Viral video everywhere you go!! Oh how we are spoiled.
Nokia announced a partnership with YouTube in a deal that seems almost necessary. It was bound to happen, and surprisingly it was not sooner. According to Mobiledia.com, through a Nokia Web Browser with Mini Map (Nokia’s addition to the web browser so that websites appear as they would on a PC) all Nseries devices will have direct connection to YouTube’s mobile site.
Nokia is looking to profit from the trend in viral video. In the event that the YouTube addiction doesn’t die out in the next few weeks, mobile phone connoisseurs will find a few extra features that will tickle their fancy.
The Mini Map browser not only allows for fast connection to YouTube but also a clear way to view the videos on such a small screen. In addition to this, the videos themselves will be accessed by single-click playback (Mobiledia.com). According to the Nseries section of Nokia’s official website, viewing pleasure will increase tremendously due to “DVD-like video–30 frames per second (Nokia.com). This will be pretty impressive as long as the battery life can support it.
Also, the Nseries devices will allow the user to get mobile video RSS feeds and video on demand enabling the user to search through massive video databases (Mobiledia.com).
On the other side of the court, Nseries devices will be friendly to the like of those that wish to record their own videos and submit them directly to YouTube. The Nseries devices allow the user to “trim clips and arrange them in the timeline, add special effects, combine clips, [and] insert music from your device's library” (Nokia.com). Uploading these favorite images and videos through the Vox blogging service allows for easy transfer to Flickr, Photobucket, and iFilm, in addition to YouTube (Nokia.com).
So now that users have the ability see their favorite videos and just as easily create their own, the question that remains is, will it catch? Yes and no. There are those people where quality is everything and as much as the phone promises to be DVD quality, the end result won’t be as nice as using a home min DV camcorder or straight to DVD camcorder. The “techie” would probably still prefer the best of the best. Then there are those who don’t mind a less than immaculate picture quality and will get a kick out of recording their nights out on the town, sporting events, and concerts (if they can get away with it of course). The point is that, Nokia is milking the viral video for what it’s worth to them. I just hope it last long enough for them to see a return.
And yes, another possibility for record companies to jump on board is at their doorstep. Premium artist video content perhaps? Whatever they were to choose it would have to be creative because the market is not so much into music videos as it was in the 80’s and 90’s. Making a low budget video on treadmills will capture the markets attention for a while opposed to a multi million dollar video that will be luke warm in the hearts of the fans at best. For now, viral video seems to capture the music fans’ attention. This could be because it relates more to the average person and seems a bit more intimate than a massive production. Fans these days like that sort of thing.
One thing is clear cut though–viral video has now infested that which you hold ever so close to you–your phone.
Nokia-Web Browser
http://www.nokia.com/browser
MobileDia- Nokia and YouTube Cooperate on Mobile Video
http://www.mobiledia.com/news/56576.html
Nokia-Mobile Video Center
http://www.nseries.com/index.html%23l=experiences,video
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Thursday, February 22, 2007
YOU Create the “Next Big Thing” in Mobile Gaming (Something the Labels Should Try)
Motorola has it right–they are taking customer input to the next level.
Motorola announced yesterday that it will be holding a contest for game developers. Officially called MOTODEV, this contest will award two developers for their winning applications by having them published by mobile entertainment company and contest sponsor I-play. In particular, the two contest categories are “Best Java Software Game,” and “Best Windows Mobile Game.” The two games will be accessible on the Motorola MOTOKRZR K1 and the Motorola MOTO Q devices respectively (Motorola.com).
Motorola is making quite a new-age marketing move with MOTODEV. They are putting content first while at the same time making it clear that consumers are greatly appreciated. According to Christy Wyatt, Vice President of ecosystem and market development, this contest is “enabling breakthrough innovation and creating the best consumer experiences” (MobileTechNews.com).
What better way to create good content then by leaving it to the people that use it most?
Take what Motorola has done with MOTODEV and put it in terms for the Big 4 record companies–now they have a plan for winning back the customer.
That’s the Big 4’s problem. They have alienated their market by assuming that they know what the customer wants and persisting in this direction. A possible music industry related solution could be to bring in hoards of anyone that appreciates music and interview them as people (not potential dollars). Following the MOTODEV philosophy, labels can have some sort of system that allows consumers to have direct input into the future music technology and even interact with the artists.
A contest that awards a few winners for making the best homemade music video for an artist would increase artist awareness and gain public interest. In this case both parties would benefit. Another possibility can be to allow select songs to be mixed and edited with home recording software by the fans that buy the albums. The best mixes, chosen by the artist, will win free concert tickets, signed memorabilia, and things of that sort. If marketed correctly, this scenario can increase CD sales and spark an increased interest in the commercial artist (because let’s face it, CD “extras” currently aren’t making people jump for joy).
These are just a few ideas of how labels can reclaim the public interest in commercial music and products; moreover, something deeper and more meaningful can also be resurrected–TRUST and POSITIVE CONSUMER-LABEL RELATIONSHIPS.
Let’s be glad that labels have not lowered themselves to radio’s level and push people to drink massive quantities of water in order to win contests (at least not yet). But the point is that there are still creative (albeit a bit new-age for the Big 4) ways to win back the good graces of the people.
Mobile Tech News- Motorola Announces the MOTODEV Game Developer Challenge
http://www.mobiletechnews.com/info/2007/02/20/112145.html
Motorola-MOTODEV official site
http://developer.motorola.com/eventstraining/gamechallenge/
Motorola announced yesterday that it will be holding a contest for game developers. Officially called MOTODEV, this contest will award two developers for their winning applications by having them published by mobile entertainment company and contest sponsor I-play. In particular, the two contest categories are “Best Java Software Game,” and “Best Windows Mobile Game.” The two games will be accessible on the Motorola MOTOKRZR K1 and the Motorola MOTO Q devices respectively (Motorola.com).
Motorola is making quite a new-age marketing move with MOTODEV. They are putting content first while at the same time making it clear that consumers are greatly appreciated. According to Christy Wyatt, Vice President of ecosystem and market development, this contest is “enabling breakthrough innovation and creating the best consumer experiences” (MobileTechNews.com).
What better way to create good content then by leaving it to the people that use it most?
Take what Motorola has done with MOTODEV and put it in terms for the Big 4 record companies–now they have a plan for winning back the customer.
That’s the Big 4’s problem. They have alienated their market by assuming that they know what the customer wants and persisting in this direction. A possible music industry related solution could be to bring in hoards of anyone that appreciates music and interview them as people (not potential dollars). Following the MOTODEV philosophy, labels can have some sort of system that allows consumers to have direct input into the future music technology and even interact with the artists.
A contest that awards a few winners for making the best homemade music video for an artist would increase artist awareness and gain public interest. In this case both parties would benefit. Another possibility can be to allow select songs to be mixed and edited with home recording software by the fans that buy the albums. The best mixes, chosen by the artist, will win free concert tickets, signed memorabilia, and things of that sort. If marketed correctly, this scenario can increase CD sales and spark an increased interest in the commercial artist (because let’s face it, CD “extras” currently aren’t making people jump for joy).
These are just a few ideas of how labels can reclaim the public interest in commercial music and products; moreover, something deeper and more meaningful can also be resurrected–TRUST and POSITIVE CONSUMER-LABEL RELATIONSHIPS.
Let’s be glad that labels have not lowered themselves to radio’s level and push people to drink massive quantities of water in order to win contests (at least not yet). But the point is that there are still creative (albeit a bit new-age for the Big 4) ways to win back the good graces of the people.
Mobile Tech News- Motorola Announces the MOTODEV Game Developer Challenge
http://www.mobiletechnews.com/info/2007/02/20/112145.html
Motorola-MOTODEV official site
http://developer.motorola.com/eventstraining/gamechallenge/
Saturday, February 17, 2007
The World’s Premier Mobile Gadget Show-off Frenzy
The annual 3GSM World Congress concluded yesterday with enough to keep anyone involved in the mobile phone industry on their toes. The biggest mobile industry event was quite unlike the calm nature of this year’s CES. In fact, it would be safe to say that it was more like MacWorld in the sense that visitors were excited, happy, and drooling at the mouth at the sight of their mobile future.
Simply put, the coming months should present some more than nifty gadgets.
The focus of 3GSM was discussing and coming to terms with mobile technology. Symposiums titled “Defining the next technology evolution” and “Are Standards and their Development Failing the Industry?” were the hot topics. It seems that the mobile industry is doing exactly what the big 4 record companies won’t. They are embracing the leaps in mobile technology and making the consumer desire their product. They are focusing on content! They are figuring out how to appeal to mass markets and it must be like salt in an open wound for the record companies
But aside from the attitude of the mobile industry, many products were debuted at the 3GSM. Microsoft unveiled its new software platform called Mobile 6. It might not be as pretty to look at as LG’s KE770…aka…the “shiny candy-bar” (a name contrived by mobile-review.com), but Mobile 6 has some attractive features as well.
Basically, the Mobile 6 software (codename “crossbow”) is as close to a pocket computer as anyone can get…at least for the next half-year or so but nonetheless. One of the new attributes of this software is the Microsoft applications that are offered. Full PC versions Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are included which means that when you get that hankering to create a spreadsheet in the car, you can! Easy synchronization with calendars and date books is a given. What came as a surprise to me though was a new security feature that allows all data on the phone to be deleted in the event that your device is lost or stolen. Pretty handy considering the growing rates of identity theft.
I know what you might be thinking. Does the Mobile 6 software work at its greatest potential only with the seemingly quiet Windows Vista? Although no one knows for sure because it won’t be made public for a few months, it might be the case. According to mobiletechnews.com, “Windows Vista and the Windows Mobile Device Center take the guesswork out of managing a device and swapping music, pictures, movies and Outlook information between PC and the device.” So a YES to that question wouldn’t you say?
This compatibility with Vista is obviously a smart move on Microsoft as there might very well be an increase in Vista sales.
As smartphones are becoming more and more popular, it seems that software like Mobile 6 will be a part of many of our lives (except for the other millions of people that choose the coveted iPhone). Cingular Wireless (now the new AT&T), HP, LG Electronics, Motorola Inc., Palm Inc., Samsung, SingTel, Sprint, Telefonica, Toshiba, Verizon Wireless, and Vodafone will all run Mobile 6. Let’s hope there are no software bugs or that will not make Mr. Gates a happy man.
Mobile 6 was just one of many 3GSM unveilings and there were many more services and products that were a bit more exciting. One of the most exciting aspects of 3GSM was actually neither a product nor service but the 2007 winners of 3GSM. That’s right, companies are eligible for a long list of awards ranging from “Best made for mobile music service,” to “Best Ultra Low Cost Handset.” I have a feeling I would have enjoyed watching this from my living room than the Grammy’s. Sarcasm or not? You decide.
The point of all of this is that the mobile industry is completely embracing the changing technology and record companies can learn A LOT from them. They just choose not to! The mindset that the mobile executives have is like that of its customers and it is paying off.
Mobile Tech News-Microsoft unveils Windows Mobile 6
http://www.mobiletechnews.com/info/2007/02/13/103358.html
Microsoft-Windows Mobile 6
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/default.mspx
3GSm Official Site-
http://3gsmworldcongress.com/index.asp
Simply put, the coming months should present some more than nifty gadgets.
The focus of 3GSM was discussing and coming to terms with mobile technology. Symposiums titled “Defining the next technology evolution” and “Are Standards and their Development Failing the Industry?” were the hot topics. It seems that the mobile industry is doing exactly what the big 4 record companies won’t. They are embracing the leaps in mobile technology and making the consumer desire their product. They are focusing on content! They are figuring out how to appeal to mass markets and it must be like salt in an open wound for the record companies
But aside from the attitude of the mobile industry, many products were debuted at the 3GSM. Microsoft unveiled its new software platform called Mobile 6. It might not be as pretty to look at as LG’s KE770…aka…the “shiny candy-bar” (a name contrived by mobile-review.com), but Mobile 6 has some attractive features as well.
Basically, the Mobile 6 software (codename “crossbow”) is as close to a pocket computer as anyone can get…at least for the next half-year or so but nonetheless. One of the new attributes of this software is the Microsoft applications that are offered. Full PC versions Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are included which means that when you get that hankering to create a spreadsheet in the car, you can! Easy synchronization with calendars and date books is a given. What came as a surprise to me though was a new security feature that allows all data on the phone to be deleted in the event that your device is lost or stolen. Pretty handy considering the growing rates of identity theft.
I know what you might be thinking. Does the Mobile 6 software work at its greatest potential only with the seemingly quiet Windows Vista? Although no one knows for sure because it won’t be made public for a few months, it might be the case. According to mobiletechnews.com, “Windows Vista and the Windows Mobile Device Center take the guesswork out of managing a device and swapping music, pictures, movies and Outlook information between PC and the device.” So a YES to that question wouldn’t you say?
This compatibility with Vista is obviously a smart move on Microsoft as there might very well be an increase in Vista sales.
As smartphones are becoming more and more popular, it seems that software like Mobile 6 will be a part of many of our lives (except for the other millions of people that choose the coveted iPhone). Cingular Wireless (now the new AT&T), HP, LG Electronics, Motorola Inc., Palm Inc., Samsung, SingTel, Sprint, Telefonica, Toshiba, Verizon Wireless, and Vodafone will all run Mobile 6. Let’s hope there are no software bugs or that will not make Mr. Gates a happy man.
Mobile 6 was just one of many 3GSM unveilings and there were many more services and products that were a bit more exciting. One of the most exciting aspects of 3GSM was actually neither a product nor service but the 2007 winners of 3GSM. That’s right, companies are eligible for a long list of awards ranging from “Best made for mobile music service,” to “Best Ultra Low Cost Handset.” I have a feeling I would have enjoyed watching this from my living room than the Grammy’s. Sarcasm or not? You decide.
The point of all of this is that the mobile industry is completely embracing the changing technology and record companies can learn A LOT from them. They just choose not to! The mindset that the mobile executives have is like that of its customers and it is paying off.
Mobile Tech News-Microsoft unveils Windows Mobile 6
http://www.mobiletechnews.com/info/2007/02/13/103358.html
Microsoft-Windows Mobile 6
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/default.mspx
3GSm Official Site-
http://3gsmworldcongress.com/index.asp
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Text Message Smiley Faces are Old News–Now it’s all About the Greens $$
It is not uncommon today to see people all around us walking with their eyes to the floor. A few years ago my first thought would be that the general population is in a state of depression with no reason to walk with their heads up high. Could this be a bi-product of the “emo” music revolution? Or maybe it’s a lack of proper bed pillows?
Neither. These people are only text messaging.
Following big brother E-mail, the text message language has become a substitute for conversation. But who needs eye-contact and the feeling of interpersonal communication? Leave that for the job interview. Now, many day to day activities can be done over the phone. Whether it is checking the weather, finding driving directions, buying music, watching TV, or inquiring what time little Timmy needs to be picked up from school, it can all be done in the palm of our hand. If only (sigh)…if only we could make monetary transactions and interact with banks through our phones–that would be a godsend. You’re smart so you can see where I am going with this.
Money Transfer through your phone.
That’s right, peer to peer (P2P) money transfer will be at your fingertips. But at this moment you are asking yourself: is this safe? What are the restrictions? Who provides the service and on what phones (if not all)? And rightfully so!! This is YOUR money!!
International company Vodafone and Citigroup are of the first few to make an attempt. Vodafone and Citigroup are working in conjunction in this venture. From the information currently available, the working system seems simple. Keyword is seems. Here is a quick breakdown of how it will work.
A sender (remitter) of the money initiates the transaction using options that can be set either directly on the phone or through an internet account. The money can be sent directly to the bank of the receiver (beneficiary), or directly to that person’s mobile phone. In the latter case, the receiver will receive the money in the form of a voucher and secure PIN. With these two bits of information, he or she can redeem the money at “a wide range of outlets” according to MobileTechNews.com.
However, like any other technological innovation, there is an alternative. This time in the form of a service called TextPayMe. In fact, this service was founded in 2005, which begs the question of why this service seems (to me and my peers) to be previously unheard of. Probably because up until now, a P2P money transfer service has been a risky practice.
Different from Vodafone’s approach, TextPayMe, is quite simpler. With an account at TextPayMe (set up an the TextPayMe website), a person only has to enter “the recipient's cell phone number or alias and the amount they wish to send. The transaction is instantaneous.” That is, according to their website. The user then confirms the transaction using a confidential PIN. It is even possible to pay by credit card! Done and done.
Nice, I say!
From what I can see, there are many benefits here. It is one that Vodafone recognizes as well–that sending money to family members (many immigrant families as well) in different countries will be made a lot easier. Both approaches to P2P money transfer seem nice, but I still feel a bit reluctant for fear of some sort of identity theft over the wireless networks. But guaranteed a safe route, I would actually try this out. This might become the way to make ALL transactions in the near future so might as well go with it.
Cough, Cough. Record companies, do you hear the money rolling in?
With ease of payment becoming even more easy, and with phones being used as music libraries more often, the big 4 record companies can make this a marketing tactic. They could create incentive for buying CD’s by working with a company like Vodafone or TextPayMe where if you buy using a mobile phone, the music is directly downloaded to the phone and/or sent to your home the next day– just one of many ways to milk this. Heck I wouldn’t be surprised if Apple’s new baby, the iPhone, will be extremely user friendly to this type of application.
In a matter of seconds, I can finally pay back my friends for that “Shirley Temple” that they bought me this past weekend. No more debt collector/peers at my door!
Mobile Tech News- Vodafone and Citigroup launch money-transfer service
http://www.mobiletechnews.com/info/2007/02/12/061844.html
PaymentsNews- TextPayMe Announces SMS-based Money Transfer
http://www.paymentsnews.com/2005/12/textpayme_annou.html
Neither. These people are only text messaging.
Following big brother E-mail, the text message language has become a substitute for conversation. But who needs eye-contact and the feeling of interpersonal communication? Leave that for the job interview. Now, many day to day activities can be done over the phone. Whether it is checking the weather, finding driving directions, buying music, watching TV, or inquiring what time little Timmy needs to be picked up from school, it can all be done in the palm of our hand. If only (sigh)…if only we could make monetary transactions and interact with banks through our phones–that would be a godsend. You’re smart so you can see where I am going with this.
Money Transfer through your phone.
That’s right, peer to peer (P2P) money transfer will be at your fingertips. But at this moment you are asking yourself: is this safe? What are the restrictions? Who provides the service and on what phones (if not all)? And rightfully so!! This is YOUR money!!
International company Vodafone and Citigroup are of the first few to make an attempt. Vodafone and Citigroup are working in conjunction in this venture. From the information currently available, the working system seems simple. Keyword is seems. Here is a quick breakdown of how it will work.
A sender (remitter) of the money initiates the transaction using options that can be set either directly on the phone or through an internet account. The money can be sent directly to the bank of the receiver (beneficiary), or directly to that person’s mobile phone. In the latter case, the receiver will receive the money in the form of a voucher and secure PIN. With these two bits of information, he or she can redeem the money at “a wide range of outlets” according to MobileTechNews.com.
However, like any other technological innovation, there is an alternative. This time in the form of a service called TextPayMe. In fact, this service was founded in 2005, which begs the question of why this service seems (to me and my peers) to be previously unheard of. Probably because up until now, a P2P money transfer service has been a risky practice.
Different from Vodafone’s approach, TextPayMe, is quite simpler. With an account at TextPayMe (set up an the TextPayMe website), a person only has to enter “the recipient's cell phone number or alias and the amount they wish to send. The transaction is instantaneous.” That is, according to their website. The user then confirms the transaction using a confidential PIN. It is even possible to pay by credit card! Done and done.
Nice, I say!
From what I can see, there are many benefits here. It is one that Vodafone recognizes as well–that sending money to family members (many immigrant families as well) in different countries will be made a lot easier. Both approaches to P2P money transfer seem nice, but I still feel a bit reluctant for fear of some sort of identity theft over the wireless networks. But guaranteed a safe route, I would actually try this out. This might become the way to make ALL transactions in the near future so might as well go with it.
Cough, Cough. Record companies, do you hear the money rolling in?
With ease of payment becoming even more easy, and with phones being used as music libraries more often, the big 4 record companies can make this a marketing tactic. They could create incentive for buying CD’s by working with a company like Vodafone or TextPayMe where if you buy using a mobile phone, the music is directly downloaded to the phone and/or sent to your home the next day– just one of many ways to milk this. Heck I wouldn’t be surprised if Apple’s new baby, the iPhone, will be extremely user friendly to this type of application.
In a matter of seconds, I can finally pay back my friends for that “Shirley Temple” that they bought me this past weekend. No more debt collector/peers at my door!
Mobile Tech News- Vodafone and Citigroup launch money-transfer service
http://www.mobiletechnews.com/info/2007/02/12/061844.html
PaymentsNews- TextPayMe Announces SMS-based Money Transfer
http://www.paymentsnews.com/2005/12/textpayme_annou.html
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
The Zune– How a Loophole Might Make it More Appealing
“We think a lot of Zunes are sitting underneath Christmas trees.” --Jason Reindorp, Zune marketing director, Microsoft.
I did not get one this Christmas. I did not want one this Christmas. In fact, I don’t know anyone that received a Zune from Santa. I, like many many many others, prefer to look stylish and flaunt the white ear buds that facilitate the iPod. Moreover, the reviews I read only helped set in stone the fact that I wasn’t about to venture out to pick up a Zune.
A very in depth review by Engadget.com described that the 30 GB Zune is bulky and not quite appealing to the eye; in particular, heavier, wider and taller than an 80GB iPod. I was also turned off by the fact that the button/control interface is a bit misleading. It looks like the Zune makes use of the ever friendly click-wheel–but no, just arrow buttons under the guise of a wheel. I don’t see how I would make a good partner with this here Zune.
From what I have read, my PC would not fare too much better.
What topped off my hasty decision making were the horror stories of compatibility issues with the computer and Zune. Engadget.com had their staff attempt to sync up their Zune media players to their computers. This resulted in computer crashes in the fashion of falling dominoes. Ryan Block of Engadget.com describes:
“For example, syncing video for us crashed the app twice, and then stalled the third time at 38%. Even though the video was transferred in full that third time, it still didn't show up the next time we reconnected. Attempting to change the sync options crashed the app consistently.”
One review out of many yes, but many of the reviews also made note of these same problems quite consistently.
So up until, oh I don’t know, two days ago, I was sold on the idea of never even contemplating asking Santa for a Zune. I would laugh. Bad mouth the Zune a little more. I’d laugh again (hoping this wasn’t my only source of humor for the weekend) and say to myself, “if only Zune’s ability to share songs with other Zunes wasn’t hampered by Digital Rights Management (DRM)" (i.e. the resulting three day/play restriction). I know it wasn’t Santa listening to my wish, but someone did. A way around DRM has been uncovered!!
First, to briefly explain this madness that is DRM. The Zune’s WiFi capabilities allow the Zune to trade songs with other Zunes, but with a catch. Songs that are shared are only available for a maximum of three days or three plays, and then they are erased. Also, one “play” constitutes not only one full listen but also any incomplete listens. Basically, if I switch to another selection in the first five seconds of the shared song, I just used up one of three “plays.”
But back to this loophole…
Gizmodo.com (and probably other sites as well), have unveiled a way to bypass this DRM restriction. In a nutshell, a user must only rename the shared MP3s, movies, or programs, into a “.jpg” extension. Zune does not apply DRM to images! Voilá! That easy! Of course there is a little handy work to be done once the files are on the hard drive of the computer, but nothing too insane.
If I would have known this then maybe there would have been a Zune under my Christmas tree. Just maybe, this loophole would have done the trick. Trading songs in a matter of seconds with anyone with the same device is a pretty nice thought if I do say so myself.
The Zune has potential if it does away with DRM. Microsoft could sell so many more units if this loophole wasn’t a loophole but a genuine feature.
You almost got me Mr. Gates, almost got me.
CNET News- Microsoft: Zune Sales to Top 1 Million by June-by Ina Fried
http://news.com.com/2100-1041_3-6141431.html
Gizmodo- How to Bypass the Zune’s WiFi Sharing DRM -by Jason Chen
http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/portable-media/how-to-bypass-the-zunes-wifi-sharing-drm-217042.php
Zune Review-by Ryan Block
http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/15/zune-review/
I did not get one this Christmas. I did not want one this Christmas. In fact, I don’t know anyone that received a Zune from Santa. I, like many many many others, prefer to look stylish and flaunt the white ear buds that facilitate the iPod. Moreover, the reviews I read only helped set in stone the fact that I wasn’t about to venture out to pick up a Zune.
A very in depth review by Engadget.com described that the 30 GB Zune is bulky and not quite appealing to the eye; in particular, heavier, wider and taller than an 80GB iPod. I was also turned off by the fact that the button/control interface is a bit misleading. It looks like the Zune makes use of the ever friendly click-wheel–but no, just arrow buttons under the guise of a wheel. I don’t see how I would make a good partner with this here Zune.
From what I have read, my PC would not fare too much better.
What topped off my hasty decision making were the horror stories of compatibility issues with the computer and Zune. Engadget.com had their staff attempt to sync up their Zune media players to their computers. This resulted in computer crashes in the fashion of falling dominoes. Ryan Block of Engadget.com describes:
“For example, syncing video for us crashed the app twice, and then stalled the third time at 38%. Even though the video was transferred in full that third time, it still didn't show up the next time we reconnected. Attempting to change the sync options crashed the app consistently.”
One review out of many yes, but many of the reviews also made note of these same problems quite consistently.
So up until, oh I don’t know, two days ago, I was sold on the idea of never even contemplating asking Santa for a Zune. I would laugh. Bad mouth the Zune a little more. I’d laugh again (hoping this wasn’t my only source of humor for the weekend) and say to myself, “if only Zune’s ability to share songs with other Zunes wasn’t hampered by Digital Rights Management (DRM)" (i.e. the resulting three day/play restriction). I know it wasn’t Santa listening to my wish, but someone did. A way around DRM has been uncovered!!
First, to briefly explain this madness that is DRM. The Zune’s WiFi capabilities allow the Zune to trade songs with other Zunes, but with a catch. Songs that are shared are only available for a maximum of three days or three plays, and then they are erased. Also, one “play” constitutes not only one full listen but also any incomplete listens. Basically, if I switch to another selection in the first five seconds of the shared song, I just used up one of three “plays.”
But back to this loophole…
Gizmodo.com (and probably other sites as well), have unveiled a way to bypass this DRM restriction. In a nutshell, a user must only rename the shared MP3s, movies, or programs, into a “.jpg” extension. Zune does not apply DRM to images! Voilá! That easy! Of course there is a little handy work to be done once the files are on the hard drive of the computer, but nothing too insane.
If I would have known this then maybe there would have been a Zune under my Christmas tree. Just maybe, this loophole would have done the trick. Trading songs in a matter of seconds with anyone with the same device is a pretty nice thought if I do say so myself.
The Zune has potential if it does away with DRM. Microsoft could sell so many more units if this loophole wasn’t a loophole but a genuine feature.
You almost got me Mr. Gates, almost got me.
CNET News- Microsoft: Zune Sales to Top 1 Million by June-by Ina Fried
http://news.com.com/2100-1041_3-6141431.html
Gizmodo- How to Bypass the Zune’s WiFi Sharing DRM -by Jason Chen
http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/portable-media/how-to-bypass-the-zunes-wifi-sharing-drm-217042.php
Zune Review-by Ryan Block
http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/15/zune-review/
Blessed be thy iPhone
On the 9th of January Steve Jobs announced Apple’s entrance into the mobile phone market. In typical Steve Jobs fashion–black turtleneck, jeans and comfy sneakers–he brought tears of joy to the Macworld audience by displaying the shiny, sleek, heavenly, and just downright immaculate iPhone. It might seem like a rather over zealous way to describe a new phone (or any new technology for that matter), but anyone who is familiar with Apple products would probably prefer that I used even more biblical terms in my description. Not since the introduction of the iPod, a whole six years ago mind you, has there been so much excitement and anticipation for a product. Needless to say, Steve Jobs probably looked out into the Macworld audience and saw many glossy eyes.
But at that very moment, there were tears of sadness as well.
Those who can’t budget in the new iPhone are probably sad or frustrated that this epitome of sleek technology is so close yet so far. The reason I say so far is that some just can’t afford it and know it will be quite some time until they can. Like salt in an open wound though, the iPhone will be (quite literally) close to these people as it will seem like everyone around them has one. Yes, a dry sense of humor is required but being that I personally can’t afford one yet, I don’t feel too bad about it. At $499 for a 4GB model and $599 for an 8GB model, the price is something to seriously contemplate. It is an investment to say the least. When all is said and done however, I’m sure people will go great lengths to acquire this phone. Maybe ten-dollar lawnmower jobs are going to increase exponentially…it’s a nice thought right?
Aside from the sadness of the consumer, the iPhone has probably scared many phone companies into seclusion. Either that or the likes of Nokia, Sprint Nextel, Verizon, and T-Mobile have something up their sleeves and choose not to give away too many secrets. These companies definitely have a lot on their plates, so keeping hush-hush might be a smart tactic. Either that or they are frantically running about with their research and development teams trying to top the gizmos that the iPhone has. Hopefully not because it would be so nice to see this miracle called iPhone have some sort of competition.
According to the Todaytechnews website, there is some information out there as to what other phone companies are conjuring up. LG’s Prada phone, also with touch screen technology, seems to be the favored contender. Nokia’s prototype Aeon (also with touch sensitive screen) is smaller and thinner than the iPhone–and quite the piece of eye candy if I do say.
But alas! Sony claims to still have something better (or at least more “interactive”). According to Gizmodo.com, a new Sony Ericsson SO703i uses “replaceable scented sheets” that is intended to relax the user while he or she is chatting away. Wow, I can smell the roses.
So despite a reserved nature on behalf of other mobile phone companies, they are at least aware of what it is going to take to compete with Apple’s newfound revolutionary phone/music library/TV screen/desktop/internet device.
Can I rightfully call the iPhone the Holy Grail of mobile technology? I am heading in that direction but until I see 10-60 year olds mowing lawns to make some extra cash to buy said iPhone, I will try and not be so absolute. But let’s face it, I wouldn’t be at all surprised if the lawns around my block don’t start to look life golf courses as soon as tomorrow.
TodayTechNews-
http://todaytechnews.wordpress.com/2007/01/26/iphone-having-lots-of-competition-a-study/
Gizmodo-Sony Ericsson
http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/cellphones/japans-sony-ericsson-so703i-smells-purty-229417.php
But at that very moment, there were tears of sadness as well.
Those who can’t budget in the new iPhone are probably sad or frustrated that this epitome of sleek technology is so close yet so far. The reason I say so far is that some just can’t afford it and know it will be quite some time until they can. Like salt in an open wound though, the iPhone will be (quite literally) close to these people as it will seem like everyone around them has one. Yes, a dry sense of humor is required but being that I personally can’t afford one yet, I don’t feel too bad about it. At $499 for a 4GB model and $599 for an 8GB model, the price is something to seriously contemplate. It is an investment to say the least. When all is said and done however, I’m sure people will go great lengths to acquire this phone. Maybe ten-dollar lawnmower jobs are going to increase exponentially…it’s a nice thought right?
Aside from the sadness of the consumer, the iPhone has probably scared many phone companies into seclusion. Either that or the likes of Nokia, Sprint Nextel, Verizon, and T-Mobile have something up their sleeves and choose not to give away too many secrets. These companies definitely have a lot on their plates, so keeping hush-hush might be a smart tactic. Either that or they are frantically running about with their research and development teams trying to top the gizmos that the iPhone has. Hopefully not because it would be so nice to see this miracle called iPhone have some sort of competition.
According to the Todaytechnews website, there is some information out there as to what other phone companies are conjuring up. LG’s Prada phone, also with touch screen technology, seems to be the favored contender. Nokia’s prototype Aeon (also with touch sensitive screen) is smaller and thinner than the iPhone–and quite the piece of eye candy if I do say.
But alas! Sony claims to still have something better (or at least more “interactive”). According to Gizmodo.com, a new Sony Ericsson SO703i uses “replaceable scented sheets” that is intended to relax the user while he or she is chatting away. Wow, I can smell the roses.
So despite a reserved nature on behalf of other mobile phone companies, they are at least aware of what it is going to take to compete with Apple’s newfound revolutionary phone/music library/TV screen/desktop/internet device.
Can I rightfully call the iPhone the Holy Grail of mobile technology? I am heading in that direction but until I see 10-60 year olds mowing lawns to make some extra cash to buy said iPhone, I will try and not be so absolute. But let’s face it, I wouldn’t be at all surprised if the lawns around my block don’t start to look life golf courses as soon as tomorrow.
TodayTechNews-
http://todaytechnews.wordpress.com/2007/01/26/iphone-having-lots-of-competition-a-study/
Gizmodo-Sony Ericsson
http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/cellphones/japans-sony-ericsson-so703i-smells-purty-229417.php
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