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?

Questions About the HP-Palm Deal

Here are a few questions HP buying Palm that I have:

1. When will I see Pre 2?!
2. What is the future for WebOS?  
3. Will WebOS find itself on other mobile devices like smartbooks and tablets?  If so, how soon?
4. HP's slate has not been well received from the looks of things.  Can WebOS be the answer?
5. How will HP position itself and WebOS against the rest of the field that is different from what Palm has already done and succeed?

While we've got many questions about the deal, the fact that HP bought Palm does say a lot about the mobile market in general. 

• HP doesn't want to play second fiddles to WM7 or Android.  It certainly doesn't see Windows 7 as a viable platform for the tablet market given the iPad competition.
• WebOS promises to offer more in terms of mobility for the tablet and other mobile devices.
• HP doesn't want to be left out of the mobile war.  With Palm, it entered the market is a big way.  Catching up and, in some cases, surpassing players already in the arena.
• iPad is a threat.  More specifically, Apple's mobile strategy is a threat.  Palm was dismissed by its competitors as a threat.  HTC, Dell, Lenovo, and others saw nothing of value that Palm can offer them.  HP was not even in the mobile market as a serious contender.  But with HP/Palm, now we've got something people need to pay attention to.
• HTC seems happy with Microsoft's patent deals but really in bed with Android.  HTC doesn't see WM7 as a major game changer.  HP probably doesn't either.  
• Dell, Lenovo, and others did not pick up Palm. Same reason as HTC.  Android is the future.

What HP needs to do:

• Assure the millions of loyal Palm fans (or is it mere hundreds of thousands now) that it intends to go forth with innovations and investments in WebOS.
• WebOS gets another chance to establish itself in the market.  This time, time and money isn't going to be an issue.
• Investors need to be patient and not have lofty expectations.  Palm has a lot of issues to resolve but the resources of HP should help immensely.
• Quickly bring to market products.  HP may need to go out and buy other mobile companies with products and services to complement WebOS.
• It needs to streamline.  WebOS and nothing else.  No Android or WM7.  The Slate will run Windows 7 but quickly release another one with Tegra 2 for the tablet and possibly Snapdragon for the smartphone.  
• Deal with everyone and anyone in the wireless services.  
• Possibly even license WebOS.

What do you think?

More at Engadget, Business Insider, Reuters, HP Press Release

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.

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.

Clouding Around - Still, There Are Pitfalls For Cloud Computing

As more folks get used to the mobile computing life, we need to be reminded that the data we access with our mobile devices and smartphones don't always sit quietly in storage waiting to be accessed when the time came.

And recently, Pre owners were given a pretty harsh lesson of that when the Pre profile server crashed, leaving Pre owners without access to their data.  But don't think this is an isolated incident.  Remember when Apple debut push mail for the iPhone?  Yeah, Apple had to apologize multiple times and provide MobileMe users two extra months of free service.

Is that Google fans laughing I'm hearing?  What?  Don't remember the Gmail outages?  A couple of times if memory serves.

This reminded me of an argument with a friend who worked at Yahoo.  I told him it's important to me that I always have a copy of my data and e-mail on my laptop when I don't have access to the Internet.  No Internet access, no webmail or files stored in the cloud.  Right?

So, I'm telling my fellow mobile warriors this:  pitfalls and trials by fire are to be expected as we move boldly forward in shaping the mobile market.  There will be servers that crash.  Services taken down for maintenance that turn into outages.  Denial of services.  Natural disasters.  I'm sure you can name a few other types of incidents that will leave you without your precious mail, contacts, schedules, and wireless Internet.

For mobile users, it's always good to find a way to back up your information.  MobileMe allows you to storage in your information with the Mac or Outlook while Google offers off-line access to data including Gmail.

For folks who rely on cloud storage, it's good to use services like MobileMe and Dropbox that synchs a copy of files to a local folder.

Anyway, Pre owners got their data back and things are fine again.  But it is a sobering experience for everyone.  Cloud services will continue to grow and mature.  Perhaps, we'll one day have enough redundancy with our wireless services that we'll never truly have to worry about losing access to our data.  But until then, it's always good to practice some old school computing.  Keeping a copy of your data locally if you can.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Here is Apple's full release:

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

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

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

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

Mobile Tip: Watching NBC Videos on Smartphones and Mobile Devices

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

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

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

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

Palm's Options

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Test Drive the Pre A Bit - Lives Up To Hype

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


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


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


More Pre impressions at Onxo Gadgets

ATT Is In Trouble - VW And T-Mobile Should Capitalize

ATT was booed at Apple's WWDC 2009 during the keynote.  Why?  From the iPhone user perspective, ATT will not be able to deliver critical network functions that are key points in Apple's new iPhone 3.0.

When the Apple-ATT partnership started, things couldn't be better for the two parties.  But with 3G network issues and now the letdown with network support for the new iPhone, things couldn't be worse for ATT.

And ATT will be forced to trying and keep its iPhone exclusivity as a defensive measure (More at Onxo Gadgets).

So, what is next for the wireless giants?  First, let me be clear.  I detest these wireless providers for the way the treat us so I don't care whether they get screwed over by the handset makers or by each other.  So, it is obvious that the other guys should do what they can to disrupt the Apple-ATT alliance.

For now, it seems like ATT and Verizon Wireless seems to be focusing in knocking Sprint out of the game.  First Verizon's CEO made a public statement that VW will get the Pre in six months (which Sprint denied but Palm has not said a word).  Then this Monday, Apple launched the new iPhone 3G S at $199 (the Pre is $299, $199 after rebate) and placed the original iPhone 3G at $99.

But it's also a perfect time for VW to go after ATT by trying to get Apple out of its camp.  And VW can do that by bring LTE to the market in a timely manner and convince Apple not to extend its iPhone exclusivity deal with ATT.

After all, conventional wisdom is that the subscribers tolerate ATT only because of the iPhone.

Then there is also T-Mobile USA.  Apple already deals with T-Mobile, the parent company.  Perhaps, T-Mobile USA should be doing what it can to capitalize on any rift between Apple and ATT.  If Apple wanted to bring the iPhone to another network in the US, T-Mobile is obviously the easier route to go. And Apple has said that it doesn't like CDMA.

If Apple does offer the iPhone 3G with T-Mobile, there are hundreds of thousands if not millions who would jump ship and go with T-Mo in a heartbeat.  At $99.  At $149.  Even at $199.  If this were to happen, for once, T-Mobile (my current network) can put the hurt on ATT and Verizon Wireless at the same time.

Note:  I did leave Sprint out of the equation.  Sprint isn't GSM nor is it Verizon.  Sprint's strength will lie in how quickly it can get a national WiMax network to as many major cities before Verizon's LTE network has time to mature.

WWDC And Pre Launch - Has Anything Changed?

E3 in Los Angeles last week.  This was followed by the Pre launch last saturday and Apple's WWDC today where Apple unloaded a plethora of news and new technology for its mobile and Mac platform.

But has things really changed in the mobile market for the average mobile warrior?  Did we really see new and exciting innovation from Apple and Palm?  Don't get me wrong.  I'm excited about the iPhone 3G S and the potential competitive pressure Palm's Pre can provide.

I can't shake the feeling that there's been a reinventing of the wheel or simply making the wheel easier to use.  Don't make sense?  More at Onxo Gadgets.

Pre Reviews - Links Available

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here's a CNet video review worth watching.

Reviews: Gizmodo, Engadget, BGR, PC World

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

Pre - $199 (After Rebate) On June 6th

According to Yahoo (Via Reuters), Palm and Sprint will try to upset the mobile device world with the Pre for $199 on June 6th. However, expect to pay $299 at the store because you won't get the $199 price until you mail in the rebate and get the rebate check back. How does this compare to the other smartphones and mobile devices?

I can't tell you that because Palm has yet to release a whole host of information regarding its usage such as the battery life.

However, this is a very important announcement as Palm attempts to revive its fortunes, not to mention those of Sprint's.

For a while, I had expected a boring two to six weeks until the iPhone is released but this has certainly made things interesting. At the end of the day, this is not really about the iPhone. It is about whether Palm can deliver as hyped. Already, Palm is trading more than 5% lower as investors find the information not to their likely. Matching iPhone's entry-level pricing is a no-brainer. I suspect that the Pre's challenge in the comping months will be competition with Blackberries priced from free to $199. Oh, there's another "storm" on the horizon as RIM readies Storm 2.

For Palm to finally get Pre out the door is the easy part. Convincing fans like myself who have left it for other platforms will be the difficult part. So Palm, I'm not very happy with my G1. Get me to switch.

Via Yahoo News

Note: Again, we mobile warriors win at the end of the day. And expect Palm's competitors to welcome the Pre with a party of new hardwares, competing rates, and misdirections. And possibly a $99 iPhone.

Another Note: The rebate thing is stupid, Sprint. Stop that nonsense.

Zune Not Dead

The last time Microsoft updated their Zune hardware, it was like "this is it?"  Onxo had always to watch out for Redmond.  They were not going to go down without a fight and give Apple the whole market.

On that basis, we said look for a potential surprise from Microsoft.  Engadget appeared to have scooped new marketing market for an unreleased Zune.  Zune HD.  Currently, there is no details beyond the screen capture but the timing, if time means the next couple of months, for a release could be excellent.

All eyes have been on Apple, iPhone, its 1 billionth app download, and Palm Pre.  New iPhone from Apple won't happen until June at the earliest and Pre is nowhere to be seen.  So, the next couple of months, April and May, give Microsoft the perfect time to bring out new Zune hardware.

It will not have to go up against the iPhone or the Pre and it will have an iPod Touch that's 5 months old already.  Zune HD, or Zune phone will look fresh during this period and it'll have the media all to itself.

Need to say, it'll have to offer something spectacular.  Zune to iPod, iPod Touch still wins hands down if a touch-screen Zune is all that Microsoft brings to the market.  There's no mention of apps, games, or something that Microsoft can offer beyond what Zune can do now.

Time will tell but most folks still believe that Zune functionality will be incorporated into Window Mobile 7.  If Microsoft does release new hardware to compete with the iPhone and Touch, that belief may need some rethinking.  It is a danger after all for Microsoft to merge two flagship products, no matter how successful (or lack of), into one and fail to gain acceptance in the market.

For the sake of all mobile warriors, I hope Microsoft do continue to compete in the MP3 and touch market.  Basically, it comes down to competition, competition, and competition.  That translate into innovation, pricing, and continued push for mobility.

Via Engadget, MacNN

Update:  Appleinsider has provided a pro-Apple analysis of this potential touch-based Zune.  It's their belief that Zune will sit on top of WM.  I maintain that is a route Microsoft has certain entertained.  And while only time will tell, it is something that analysts and tech watchers may need to reevaluate.  Mcirosoft is certain capable (and cash rich enough) to try to advance Zune without using WM.  Keep in mind that Microsoft has demonstrated technological breakthrough with its tabletop Surface.  Boy, this getting exciting.