You know when you're dating someone and you start to think this might be the 'one' when things start to get really serious between the two of you? Well, I think AT&T just upped it a notch to that level with Apple.
It's no secret that the two companies have benefited greatly from partnering with each other and it is well apparent in the success of the 1st iPhone as well as the iPhone 3G that was released in summer of this year. And now it seems that AT&T might be preventing itself from seeing other operating systems & devices (Gasp!)
Recently, AT&T Mobility CEO Ralph de la Vega even told The San Fransisco Chronicle that they looked into Android but have no plans of offering an Android-powered handset any time soon. He said Android needs to “open up more” and offer some “non-Google” applications. C'mon now, is that for real or what? That's just a lame excuse if you ask me.
The truth of the matter is that AT&T is so smitten with Apple that they can't see or think straight. Well, AT&T let me give you a little reality check. Bring your head out of the clouds. There are many consumers out there (myself included) that are looking forward to an Android phone. I have my iPhone yes, but I know it's not the end all and be all of wireless technology. I want something better, faster, more and I might just be tempted to jump ship over to another carrier if you don't start giving Android a second look over. So, please re-think your exclusive relationship with Apple and please reconsider seeing other operating systems!
A while back it seemed as if AT&T was worried about the overpopulated 3G network, and how tethering an iPhone would play off. Well now it looks like the worries are gone. AT&T President and CEO Ralph De La Vega stated in an interview at the Web 2.0 Summit, that the company is working with Apple to let the iPhone serve as a tethered wireless modem for laptops soon. Unfortunately, there is no info yet on the actual effective date nor the pricing. If you are anxious and simply cannot wait for it, there are a few other known options like using PDANet. If you can jailbreak your phone it will probably be easier (and cheaper) to stick with using other alternatives for tethering your phone. Unless AT&T offers the tethering service for a real low price, I doubt many will switch to tethering that will cost them money as opposed to none. Then again a lot of people might just want to play tby the rules and avoid any problems.... yeah right.
The iPhone takeover is still gaining strength now with a new report from JD Power and Associates. JD Power and Associates, a really important and big boss business, ranked the iPhone highest in customer satisfaction for business wireless smartphone users. Apple set out to build a smartphone for consumers that hopefully business users would eventually adopt and it worked! Apple beats RIM again.
Blackberry has something more to worry about. If being outsold wasn't enough, iPhone overtaking Blackberry territory will do it. IPhone scored 778 out of a scale of 1000. Blackberry came in second, scoring only 703. This survey is significant due to two reasons, JD Power has a good reputation for reliable research and this survey mainly concentrated on business users. This study is based on responses from 1,388 business wireless customers who currently own a smartphone device. The study was conducted between August and September 2008.
Source:Gizmodo
a battle between mobile OS rather than between handset makers
Competition is fierce. While all this warfare is going on between mobile handset makers nowadays, the real battle is going to be between mobile operating systems (OS) and which one can rock your world. When you look at the three major OS in the market, us consumers should feel good for the amount of choice we have: Apple, Windows Mobile, and Android.These 3 are going to be the top OS for next few years, each one with its unique approach to mobile life. Let's take a look at these supremo OS.
Apple iPhone has a great OS that is natural and instinctive, making it one of the fastest selling smartphones in history. The OS comes from tried and tested research on mac computers applied to a mobile platform. Integration is smooth and made for Apple devices by Apple software engineers. This can't make the rest of the handset makers too happy but that's what Apple is all about. A truly unique company that is ruling the hardware and software mobile spectrum at the moment.
On the flip side, Android has just barely entered the market with tmobile G1 as its debut phone and it is already making waves. In case you haven't heard, Google was on a mission when they set their sights on the mobile market. They know the future of the web and search is going to be on our mobile device and not on a clunky desktop. So, they set out to create the ultimate open-source mobile OS and Android was born. After loads of testing, the first go at it, the tmobile G1, is out. Granted it has some glitches, but it is faster than Apple's iPhone, better integration with the rest of the world, and totally open-source! Watch out world, here comes Android. Motorola has already jumped on the bandwagon and is promising a mobile device with Android in 2009.
Finally, last but not least, Windows Mobile hasn't been getting much play recently but that doesn't mean they are just sitting around. Windows Mobile is going to be a strong force for the future because devices with their OS are going to be able to be much more flexible according to your lifestyle, desires, and give you tons of options. Outlook mail & calendar sync is still a big deal since many people still are tied to this program. Many handset makers have tried WM on their devices already and having a mini-version of a desktop is an appealing concept.
All in all, the choices are good, and every one of these OS developers are looking to expand and enhance user experience.
The iPhone is one of the most popular phones in the US, and if you are an iPhone user, you probably already know the dangerous battery life your phone comes with. In one scenario, the battery went dead on the iPhone and when it was taken to go get fixed, they were charging almost as much as the price for the phone! Luckily these iPhone owners found a guy in Dallas,TX who fixed it for about $50, but he had to open the phone up and do internal dissection of it somehow. Unfortunately, not all of us get that lucky.
So to avoid all this dissecting and spending way too much for a phone repair, Ventev has come up with a cool new external battery for the iPhone, the Ventev® PowerCELL Backup Battery. This battery works with your iPhone and ipods too. You just simply have to plug it in to your iPhone to boost the battery life, and you're good to go. Since we all know that the iPhone's battery isn't removable, this external backup battery is a must have. the battery has an LED indicator light with a power bar as well. It's super easy to use and costs way less than if you were to let your phone go dead. The Ventev® PowerCELL Backup Battery is now available here.
The holidays are just around the corner and I'm curious to know which mobile phones will be in high demand this season. I've compiled a list of the top 5 handsets I think will be popular on this year's wish lists. Let's see if your fave made my list.
On the number one spot, of course, is HTC's G1 anyone who has played with this sweet phone is sure to be craving some android action this Christmas. Not to mention, the rumored white version of the G1. Next on the popular list has to be the almighty iPhone 3G, I think it is an awesome phone and I'm sure a lot of people agree with me on this, even though, the G1 currently has the spotlight. Third on my list is the Blackberry Storm. Although this device isn't out yet it is expected to be out sometime in November, and it's Blackberry's first touch screen, need I say more? The Blackberry Bold comes in a t my #4. This baby packs a vivid screen with awesome features like a leather-type backing, perfect for people with a sense of stylish business. Last but certainly not least, is the HTC Touch Pro, a nicely styled phone with an interface to die for.
Basically I'm basing my top 5 on the most talked about and latest phones that are within most of ours' reach. So these are my top 5 picks this season and consider it part of my Christmas wish list too.
Avian Research LLC carried out a monthly retail store survey which polled 100 service representatives at different retail stores to see what devices were most popular out of the four major carriers in the US. I can only remind you that this is mainly a popularity and not a sales poll. Also, when you narrow it down to the four major carriers in the US, only one of them carries the iPhone (which actually makes the iphone's #2 spot impressive). RIM came in at #1, which Avian thinks that it did, because of a promotional sale on the Curve at Sprint Nextel stores for the month of September. Most of the top 10 were also smartphones and LG also surprised us with the most handsets on the list. Check out the full list here and see what the fuss is all about.
source:rcrwireless
Griffin releases iTalk Recorder app for iPhone and 2G iPod Touch
I have been dreaming about an app like this for a long time so I was happy to see iTalk released by Griffin Technology. This is more than just a voice recorder. Simply, record whatever you want and it is saved for playing later at your convenience.
The application is designed with three recording quality settings—good, better, and best. Plus the iTalk Recorder creates AIFF-format recordings that can be sent wirelessly to your computer using a separate free application, iTalk Sync which you can download for your computer. One catch, the mac version is supported and the windows PC version is coming soon.
The world just got a little bit smaller. Google Earth is now available for the iPhone and iPod touch, allowing you to fly to the far reaches of the world from the palm of your hand. Since we launched Google Earth for the desktop in 2005, we've had over 400 million unique downloads, and people from around the world have used it to view their house, research travel destinations, learn how to make the world a better place, find local businesses, and view geo-located photos. Now, with a free download from the iTunes App Store, you can fly through the same 3D immersive world of Google Earth you've come to love, without having to fire up your desktop computer.
To get Google Earth on your iPhone, visit the App Store in iTunes or your iPhone, and search for "Google Earth."
Source: Google Mobile Blog
By Betsy Schiffman, October 24, 2008
It's hard to believe that AT&T was once the largest, most powerful telephone company in the world. Now it's basically a glorified wireless carrier whose future depends on a precious, niche customer base.
Not that it's a bad business. Last quarter AT&T posted a 5.5 percent increase in third-quarter profit, and that was largely because of its wireless business -- more specifically, because of iPhone sales. "AT&T's relationship with Apple is paying off," noted the New York Times. "Wireless once again saved the day for AT&T," said CNET.
But at the same time, the Apple deal isn't profitable for AT&T -- the company pays up the tooth (about $375 per iPhone) for the exclusive right to serve those customers in hopes that it can keep them after the deal expires. And in the meantime, AT&T's landline business is evaporating; its broadband business is stalling, and the digital television market has proven incredibly challenging.
The company added 148,000 new DSL subscribers in the third quarter -- a vast improvement over the second quarter -- but that still represents a 70 percent decline from last year, notes Craig Moffett, a Bernstein Research analyst.
"The 'available market' for DSL is shrinking rapidly. It is no surprise, then, that net additions are shrinking with it," wrote Moffett in a note to investors.
Given that American consumers are cancelling landlines at a rapid rate -- AT&T lost close to one million landline customers last quarter -- and given that DSL growth is expected to hit the skids due to the economy, that leaves AT&T with one real growth business: wireless. What would the company look like without the Apple deal? Probably not very pretty. The company recorded 2.4 million iPhone activations during the third quarter -- 40 percent came from competitive wireless carriers -- and added 1.7 million new wireless subscribers, which suggests most of AT&T's wireless growth is driven by Apple.
And what happens when the deal with Apple expires in 2010? Assuming Apple would want to extend the agreement, AT&T won't have any chips at the negotiating table. If the company is getting nailed by the current terms, who knows how bad they'll have it in two years' time. And if the deal isn't extended, then AT&T could lose its most significant growth engine.
But for all the ugly data points, some Wall Street analysts are still unconcerned.
"People are freaked out about AT&T's [landline] losses. They shouldn't be," says Patrick Comack, an analyst with Zachary Investment Research. "It's just the nature of the beast. The iPhone is a differentiator in the market, but it's not everything to [AT&T]. If they didn't have the iPhone deal, they would have worked out something else -- maybe they would have worked with Google."
You’ve got your Apple iPhone 3G in the palm of your hand and you’re still searching for a great carrying case, something with a little pizzazz. You pass on the stuffy leather cases, pass on the jelly cases and you pass on the ordinary acrylic snap on’s, anything left? Yes there is, Amzer’s great new metallic Metal Cases. Available in a variety of colors including black, silver, blue, pink and red, these metal cases kick it up a notch.
These metal cases for the apple iPhone 3G are a sleek and superb safeguard. The metal is 100% anodized, which means the metal is coated with a protective oxide which will prevent the case from chipping, cracking, rusting, even denting. Which, let’s face it, is exactly the kind of protection your 3G deserves.
Pairs perfectly with the 3G, hugging every last curve and angle of your device. The metal case opens like a book; the interior is padded, on both sides keeping your phone cushioned and comfortable. The padding also helps in absorbing any shock the phone may experience from accidental drops. Your 3G remains fully functional while in the case, with exact cutouts to all necessary controls. A removable belt clip, to the back of the case rotates a full 360 degrees for added placement convenience. In addition to the belt clip rotating it also acts a kickstand. The kickstand allows you, the user, to place your 3G on any flat surface for a pleasurable viewing experience.
Cool new product, the color selection is outstanding. The metal cases are a convenient and fun way to protect your 3G. I do believe this is the first metal case for the 3G I have seen. You’ll never want any other case after this one.
Aside from the 7 million people that already own iPhones, the lawmakers and staff of Congress want to join the club. Jeff ventura a spokesman for the CAO said, “The reason we’re trying them out is because we heard a lot of people wanted the option to have them,”. The Chief Administrative Officer in Congress is testing out a small numbers of iPhones to see if they are compatible with the member and lawmakers' needs.
Currently the Blackberry is the cellphone choice in the House, of about 8,200 devices. IPhone has already beat Blackberry in total devices sold in 4Q, heck why not add a few thousand more. If the iPhone is to become and option to Congress, they will be offered in the beginning of January 2009 at a cost. If a lawmaker chooses to go for the iPhone they will have to pay for it out of their Members Representational Allowance. I hope that allowance is hefty. First iPhone took over HSBC, now Congress, what's next, the world?! It's getting close...
Source: theHill.com
I have been dreaming about an app like this for a long time so I was happy to see iTalk released by Griffin Technology. This is more than just a voice recorder. Simply, record whatever you want and it is saved for playing later at your convenience.
The application is designed with three recording quality settings—good, better, and best. Plus the iTalk Recorder creates AIFF-format recordings that can be sent wirelessly to your computer using a separate free application, iTalk Sync which you can download for your computer. One catch, the mac version is supported and the windows PC version is coming soon.
