Mobile And Social Perfect For "Change That We Can Believe In" And Make Happen

Here it is:  with social networks and your mobile device, you can be more effective than your usual run-of-the-mill government official, elected representative, or your typical organizer.  Everything you want to do about things you support, dislike, or simply want to lend a voice to an issue is already within your reach.  I'm talking about the smartphone in your pocket, Twitter or Google Plus (yeah, yeah, and Facebook too), a Wordpress blog, and couple of mobile apps.  

In the old days, people had to get together for meetings.  Someone had to coordinate and try to rally people to join in a cause.  Today, a couple of countries in the Middle East have new governments because Facebook and Twitter.  Iran's Green Revolution did not succeed in changing the government but it scared the crap out of Tehran.  And then there's the on going struggle in Syria that has yet to be resolved.  All started with a simple tweet or Facebook update.  

Most of us live in a country that don't require a revolution (though I'm sure some of you might disagree with me).  However, there are issues that you probably care about and like to see something done about it.  Well, here's my challenge to you:  do something about it.

Get your iPhone, Blackberry, Droid, start up a blog, take pictures, and share with like-minded mobile warriors.  This is an issue that I will examine in future posts.  If there is anyone out there who is an activist blogger, from trying to get your pot hole fixed, running out that corrupt city council member, or trying to reduce government debt, share with us your experience and how others can go best about this.

Google Plus Status: Google is Not Offering Invitations And Has Closed Loophole

Hello, folks. I am very happy that many of my fellow mobile warriors are so interested in Google's new social network, Plus.

Many of you are waiting for invitations and Google quickly closed that. For we found that that there was still a way to get through when you add someone's email to someone who has access to Plus.

Once the user updates the stream, an email is sent to the people he or she added and the owners of the email addresses could then click through the "Learn more about Google Plus" and receive a profile.

However, Google has even closed off that loophole. I have verified this with Dave the Mobile Sage At this time, there is no way to add anyone.

I have a list of new friends that I will add once this loophole is opened back up, invitations are back, or if there happens to be an alternative mean.

Again, I am heartened with the vast interest in Plus. Many I've spoken with are fed up with Facebook's blatant disregard for users.

7 Hundred million users is quite an achievement for Facebook but if they are not careful, such a meteoric rise only means the fall will be just as awesome.

So hang in there, as soon as Plus is back to accepting new users, I will update this blog and email each and everyone of you about it.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

US Deficit - New Topic For This Blog

I just finished watching IO USA.  It's a documentary produced by the Peterson Foundation.

It's a very fluffy piece.  It's trying not to point fingers - not harshly but they hinted.

I recommend that folks go visit the site and read up what our federal deficit is all about and what needs to be done.  It's very daunting.

I like that government can help people but I also think that we need to be realistic about what we can expect going forward.

I started this blog about mobile.  Then I got into green tech.  From time to time, you'll read a post or two about exciting new renewable tech or a solar plant that I like to highlight.  But I suppose for our US readers, I like to share thoughts on our future.

So far, President Obama's time in office has not been easy.  Can't blame him but at the same time, we have seen a huge spike in federal spending.  And at some point, the president has to say enough is enough - to those in his party.

And you'll also want to know about the debate going on in Washington regarding the debt ceiling.  Here's a CNN post on some FAQ regarding it.  I came away realizing that it's all a show for the American people.

It's disheartening really.  I had hope that this president would be the one to address it.  Now that the economy is stabilized (albeit growing slower than everyone hope), Washington will put politics aside and come up with a viable solution for the future.

And to start that process, it's our job to understand what the heck is going on, how we got here, and what shared sacrifices are going to be required of us.  That's right.  There will be a lot of pain.

Just look at Greece - unpopular austerity policies adopted by Greek parliament amidst protests.  We're not there yet but we will be soon.

Windows Phone 7 Has 25K Apps; 17% of Market Share By Next Year? Google's Response?

The Inquisitr is reporting that the Windows Phone 7 platform now has 25,000 apps.  Not isn't bad at all for a mobile platform that is struggling to get above 2% of the mobile market share.  On top of that, it is facing a new foe in HP's Web OS that just released its Touchpad tablet.  Should Google worry with regards to Android.

iOS has a very loyal following and is growing on more platforms like Verizon Wireless and Android growth has slowed considerably.  We should watch the rest of 2011 closely to see just how big of a threat WP7 and others are to Android.  Remember, that Mango, the next Windows Phone update, promises to shake things up in the mobile market.

On top of that, a Taiwanese research outfit reckons WP7 could be catapulted to 17% of the market.  Yes, from 2% to 17%.  And consider how fast Android has risen, I don't want to dismiss this possibility should all Microsoft get all the right cards.  

One thing to note is that Google isn't going to be standing still.  Support behind WP7 is tepid at best and unless Microsoft's secret weapon, Nokia, takes everyone by surprise, I don't see how WP7 or WP8 next year can get anywhere near 17% of mobile sales.  

Why?  According to the report, WP7's gains will come largely at the expensive of RIM and Symbian.  I don't buy that.  I think iOS and, to some extent, Android, will gain a larger number of enterprise business.  Everyone will continue to grow but some faster than others.  And Microsoft's hold on enterprise isn't what it used to be.  

One market that can make all the different in 2012 for WP7 will be BRIC - Brazil, Russia, India, and China.  Those are areas where Apple is weaker and Google has political issues with China.  

Again, at the end of the day, a more powerful Microsoft in mobile is good for users in general.

Source:  The Inquisitr, BGR, WMPoweruser.

If You Want To Join Google Plus

UPDATE:  It seems that Google closed this loop-hole.  It's no longer working.  Once official invitations start up again, I'll be more than happy to let people know about it. 

Google has locked down additional invitation to their Plus social network due to high demand.  But Android Community posted this workaround.  

I've successfully added three friends so far.  I'm on a mission to help those migrate to Plus from Facebook.  If you're interested, drop me an e-mail at paul.public.acct@gmail.com.  I don't want you putting your e-mails in the comment section where everyone can read it.  I'll try to get to you as soon as I've got time tonight.

Again, it's worked for three of my friends.  I don't know how much longer this will work.  Idea is like this.  I'll send you an update via e-mail.  You'll get an e-mail from Google that I've updated my stream.  Then simply clicked on the "Learn more about Google+" pic and it should work after that.

I know everyone's excited about this and I'm happy to help.  If after you get Plus access and you don't want to be my friend after that, I'd understand.  E-mail me again and I'll remove you.  Privacy is very important to me.  

Good luck!

HP: Touchpad Not Designed To Challenge iPad - Not What They Said The Last Time

An HP executive is out publicly saying that the Touchpad isn't out to challenge the iPad.  Honestly, who would believe that.  Here's why he's lying and what he should have said.

First, when Apple was on life support, Steve Jobs said that Microsoft has won the war and for Apple to win, it does not mean that Microsoft and Windows has to lose. And yet, competition continued in 2000s.  That's the nature of the business.  The "I'm a PC, I'm a Mac" campaign was evidence of this.

The Touchpad is competing with the iPad  It's competing with Android tablets and Playbooks as well.  And next year, it'll be competing for our hard earned money with Windows 8 tablets.  And competition is good for the industry because it forces these companies to innovate.

That's the reason why he's not being honest.  I reckon he said what he said because of the lukewarm reception by the tech media and blogs.  What he should have said is that Touchpad and Web OS is a different type of mobile platform with a very unique UI. And that it'll only get better over time.  That's what he should be saying.  

Sure, it's heavier, sluggish, and can't do much now but that'll change over time as well.  The next major Web OS update will prove me right.

And as mobile warriors, we want them to compete hard.  

Apple really hit it out of the park with the first iPad.  Since then, first gen Honeycomb tablets and Playbook all show potentials and will need more work to challenge the iPad.  The way I see it, the Touchpad is in the same boat.  And they will all get better.

And just like the handset market, the tablet market is in its infancy.  There is plenty of room for multiple players to grow and flourish.  Heck, if HP's play to use Web OS in PC works, I'm all for it.

Source: Pocketgamer.

Apple, Microsoft, RIM, Others Team Up To Beat Back Google For Valuable" Mobile Patents

The mobile scene is one of the most confusing and exciting to watch.  These days, mobile tech is just pretty much how we live our lives whether people want to admit it or not.  It isn't about Google versus Apple versus RIM versus Nokia.  It's also about clashes of politics and philosophies, trying to win the hearts and minds of the next generation, and, of course, hundreds of billions at stake across different industries  So, we should not be surprised to see that Apple, Microsoft, RIM, and others offer $4.5 billion for Nortel's mobile patents.  

At stake for mobile warriors like us are wireless and other 4G tech.  Over 6,000 patents were in play when Google first offered $900 million.  However, just because Google lost does not mean that the winners will soon launch a plethora of lawsuits against everyone else  The winners like Apple were subject to regulatory reviews by the US and Canadian governments prior to the bidding.

On a personal level, I wonder how close Google's own bid was and whether they formed their own consortium with fellow Android allies.

Source: Infoworld.