AI, Mobile, and Eveything Around the Cloud

The biggest news, although it's really a non-news, is an Adobe director announcing that a Flash player would be available pending Apple approval. Just to chime in, I doubt it is the case and if we do see Flash on the iPhone, it will not be in the form that we are used to seeing on the Internet. As with all things Apple, time will tell.  But don't hold your breath. The other big news today is the availability of IBM's Lotus Notes available on the iPhone as a web app.  I'm glad for three reasons.  One is that now iPhone users have another enterprise mail option and the iPhone also becomes an option for 140 million Notes users. Secondly, this reinforces the iPhone's place in the enterprise.  And lastly, I'm glad develop on the Web front continues. TUAW InfoWorld  - IBM had two customers participate in testing iNote Ultralight and they love the implementation.  However, they do wish that eventually, iNotes would become a standalone app. Speculation be...

It's hard not to given the difficulties Apple has had with certain developers feeling rejected and others fearful to express how they feel (in fact, they're not allow to talk about their feelings). So, when it was confirmed that Adobe is close to finish a Flash player for the iPhone and by one of it's senior director, Paul Betlem, it seems like something he really ought not to say in public unless he was trying to push pressure on Apple to approve the Adobe app for wide release on the app store. Regardless, it's out and the Mac blogs got wind of it.  So, now what?  Well, we wait and see.  Previously, Jobs had complained Flash would run a resource hog and will effectively ruin the battery life on the iPhone. However, I'm guess Adobe has been lobbying and making concessions to Apple in order to get Flash onto the iPhone and iPod Touch platform.  It remains to be seen if Apple will grant them this one wish.  Webware indicates Flash does not run well on mobile...

I've got over 25 games on my iPhone.  Some are free.  Some are $0.99.  Others like EA's Spore and Super Monkey Ball tops out at $9.99 a piece.  But I find myself spending a little more time with the free or $0.99 games and I'm perplexed by it. I love Spores.  And find Monkey Ball addicting.  And I paid more for them so why am I not playing them more often?  I don't know.  I chalk it up to personal preference.  In fact, I've rediscovered web apps lately as well.  Specifically, I've been trying to find games and apps that I can use with Safari that work just as well as apps that sit on my iPhone.  But that's chat for another time. But as I got to thinking, I also looking at some of the recent games produced by big named developers.  Star Wars The Force Unleashed looks fun but at $9.99, I don't know if I would like it that much.  I might pick it up when it goes on sale.  I'm more of a Star Trek fan.  Then there'...

I totally get what a post on Pocketables was talking about when he complained about blogging in the iPhone. Some of my issues are not dificult to solve and I am sure will be resolved eventually. - Cut and paste. Specifically, I want to be able to great links I find on Safari. This was mentioned in the post as well. - Ability to add images. I recently posted about LifeCast which I love because I can now post to Blogger. But now, I am not able to send text and images in the same post. - Limitation on Safari. A lot of blog sites offer iPhone versions (except Blogger...). Still, it is a tripped down version due to mobile Safari. - Adding tags. I am posting this from LifeCast now but since I am limited by what I can do on the iPhone, I am going to have to reference Pocketables as the app let me. Maybe we will get what I want soon. Maybe not, but we will have to see where we stand once developers have more time to get to know the SDK and Apple offers more features such a...

Once again, the dominant story in Cupertinoland continues to be the iPhone related issues. First, Apple, who has opted to remain quiet through this developer revolt (I rather think that Apple is up to something brilliant during this period of silence) about app rejections and outcries about NDA. Nevertheless, work continues to be made on the app store. Now, if you don't buy an app, you can't provide reviews.  Finally! A minor step back.  You can't simply find free apps with a click.  Someone will have to provide that link in a blog or something.  Why do that, Apple?  My guess:  trouble with revs from developers as everyone downloads mostly free apps.   Apps are now ranked by release dates, not app updates. TUAW  thinks there are specific reasons for this, depending on how you feel about Apple and the iPhone. Posts on changes to app store: iPodnn   World of Apple   Appleinsider   Touch Podium Silicon Alley Insider   ...

Will Apple eventually license OS X? I don't know but I'm beginning to come around to the idea that maybe Apple may offer OS X to 3rd parties.  Why is that?  Intel.  Since the early days of the Apple-Intel partnership, folks started trying how to efficient get OS X installed on non-Mac hardwares. So, in a word or two, what is the state of this form of Mac jailbreak? Not too difficult.  That three words, ain't it? Some of the EEE PC owners have been able to install OS X without much difficulties (Wi-Fi did not work out of the box - there is a Dell Wi-Fi card that be found on eBay).  Even before this, we have the Hackintosh where people installed OS X on desktops.  The boast is that no hacking is required.  However, it does require twicking the BIOS and having to go on the Internet and download a special version of Leopard. Wired has now gone a step further and literally promote install OS X in the MSI Wind by associating openly with hackers (...

People are all over the place when it comes to what sercet product, if any, will Apple be introducing that require them to warn investors of lower margins in future quarter? Some Apple fans think Apple will merely be lowering prices but others think Apple will actually introduce a brand new product that will cause panic and pandemonium among its competitors.  TUAW reportedly received information that points to changes among Apple TV marketing material and a September 30th webcast. Pure speculation.  Simply rumors.  It'll be a couple of slow weeks between now and mid-October, when Apple is most likely to offer new Macbooks.  But for speculative purposes, it would make sense for Apple to merge it's "hobby", the Apple TV, which has been met with limited success to be it kindly and the Mac in creating a consumer-class Mac that let folks use it as a computer, gaming machine, and as an Apple TV. What would be the sole purpose of the "Mac Hybrid". (Apple, ple...

As many games as there are on the iPhone and the iPod Touch, Apple's newest mobile sensation is no closer to being a contender to even be consider a threat to DS or PSP.  In fact, we posed the question whether iPhone gaming may ruin mobile games because of the low prices and dropping prices that developers may not think it worthwhile to develop for any system if iPhone's pricing precedent takes hold. Now, I love my iPhone and I'll be getting the new iPod Touch in days.  However, as much games I've got on for my iPlatform devices, most are by small parties, and they're excellent games.  Still, we are still being pitted as casual mobile gamers, not hard core portable gamers as DS and PSP gamers may be called. Where are the Final Fantasies, Sonic Chronicles, and sports games like Madden and NHL.  Where is Capcom and Konami? I'm expecting a Harry Potter game from WB but I won't hold my breath on that. $10 cap.  That's why.  And the games that TUA...

Biggest news in the last couple days is the unlocked iPhones that went on sale in Hong Kong.  Between $700-$800.   Not a bad price consider that you'll be able to use them with just about any service and network.  Almost.   We're probably looking at a $100 lower price for the US market if it ever makes it to the US.  We don't know what kind of deal Apple and ATT has but you can bet ATT wants to make sure no one can use the new iPhones with T-Mobile. Also, a beta version of iPhone 2.2 has been making rounds.  Looks like they're up security and stability issues being resolved this go-around.  Still looking for cut-and-paste.  I know, that's getting old. iPhone-iPod Update: Wired reports iPhone battery lawsuit dismissal. Yahoo News reports Visa plan may not work. MacDaily News reports on Mass and Apple to make iTunes accessible to the blind. TUAW on app pricing dropping very quickly.  Apple wins.  Us too.   Go here...

This is the blogging app for Google's Blogger service that I have been waiting for. And guess what? It's free! From LifeCast I had hoped that Google would come out with a future version of their Google app with blogging functions (there is not direct way to do it on the Web either). Leave it to third parties seems to be the mantra Google has taken with their Web apps and their first Android phone. So far, there are two blogging services available for posting with LifeCast. Tumblr and Blogger. I have scanned the comments and there is a demand for for other types of blogging services. Also there is a beta 1.2 that I hope to participate in. Hopefully, there will be more functions like tagging and picture attachments. This is what this version can do now: create multiple timelines use with Tumblr and Blogger attach pictures from iPhone library expanded support coming The best feature? It can easily support multiple blogs within a service. I am able t...

No rumors.  It's a promise but this post from Appleinsider is a bit more concrete.  You'll understand why this is important. Appleinsider informed the world that there are now six additional placeholders in Best Buy's Futureshop computers up in Canada.  Four points to make of this: New Macs are coming.  Like the usual suspects:  3 Macbooks, two 15" Macbook Pros, one 17" Macbook Pro.   No Macbook Air update - MBA would take up two spaces all on its own. No iMac updates - this is more obvious.  iMacs would take up three place holders all on its own. No iBrick or any game changing device that will be coming with the new Macbook updates. Again, we believe Macworld is when we'll see anything new if at all.  However, given the margin statement by Apple's CFO during the last round of financial call, it's still possible to see a drop in Macbook prices, maybe even iMacs.   I was so hoping for a new mini Mac tower.   iPhone-iPod Update: St...

I was looking to see if there is a hand crank out for the XO (OLPC's laptop) when I came across a link that takes you to a page where there is instructions on creating a hand crank to power your iPod. Geek Technique has a very interesting way to go about it.  That post was from 2005.  Since then, there have been other more modern ways to go about it. I also recommend going over to Brookstone at your local mall and check out their own solutions.  You'll see one of the flashlights used in GT's demo as well. I also like this Bodyguard Survivor  .  It's McGyver-approved.  It has 13 functions with a hand-crank to charge up the internal battery.  And more importantly, it'll charge your phone or iPod. However, you will still need to create a link between the proprietary iPod connection and theses devices.   Of course, you can save yourself the trouble with the self-powered weather radio  .  It already has a connection for iPods. I ...

I came across a neat way to secure passwords involving a couple of handy programs and Dropbox. I currently use 1password which works fine on just my Powerbook. I also use a notebook at home where I write all my passwords and secure it in a safe place. But for mobile warriors like yourself, here is better way involving the cloud.  Please head to Onxo for this mobile tip.

You may know by now, Google has released G1, the first Android phone with partners HTC and T-Mobile.  For some quick notes about it, head on over to On Android for my thoughts and concerns. Now, how does this affect us, iPhone and iPod Touch users?  Well, competition is good.  No doubt about it.  But for some Apple mobile warriors, should be concerned this new upstart will such up all the air in the room and make iPhone, for the first time in its short history, fight for the media lime light? Not a chance.  Not yet.  The G1 is a good mobile device.  It's a platform device much like the iPhone is in that it's not a smartphone but a device built on top of a mobile platform.  Blackberries and Nokia phones are smartphones, phones with computing features.  Nothing more. So, how does our competition look like?  Well, it's got a built-in compass.  A physical QWERTY keyboard.  Removable battery.  That's a big plus for me. ...

Initially, only one major even took place today.  Android.  Then the Windows Mobile delay.  And now?  Apple apparently addressed it making rejection letters a part of the NDA.  Nice.  Classy.   This is why Apple is doing it and the sooner folks realizes this, the better (or worse).  It's not about Podcaster duplicating an existing function but Podcaster making the podcast part of iTunes irrelevant just as if Amazon were to develop an app for it's music store, it'll take away from users having to rely on iTunes, or Apple for that matter.  In certain instances, it's more about locking iPhone and iPod Touch to iTunes. It is also entirely possible that Apple may allow podcasts to be downloaded over WiFi in future OS revisions. I'm not saying what Apple is doing is right.  In fact, I think this heavy-handed tactic may backfire.  But from Apple's perspective, they make a few developers upset, three by my count (Podcaster...

So, as a police officer, you figure you have your badge, nightstick, whistle, and your trusty six-shooter.  That was yesterday.  Today, you gotta have your iPhone and Panasonic Toughbook!  At least the police officers in DC, according to Wired, carry those in their cruisers. Please head on over to Onxo to find out more.

While this is wishful thinking on my part but I've seen 3GB offerings on some Windows laptops in the last few weeks since we started tracking laptop values on Onxo .  So hopefully, an 18% drop in DRAM futures in two weeks will result in Apple offering at least 2GB on the low end Macbook model and 3-4GB on the higher end ones, particular the black Macbook. I mean, c'mon, 2GB, Jobs?  Seriously.  As someone who is seriously considering the next refresh of the Macbook Air, I really would have to see 4GB on that baby.  Knowing Apple though, we'll probably on see 3GB. Still given the dearth of details on the next Macbook updates, we'll just have to wait and see.  According to Macworld, the lower DRAM prices offered PC makers to differentiate themselves with from others by offering memory upgrades for a nominal fee or simply as a free option. Love to see those iMac and Macbooks buffed up memory-wise. Note:  Tomorrow would be a great time for Appl...

I wrote a letter to Santa . On behalf of all iPhone and iPod users, I asked for a Hulu app. What do you think?  Will we ever see anything like that? It's amazing how little Youtube has progressed since Google took the helm.  Supposedly, they've found a way to monetize it but it's nothing like Hulu where it actually has TV and movies. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy watching user generated videos.  Often. What I can't find on iTunes, I can sometimes find on Netflix or Hulu.  So, I would be great to have apps for these two great services. With Android phones supporting Flash on the horizon, I think there's a possibility that it might even allow us to watch Hulu and native Youtube videos right on the Webkit browsers.

I found this site, Apptism , that collects all apps on the iTunes app store and does it's own presentation.  There are two main features some users might find useful. If  you recall Podcaster, a podcasting app, that was reject by Apple that became the poster child for all that is wrong with, what some would say, Apple's draconian grip on app approval and development.  Well, there is another way to add apps to your iPhone, the ad-hoc distribution system, if you want an app that Apple will not allow onto the app store.  There's a reason why this was created and not really meant for most iPhone users.  It's relatively new so I warn you to use it with a certain amount of risk. Now, here is the best part about Apptism.  I hate the reviews that are allowed on the app store.  I know you do too.  Some guy would give one star because he felt he can or because he isn't willing to pay for it.  Something ought to be done against that. On Apptisml, ...

Initially, we thought about not posting an update for the Mac or the iPhone today because there was nothing that happened the average users will need to know about or have the news make any kind of impact on their mobile experience. So, Apple app store censorship, while old news, will likely pop up again in blogs, podcasts, and in the end one of two things will happen.  Either Apple relents (a bit) or developers just go quietly into the night and end-users will never know that a great battle was fought on their behalf. If there is anything of significant today, it's Steve Jobs in Europe looking frail and chatting it up with EU regulators on online sales issues. iPhone-iPod Issues: Appleinsider has a post on manufacturing and supplies maneuvers in the background that we may not know about.  It's an interesting read.  Highly recommended.  It's one of those things we read in books about Jobs or Apple.   Onxo wants more some Japanese style games for the iP...

I was wondering about what Japanese themed RPG are out on the app store for the iPhone and if not, when will they be out. Well, then I saw Vay (head over to Macworld ).  But we're not here to talk about that.  I'l have a review this weekend or next week. But Vay is it!  No more.  Now, I know Pokemon is Nintendo property but Sega, Konami, or anyone do not have anything to compete with Pikachu? Heck, I'll settle for Cardcaptors or Digimons.  In a year, there will be 40 million iPhones worldwide.  In addition, there could be anywhere from twenty to thirty-five million iPod Touches.  For a combo of sixty to seventy-five million potential consumers, it looks right for these Japanese video game studios to jump into the pond. And if these Apple devices are indeed more power than PSP and the DS and as powerful as the PS2, it's time to see Xbox and PS2 type games on the iPod. Judging by the review for Vay, there definitely is a market for Square a...

Not happened in Mac and iPhone land today.  If you took a stroll around the Web today, you'll see a lot of ruckus being made about Android and Storm. Incidentally, these two smartphones will fight for attention next week.   Though I wonder if Apple may try to disrupt it with Macbook updates.  That would be swell.  I get an Android phone and a Macbook.  Sweet. iPhone-iPod Update: Feeling nostalgic?  Well,  iPodNN  reports Apple will have 4GB iPod Nanos, just like my first gen Nano, available in certain international markets.  I wonder if this is a defensive move against the likes of cheaper MP3 players and deteriorating global economic events.   MacWorld  discusses deploying the iPhone for business. Onxo  discusses iPhone and other mobile reporters. Mac Update: Roughly Drafted  has details on the next Adobe Creative Suite.  Just in time for those Macbook things we keep hearing about. While not really Ma...

We've got tons of social apps available to us for the iPhone.  Twitteriffic, Twinkle, and Facebook just to name a few. They're mostly for us to stay connected with our friends and family on our daily lives or whatever happens to be on our mind. Now, CBS is taking it one step further.  CBS News wants iPhone users to be their eyes as reporters much like what CNN's iReporter is for all mobile folks.  I discussed this a bit at Onxo .  It's a phenomenon that is here to stay and I think something mainstream media will utilize more over time. Check out the app on CBS' eyemobile on iTunes.

In about a month, we'll be able to see what kind of staying power the iPhone as with Android phone being released in October and Verizon just going live with their Storm page. We posted some analysis on Verizon Wireless' counterattack against the iPhone.  It appears to be a sign of weakness but you be the judge of that.  I am pulling for Blackberry as I think they've got very neat phones. I just hope VW doesn't pull down RIM down if sales are not good after hyping it. iPhone-iPod Update: Air Sharing is an app that works as a wireless drive.  it's free for only two weeks.  Just a reminder. Virtual Monkey -  you're suppose to take care of it.  Feed it and, well, just be a good parent to it.   Virtual Conquest - turn-based strategy game.  Link isn't work.  It may be like Risk.  If only someone can make an Axis and Allies game. Apple's Remote has been updated with the Genius feature. Verizon readies for war on iPhone.  We ...

One thing in politics is you want to focus on your message and you want to avoid mentioning your opponent, right?  That's before the mudslinging got to where it is today. Well, Verizon will be doing the latter when they launch their counteroffensive on the iPhone 3G with the Blackberry Storm.   Crackberry has some notes and a video on Verizon indoctrinating their troops when it comes to Storm versus the iPhone. Never mind that the Storm is a phone with limited computing capabilities while the iPhone and iPod Touch is a true mobile platform built from the ground up.  So, the comparison isn't apple to Apple but some-kind-of-a-berry to Apple. Ask yourself this.  Of the two, which are we like to see mobile devices being born out of the underlying technology?  One thing is for sure, we're likely to see an Apple mobile device with additional mutli-touch functionalities before we seen something like that from anyone else, let alone RIM. And truly, what do...

One of the problems the iPhone has, and it has many in Japan, is the level of sophistication and years ahead of what American mobile users with respect to mobile features such as e-reading, gaming and other forms of mobile entertainment, and paying with the mobile phones. I hate to say this but with the exception of Microsoft's Windows (and Michael Jackson), foreign companies have a tough time cracking Japan's domestic market with entrenched players who often enjoy social advantages, and at times, aid from the government.   WSJ  (via  Macdaily News ) indicated iPhone's price but it's not that.  This is a nation of very sophisticated and particular consumers with some owning more than one mobile devices. Cost ain't a thing. More likely, it's what the iPhone cannot do. Used as a debit or credit card. Used as a public transportation pass. Used to watch TV. Lack of emoji for messaging (can't this be fixed with apps?) Just like what Apple was forced to...

After waiting more than 48 hours, I decided it was enough time between the initial release of iPhone 2.1 when we reported on Onxo on Friday and when any major problem might crop up. So far, the biggest issues concerning the new update seem to be the lack of concrete evidence that 3G issues are history and battery life has indeed improved. So, I took my mom's iPhone and took the plunge. What has it been like since? Before I get into that, the 2G iPhone had already been been unlocked and jailbroken previously uand worked beautifully with T-Mobile and T-Zone with 2.0.2 using QuickPwn . The first thing I did was to download the update (~240MB) and hooked up the iPhone to it and request the update be installed. Meanwhile, I downloaded the new version of Quickpwn. The application from the wonderful folks of iPhone Dev Team . The update, I had expected iTunes to tell me I had a sim card that did not work with the iPhone. Here's the surprise: it didn't! I couldn...

Electronista is reporting a Citibank analyst speculating the next generation Macbooks may be on the way to the stores. While it is only a speculation at this point, the time frame for a refresh of Apple's portable Macs makes it very plausible. Analysts do one of two things: report on things heard from someone who is married to the taxi driver who knows a cousin whose friend works at some factory in China or looks at old calendars and guessitimates within weeks of when Apple usually made their product introductions and report on that. I don't know what " field checks " mean but he might be right this time. He gets a "gold star"! Suggestion: If you want a new Macbook but can wait a couple of weeks, let the blogs brew over this one and see where we're at then. iPhone-iPod Update: iPhone sales flop...in Japan but doing well everywhere else (Via Macdaily News through WSJ ). I think Japan is a market where Apple cannot dictate to the users what the...

Hello.  I created Onxo to discuss OLPC's XO computing but with the dirth of updates and at times it did not seem like XO was viable, I decided to discuss other mobile issues.  I'll continue to post Mac or our favorite mobile platform, iPod Touch or the iPhone, on Onxo but you can come here for all Mac information if you like.  Thanks and, always, love to hear from you.