Yes, a Google phone. No official mobile device has been formally announced but they have announced that they are involved with new Google mobile software. BUT, what if Google does release a phone? Besides creating a whole new meaning to the phrase “let me Google it”, such a product would most likely carry features that are integrated with all of Google’s existing programs and search engines. But we will get to the speculation fever in a moment.
Let’s play the “what if” game, shall we?
First, a quick note on what is factual about Google’s involvement in the mobile market. According to an Engadget article by Thomas Ricker, LG plans to release many of their phones with pre-installed Google services. According to Google’s South-East Asia managing director Richard Kimber, Google is “very focused on the software, not the phone.” This is a very true statement given that the LG’s will be pre-installed with applications like Google Maps, Gmail, and Blogger. Also according to Ricker’s article, Google currently has 18 major R&D projects being worked on in the labs so the chances of a Google mobile device are still pretty good…
But now let’s play the “what if” game, shall we?
IF Google put out a phone it could have the potential of being the iPhone’s biggest threat (if not it’s only). Yes I understand that this is a bold statement to make but there is some glimmer of reason behind this.
Samsung has called a possible Google phone a “iPhone killing monster.” There ya go, that’s my reasoning! No but really, the Google can be a threat because of its applications–in particular, Google Maps. With a sophisticated service like this, the iPhone and even many GPS services would see a qualified competitor. But with all the techies (not trekies) there are many rumors floating around about the Google phone.
One, the contact system is said to be “an extended version of Gtalk combining Gmail, text and instant messaging (Ricker).” Nice in its own right no doubt but there is also rumor that is quite revolutionary in mobile technology. According to sources and “tipsters” that contribute to Engadget.com, the Google phone would likely not have an on-board storage. Basically this would mean that all applications would be attached to your account over a live network. (The techies love this one).
So when all is said and done, would you buy a Google phone? Many people would be turned on by the applications, but considering not much is known about how the phone itself would look, I can imagine that people would be reluctant to commit to buying one.
If I was Google, I’d try my hardest to get a sleek looking phone. With a sleek looking phone at my side I would not hesitate to Google a fellow Googler and hope many people will Google me so that I could show of my Google phone. Success!
Engadget- Google Phone Articles
http://www.engadget.com/tag/googlephone
Engadget- More details emerge on the mythical Google phone? By Evan Blass
http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/06/more-details-emerge-on-the-mythical-google-phone/
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Monday, March 26, 2007
The Comforts of Home Connected Through One Mobile Service
Yes it is possible, it is finally commercially available, and in due time will become typical of all mobile services. Sprint calls it Pivot. In a nutshell, Pivot is a service that links together your mobile phone, home digital phone, internet, and digital cable services.
John Garcia, president of the Sprint/MSO joint venture, comments, “Pivot links your wireless phone with the comforts of home. Our common vision is to give customers anywhere easy access to the entertainment, communications and information services that are already important to them (Multichannel.com).” With a culture that thrives on everything entertainment and with little patience for slow/outdated forms of communication, the Pivot seems like a godsend. Let us take a look at what makes Pivot an indication of future technologies.
One of the best things about this service is it allows the couch potato in all of us to leave the house without leaving behind our favorite shows. According to Brad Kellett’s article on MobileBurn.com, Pivot allows the user to “watch live and mobile TV,[and] access home TV listings.” Sprint is also promising a feature that allows for the user to program his or her DVR box. So far so good. The options for the TV junkie are fantastic but I fear that this could cause an increase in those “less than safe” drivers on the streets. As if our mobile phones weren’t overly important already, this service promotes the TV + phone feature. This will definitely help sell people on this here Pivot.
Besides TV, Pivot subscribers will be able to access home email and voicemail while on the go. Internet service will also be included and the user will have unlimited calls between home and mobile phone. But the best part of all?! All of these services will be on ONE monthly bill! For the people with hectic lives (pretty much everyone) this is quite the convenience. Another selling point on top of this single bill craziness is that night minutes begin at 7 p.m! This in itself seems small compared to the above mentioned offerings of Pivot but a nice little added bonus nonetheless.
So in the grand scheme of things what do we really have here?
We have a service that will become the future of mobile technology. More and more, people are using one device as a central hub for everything else. Sprint’s Pivot offers a service that can potentially make life easier for many people. However, for those that prefer using multiple devices, Pivot can be just an all too easy way for things to go haywire. It’s a philosophy I tell you.
Ironically, the comforts of home are becoming more and more accessible out of the house. It is interesting how things work out like that. Services like Pivot will make our gadgets even more a part of us to the point that we can’t have some alone time, away from it all. On that note, a quiet stroll in the park seems nice and well deserved…that is of course not without an episode of The Simpsons to accommodate me.
Mobile Burn- Sprint Unifies Home and Mobile Services with Pivot By Brad Kellett
http://www.mobileburn.com/news.jsp?Id=3237&source=HOME
Multichannel News- Sprint, Cable Ops to Market ‘Pivot’ Mobile Phones By Steve Donohue
http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6427970.html?display=Breaking+News
Engadget- Pivot: Sprint's quad-play package By Peter Rojas
http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/26/pivot-sprints-quad-play-package/
John Garcia, president of the Sprint/MSO joint venture, comments, “Pivot links your wireless phone with the comforts of home. Our common vision is to give customers anywhere easy access to the entertainment, communications and information services that are already important to them (Multichannel.com).” With a culture that thrives on everything entertainment and with little patience for slow/outdated forms of communication, the Pivot seems like a godsend. Let us take a look at what makes Pivot an indication of future technologies.
One of the best things about this service is it allows the couch potato in all of us to leave the house without leaving behind our favorite shows. According to Brad Kellett’s article on MobileBurn.com, Pivot allows the user to “watch live and mobile TV,[and] access home TV listings.” Sprint is also promising a feature that allows for the user to program his or her DVR box. So far so good. The options for the TV junkie are fantastic but I fear that this could cause an increase in those “less than safe” drivers on the streets. As if our mobile phones weren’t overly important already, this service promotes the TV + phone feature. This will definitely help sell people on this here Pivot.
Besides TV, Pivot subscribers will be able to access home email and voicemail while on the go. Internet service will also be included and the user will have unlimited calls between home and mobile phone. But the best part of all?! All of these services will be on ONE monthly bill! For the people with hectic lives (pretty much everyone) this is quite the convenience. Another selling point on top of this single bill craziness is that night minutes begin at 7 p.m! This in itself seems small compared to the above mentioned offerings of Pivot but a nice little added bonus nonetheless.
So in the grand scheme of things what do we really have here?
We have a service that will become the future of mobile technology. More and more, people are using one device as a central hub for everything else. Sprint’s Pivot offers a service that can potentially make life easier for many people. However, for those that prefer using multiple devices, Pivot can be just an all too easy way for things to go haywire. It’s a philosophy I tell you.
Ironically, the comforts of home are becoming more and more accessible out of the house. It is interesting how things work out like that. Services like Pivot will make our gadgets even more a part of us to the point that we can’t have some alone time, away from it all. On that note, a quiet stroll in the park seems nice and well deserved…that is of course not without an episode of The Simpsons to accommodate me.
Mobile Burn- Sprint Unifies Home and Mobile Services with Pivot By Brad Kellett
http://www.mobileburn.com/news.jsp?Id=3237&source=HOME
Multichannel News- Sprint, Cable Ops to Market ‘Pivot’ Mobile Phones By Steve Donohue
http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6427970.html?display=Breaking+News
Engadget- Pivot: Sprint's quad-play package By Peter Rojas
http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/26/pivot-sprints-quad-play-package/
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Sony Ericsson Walkman Phones- Now Everyone Can Hear Your Music
We are coming closer to the end of the white ear buds and the convenience of our own private listening party. Remember those big 20 pound boom-boxes that people used to carry on their shoulders? Well, the new Sony Ericsson is the new version of that. Although I set my hopes high, I am crossing my fingers that this new “boom-box” will facilitate a new public dance craze like break dancing just as the original boom box did.
With my dancing shoes and bright jump suit on, I am ready to begin.
The new Sony Ericsson W660i Walkman Phone is the latest addition to the Walkman series. According to a review by Michael Oryl on a website called Mobile Burn, the W660i “focuses a bit more on design than some of its siblings.” With that, besides the maroon color (black also offered) there are no features that standout. It looks like the typical phone, but in agreement with Oryl, it is sleeker and thinner than previous models. But with a “walkman” phone, looks don’t matter…it’s all about the music capabilities.
According to Oryl, the W660i can store up to 470 songs on its 512 Memory Stick Micro (included with the phone). Not bad. According to Steve Jobs’ “Thoughts on Music,” the average iPod holds about 1000 songs, but iPod owners know that a fraction of those are actually listened to. So, in terms of storage space, the W660i is just fine for the average music listener. But what sets the Ericsson W660i apart from the rest?
Bluetooth 2.0 capabilities and attachable stereo speakers! (This is where you get ready to boogie down).
The W660i allows for music tracks to be played over a Bluetooth 2.0 connection, allowing the use of wireless headphones. This is a HUGE plus for the music lover because now there is no need to have phone in hand or pocket just to listen to the music. And then there are speakers. The W6601 can be used with snap-on-speakers, which will hopefully lead to previously said dance craze. Currently there are speakers for previous models that will hopefully be compatible with the new models. One drawback that I see is that the portable snap-on-speakers do not run on separate batteries…meaning they run off of your phones battery. This could be a problem.
The official Sony Ericsson Website depicts the silhouette of a man walking down the street dancing, having a good time listening to his music via his Ericsson phone/walkman. From a business perspective this is genius. What better product to push for Sony than a phone with the word “walkman” in it. Sony defined portable audio in the 80’s with the introduction of the original cassette-walkman. If I personally want a walkman/phone I would trust Sony because of their history. Many people I would imagine feel the same comfort in such a decision.
What Sony has to do now however is market WHY their Ericsson is better to own than oh I don’t know, let’s say an iPhone. If Apple blows the first generation of the iPhone then this would be the perfect opportunity for Sony to jump in and be the consoling friend of those hurt and weeping by the iPhone. On the other hand, if the iPhone is received with nothing but happy faces then Sony has their work cut out for them. As long as I am dancing though, I am a happy man.
MobileBurn- Sony Ericsson launches W660i Walkman Phone By Michael Oryl
http://www.mobileburn.com/review.jsp?Id=3204&source=HOMETOP
Sony Ericsson Website-
http://www.sonyericsson.com/walkman/index.aspx?cc=us&lc=en
With my dancing shoes and bright jump suit on, I am ready to begin.
The new Sony Ericsson W660i Walkman Phone is the latest addition to the Walkman series. According to a review by Michael Oryl on a website called Mobile Burn, the W660i “focuses a bit more on design than some of its siblings.” With that, besides the maroon color (black also offered) there are no features that standout. It looks like the typical phone, but in agreement with Oryl, it is sleeker and thinner than previous models. But with a “walkman” phone, looks don’t matter…it’s all about the music capabilities.
According to Oryl, the W660i can store up to 470 songs on its 512 Memory Stick Micro (included with the phone). Not bad. According to Steve Jobs’ “Thoughts on Music,” the average iPod holds about 1000 songs, but iPod owners know that a fraction of those are actually listened to. So, in terms of storage space, the W660i is just fine for the average music listener. But what sets the Ericsson W660i apart from the rest?
Bluetooth 2.0 capabilities and attachable stereo speakers! (This is where you get ready to boogie down).
The W660i allows for music tracks to be played over a Bluetooth 2.0 connection, allowing the use of wireless headphones. This is a HUGE plus for the music lover because now there is no need to have phone in hand or pocket just to listen to the music. And then there are speakers. The W6601 can be used with snap-on-speakers, which will hopefully lead to previously said dance craze. Currently there are speakers for previous models that will hopefully be compatible with the new models. One drawback that I see is that the portable snap-on-speakers do not run on separate batteries…meaning they run off of your phones battery. This could be a problem.
The official Sony Ericsson Website depicts the silhouette of a man walking down the street dancing, having a good time listening to his music via his Ericsson phone/walkman. From a business perspective this is genius. What better product to push for Sony than a phone with the word “walkman” in it. Sony defined portable audio in the 80’s with the introduction of the original cassette-walkman. If I personally want a walkman/phone I would trust Sony because of their history. Many people I would imagine feel the same comfort in such a decision.
What Sony has to do now however is market WHY their Ericsson is better to own than oh I don’t know, let’s say an iPhone. If Apple blows the first generation of the iPhone then this would be the perfect opportunity for Sony to jump in and be the consoling friend of those hurt and weeping by the iPhone. On the other hand, if the iPhone is received with nothing but happy faces then Sony has their work cut out for them. As long as I am dancing though, I am a happy man.
MobileBurn- Sony Ericsson launches W660i Walkman Phone By Michael Oryl
http://www.mobileburn.com/review.jsp?Id=3204&source=HOMETOP
Sony Ericsson Website-
http://www.sonyericsson.com/walkman/index.aspx?cc=us&lc=en
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Steve Jobs and Picking the Lesser of Two Evils
Verizon or Cingular?
Verizon or Cingular?
Verizon or Cingular?
Up until a few minutes ago I had no idea that Apple first offered the iPhone to Verizon. Many questions are running through my mind as to Verizon’s rejecting the seemingly shimmering gold offer. However, Verizon does get some brownie points for a few reasons.
One, Verizon did not give in to Apple’s demands. According to an article in USA Today by Leslie Cauley, the demands were…rather demanding for lack of a better word. Although the financial terms are not known exactly, Verizon Wireless vice president Jim Gerace makes clear that “Apple wanted a percentage of the monthly cell phone fees, say over how and where iPhones could be sold and control of the relationship with iPhone customers.” Verizon ultimately said no to these terms.
Looked at closely, some of the terms are more beneficial to Apple than it would have been for Verizon (a clear example of Apple’s way of thinking). In particular, Steve Jobs wanted direct control over distribution. According to Cauley, the Verizon and Apple stores would naturally carry the iPhone but quite not necessarily any other Verizon product carriers such as Wal-Mart and Best Buy. Basically, giving this discretion solely to Mr. Jobs could have posed a problem by hurting relationships between Verizon and their distribution partners.
What else turned this deal sour in the mouths of Verizon you ask? It is something that I and many other customers consider HUGE and very influential in purchasing behavior.
GOOD CUSTOMER SERVICE!
Anyone who has heard the horror stories of Apple customer care (i.e broken MacBooks, iPods…) and their warranty provisions would hope that the iPhone carrier would handle any customer concerns. But no. Apple wanted discretion over whether to repair or replace the phone. Being that Verizon is not my mobile service provider I can’t say that Verizon would in fact be better than Apple, but let’s just assume that they are and that Verizon holds customers high on a pedestal. In this case, Verizon would have lost control of customer care with a product they are distributing. Gerace commented on this, “They would have been stepping in between us and our customers to the point where we would have almost had to take a back seat … on hardware and service support.” Verizon did not like this. Honorable wouldn’t you say?
On the other hand, Cingular spokesman Mark Siegel stated, “I don't want to leave the impression that these (iPhone) customers are not ours. They are.” This might be tough to prove given that Apple wants a lot of the control.
So, Verizon declined a deal that could have possibly generated a new tidal eave of customers, increases in revenue, and a new “hip” brand image. On the other hand, they did not see a deal that was mutually beneficial. They passed and what do they gain (if anything)? Brownie points? Honorable mention? We won’t know until June what kind of hit Verizon will take.
If Cingular alienates the iPhone customers then good news for Verizon; however I find it difficult for Jobs to let it get that far. Oh how we shall see, we shall see!
Mac Forum-
http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=274576
USA Today- Verizon rejected Apple iPhone deal By Leslie Cauley
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2007-01-28-verizon-iphone_x.htm
Verizon or Cingular?
Verizon or Cingular?
Up until a few minutes ago I had no idea that Apple first offered the iPhone to Verizon. Many questions are running through my mind as to Verizon’s rejecting the seemingly shimmering gold offer. However, Verizon does get some brownie points for a few reasons.
One, Verizon did not give in to Apple’s demands. According to an article in USA Today by Leslie Cauley, the demands were…rather demanding for lack of a better word. Although the financial terms are not known exactly, Verizon Wireless vice president Jim Gerace makes clear that “Apple wanted a percentage of the monthly cell phone fees, say over how and where iPhones could be sold and control of the relationship with iPhone customers.” Verizon ultimately said no to these terms.
Looked at closely, some of the terms are more beneficial to Apple than it would have been for Verizon (a clear example of Apple’s way of thinking). In particular, Steve Jobs wanted direct control over distribution. According to Cauley, the Verizon and Apple stores would naturally carry the iPhone but quite not necessarily any other Verizon product carriers such as Wal-Mart and Best Buy. Basically, giving this discretion solely to Mr. Jobs could have posed a problem by hurting relationships between Verizon and their distribution partners.
What else turned this deal sour in the mouths of Verizon you ask? It is something that I and many other customers consider HUGE and very influential in purchasing behavior.
GOOD CUSTOMER SERVICE!
Anyone who has heard the horror stories of Apple customer care (i.e broken MacBooks, iPods…) and their warranty provisions would hope that the iPhone carrier would handle any customer concerns. But no. Apple wanted discretion over whether to repair or replace the phone. Being that Verizon is not my mobile service provider I can’t say that Verizon would in fact be better than Apple, but let’s just assume that they are and that Verizon holds customers high on a pedestal. In this case, Verizon would have lost control of customer care with a product they are distributing. Gerace commented on this, “They would have been stepping in between us and our customers to the point where we would have almost had to take a back seat … on hardware and service support.” Verizon did not like this. Honorable wouldn’t you say?
On the other hand, Cingular spokesman Mark Siegel stated, “I don't want to leave the impression that these (iPhone) customers are not ours. They are.” This might be tough to prove given that Apple wants a lot of the control.
So, Verizon declined a deal that could have possibly generated a new tidal eave of customers, increases in revenue, and a new “hip” brand image. On the other hand, they did not see a deal that was mutually beneficial. They passed and what do they gain (if anything)? Brownie points? Honorable mention? We won’t know until June what kind of hit Verizon will take.
If Cingular alienates the iPhone customers then good news for Verizon; however I find it difficult for Jobs to let it get that far. Oh how we shall see, we shall see!
Mac Forum-
http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=274576
USA Today- Verizon rejected Apple iPhone deal By Leslie Cauley
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2007-01-28-verizon-iphone_x.htm
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Palm Takes on the iPhone
Why not? Spring break is here and what better way to start then to bring back our old friend into the discussion–Mr. iPhone.
Smartphone manufacturer Palm did not care too much for Apple’s jump into the mobile phone industry. It came out of nowhere and provided a reality check for every other mobile phone big-whig. Now, a few months later, Palm has acquired some ammo to go up against Steve Jobs.
Palm announced a few days ago that they have hired ex-Apple designer/computer engineer Paul Mercer. The hefty paycheck that he will be receiving is right fully justified as his resume is quite impressive. He was the lead designer on the finder team for Mac OS 7, worked on the Samsung’s “slick” Z5 Range, and founded Pixo (Harper). So, this guy Mercer is a nice investment on behalf of Palm.
Why is he the guy to take on the iPhone?
Because, he knows his stuff. His company, Pixo, provided many of the necessary tools that made up the original iPod’s user interface. I say again, he knows his stuff. With this knowledge, Mercer can help Palm develop a mobile phone user interface that is beyond that which the iPhone has. Palm, has no choice but to move ahead and keep up with Apple. In any event that they don’t, it’s doom.
Mercer can definitely lead Palm in the right direction but in order for Palm to see return on their investment they must not solely depend on him. Palm must not try to create a user interface as good or better than the iPhone, rather, they must let Mercer do his own thing while focusing attention on creating new features!
Paul Mercer knows the “inner working’s” of Apple. He is familiar in how they think (no, there is no divine intervention at Apple). He is aware that once Apple has its loyal iPhone customers that they will do nothing but grow and grow and grow in numbers. Apple will be ruthless in this venture and so must the teamwork between Mercer and Palm. Together, they can be a legitimate competitor of the iPhone and change what many think will be Apple on top once again.
The not-so friends of Apple are hoping that Steve Jobs has heard this Mercer news and is worried. But then again, when has he ever been worried? I hope that Palm is working through nights/weekends/holidays/weddings and child births so that they have every minute they will need to be a worthy opponent.
For the sake and sanity of my slight vacation, I will end here, for I don’t work for Palm.
Palm Official Website
http://www.palm.com/
Engadget-Palm hires ex-Apple designer, puts iPhone in its sights By Conrad Quilty-Harper
http://www.engadget.com/category/cellphones/
Smartphone manufacturer Palm did not care too much for Apple’s jump into the mobile phone industry. It came out of nowhere and provided a reality check for every other mobile phone big-whig. Now, a few months later, Palm has acquired some ammo to go up against Steve Jobs.
Palm announced a few days ago that they have hired ex-Apple designer/computer engineer Paul Mercer. The hefty paycheck that he will be receiving is right fully justified as his resume is quite impressive. He was the lead designer on the finder team for Mac OS 7, worked on the Samsung’s “slick” Z5 Range, and founded Pixo (Harper). So, this guy Mercer is a nice investment on behalf of Palm.
Why is he the guy to take on the iPhone?
Because, he knows his stuff. His company, Pixo, provided many of the necessary tools that made up the original iPod’s user interface. I say again, he knows his stuff. With this knowledge, Mercer can help Palm develop a mobile phone user interface that is beyond that which the iPhone has. Palm, has no choice but to move ahead and keep up with Apple. In any event that they don’t, it’s doom.
Mercer can definitely lead Palm in the right direction but in order for Palm to see return on their investment they must not solely depend on him. Palm must not try to create a user interface as good or better than the iPhone, rather, they must let Mercer do his own thing while focusing attention on creating new features!
Paul Mercer knows the “inner working’s” of Apple. He is familiar in how they think (no, there is no divine intervention at Apple). He is aware that once Apple has its loyal iPhone customers that they will do nothing but grow and grow and grow in numbers. Apple will be ruthless in this venture and so must the teamwork between Mercer and Palm. Together, they can be a legitimate competitor of the iPhone and change what many think will be Apple on top once again.
The not-so friends of Apple are hoping that Steve Jobs has heard this Mercer news and is worried. But then again, when has he ever been worried? I hope that Palm is working through nights/weekends/holidays/weddings and child births so that they have every minute they will need to be a worthy opponent.
For the sake and sanity of my slight vacation, I will end here, for I don’t work for Palm.
Palm Official Website
http://www.palm.com/
Engadget-Palm hires ex-Apple designer, puts iPhone in its sights By Conrad Quilty-Harper
http://www.engadget.com/category/cellphones/
Friday, March 9, 2007
AT&T’s “Homezone”– TV Recording a la your Mobile Phone
Seems these days we have a lot more control over what we want our gadgets to do. At the same time however, I have a sci-fi related fear in the back of my mind that the technology becomes too powerful and makes slaves out of the human population. BUT until that happens I am all too happy to talk about advances in technology–particularly that of AT&T’s new “Homezone” service.
In a nutshell, the “Homezone” service allows the user to manage any of their television recordings. The user is able to view up to date television listings from their phone and choose which programs to record. Also, AT&T is offering the ability to “trigger” video-on-demand downloads from among many selections.
AT&T has expanded its on-demand content library to include thousands of additional titles that build from many partnerships with content providers that enable access to movies, music and photos from the Homezone receiver. The big names that are helping out AT&T in this venture are Yahoo! (through LAUNCHcast music, Movie Showtimes, AT&T Yahoo! Photos) and Movielink (for movies on demand).
Do you see what is happening here? AT&T makes but pennies on phone calls these days and this is quite possibly the perfect time to enter the television market. They can be considered already a pretty legitimate cable company in that they have created and marketed the “Homezone” receiver (i.e that little black box in your living room). Without this receiver of course, the mobile management system is impossible.
The receiver itself and relating hardware is not quite like anything ever to hit the market. One of the big selling points for all the entertainment media buffs out there is the watch programs on more than one set around the house by way of the dual television output. I am not a “techie” by any means but I do know that most receivers do not come with dual antenna and dual satellite inputs–meaning, it can make for some pretty nice viewing setups and options.
AT&T has really put a lot of thought into this here project of theirs. What’s even better is that they are really thinking of making it highly coveted by all those dads out there that thrive on having better entertainment centers than the like of those Best Buy demo living rooms. Hats off to AT&T. Rick Welday, chief marketing officer at AT&T: "When consumers think TV, we want them to think AT&T…Compelling features, like wireless remote access and thousands of downloadable titles, give us an entertainment service that goes beyond others on the market today."
Nicely put by Mr. Welday. By the looks of the many features that “Homezone” is offering, this service is beyond what many other companies are currently providing. Oh yeah, the mobile management service is included in the $9.99 service for “Homezone.”
Spring break should allow me to venture further into this here “Homezone.” Now I can go to my local Best Buy and join in conversations with entertainment center dads while not feeling like I don’t know what’s hip. Thank you AT&T.
Engadget-AT&T's Homezone caught By Ryan Block
http://www.engadget.com/2006/05/23/atandts-homezone-caught/
Mobile Tech News-AT&T Homezone makes TV recording possible via mobile phones
http://www.mobiletechnews.com/info/2007/03/07/025930.html
In a nutshell, the “Homezone” service allows the user to manage any of their television recordings. The user is able to view up to date television listings from their phone and choose which programs to record. Also, AT&T is offering the ability to “trigger” video-on-demand downloads from among many selections.
AT&T has expanded its on-demand content library to include thousands of additional titles that build from many partnerships with content providers that enable access to movies, music and photos from the Homezone receiver. The big names that are helping out AT&T in this venture are Yahoo! (through LAUNCHcast music, Movie Showtimes, AT&T Yahoo! Photos) and Movielink (for movies on demand).
Do you see what is happening here? AT&T makes but pennies on phone calls these days and this is quite possibly the perfect time to enter the television market. They can be considered already a pretty legitimate cable company in that they have created and marketed the “Homezone” receiver (i.e that little black box in your living room). Without this receiver of course, the mobile management system is impossible.
The receiver itself and relating hardware is not quite like anything ever to hit the market. One of the big selling points for all the entertainment media buffs out there is the watch programs on more than one set around the house by way of the dual television output. I am not a “techie” by any means but I do know that most receivers do not come with dual antenna and dual satellite inputs–meaning, it can make for some pretty nice viewing setups and options.
AT&T has really put a lot of thought into this here project of theirs. What’s even better is that they are really thinking of making it highly coveted by all those dads out there that thrive on having better entertainment centers than the like of those Best Buy demo living rooms. Hats off to AT&T. Rick Welday, chief marketing officer at AT&T: "When consumers think TV, we want them to think AT&T…Compelling features, like wireless remote access and thousands of downloadable titles, give us an entertainment service that goes beyond others on the market today."
Nicely put by Mr. Welday. By the looks of the many features that “Homezone” is offering, this service is beyond what many other companies are currently providing. Oh yeah, the mobile management service is included in the $9.99 service for “Homezone.”
Spring break should allow me to venture further into this here “Homezone.” Now I can go to my local Best Buy and join in conversations with entertainment center dads while not feeling like I don’t know what’s hip. Thank you AT&T.
Engadget-AT&T's Homezone caught By Ryan Block
http://www.engadget.com/2006/05/23/atandts-homezone-caught/
Mobile Tech News-AT&T Homezone makes TV recording possible via mobile phones
http://www.mobiletechnews.com/info/2007/03/07/025930.html
Friday, March 2, 2007
Your Phone is now your TV Remote–Don’t lose it!
The second biggest U.S. mobile phone provider–Verizon–has just launched a television service via their mobile phones (MobileTechNews). According to the MobileTechNews article, the television service has been created by Qualcomm Inc. unit MediaFlo, and has been made readily available to 20 U.S. Markets. Such a service is partly due to the fact that as phone calls are becoming increasingly cheaper, companies like Verizon must find a way to increase revenue. Does this mean that the service is just that, a mediocre outlet for mobile media? More importantly, can I catch my daily dose of the Food Network?
Let’s start with the first question.
Quality is obviously an issue with a service like this. Just for starters, the customer wants good sound and good picture. According to a Reuters article by Sinead Carew, Verizon’s new service promises that the picture quality will “be on par with home TV.” Verizon spokesman Jeff Nelson makes the claim that it will be twice as clear as Verizon’s current (mediocre) Vcast video service. This is going to have to be true considering that currently out of 232 million mobile phone subscriptions, only 7 million have Vcast (Carew). If the picture quality really is that good, it is quite possible that Verizon could see an increase in TV subscribers.
But back to what is really important! Can I watch my Food Network and how much will it cost me?
Basically, Verizon has offered two options. One: if a user currently pays the $5 charge for internet and $15 for Vcast, then the TV service (a.k.a. MediaFlo) will costs $25. Two: $35 if the user wants to pick and choose separately as opposed to a package. Adding eight “exclusive” channels will soon become available. Seems a bit pricy given that it is a live feed and there are not yet any Tivo-esque options that allow a user watch programs at different times.
To my dismay, the Food Network is not currently offered. The selection is small, with MTV, NBC, ESPN, FOX, Nickelodeon, and Comedy Central making up the choices. Given this is a new service, it will need time to grow–and grow I hope it does or else it might not be as big a success as Verizon hopes it to be.
The consumer wants to be entertained and have individualized/local content. If Verizon can appeal to the pop teeny-bopper market but at the same capture some niche audiences, then the content might not be too shabby. And once again there is a plug for the music industry. Labels can dedicate TV channels to the genres they promote and play enhanced music videos–both live concert footage and the theatrical produced blockbuster video (because we all know MTV isn’t doing this). A venture worth looking into by record companies.
If the content was so good that Verizon hooked me into it, then I would go for it and rejoice that at least one media company has got the right idea. Then again with lousy content, I and many others could just let it float right past us while en route to its own funeral. YOU see what will make or break MediaFlo–I just hope Verizon does.
MobileTechNews- Verizon Wireless kicks off mobile phone TV
http://www.mobiletechnews.com/info/2007/03/01/204604.html
Reuters- Verizon Wireless kicks off mobile phone TV By Sinead Carew
http://yahoo.reuters.com/news/articlehybrid.aspx?type=comktNews&storyID=urn:newsml:reuters.com:20070301:MTFH54349_2007-03-01_20-13-50_N01338504&pageNumber=0&imageid=&cap=&sz=13&WTModLoc=HybArt-C1-ArticlePage2
Let’s start with the first question.
Quality is obviously an issue with a service like this. Just for starters, the customer wants good sound and good picture. According to a Reuters article by Sinead Carew, Verizon’s new service promises that the picture quality will “be on par with home TV.” Verizon spokesman Jeff Nelson makes the claim that it will be twice as clear as Verizon’s current (mediocre) Vcast video service. This is going to have to be true considering that currently out of 232 million mobile phone subscriptions, only 7 million have Vcast (Carew). If the picture quality really is that good, it is quite possible that Verizon could see an increase in TV subscribers.
But back to what is really important! Can I watch my Food Network and how much will it cost me?
Basically, Verizon has offered two options. One: if a user currently pays the $5 charge for internet and $15 for Vcast, then the TV service (a.k.a. MediaFlo) will costs $25. Two: $35 if the user wants to pick and choose separately as opposed to a package. Adding eight “exclusive” channels will soon become available. Seems a bit pricy given that it is a live feed and there are not yet any Tivo-esque options that allow a user watch programs at different times.
To my dismay, the Food Network is not currently offered. The selection is small, with MTV, NBC, ESPN, FOX, Nickelodeon, and Comedy Central making up the choices. Given this is a new service, it will need time to grow–and grow I hope it does or else it might not be as big a success as Verizon hopes it to be.
The consumer wants to be entertained and have individualized/local content. If Verizon can appeal to the pop teeny-bopper market but at the same capture some niche audiences, then the content might not be too shabby. And once again there is a plug for the music industry. Labels can dedicate TV channels to the genres they promote and play enhanced music videos–both live concert footage and the theatrical produced blockbuster video (because we all know MTV isn’t doing this). A venture worth looking into by record companies.
If the content was so good that Verizon hooked me into it, then I would go for it and rejoice that at least one media company has got the right idea. Then again with lousy content, I and many others could just let it float right past us while en route to its own funeral. YOU see what will make or break MediaFlo–I just hope Verizon does.
MobileTechNews- Verizon Wireless kicks off mobile phone TV
http://www.mobiletechnews.com/info/2007/03/01/204604.html
Reuters- Verizon Wireless kicks off mobile phone TV By Sinead Carew
http://yahoo.reuters.com/news/articlehybrid.aspx?type=comktNews&storyID=urn:newsml:reuters.com:20070301:MTFH54349_2007-03-01_20-13-50_N01338504&pageNumber=0&imageid=&cap=&sz=13&WTModLoc=HybArt-C1-ArticlePage2
Thursday, March 1, 2007
Visual Radio via your Mobile Phone
Nokia has once again proved to be ahead of the rest with the capability of “visual radio.” Select Nokia phones are integrated with the visual radio application as it is not a downloadable feature. However, according to the Visual Radio website, it is becoming more readily available in an increasing number of phones that are already equipped with analog FM radio (such as the Nokia 3230, Nokia 6230i, Nokia 7710, N70, N80 and N91).
But what exactly is visual radio and how does it work?
Let’s start with the technical specs. Nokia's Visual Radio is not streaming - the audio is received via a normal analog FM radio embedded in the phone. The graphics and text, synchronized to the audio programming, is sent through the phone through the data connection. According to Wikipedia, Visual Radio can be broken down into three parts:
1. A Visual Radio Tool that can be integrated with the radio station's own format, so the interactive visual channel created by the radio station's content producers is synchronized with the audio programming.
2. A Visual Radio server that handles the two-way traffic between audience and radio stations and;
3. A Visual Radio application on the mobile phone which actually displays the interactive components that provide for user interaction
Where the meat of the subject lies however is in how the listener/user will interact with the Visual Radio. Besides music/artist quizzes, station messaging, and content download, Visual Radio displays artist information, local tour dates, song lyrics, and artist websites. In addition, direct interaction with the radio station will be easily accessible. Users will be able to participate in audience poles, opinion sessions, and contests. This direct connection between radio station and listener is a smart move because the target market is so diverse that assuming what content the majority of people want to hear is no longer applicable (just ask the record companies…if they will admit to it that is).
Jump on board record companies!!! It is possible to monetize such a venture!!
Record companies could make money with this IF they can keep the user listening. The way mobile phone companies make money is by charging for interactive portions of the broadcast and keeping the FM transmission free. Users are charged by the amount of data transfer (i.e. the more time a user spends using the interactive features, the higher the charges on the consumer’s next phone bill).
A connection between consumer and company is greatly appreciated. Record companies can possibly score some exclusive deals with Visual Radio and therefore reaching people on the gadget they trust most. In turn, radio can possibly return as the dominant force it once was, making everyone happy and pocket books healthy.
Given a good quality phone and quality content (not a weekly rotation of the 10 most popular pop songs), users would probably show interest in mobile’s version of the radio.
Wikipedia-Visual Radio
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visual_Radio
Visual Radio-See What You Hear
http://www.visualradio.com/vr/about.htm
But what exactly is visual radio and how does it work?
Let’s start with the technical specs. Nokia's Visual Radio is not streaming - the audio is received via a normal analog FM radio embedded in the phone. The graphics and text, synchronized to the audio programming, is sent through the phone through the data connection. According to Wikipedia, Visual Radio can be broken down into three parts:
1. A Visual Radio Tool that can be integrated with the radio station's own format, so the interactive visual channel created by the radio station's content producers is synchronized with the audio programming.
2. A Visual Radio server that handles the two-way traffic between audience and radio stations and;
3. A Visual Radio application on the mobile phone which actually displays the interactive components that provide for user interaction
Where the meat of the subject lies however is in how the listener/user will interact with the Visual Radio. Besides music/artist quizzes, station messaging, and content download, Visual Radio displays artist information, local tour dates, song lyrics, and artist websites. In addition, direct interaction with the radio station will be easily accessible. Users will be able to participate in audience poles, opinion sessions, and contests. This direct connection between radio station and listener is a smart move because the target market is so diverse that assuming what content the majority of people want to hear is no longer applicable (just ask the record companies…if they will admit to it that is).
Jump on board record companies!!! It is possible to monetize such a venture!!
Record companies could make money with this IF they can keep the user listening. The way mobile phone companies make money is by charging for interactive portions of the broadcast and keeping the FM transmission free. Users are charged by the amount of data transfer (i.e. the more time a user spends using the interactive features, the higher the charges on the consumer’s next phone bill).
A connection between consumer and company is greatly appreciated. Record companies can possibly score some exclusive deals with Visual Radio and therefore reaching people on the gadget they trust most. In turn, radio can possibly return as the dominant force it once was, making everyone happy and pocket books healthy.
Given a good quality phone and quality content (not a weekly rotation of the 10 most popular pop songs), users would probably show interest in mobile’s version of the radio.
Wikipedia-Visual Radio
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visual_Radio
Visual Radio-See What You Hear
http://www.visualradio.com/vr/about.htm
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