zune gaming device (likely powered by Windows Mobile) closer with Windows or the Xbox. Or neither. Microsoft can make Zune Marketplace open to all of its proprietary platforms and provide users the choice of deciding if they want to play their music over the PC or Xbox.
A bit confused? Yeah, me too. Most folks have left the Zune for dead but months later, Microsoft surprises us with the Zune HD (did I mentioned that in the case of Zune HD, the "HD" is for the HD radio and has nothing to do with video?). It is proof that Microsoft has finally decided on a strategy for its mobile platforms. For Zune and WM fans, and mobile users in general, the mobile computing, and maybe gaming market is going to get really exciting in 2010.
Note: In Microsoft's press release, there were a lot of missing details. Maybe I'm an optimist but I hope Microsoft purposely left out information for competitive reasons and it is saving it all for a final announcement a la a special Zune event in the fall. Love to hear more about its current functions (unannounced ones, I hope), storage, battery life, and pricing.
Source: On Apple
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Should Sony And Nintendo Worry About Apple, Now?
I've long been in the camp that doesn't believe the iPhone platform is a threat to Sony or Nintendo. I'm a little less so now but there have been moves by Apple in recent months to position the iPod Touch as a gaming machine in addition to being a great iPod.
Here's the number to consider: 37 million iPhones and iPod Touches sold through the latest quarter. And the momentum is set to increase as Apple is due to release their next iPhone, iPod Touches selling better than expected, and over 9,000 games in the iTunes App Store. Oh, did I mention how easy it is to download a game? Any game?
At last count, PSP stands at 50 million while DS is at 100 million units sold. Granted that DS and PSP has about three years' head start on Apple, we also have to be mindful of that fact. PSP and DS are dated technology as far as gaming goes. We can pretty much be sure that Apple will refresh its hardware on an annual basis.
Those are just the facts that I want to point out before going further. So, let's ask again: should Sony And Nintendo Worry About Apple, Now?
Well, they definitely have to keep an eye on Apple. And once DS2 and PSP2 comes out and Apple continues to hold its own, then they need to worry big time. At issue isn't just gaming but what these gaming handhelds are capable of achieving. Let's examine each issue that Apple has done right to make the iPod Touches and iPhones potential gaming competitors to the DS and PSP:
- iTunes App Store. Just about everyone's making one. And in a few months, we'll know where things stand for RIM and Android since they've got the only viable operating stores for their platforms. In about a year, we'll see Microsoft and others join the party. But I have a feeling things won't be as rosy as iTunes. Sony and Nintendo will have to take a hard look at how their handhelds and games ecosystem best fit their fans. I've got a lot of confidence in Nintendo to innovate but over the years Sony has failed to challenge Apple in media and hardware design, particularly with their unfocused attempts at dethroning the iPods.
- Ease of creating apps. 35K Apps as of today. Over 9K are games. In about six months, I can see that number move up to 15K. One of the biggest complaints developers have about developing for the PS3 is how difficult and cumbersome it is. Nintendo and Sony would have to match the support, tools, and appeal that developing for the iPhone has. Here's one thing they can start from the beginning: learn from Apple's insane-make-no-sense approval process. That'll go a long way in making developers feel secured. And as it traditional in the gaming industry, Nintendo and, in particular, Sony will need to secure exclusive titles. Mario and company will need to really step it up.
- Multimedia functions. Forget about out-mp3ing the iPod function. However, they will need their own libraries of music and video.
Here's what Sony and Nintendo has to focus when Apple becomes a real threat:
- Go where Apple won't go. You've got buttons. Use them in ways that Apple can't.
- When the new systems come out. When your app store start chugging along, stop playing defense. Nintendo will do whatever it wants. I love that fact. Sony will be tempted to react. It needs to make Apple and Nintendo react for once.
- Add ebook and TV functions to the systems.
- Add wireless connection. I'm not just talking about Wi-Fi. Change hthe dynamics of mobile communication and gaming are today. With rumors swirling about Apple's iPhone-less device for Verizon, this is something that Sony can excel at as well. A gaming device with always on connection to the Internet and the Sony gaming network will go a long way in getting gamers hooked.
- Leverage the Mii and Playstation networks. What's Apple got? MobileMe? Right...
In examining Apple's advantages and how Sony and Nintendo can continue to put distance between their respective gaming handhelds from Apple's mobile devices, we can sort of see the different visions each company sees for mobile gaming in the future. Each will leverage its own technology and properties neither the other two cannot duplicate.
At the end of the day, there is likely going to be little change in the mobile gaming industry even if Apple manage to insert itself as the third wheel in the market. Apple is about selling hardwares. Nintendo will try to appeal to a larger gaming audience. Sony will like fits somewhere in the middle.
Perhaps not in a year or two. But somewhere down the line, Apple's gaming potential will need to be taken seriously. By the end of the year, the number of Apple mobile devices may well reach 60-70 million. The next billionth app downloaded isn't going to take 10 months.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Encroaching on Nintendo's Turf
Can Nintendo afford to upgrade every so often while mobile devices like smartphones have a shorter upgrade cycle? The reason I posed this question is because a lot of smartphones and mobile devices are now making gaming one of its main features or soon will be.
Granted that Nintendo has sold millions and made gazillions from its handheld devices dating back to the original Game Boy, I wonder if Nintendo needs to upgrade their devices on at least an annual basis or even shorter cycle given the encroachment of mobile devices like the iPhone and iPod Touch.
More and more, it looks like Apple is serious about making more out of gaming than anything originally though. I don't see folks getting torn up between Nintendo's DS offerings and iPod Touches when they consider a mobile gaming device yet. Not for a while.
Nintendo will do just fine if they want to make a device that is gaming first and other functions are secondary. Nintendo fanboys are just as loyal and likely have a larger following. If the legendary gaming giant continues to innovate and not take them for granted, they'll follow where Nintendo leads.
And Apple is not the only people Nintendo has to worry about. While I can't say I have any clue where Apple plans on taking the iPod Touch (I've got a few theories), others like Sony and Microsoft with Apple on the consumer mobile phone front and that means they'll have to offer compelling gaming as well.
Nintendo's problem with Sony is that Sony has a legacy and it is well known world-wide for its phones and Vaio laptops. Sony can leverage its mobile gaming offerings in ways Nintendo can't. PSP2 is a bit far off still (according to Yahoo). But can we expect an iPod Touch-like device from Sony that merges PSP or even creating a "Vaio Touch" with PSP gaming? Wouldn't you love seeing one of those?
Microsoft could be closer to releasing something to compete with the iPod Touch and iPhone than Sony. Nintendo doesn't have to worry about Microsoft moving into mobile gaming the way it has to worry about Sony. For the most part, I'm not sure Redmond knows what it really wants to do. Zune phone is a given. Zune gaming is likely but it has to decide if it'll be Zune gaming or Xbox mobile gaming. Do it wrong and it'll confuse the heck of consumers.
Bottomline for Nintendo is if it can afford for the coming mobile gaming war to come to it or strike out at it's competitors now before it becomes an issue.
Source: Yahoo News
Note: I've largely excluded RIM, HP, Dell, and Nokia in all this. It'll be interesting to see how they can fit into the mobile communication and gaming platform debate.
Granted that Nintendo has sold millions and made gazillions from its handheld devices dating back to the original Game Boy, I wonder if Nintendo needs to upgrade their devices on at least an annual basis or even shorter cycle given the encroachment of mobile devices like the iPhone and iPod Touch.
More and more, it looks like Apple is serious about making more out of gaming than anything originally though. I don't see folks getting torn up between Nintendo's DS offerings and iPod Touches when they consider a mobile gaming device yet. Not for a while.
Nintendo will do just fine if they want to make a device that is gaming first and other functions are secondary. Nintendo fanboys are just as loyal and likely have a larger following. If the legendary gaming giant continues to innovate and not take them for granted, they'll follow where Nintendo leads.
And Apple is not the only people Nintendo has to worry about. While I can't say I have any clue where Apple plans on taking the iPod Touch (I've got a few theories), others like Sony and Microsoft with Apple on the consumer mobile phone front and that means they'll have to offer compelling gaming as well.
Nintendo's problem with Sony is that Sony has a legacy and it is well known world-wide for its phones and Vaio laptops. Sony can leverage its mobile gaming offerings in ways Nintendo can't. PSP2 is a bit far off still (according to Yahoo). But can we expect an iPod Touch-like device from Sony that merges PSP or even creating a "Vaio Touch" with PSP gaming? Wouldn't you love seeing one of those?
Microsoft could be closer to releasing something to compete with the iPod Touch and iPhone than Sony. Nintendo doesn't have to worry about Microsoft moving into mobile gaming the way it has to worry about Sony. For the most part, I'm not sure Redmond knows what it really wants to do. Zune phone is a given. Zune gaming is likely but it has to decide if it'll be Zune gaming or Xbox mobile gaming. Do it wrong and it'll confuse the heck of consumers.
Bottomline for Nintendo is if it can afford for the coming mobile gaming war to come to it or strike out at it's competitors now before it becomes an issue.
Source: Yahoo News
Note: I've largely excluded RIM, HP, Dell, and Nokia in all this. It'll be interesting to see how they can fit into the mobile communication and gaming platform debate.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Mobile Tip: Airsickness Bags As Mobile Stand
This comes from Macworld.
I'm very familiar with those airsickness bags you see with every seat on airline (I get car, bus, and train-sickness like crazy).
So, if you're not using them, use them as a stand. Check out Macworld's suggestion. What you do is make a cut-out wide enough to hold your mobile device but leave enough room so you can see the screen. Then you hang it on the seat from front of you. Now, you've got yourself a hands-free stand
It works great because even if the seat in front of you is pushed back, gravity will make sure the iPhone iPod Touch, or whatever video device you're using will be vertical.
Check out further instructions and pics at Macworld.
Note: Here is another tip we found that you'll find useful in making an iPhone stand .
I'm very familiar with those airsickness bags you see with every seat on airline (I get car, bus, and train-sickness like crazy).
So, if you're not using them, use them as a stand. Check out Macworld's suggestion. What you do is make a cut-out wide enough to hold your mobile device but leave enough room so you can see the screen. Then you hang it on the seat from front of you. Now, you've got yourself a hands-free stand
It works great because even if the seat in front of you is pushed back, gravity will make sure the iPhone iPod Touch, or whatever video device you're using will be vertical.
Check out further instructions and pics at Macworld.
Note: Here is another tip we found that you'll find useful in making an iPhone stand .
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
iPod Shortage Comments
Right now, there are reports of iPod shortages. It is indeed a surprising development given all that we've heard about MP3 player market being saturated and, unfortunately, ongoing economic contractions globally.
I want my fellow mobile warriors to understand that while this doesn't impact mobility directly, I just want to say this is one of those instances where we should sit back and wait a couple of days and see if additional iPods show up at Amazon, Best Buy, or Walmart.
Internet sites have been known to get ahead of ourselves and push stories that isn't necessarily true. Now, in reality, this shortage could be just what it is, a demand for a very good line of products. Or it could be something else going on. Reading comments of some Apple-centric sites, some believe this is a marketing ploy by Apple. Some believe it could be that Apple underestimating the appeal of the iPod line this Christmas.
For example, I took a look at Apple's online store and made a couple of calls to local Apple stores and there doesn't seem to be any shortage. Some stores have more colors than others but the folks working there doesn't seem be panicking. Apple's online store has all iPods (from shuffle to touch) all ready to go within 24 hours.
So there you have it. I have a theory on the Amazon shortage though. There is currently a deal with Audible that if you sign up for a full-year service, you can get a $100 coupon towards the purchase of an Audible-compatible device. And just it so happens that all iPods are capable of playing Audible files. Also, Amazon offers free shipping and no taxes to much of the country.
What do you think is going on?
Update: It's available again on Amazon, Best Buy, Circui City, and Target again. Walmart does seem to be out of them. Crisis over.
I want my fellow mobile warriors to understand that while this doesn't impact mobility directly, I just want to say this is one of those instances where we should sit back and wait a couple of days and see if additional iPods show up at Amazon, Best Buy, or Walmart.
Internet sites have been known to get ahead of ourselves and push stories that isn't necessarily true. Now, in reality, this shortage could be just what it is, a demand for a very good line of products. Or it could be something else going on. Reading comments of some Apple-centric sites, some believe this is a marketing ploy by Apple. Some believe it could be that Apple underestimating the appeal of the iPod line this Christmas.
For example, I took a look at Apple's online store and made a couple of calls to local Apple stores and there doesn't seem to be any shortage. Some stores have more colors than others but the folks working there doesn't seem be panicking. Apple's online store has all iPods (from shuffle to touch) all ready to go within 24 hours.
So there you have it. I have a theory on the Amazon shortage though. There is currently a deal with Audible that if you sign up for a full-year service, you can get a $100 coupon towards the purchase of an Audible-compatible device. And just it so happens that all iPods are capable of playing Audible files. Also, Amazon offers free shipping and no taxes to much of the country.
What do you think is going on?
Update: It's available again on Amazon, Best Buy, Circui City, and Target again. Walmart does seem to be out of them. Crisis over.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Mobile Gaming: Nintendo May Not Be Worried About Industry Challenges
Everyone will saying gaming is about quality and not about quantity. Well, some quantity too. But this is something Nintendo knows and this is why Wii has done so well. Make a quality game system and people will follow. It's the same for the DS and back to the original NES.
Then Sony came along and tried to get into the mobile gaming secgment with the PSP and I think it has done well with a more powerful gaming experience in terms of graphics and expandability.
Recently, a newer version of Nintendo's handheld, DSi, available initially only in Japan is an answer to lower ales and quite possibility to differentiate itself from PSP.
Onxo being a place for mobile rants and an American-centric focus can't help but bring in a little about the iPhone or the iPod Touch. I'm sure eventually, RIM and Microsoft will be getting into the mobile gaming arena. Still, I don't think Nintendo is really too concerned about these new upstarts.
Nintendo has always been an innovator. Dual screens. Wii's controllers. And they stick to their guns when they have to. Cartridges. Leaving out DVD playback function because it would get in the way of Nintendo's game experiences.
With the recent campaign by Apple to push the iPod Touch as a mobile gaming device, you have to wonder, I have, if Nintendo has anything to worry about? And it is an effort by Apple to move into the hearts and minds of gamers that Apple is serious about games.
Apple does have the app store on its side with a couple thousands of games. More games than the DS and PSP libraries combined as they like to spin things. Trust me when I say they are not exaggerating and umber will most certainly grow. Plus, the iPhone and the iPod Touch features pretty impressive hardware at that.
But in the end, I can't say that Nintendo has to worry about anyone else, including Apple for a while. For gamers, it still comes down to quality. And Nintendo with its smaller library of games than Apple or other mobile platforms, including Windows Mobile, has depth and a traditional gaming experience that folks have come to know and expect from the gaming giant.
That's not to say the situation won't change. Others will get better at producing quality games with depth and Nintendo will need to innovate to differentiate its platform from all the rest.
DSi is okay but I can't wait for DS 2. Personally, I'm betting on something really special from our Japanese gaming overlords. What would you like to see from Nintendo's future handheld system? Me, I'm looking for more social features like video chats and general mobile computing features like e-mails, texting, and browsing.
Note: DSi's pricing is a bit disappointing. But it is Nintendo, so I suppose it should command some premium.
Another note: I would love to see Apple and Nintendo collaborate on a project.
Then Sony came along and tried to get into the mobile gaming secgment with the PSP and I think it has done well with a more powerful gaming experience in terms of graphics and expandability.
Recently, a newer version of Nintendo's handheld, DSi, available initially only in Japan is an answer to lower ales and quite possibility to differentiate itself from PSP.
Onxo being a place for mobile rants and an American-centric focus can't help but bring in a little about the iPhone or the iPod Touch. I'm sure eventually, RIM and Microsoft will be getting into the mobile gaming arena. Still, I don't think Nintendo is really too concerned about these new upstarts.
Nintendo has always been an innovator. Dual screens. Wii's controllers. And they stick to their guns when they have to. Cartridges. Leaving out DVD playback function because it would get in the way of Nintendo's game experiences.
With the recent campaign by Apple to push the iPod Touch as a mobile gaming device, you have to wonder, I have, if Nintendo has anything to worry about? And it is an effort by Apple to move into the hearts and minds of gamers that Apple is serious about games.
Apple does have the app store on its side with a couple thousands of games. More games than the DS and PSP libraries combined as they like to spin things. Trust me when I say they are not exaggerating and umber will most certainly grow. Plus, the iPhone and the iPod Touch features pretty impressive hardware at that.
But in the end, I can't say that Nintendo has to worry about anyone else, including Apple for a while. For gamers, it still comes down to quality. And Nintendo with its smaller library of games than Apple or other mobile platforms, including Windows Mobile, has depth and a traditional gaming experience that folks have come to know and expect from the gaming giant.
That's not to say the situation won't change. Others will get better at producing quality games with depth and Nintendo will need to innovate to differentiate its platform from all the rest.
DSi is okay but I can't wait for DS 2. Personally, I'm betting on something really special from our Japanese gaming overlords. What would you like to see from Nintendo's future handheld system? Me, I'm looking for more social features like video chats and general mobile computing features like e-mails, texting, and browsing.
Note: DSi's pricing is a bit disappointing. But it is Nintendo, so I suppose it should command some premium.
Another note: I would love to see Apple and Nintendo collaborate on a project.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Mobile OS War
What does Canalys say about the OS shares?
In previous posts, we examined a bit the unit ranks from Canalys' report, originally reported from CNet. Now, let's take a look at the mobile OS shares.
This tells a slight different story than the units sold as reported. Let's get into Microsoft. with an impressive 42%, the growth rate still pales when compared to RIM's Blackberry OS shipment growth at 83.5%, nearly double that of the WM.
For Apple, because the data is skewed because of timing and market reach of the iPhone 3G. And last year's figure for Apple was mostly confined to the US market.
However, more worrying sign for Microsoft is the growth of Linux, a choice apparently mobile warriors found more palpable than Windows Mobile. The situation will only exacerbate by Android's introduction in the 4th quarter even if it confined to the US and UK. And with Motorola throwing in their lot with Google's Android in the coming fiscal year, Android may find itself among one of the ranked OS in forthcoming surveys.
However, we know that Balmer has confirmed existing development on Windows Mobile 6.5, a welcoming piece of news if there is one. Even if WM 6.5 has no new features but simple house-cleaning, the incremental upgrade will keep Microsoft in a strong position until Windows Mobile 7 is released in late 2009 or 2010. But Microsoft cannot afford any more delays.
Most worrying-some is Symbian's 12% drop. But we need to give some time to the open-source effort and see if it takes hold. Even now, all eyes are Android, another open-source effort. It is telling that Motorola picked Android over Symbian. Says a lot and others, especially Chinese device makers, are going with Andoid. Nokia is cash rich. It's time they spend some of it to promote Symbian.
Do we need to say anything more about the iPhone? No. Interest is continues to be high and may grow as the dominant mobile device with telephony functions rather than a smartphone like others with computing functions. We'll see how it goes head to head with the Blackberry family, specifically Storm next quarter and the one after that.
Other related Onxo and Web Posts:
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Canalys Data Summary: Smartphone Shipments 3RD Quarter 2008
In the previous post , I mentioned CNet reporting on new smartphone data from Canalys. I broke up the post because the previous post was something about the post itself. Now, we'll get into the actual report itself.
What does the data from Canalys say about units shipped?
What does the data from Canalys say about units shipped?
- Smartphone shipment rose 28% in the 3rd quarter over last year.
- 39.9 million units shipped.
- Nokia retains pole position to be followed by Apple in distance second. Nokia took a hit in its marketshare as well. But all things considered, Nokia held its own.
- The market is huge. Onxo always believe there is enough room for multiple players to grow. However, Microsoft has to start firing on all cylinders to maintain the status of a major competitor in the market. Or else, remember Palm?
- RIM came in 3rd but new devices may allow it to capture the silver in the 4th quarter. Apple has but only one device.
- When it's all said and one, Nokia and RIM should gain shares are their new products are launched and have had a chance to reach intended markets.
I don't find Apple's 5X shipment increase all that important due to lack of previous metrics to make comparisons. We need to see how it does once the iPhone distribution has settled. Last year, the iPhone was only sold in the United States. By the end of the year, it will be sold in about 70 countries. Regardless how the data is interpreted, Apple hit a grand slam first time at bat. And it did so again the 2nd time around. Unfortunately for Apple, its reputation for innovation leaves it very little room to fall short. To continue the baseball analogies, even a triple could be viewed as failure.
Here's what we need to look out for in the coming quarters:
- Blackberry numbers may be skewed since it will have additional devices on the market. I really want to see how the retention rate is for RIM.
- HTC's 4th quarter number and beyond are very important. Why? Android.
- More specifically, which platform is doing well. We know Apple's iPhone OS made a great splash but how will Android fare a couple of quarters from now?
- How low will Windows Mobile go? It grew 42% but its competitors grew faster, including Linux. It is in danger of being made irrelevant if folks latch onto other platforms currently with all the momentum.
- How will iPhone's sales be affected by new mobile devices? And how will iPhone's sales affect adoption of new competing models?
- Can Apple sustain market share with only one model? If not, perhaps subsequent drops in future quarters may point to Apple release more than one model of iPhone if they want to satisfy the different needs of mobile users.
Smartphone Shipment Worldwide Ranking
CNet has posted information produced by Canalys on smartphone shipments in the last quarter.
What's interesting in the post is the focus on the iPhone. But given focus on Apple's mobile device in the last few months and the hits it'll generate from Apple folks, I suppose it's a smart move on their part. So, iPhone, iPhone, iPhone...and Blackberries!
Now, how does impact mobile warriors? Frankly, the numbers say nothing other than that if you make a good device, people will buy it no matter the hype you can generate. The music player market is not as sophisticated as the mobile device market. Hence, the users are also more knowledgeable about features and what devices can do what.
And it looks like the iPhone has what folks are looking for. Oh sure, the hype helped too. It's Steve Jobs and Apple after all. But let's be fair. The iPhone 3G is one pretty fine mobile device.
Here is a pic I lifted off Canalys of the ranks:
Nokia has the largest share of the market but it's growth may not come until next year when it has more devices on the market that can compete with Android, Apple, and RIM devices.
Visit CNet and Canalys for more details. I'll follow up with pertinent data for those who don't want to go through the whole thing.
What's interesting in the post is the focus on the iPhone. But given focus on Apple's mobile device in the last few months and the hits it'll generate from Apple folks, I suppose it's a smart move on their part. So, iPhone, iPhone, iPhone...and Blackberries!
Now, how does impact mobile warriors? Frankly, the numbers say nothing other than that if you make a good device, people will buy it no matter the hype you can generate. The music player market is not as sophisticated as the mobile device market. Hence, the users are also more knowledgeable about features and what devices can do what.
And it looks like the iPhone has what folks are looking for. Oh sure, the hype helped too. It's Steve Jobs and Apple after all. But let's be fair. The iPhone 3G is one pretty fine mobile device.
Here is a pic I lifted off Canalys of the ranks:
Visit CNet and Canalys for more details. I'll follow up with pertinent data for those who don't want to go through the whole thing.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Mobile Tip: Make Free Calls Using an Unadvertised Feature of the Phone Networks
You didn't read that wrong. Perfect timing to help with economic troubles we mobile warriors are likely going through.
According og Gizmo5, 11% of all US phone numbers (including mobile numbers) including those from certain carriers, such as Verizon and T-Mobile, are linked via VOIP, thus bypassing traditional phone system. Did you know that?
What I didn't know is that we can dial directly to these numbers using a computer (or Fring on iPhone, maybe) for free.
No charge. Nada. If this works on Fring using the iPhone, this would totally rock! I just got the tip today from Dave who offers tips and suggestions to Onxo. I haven't tried it but it'll be the first thing I do when I get home.
You'll need to download Gizmo5 and set it up.
Update: just consulted Dave and he's setting it up using Fring. Basically, you'll need and SIP (Session Initial Protocol ) account. It's free and open-source.
Update 2: It works with Fring! I was getting echos. Badly. I suggest you use your headset that comes with the iPhone. I'm totally getting an iPod Touch now.
Here's the link for Gizmo5 and what I'm talking about. ENJOY THE SAVINGS!
According og Gizmo5, 11% of all US phone numbers (including mobile numbers) including those from certain carriers, such as Verizon and T-Mobile, are linked via VOIP, thus bypassing traditional phone system. Did you know that?
What I didn't know is that we can dial directly to these numbers using a computer (or Fring on iPhone, maybe) for free.
No charge. Nada. If this works on Fring using the iPhone, this would totally rock! I just got the tip today from Dave who offers tips and suggestions to Onxo. I haven't tried it but it'll be the first thing I do when I get home.
You'll need to download Gizmo5 and set it up.
Update: just consulted Dave and he's setting it up using Fring. Basically, you'll need and SIP (Session Initial Protocol ) account. It's free and open-source.
Update 2: It works with Fring! I was getting echos. Badly. I suggest you use your headset that comes with the iPhone. I'm totally getting an iPod Touch now.
Here's the link for Gizmo5 and what I'm talking about. ENJOY THE SAVINGS!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Mobile Tip: Make A Smartphone Stand
Ipod accessories can be quite expensive. That's because if you want to sell to iPod, you have to go through the godfather Apple for licensing.
Well, count on resourceful individuals to come up with a 2-penny solution to create a dock to hold up the iPhone, iPod Touch, or just about any other smartphones.
It involves a paper clip. That's it.
I tried it. A couple of times. More like six times. It works but mine look ugly. Though in my defense, I was good at arts and craft. I'm gonna wait till this weekend to get my five-year old nephew to make me one. I understand they do this sort of thing at school every day.
Plus, if you can find one of those bigger paper clips, you can extend this to almost any other devices. I was able to use it to hold up my Dell Axim so I think getting it work on a PSP should be a piece of cake. Provide you're pretty good with arts and craft.
Via Gizmodo (Life Hacker)
Well, count on resourceful individuals to come up with a 2-penny solution to create a dock to hold up the iPhone, iPod Touch, or just about any other smartphones.
It involves a paper clip. That's it.
I tried it. A couple of times. More like six times. It works but mine look ugly. Though in my defense, I was good at arts and craft. I'm gonna wait till this weekend to get my five-year old nephew to make me one. I understand they do this sort of thing at school every day.
Plus, if you can find one of those bigger paper clips, you can extend this to almost any other devices. I was able to use it to hold up my Dell Axim so I think getting it work on a PSP should be a piece of cake. Provide you're pretty good with arts and craft.
Via Gizmodo (Life Hacker)
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