Brilliant Move To Oppose ATT Merger With T-Mobile

So far, everyone seems to think the T-Mobile takeover by ATT will sail through despite a bit of pockets of resistance, even with some powerful US Senators thrown into the mix.  But I think as examples of anti-competitive moves by ATT and loss of opportunities due to lack of choice in the market emerge, we might see things turn against the deal.

Take this Cablevision opposition to the deal.  According to Tmonews, they want to work with T-Mobile in setting up a GSM network for Wi-Fi and cellular broadband but are unable and unwilling to work with ATT.  Should the merger go through, Cablevision would not be able to partner with anyone else.  

Should there be a lawsuit, I don't see Cablevision having much of a case.  However, bringing this to public attention would help make the case that no matter what ATT says about the deal being good for consumers, it most certainly does not make it so in reality.  

It all comes down to this.  If the merger goes through, customers and operators have no one to go through other than ATT if they want to deal with GSM where it has the most international appeal.

I doubt this alone would be enough to convince regulators to turn against the deal.  But I'm sure this Cablevision example was not something anyone has though of.  

For regular mobile warriors or simply cable customers, we definitely want more choices, not less.

More at Fierce Wireless.

Uncle Sam Wants "You" (If You're a Hacker)

According to Reuters, the NSA and other intel agencies will be at Defcon in Las Vegas looking to see if they can find themselves a few hundred hackers to help protect the nation and maybe dish out a few attacks here and there against rogue nations.

Unfortunately, they won't be alone.  Corporate America will also be looking for some helping hand as well.  

Seriously, if you're in the right field at the right time, you can find a job even in at the beginning of a double dip recession we're in.

So, are you that guy?  Obviously though, you can't be some loner.  You'll have to be able to fit in and work with others.  If you've got the skillz, give it a shot.  After a few years, those high-paying tech job in the private sector will still be there waiting for you.  Won't wont hire someone with a resume that said he or she worked for the NSA.

Pottermore Beta Access Trivia Contest

Pottermore will be holding a trivia contest that allows the winners early beta access to the website before its October launch.

I just kinda of started getting into it.  I'll never be able to win this thing.  but you might.  Good luck!

I'm interested in getting the ebooks for the series.  Meanwhile, I guess I've got the Hunger Game series to keep me busy.

Source: Teleread.

Companies that Apple Should Have Bought But Didn't

I was really excited when there was word that Apple was in talks to buy Barnes and Noble.  Until something happens (not happening doesn't count), I remain hopeful.  Meanwhile, Technologizer via Daring Fireball, here are some companies that Apple left on the tablet.

Here are just a couple:

• Pixar doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me but why Apple did not buy Palm I'll never know.  
• There was talk that Apple should buy Nitendo and given how Nintendo is stumbling now, Apple should take another crack at it.

Here are a couple that doesn't make sense at all:

• Universal Music - Apple doesn't want to deal with contents. Maybe when they run out of things to take over.  This includes Disney which previously bought Pixar from Steve Jobs
• AMD - The company bleeds money and there is no tech they can offer today.  Apple's choices of buying chip startups has so far made the difference in the smartphone and tablet war.

Here are a couple that might work for Apple:

 

• Adobe - Apple can use the creative suites to entice more users to adopt the Mac and iPads.  I said it might work because there are probably other companies on the market that fit Apple's strategy.  
• EA - Video games is big now for Apple's iOS ecosystem and Apple can probably use some exclusives if it wants to invade the living room armed with top games.

There are more companies that you should check ou with a click through.  Any other companies that you think would be a good fit for Apple?  

I've got one.  RIM.  My only concern is the privacy issues that some countries are trying to insert themselves in the middle of.  RIM is a growth company despite being hammered in the US.  It is doing well everywhere else. And with a Apple-RIM combo could further allow Apple's other products, Macs and iPads, to make deeper penetration into enterprise.

Then again, you'll probably have to add RIM to another company that Apple passed on.

Note: Thanks to Dave the Mobile Warrior for showing me these two posts.

Android Trojan Records Phone Calls

I've always thought that it would be possible for an app to be able to record every keystroke on your mobile device or even intercept calls.  We've seen it happen in Hollywood movies but it looks like this is happening for real.  

When CNet posted this online today, I immediately when to all the Android blogs to see if they can shed more light on this.  So far, no other Android blogs have picked this up, a conscientious effort or not, I don't want to speculate.  So, I'll be the first to do it then.

There is an Android app when installed is able to record the user's phone conversations.  The malware mimics the standard installation page of regular apps and convinces users to install it.  Once the appropriate files have been installed and a call is made, the phone call is recorded onto the local SD card. 

From there, the call can be uploaded by the perpetrators.  

So far, this malware is an Android only issue but it doesn't mean that in the future, other mobile platforms, even walled garden ones like the iPhone, are immune.  It takes vigilance on the part of developers, handset makers, and the users.

So, here I am.  First Android blog to write about this.  My fellow Android warriors, be careful about where you download your apps.  Only go with trusted sources and you'll be able to continue enjoying your mobile experiences.

Android Version of NATO: Sharing Or Licensing Patents Among Android Makers Could Be Key To Lawsuits

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization was created with mostly Western nations during the height of the Cold War to ward off the Soviet threat.  Now, it serves more like what Starfeet is to the Federation in Star Trek.  That is besides the point.  The point is that the Open Handset Alliance Google created to put Android should begin acting like an alliance.  It also needs to protect all its members.  

And if one member is being sued, the OHA should come to the aid of that member, regardless of whether it's Apple, Microsoft, Oracle, or a patent troll.

Google needs to use some of its profit and contribute to a fund that can be used in litigation or obtain patents to be used as a defensive measure.  

Admittedly, the patent war is near nuclear between Apple and HTC and Apple and Samsung.  Had the alliance come to the aid of its members earlier, even Apple might not be so quick to global army of lawyers at the Android makers.  

Furthermore, members should also be encouraged to contribute patents for a nominal free.  Again, this is all for each of their own protections.  Google should also contribute a large portion of its profits.  This would show that Google, yes, is in this to make money, but it is also serious about maintaining an ecosystem where its partners can also prosper.

HTML Animation Creation Tool From Adobe: What We Need To Know

Edge, a new HTML 5 animation tool from Adobe.  Anyone who is interested in creating simple animations for website, I recommend download this beta and giving it a test drive.

In Macworld's post here, they give us four things to watch out for.  One point they mentioned is that this will not replace Flash.  My take:  Not yet. 

Also, it's geared towards mobile.  However, it doesn't mean if you're creative, you can't use it for anything else.  

Give it a try.  It's free anyway, for now.

Source: Adobe.