RIM In Conflict With Carriers Over Where To Store NFC Data, How About Device Makers?

Supposedly, RIM is butting heads with some GSM carriers over where near field communication data, NFC, would be stored. The bottoms here is who will have control over the customer, the data, and what promises to be a very lucrative revenue stream for both carriers and device makers.

NFC capabilities will increasingly become available in not just smartphones but regular cell phones as well. This NFC is important for mobile payments. And billions in transactions will be made this way.

Gone may be the credit cards. So who will win this fight? And where does Apple's closed iOS system and Google's Android fit in all this?

More at Greejava.

Tablet Today: Where Is HP and Dell?

Everyone know that HP and Dell are the two biggest PC makers in the world. And while the PC market is not going anywhere (I happen to like laptops and think the future continues to be bright), there are additional facets to the mobile computing market. And laptop computing is being encroached upon.

Mobile devices like the iPhone and tablets are coming up fast. And in these two markets, HP has not made much of a splash and Dell barely dipped its toe in it. So, the question I posed is where do these two successful veterans of the PC market fit in the smartphone and tablet markets?

Current State of Mobile Computing: Tablet or Laptop

Depending on who you talk to you and who you believe, the netbooks, perhaps even lsptops, are taking a sales hit because of the iPad.

Perhaps. Then there are those who are not so sure this is happen on a large scale. Given the potential that Apple may be on the verge of a $20 billion quarter and cuts on orders by dorm laptop and netbook makers, it has industry and mobile observers such as myself very excited.

Is this the beginning of the end of mobile computing as we know it?

More at Greenjava Mobility.

Is Palm Even Bothering Anymore?

Yeah, it's been a while since we've heard anything concrete about Palm or its WebOS. Rather, HP's WebOS now.

And you'd think that if Palm does try to follow Apple's example, Palm should by at Palm 2 by now. And yes, all we got was the Pixi. Seriously, I've been worried for a long time but the raging war between Apple's iPhone and Google's Android army has really sucked the air out of the room for a lot of people. Yes, Palm, RIM and Microsoft feels your pain (though Microsoft had the unfortunate distinction of making the news by killing off its two month old Kin line).

So where is Palm going from here and will HP allow the creative energy that created WebOS and Pre to flourish within the HP empire?  Palm Infocenter managed to get this clip of HP's Phil McKinney, VP of HP's Personal Systems Group, talk about HP's mobile device plans and affirm its interests in the mobile market.

Is it too late?

Wireless Providers Should Play With Speed, Not Limit Usage

I called Apple about an hour ago to inquire about getting the the 3G iPad. The 2-3 week wait was disheartening and that's only if you're at the head of the reserved list they've got going in the store.

The reason I wanted to get a 3G model now, even though I've got a wifi-only version, is because I wanted to lock in the $30 per month unlimited 3G usage.  The reason is because starting on June 7th, AT&T will be do away with the unlimited data plans and replaced them with limited metered ones.

$15 For 250MB or $25 for 2GB. An extra GB will cost $10 more.

That's the wrong way to go. A better way would be what the DSL and cable market does: price different speeds at different prices but without limits.

This isn't just affecting the iPhone but other mobile devices as well - Android, Blackberry, Pre, Windows Mobile, and others. Furthermore, this will greatly affect innovation as people will find some apps or innovations hindered by the lack of wireless access.

Rationing becomes critical at this point. We'll see just how this works out and which provider or providers follow AT&T's lead.

Do Some Mobile Fans Feel Like Their Favorite Platforms Is Under Sieged At Times?

I’m an Android and iPhone fan. I wouldn’t call myself a fanboy though I’m fine and ready to defend my mobile platforms against stupid and outdated modes of arguments. I especially like that Apple and Google are going at it because in the end, we, the mobile warriors, win because it’ll for them to innovate and be very very competitive.

More than that, it shift and moves ideas and against conventions smart folks like Steve Jobs are at the head of these battles.

But how does it feel to be RIM or Palm fans? Or even Windows Mobile enthusiasts? Day in and out, it’s Android this and iPhone/iPad that. I will admit, it can get sophisticating on some days when the blogs (and even mainstream media) all regurgitating the same thing over and over.

But with Palm’s buyout offers being rejected by Lenovo and HTC, it can’t be a good feeling for Pre fans. Sure, it got picked up by HP but only because they realized their HP Slate running Windows 7 wouldn’t stand a chance next to the iPad (this isn’t the fan in my talking. It’s HP’s decision to pull the Slate talking).

This harkens back to the days when Apple was about to be unplugged from financial life support. Before Steve Jobs came in and Microsoft’s $150 million morale booster. Folks were just bailing in OS 9 and PowerPC that supported the Macs at the time. It was ugly and everyone was wondering why I stuck with it. It was Windows, Windows, Windows.

Apple was on the verge of collapse as developers like Adobe (hence the Flash war today) and users, even those traditionally loyal in the creative and education circle, left for Microsoft.

To make matters worse, Apple continued to relied on older OS designs while a modern OS capable of such tasks as multi-tasking existed only as vaporware (remember Copland, anyone?). Plus, let’s admit it, the PowerPC 603 and 604 chips were underpowered compared to the highflying Pentiums.

And yes, during those dark days, loyalists still recognize the ease of use and lack of viruses as reason to pay a premium for underpowered Macs and Powerbooks.

Now, the same goes for RIM and Blackberry fans. RIM is doing well but it constantly is being made to look like a douche that only does e-mail well after failing to come out with a competitive touch mobile device. And to make your days worse, a new report just out today says that Incredible & Droid is killing Blackberries at VW while HD2 is mopping the floor with Bold. And we know how the iPhone is doing over at AT&T.

So I can relate.

At the end of the day, we’re all in the same camp. We want Apple, Google, Palm (HP now), Microsoft, RIM, and Nokia to fight like there’s no tomorrow through competition and innovation. Believe me, what’s good for the iPhone folks is good for the Android guys. And that’s also good for WebOS and Blackberry fans too.

Note: I hope to be a Windows Phone fan too when the day comes and it measure up to the gadgets that I’ve got at the time. Also very excited about WebOS too.

Nintendo Tweets

Here are today's tweets on Nintendo and what I think about their mobile gaming plans:

Nintendo: Apple is the future battles will be with. (part 1)

Nintendo: Recently hit by slowing sales. XL version probably not helping much with sales except with senior citizens. (part 2)

Nintendo: 3DS is the future. I’m not sure that’s enough. Need to change rules of the game to compete. (part 3)

Nintendo: Don’t take eyes off Microsoft or Sony, guys. WM7 plus zune plus gaming. PSP2 with mobile computing and telephony (part 4)

Nintendo: App store needs to grow more. Debating about online gaming. Suggest Mario & Co try everything (part 5)

Nintendo: Bring online socials to DS. But needs to make it safe for kids (part 6)

Nintendo: I would play in a “Nintendo Park” or “Nintendo World” (part 7)

Nintendo: I would love to see a multi-touch Nintendo tablet. That would be so cool (part 8)

Nintendo: Maybe they should have bought Palm and WebOS. Too late. How about licensing with HP. (part 9)

Nintendo: Android OS with Nintendo gaming? That would stop iPhone and others in their tracks (part 10)

Nintendo: Interesting post on Nintendo’s views on Apple and what’s next for mobile gaming http://bit.ly/c8Sfmx (part 11)

Nintendo: I’ve got a lot of confidence in Maro and folks. Experienced death before like Apple. Future is still bright. (part 12)

Nintendo: They have the potential to even redefine mobile in ways that is Apple-esque. (part 13)

HP Now Owns Palm

Just minutes ago, news broke that HP has bought Palm for $1.2 billion.

Why HP? Well, we'll have to let the dust settle a bit before analyzing this deal. We need to know who goes and who stays and what everyone's new roles are in the merger.

The question is going to be whether Jon Rubinstein is going to stay. And if so, what role he will play. I've always like Palm and rooted for them when WebOS came out but time was not on their side. They had once chance to succeed with Sprint and that failed. By the time Palm brought the Pre over to Verizon Wireless, Droid and the surging Android platform had already established itself.

With HP, Palm and WebOS should have a bigger role to play. Not to mentioned a deep pocket parent company.

Best of luck to the new company.

Palm's Problem: I Don't Know Where To Start

I'm going to to second guess what Rubinstein and others have done at Palm. As a matter of fact, at any other time, against any other foes, I would say Palm had a great chance of changing the dynamics of the mobile market.

In the after hours of trading, Palm tanked about 15%, making its market value under $800 million. Sales fell short and forecast even more so. Things just aren't going well for Palm at the moment. In fact, things are stacked against Palm in just about pretty much every way.

Still, this isn't unlike the days when Apple was on the brink of extinction. The main problem at Palm isn't its technology or products. WebOS is amazing and the Pre is pretty cool, compared even to the iPhone. The problem is that everyone expected the large number of former Apple alumni (execs and engineers) who joined Palm to resurrect Palm the way they did (in their own ways) with Apple.

The fact that this didn't happen is going to be a great case study for business schools all over to dissect and analyze. In executions, there are difference between Apple and Palm. In timing, the Pre went up against the 3GS and Android. And then there was the iTunes fiasco of trying to make iTunes think the Pre is an iPod.

Against the odds, I am hoping that things will turn around for one of the premier mobile companies. It has an unique technical DNA unlike anything else seen at Microsoft, Google, and even, Apple.

Just today, Rubinstein blamed Sprint for some of Palm's woes. I don't know that's how I'd do it, alienating a partner that you still need. I think Palm needs to "think different" about how they want to execute their plans. They've got the OS and hardware that does along with it.

Perhaps, it's time for Palm to be bold in some way. It may need a bigger partner, like HTC or Motorola. Palm can also consider licensing its OS and technology to other companies.

To be sure, it needs to do something. Timing is going to be key with whatever Palm does.

Note: I love to see a WebOS tablet.

VOIP - Future Now

It's a bold move to begin saying that VOIP is starting to make traditional voice obsolete but it's already started.  Skype's the 800-pound gorilla in the room now but I think like any young market, being the first or the biggest is a terrific position to be in but it's never over with giants like Microsoft and Google coming after you.

Plus, voice being a traditional market for a lot of telecoms, they're not going to go quietly and just cede the market to others.  These guys are fighting, possibly, for their survival in a fast changing mobile market.

Over the next year, we're likely to see major changes in how wireless providers change their business models to accommodate the demand for VOIP instead of traditional voice plans.  We're going to see deal cut in such a way that they'll get a piece of the revenue generated from such a move.

How about platforms like the iPhone and Android?  It's a little different here.  No one knows what Apple's going to do given how they like to share nothing.  For Google, I can't think of anyone who doesn't believe VOIP is a market they're going to take Google Voice into.  This is probably why Apple hasn't approved Google's official Voice app.  Of course, this tells us where Apple's going as well.

For Nokia, RIM, and Palm, they'll probably be making deals with the likes of Skype.  I think acquisitions are also possible.  So for those mobile warriors that work in VOIP startups, prepare to be rich or close to it.

Microsoft just unveiled their Windows Phone Series, aka Windows Mobile 7.  I'm sure we'll see more in the coming days but with its tight integration with Live services, I foresee VOIP features as a part of MSN Messenger.  And soon.

For now, as mobile users, we just have to wait and let the coming storm settle.  See who's still in the race.  And as confusing as it'll be, we're the ones who get to pick the winners.  And the market is big enough for multiple VOIP providers.

Adobe: No Flash on iAnything, Get Over It!

Folks.  I want to say I use Flash on just about everything on the Web that has to do with gaming and video.  Youtube.  That's right.  Hulu.  Can't do without Flash as far as I know.  Gaming.  Definitely.

Now, there's a new HTML, HTML 5, that might one day supplement Flash but that day isn't here yet and I'm happy Adobe is adapting its platform and evolving it with greater power and freedom.

I also like Adobe very much.  I use it for a lot of my work.  Now, Adobe, frak, dude.  Get over it.  Apple, namely, Steve Jobs, will never ever allow Flash to run on anything that Apple builds that starts with "i".

Adobe is lucky that Apple is allowing plug-ins at all in Safari.  So folks, don't be surprised one day if Apple's desktop browser one day stops supporting Safari and makes everyone use HTLM 5 for their needs.

So, what should Adobe do?  Well, there are plenty of other platforms that Apple has no say on.  Windows Mobile. Okay, they'll run into Silverlight there.  But there's Symbian, Linux, and Android.  That's like 90% of the mobile market there.  Plenty for Adobe to roam and swim in.

But here's a bold move I like to propose.  But your own mobile platform.  Heck, in fact, create one.  That's too hard and too risk a move that no one at Adobe will even consider.

I mean, look, Palm's cheap.  $2.5-3 Billion out to net you a pretty modern mobile OS.  Use it to showcase your technology, kind of like what Google is doing with Android.

What do you say, folks?  Adobe, get over it.  You're not going to see Flash run on the iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, or anything mobile from Apple.  Keep innovating.  Make others need you.

Palm Needs A Palm Desktop for WebOS

Is something afoot with Palm's latest WebOS release?

In the past, each release from Palm fixes the link between Pre and Apple's iTunes.  It has been an ongoing battle between Apple and Palm, similar to the war between Apple and the innovative Apple community that unlocks/jailbreaks the iPhone and iPod Touch.  But with the latest update, the iTunes link with Pre was not restored.

Perhaps this has to do with the fact that Palm lost to Apple when they both went in front of the USB Implementers Forum earlier in the fall.  Personally, why Palm did this was just stupid and out of character.  Well, perhaps, it did something that Palm needed but may no longer.

Palm knew it was never going to be allowed by Apple to hook the Pre into iTunes indefinitely and while these battles are cute, it could undercut WebOS with customers in the long-run.

So, Palm will need its own solution.  And it needs it badly.  Ask my fellow Android users and developers and they'll tell you they wish Google has some sort of solution to Apple's iTunes for synching and delivery of contents.  So, don't be surprised to see the Palm Desktop resurrection for the WebOS.  And there's what they can do to really stick it to Apple:

• Bring a bit of WebOS to PD (Palm Desktop).  
• Integration with Amazon's store to challenge iTunes.  Maybe Amazon will even give Palm a piece of the action.  
• Offer tie-ins for other devices like Android, not just WebOS.  This isn't as insane as it seems.  Palm and Google have a tight relationship with the Pre.  Plus, it'll make other folks thinking about WebOS and it's superior interface to Android.
• Offer Google apps via a built-in browser.  Well, Palm can base PD off Webkit if it wants just as WebOS' browser is based on.
• Offer desktop access to Palm's app store.  More than just buy apps, let folks use PD to use the apps. Last I checked, Apple isn't doing this at all or even thinking about it.
• Facebook, Twitter, Myspace - let folks access updates into PD as well.  
• Open it even to iPhone and iPod Touch users.  Seriously open it up.

Essentially, make PD the one-stop access to for Palm,  Android, WM, Symbian, and Blackberry users to access their contacts and social updates.  With what I'm thinking, Palm can just ahead of the game and really give Apple a run for the money.

Mobile Summary - What's Been Happening In the Mobile Market

Things are moving very fast in the mobile world right now.  So, here is a brief summary of things that I've kept up with.

Android

• Android seems to be making a huge run for a chunck of the mobile users.  I haven't seen this kind of excitement in a platform with the number of different gears out there since the early days of Windows CE.  Even Dell, a traditional Redmond ally, is entering the mobile market with Android.  
• Droid is kicking up a lot of dust.  At who, well, that's hard to say now.  Though I don't like the keyboard or the boxy design, I like everything else about it.  Bigger screen than the iPhone with a whole lot more resolution.  And it's thinness is something worth noting.  All that without sacrificing battery life. Also, it runs Android 2.0.
• I recently rooted my G1 for tethering and installing Google Navigation.  I think this is why Android has such a large following.  Smart smart folks involved and it is more open than the iPhone will ever be.  Of course, that's both good and bad.

Windows Mobile

• I'll be honest here and say I don't know what's going on.  I know the HTC's HD2 is out.  But no WM 7 or Zune integration.  On the other hand, Zune gaming is looking good this week with additional 3D games.  As an Apple fan, I am contemplating getting a Zune HD just to see what the big deal is.  Yeah, I'm a gear lover.  I'll still be getting iPhones, Macbooks, etc. 

Palm Pre

• After the iPhone, I'd get the Pre.  Right now, the Android devices are underpowered and new gears won't be out until 2010 with better insides.  Today, Palm's stock price jumped on rumors that Nokia is looking to take it off the market.  I don't know if Nokia wants WebOS but with a bunch of former Apple guys with access to NOkia's deep pocket and treasure, wow, this would be better than if Dell picked up Palm.

iPhone Platform

• Not a good few weeks.  Okay, iPhone demand continues to be strong.  Shortages and stuff like that.  Except in China where today, it has sold 30K in about two weeks.  Orange managed that in one day.  But then, I wouldn't get a crippled iPhone either (no Wi-Fi in China).  
• Oh, and even as it provides a tool for developers to see how their app is doing through the approval process, Apple is facing a new revolt of sort
• There are now 100,000 apps with over two billion downloads.  
• Still waiting on the iTablet. Lots of blog chatters about Apple trying to save the print realm.  

ATT Versus Verizon

• This is interesting.  You know those 3G commercials?  Verizon is doing the same thing that Apple has being doing to Microsoft with the "I'm a Mac, I'm a PC" campaign.  Alright, maybe VW took some liberty at how it wants to influence potential customers or VW customers looking to jump ship to join ATT.  ATT has decided it would have none of it no more and has sued VW to make them take off the commercials and for damanges.  ATT has a lot to lose as it is rumored that they will lose their iPhone exclusivity in 2010.
• ATT issued a memo disputing VW's claims.  More at electronista.
• Again, the commercial is pretty good for its entertainment value.

Nintendo

• It's never enough.  Nintendo is a cash machine but apparently, it's never enough in a capitalist society.  So, what happened?  Well, I'm thinking the economy has more to do with it but news and blogs are saying it has more to do with the iPhone.  Okay, maybe some but not all of it.  Still, it's been a while since I've bought a Nintedo handheld and I won't be getting it until it's like the DS 2 or something.  The next version of DSi will have bigger screens.  Let's hope that Nintendo decides to bring more than just that.  The iPod Touch is not completing with the DSi or PSP directly because it can do so much more.  But because it can do so much more and by the sheer installed base, it is getting a lot of attention from traditional gaming outfits.  It'll be interesting to see how Nintendo responds.  We already Know Zune is going into Windows Mobile and Xbox mobile gaming is likely just around the corner.  Maybe Nintendo should buy out Palm and add DS gaming to it?  What do you think?
• Crunchgear doesn't think Nintendo needs to worry about Apple right now.  Not yet.  I agree, for now.  Nintendo, with the recent price cut to the Wii is going into the important Holiday Season with more sales than Xbox, PSP, or PS 3.  

Google

• See the above Android section.
• Google just bought Gizmo5.  VOIP with Google Voice.  Match made in mobile heaven.  This is interesting because there were talks that Skype was interested in Gizmo5 until eBay, Skype, and the former owners of Skype settled their disagreement.  Imagine how this works out.  Android devices requiring only data access and calls via VOIP.  
• More on the Gizmo5 buyout:  Daily Wireless, CNet
• With the purchase of Gizmo5, look out for blogs and news reports about exploding VOIP markets.  Folks will be jumping on the bandwagon about it.  Take it easy.  Skype isn't going to sit this out.  But love to see Google Voice go at it with Skype.  An Edison-Tesla type of brawl in our time.
• Chrome OS is coming a lot nicely.  We should see it in the next few weeks.  
• While we're on Google, CNet has an interview with Google's CEO and made a claim that Docs will be just as good as Office.  About the Docs statement, I don't use OpenOffice for the same reason I don't use Docs as much.  You want to rival Office?  Check out Numbers from Apple.  Go ahead and copy it, Google.  Microsoft said it copied OS X.  So that's okay.

RIM/Symbian/Others

• This week, it was reported that phone sale growth resumed in the third quarter of 2009.
• 45 Million smartphones shipped worldwide,  representing a 5% growth. More if you're willing to pay $7000 for the rest of the report at Strategy Analytics.  Yeah, this is all I need to know.
• Here is a table lifted from IntoMobile.  Nokia is number one, followed by RIM and Apple.  Apple with just two models (and two various of the 3GS) may put a hurt on others next year.  Nokia is in the pole position with 39.3%.  RIM has 20.8% (great growth) with Apple trailing at 17.1%.  No one has has double digit marketshare or growth except folks in the "others" category.  
• Nokia, mentioned above, in looking to snatch Palm off the market, according to Barron's.  

Here's my thought in all of this.  The ideal situation is each of the mobile giants have an equal share of the market.  That way, it keeps them all honest and their innovation engines running high.

So, this has been what's going on the last couple of weeks in mobility.

T-Mobile About To Shake Up Subscription Market?

You pay what? $50 a month? $60? $80 if you've got an iPhone? Over $100 for family plans?

Well, Sprint has always been pretty innovative about coming up with competitive pricing and how they market it. I've always liked that about them and I'm just sad that they don't command the marketshare I think they deserve. Then again, they deserve to be where they are because of the network they use and the coverage they provide.

However, is T-Mobile about to shake things up even more now? As a long-time T-Mobile subscriber, I have access to a $50 a month plan with unlimited minutes. And that to me is just incredible. Ask ATT what they're charging you and you'll know what I'm talking about. Plus, T-Mobile was the first to come out with the MyFavs features.

However, there is something T-Mobile is working on dubbed "Project Black". No one really knows what it is but there are rumors about it and I don't want to bring them up here. However, being a 4th place wireless providers, T-Mobile with its increasing lineup of Android devices really has an opportunity to shake up the market. Here's what I like T-Mobile to do:

• Provide a $60 all you can eat plan. I know some folks are asking for $50 on Android and T-Mobile sites but I don't think that's realistic. So for $60, you get unlimited calling, data, texting. You have access to an open network. $15-20 more for tethering.
• Open network. Do away with limiting voice plans. For a flat fee, it's all data. VOIP support, Google Voice, tethering.
• Work with Clearwire on 4G network. Sprint and Clearwire need a shot in the arm and T-Mobile clearly can provide that.
• Bring the iPhone and/or Palm Pre or Pixie to T-Mobile users. One of the things iPhone users grip about is the crappy ATT network. In a limited capacity, T-Mobile can serve as an alternative for iPhone users and as a notice to ATT that Apple has alternatives. One of the interesting thing is that T-Mobile seems to be doing double-time with their network build-out. Does this have anything to do with trying to satisfy a device maker like Apple or Palm. T-Mobile does have a relationship with Apple after all by selling the iPhone in Europe.
• Tighter partnership with Google to create an open network.

I'm a big underdog fan and T-Mobile and Sprint are now the two biggest underdogs in the US as far as the big four mobile providers are concerned. But there as we wind up 2009 with one quarter left and into 2010, now is the time for T-Mobile to shake up the mobile market.

More Robust Streaming On the Way? Good For Streaming Videos Wirelessly

The summer, aside from headlines dominating the release of the iPhone 3GS and Pre, Android devices flooding the market, and Microsoft's ineptitude to mount any kind of comeback in the wireless world, is FCC's interest in exclusive deals such as the one between Apple's iPhone and ATT.

The side-effect of that interest is the FCC asking questions about why Google Voice app for the iPhone was rejected.  This likely came about from the attention bloggers gave to the few developers whose apps were also rejected by Cupertino.  Justify or not, Apple's actions is in the crosshair of the government.

Perhaps, it's why a flood of apps that we might perceived as threats to Apple (their favorite line for rejecting apps is duplication of iPhone functions and anything that might confuse iPhone users) such as those from Rhapsody and Spotify (which I enjoy immensely thanks to Dave the Mobile Warrior) were allowed into the iTunes app store.

And perhaps it's why flood of apps approved today such as CNN's app that allows live video stream, mSpot's movie rental app (more at On Apple) that also allows streaming video, and EyeTV app into the app store.

Of course, we'll never know if attention from the FCC has anything to do with approval of above mentioned apps.

But I like to offer another theory.  Perhaps, ATT's network might be more robust now.  After all, they spent the summer beefing up their network for the flood of MMS service, not to mention that they'll have to gear up for the inevitable wireless tethering service as well.

And whatever reasons we believe ATT, Apple, or other app stores and providers might reject this app or that app, the direction we're headed is clear.  Apps that provide streaming video cannot be hindered for competitive reasons and wireless providers have no choice but to continue to beef up their networks to satisfy this particular need of their users.

Over on Apple, I'm especially excited about mSpot's app being approved because it bolds well for two video streaming services that I know millions of mobile users are particularly interested in:  Hulu and Netflix.

To be sure, talks between these Netflix and Hulu and Apple have taken place and development on these respective apps are going forward.  How do I know that?  For the same reason I mentioned above.  Streaming video services are coming to wireless devices.  No amount of feet dragging will stop that from happen.

And if for some reason, Apple is bold enough to keep Hulu and Netflix apps from being approved, I'm sure RIM, Palm, Nokia, Android (Google's wireless OS) and Microsoft will be happy to welcome those two apps into the ranks of their app store.

Back to wireless networks.  WiMax continues to be built and introduced into new markets by Sprint and Clearwire.  Verizon Wireless will follow up with their LTE network while ATT and T-Mobile beef up their 3G networks.  As wireless capacity expand and come online, there really is no excuse that streaming video from services like Netfix and Hulu should be allowed on them.

More about mSpot and chances of other apps that offer streaming videos at On Apple.

Busy Mobile Week

With the long weekend, it was difficult to get back into the flow of mobile writing.  Mobile life was still lived.

The weekend saw me getting motion sickness on a train, warm weathers, and a lot of food.  But I think I got that out of my system now and just in time for more musing about the mobile world.

I'll get into the Apple event that was really a demo fest but it's Apple.  It's Steve Jobs and no one else can get that kind of press coverage.

Also, we saw movement in the WebOS market, specifically the Palm Pixi that will be introduced later this year.  Many folks contend that it is suppose to compete with the iPhone 3G.  I think Palm released it to stay alive.

And in my continue attempt to stay positive about the mobile providers, ATT is getting into the MyFavs game with their own offering.  Again more on that as things clear up.

I'll start providing more updates perhaps later tonight.  But before I go, I think we're going to see a busy fall with Android.  It's already crossed the 10K apps line.  It also saw a TV app, Facebook app, and a Pandora app.  Plus, Dave the mobile warrior informed me that Google Voice allows the user to be informed of an incoming SMS via Gmail since GV text are not pushed.  Great move, Google!

Palm Tracking Pre Users Secretly

Palm appreciates the fact that Pre users allow their privacy to be violated. That's essentially what Palm said it when the Los Anegeles Times found out about this.

Through the GPS, Palm is tracking where its users are and what apps they're using. So, I wonder if Sprint is even aware of this at all? Palm's answer to this was "We appreciate the trust that users give us with their information, and have no intention to violate that trust."

Seriously, they think it's okay to do this without their users knowing about it. Anyway, a programmer interviewed by the LA Times found a way to disable to feature which I'm sure Palm can just turn it back on after the next system update.

But what the hell is Palm thinking?! Anyway, this is a great violation and I hope Pre users are pissed off about this. Palm should have mentioned this from the start and if Sprint is in on this, it can kiss its effort to stay relevant in the wireless world good-bye.

Jim Goldman of CNBC offered Palm a solution: give users the option to turn off the Palm's peeping feature.

At the end of Goldman's piece, he wanted to know if Palm was being a helper or big brother. Dude, you even have to ask? If it was helping, it would have said something about it. And Palm knew this would not have gone down well with Pre users so it specifically failed to inform users.

Now, I wonder if Apple and Google does the same thing as well.

UPDATE: PalmInfoCenter (great site, I've used this since the Palm PDA days) note that turning this off is difficult but the programmer, Joey Hess, who discovered this criminal scheme, is working on it. Plus, PIC noted that user data base is back-uped to a Palm server is a normal operation that can be turned off through the Backup application.

So, Palm obviously knew what they're doing here is wrong with the police-state like GPS tracking. Plus, Palm reserve the rights to share information it collects. Read their terms and conditions.

Links: LA Times, CNBC

What Is Going On With Pre Sales?

TechCrunch posted some information from a research group JNK Wireless Consultant iGR on the state of Palm Pre sales. Then the outfit compared it with data from iPhone 3GS sales.

You can go there and check out the post if you like and decide for yourself if you agree with the numbers or not. Frankly, the numbers do seem a bit low. I've seen some number as high as 50K a week in the latest week. I think the right thing to say is that the numbers are actually somewhere in the middle.

Regardless, I had thought the Pre would be giving the iPhone a run for its money before tapering off a bit. I can only think of a couple of reasons why Palm is not doing better.

One, a lot of former Palm fans were Apple fans. There were tons of calls for Apple to buy Palm in the early years of Steve Jobs' second coming. Obviously, that never happened. It was also fresh in folks mind that Jobs had killed off the Newton. And now, more of the ex-Palm devotees are now iPhone fans.

Second. Timing. Look, it's not hindsight here. I was wondering why Palm launched so close to the WWDC when Apple was going to be talking about the iPhone 3.0 and possibly was going talk about the next generation iPhone which turned out to be the 3GS.

For folks who are not familiar with Apple events, they usually run about 90-100 minutes. The WWDC keynote a week after Pre went on sale was closer to 110 minutes. Guess what they used that extra 20 minutes for? Right, the iPhone 3GS.

I know Palm and Sprint pre-announced the back in January the Pre and promised to launch in the first half of 2009. But while they did keep that deadline, they ran right into Apple who was already pissed off Palm's former Apple execs.

Third. Sprint. Okay. This one I don't get. Folks seem to think that Sprint is a sinking ship. Well, aside from the fact it uses CDMA and has recently outsourced its network to Ericsson, I have always heard good things about it from folks I know who use Sprint. Nevertheless, blogs and the media has decided it Sprint has a subpar network. That being the case, subscribers may be shying away from the Pre because of Sprint.

So, what can Palm do? It looks like things should be looking up from this point on. Verizon has publicly said the Pre will grace its network in 2010 and at last one other WebOS device may make its way to ATT. Plus, Palm will likely make more deals with international carriers in the coming months.

Still, competition will be though. Apple, RIM, Microsoft, and Nokia will be looking to undermine any push that Palm try. Even though Palm's been in this business longer than most, it must feel awfully like the new guy in town.

And it's a very very rough town at that.

Source: Techcrunch

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.

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.