While reading a PC World blog entry about Apple’s upcoming iPhone SDK, I learned about the Tiny-Code.com site for people interested in unofficial iPhone installers. When I tried to visit the site, I was redirected to Apple’s official Developer Connection…
It (the official site) only has information about Webkit (browser) development now. But, we can probably safely assume that the SDK information will be housed there after its release.
I bought this little Vibez speaker from iFrogz on a whim during their post-holiday sale period. It listed for $34.99. I bought it for $19.99. And, it currently lists on their site for $24.95. This thing is not going to give your high-end or even decent portable speakers any competition. However, despite its relatively low-fidelity, it sounds ok for what it is: A tiny speaker that works with anything that has a mini-plug headphone jack. I often use it to listen to podcasts when I am roaming around a room (I hate wearing headphones or earphones). The USB plug is used to charge the integrated rechargeable batteries. The charge seems to last darn near forever. I think the last time I charged it was sometime in mid-January. You can squeeze it down in size for carrying around. But, I don’t want to stress that plastic pleated mid-area. And, it is small enough to easily carry around even in the expanded state you see in the photo. Personally, I think music sounds ok on it too. It obviously has no bass range to speak of. But, it is fine for un-nuanced music. A mobile thumbs up for this little speaker.
Engadget points out the limits of the new Verizon Wireless Unlimited Plans. It looks like the way to read the three offerings are: Somewhat unlimited, sort of unlimited, and unlimited but pricey. These plans can also have two-person and three-person family plans (Sprint and T-Mobile family plans include up to 5 phones if I recall correctly. Not sure what the AT&T Wireless family plans look like).
Addendum: It looks like everyone else is joining the Unlimited Club. AT&T Wireless and T-Mobile announced similar plans at the same price ($99). And, Sprint PCS’ existing plans are so close that you might was well call it unlimited. Does anyone really need more that 2000 minutes per month plus free nights and weekends? That’s like 1.5+ hours of talking per weekend (remember nights and weekends are free).
Saw a reference to this on the AppleInsider site and followed the link to…
Google homes in on revenue to phones
…The key quote from the article that AppleInsider pointed out is: Google on Wednesday said it had seen 50 times more searches on Apple‘s iPhone than any other mobile handset, adding weight to the group’s confidence at being able to generate significant revenues from the mobile internet. I guess this means we’ll see even more cool web services and sites designed specifically for the iPhone (and as a side effect the iPod touch) while Windows Mobile and other smartphone platforms will have to be happy with WAP text sites and CSS-ed reformatted pages.
You know, I think it was around 11 years ago that Charles Fitzgerald told Bill Gates that Microsoft needed to focus on the web (I was a contractor for MSN at the time, btw). I hope there is someone like that over at Microsoft now pointing out that they need to focus on the mobile web now.
Just read about this free Windows Mobile backup software…
…on the Inside Microsoft blog. Note that this software only works with the Pocket PC or Pocket PC Phone Edition (Classic or Professional). Standard Edition users need to look elsewhere for a free backup solution (let me know if you find one) or use a pay version (which are reasonably priced IMHO).
I mentioned earlier this week that T-Mobile USA customers will still have WiFi access in Starbucks coffee shops due to a WiFi roaming agreement between T-Mobile and AT&T Wireless. Then, I learned that this agreement ends after 5 years (early 2013). It is possible they could renew their agreement at that point in time. But, it is also possible that AT&T could wave goodbye to T-Mobile at that point. So, T-Mobile’s hotspot service will be limited to Kinko’s/FedEx locations, some hotels, and and airports. Not real useful even at only $20/month.
Then, I read over on Brighthand that T-Mobile USA is finally getting around to rolling out a 3G network later this year (or so they claim). But, there’s a wrinkle to this promise too… T-Mobile’s 3G is neither animal (UTMS) nor vegetable (HSDPA). This means that we can’t just take an unlocked 3G phone and use it with T-Mobile.
This bad news is not limited to T-Mobile IMHO. This is also bad news for Microsoft. Why? I If T-Mobile becomes seen as an backwater mobile phone service, it will make it easier for its customer base to abandon it for AT&T Wireless to get widely available WiFi hotspot and 3G service. It also makes it really easy for people to decide to dump Windows Mobile and get an iPhone (or Google Android for that matter).
Microsoft should think about investing in a nationwide hotspot provider and having it shore up T-Mobile’s WiFi coverage to help T-Mobile keep their WiMo customers happy.