AI, Mobile, and Eveything Around the Cloud

It looks like Amazon will be unveiling its Kindle tablet on September 28th in a media event at 7 am PST or 10 am EST. This could be the Nook competitor that everyone's been talking about.  Also, some might way, the iPad killer as well.  The thing Amazon does have going for it is that it has a pretty massive ecosystem like Apple's. It'll be interesting to see what this new 7" tablet can do and how Amazon plan on enticing us to pick one up.  Also, we know that the Amazon tablet will run a variant of the Android OS - it has already launched its own app store. More than anything, Amazon, like Barnes and Noble with its Nook, could be more successful than the likes of Samsung, HTC, and others in the tablet market because of their radically different business model.  While these tech giants are competing with Apple's iPad - making money through selling hardware, Amazon and Barnes and Noble are offering more simple devices to help them sell digital contents. ...

I'm gonna provide you with an update as I get them on Blockbuster's Netflix killer.  Hope it's not a dud. The media event is on going now.  There's chatter that this service might be for Dish customers only.  In which case, this update will end pretty abruptly. So far, a whole lot of thing.... New service called Blockbuster Movie Pass - lots of movies, games, and streaming video - no word on cost or who can get access to it. Sounds like it's not for everyone. Another package called America's Top 200 - more content but so far nothing Netflix needs to worry about.  Sorry, looks lame so far. No wonder Netflix's stock is up. Waiting to see if this service will be available to non-Dish customers but not hopeful. So far, it's an add-on to existing services - unfortunately, most of us have already cut the cord and this isn't going to stem the tide of people who wants to cancel their paid TV services because they would be paying for something they a...

Samsung's use of its FRAND patents against Apple has Apple friendly blog sites in a panic it seems.  Or maybe I'm the one who should panic  Or be elated that Samsung is fight back.  Either way, it doesn't matter much.  Again, Samsung is using what's called FRAND patents  FRAND stands for "fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory" ( FOSS Patents ).  What set off this new round of patent blog posts is a couple of posts from a Korean newspaper and Reuters that Samsung will become more aggressive in its litigation against Apple.  As best as I can tell, Samsung is using patents that are "essential to the Universal Mobile Telecommunications Standard ('UMTS')" and has to offer Apple equitable licensing terms.  This is similar to the suit between Apple and Nokia.  And that was settle with money that Apple had previous set aside. In the latest move by Samsung, it filed a suit in Netherlands seeking injunctions against Apple's devices....

A couple of interesting data shows just where Apple’s iOS devices are headed – up, up, and up.  One of the things you have keep in mind is that Apple’s iOS ecosystem is like no other.  It’s closed without a doubt.  It has its limitations, obviously.  And yet, when it comes to satisfaction and retention, Apple literally has no peer. Here are some stats that market share does not say.

Google Webapp now support multiple accounts.  A step closer to mobile nirvana if you ask me. I have four different Google accounts.  A personal one, a work one, another one for work, and a public one which gets bombarded with spam.  And from time to time, I have to access them and I hate having to sign out of one account, sign into another, and then, if needed, sign out again so I can sign back into another. I just tried it but it has not shown up on my browser yet.  Well, I did some checking.  You'll have to go to settings and enable multiple accounts use.  After that, it should be just fine. The account that you sign in first will be your default account.  So, your Google+ or Reader will be directed to your default account. Also, you can set up a separate URL for each account for easy access.  On the iPhone, you can set up an icon to your home screen for easy access.  Brilliant if you ask me. Source:   TUAW ,  Google .

Apple is trying out a program that would allow employees to take home an iPad for a week so they can try it out in a setting that most iPad owners are in and prospective buyers would be in.  It's an interesting idea.  But I think Apple should go a step further. Back in 2007, Apple gave each employee an iPhone.  It was a gesture that has yet to be repeated since. Perhaps, Apple should give each employee an iPad, stock level permitting.  Obviously.  Maybe in January or February when demand tapers off just after the Christmas rush and anticipation of the iPad 3. I have been to the Apple store many times in the last year.  And at not time have the stores that I've been to have Apple employees just standing around waiting for customers.  The customers were stacked shoulder to shoulder, hardly enough time for a breather. They've worked hard to make Apple's retail a success.  I'm sure the rest of the Apple employees, in corporate and satellite of...

With all the talk today about how Apple will release only one new model of the iPhone in a couple of weeks, the iPhone 4S, let me share with you a crazy scenario that just might put things over the top for Apple in the next 12 months. Check this out.  Multiple iPhone releases in the next 12 months.

So, let’s supposed if the iPhone coming out next month isn’t the iPhone 5 with a redesigned case but looks just like the iPhone 4 and may be dubbed the 4S, would you still be inclined to upgrade? Would you be disappointed it’s an upgraded iPhone in the same iPhone 4 body? I think it would be a disappointment to the current iPhone 4 users but not to those are new to scene, and there will still be millions upon millions who would want it.  There are people who are still on the original iPhone with T-Mobile who have had it with T-Mobile’s inability to secure the premier mobile device. There are also people on the 3G or the 3GS they bought a couple of years back. Tons of pinned up demands at Sprint and Verizon probably will get the iPhone flood flowing as well. Still, Apple’s next iPhone, whatever it is, will face it’s most stiff competition ever.  Galaxy S II, Nexus Prime, and a recharged Windows Phone OS. A redesigned iPhone 5 that many online is depicting as an iPo...

Apple's Mac sales have been on a tear in the last few years.  It's been beating PC sales and the halo effect from the iPod has been expanded by the iOS devices.  And according to iSuppli, Apple is within striking distance of being in the top five global PC makers. By that, it means number 5.  However, can Apple go even further?  Perhaps capture 20 or even 30% of the global PC market?   I really don't want to think that far ahead.  that's probably a decade or so away if that happens.  But if you include the iPad, Apple is already the largest PC maker in the world.  And Mac sales are just beginning to take hold in Asia.   Furthermore, no longer is Apple's Macs considered expensive.  While you can buy a $400 or $500 Windows laptop, they don't give you the milage like a Macbook would.  Furthermore, the competition seems to be at the Macbook Air class with Intel pushing its ultrabook lines. However, PC makers are having trouble matching ...

Apple's mobile gears controls a dominating share of devices that logs into hotspots at airports.  According to Boingo, iOS devices control more than 83% of devices that uses their network. The closest competitor is the Android at 11.5%.  Together, it was beaten even by the iPod touch with 17.5%.   Furthermore, the iPad is gaining fast with inflight WiFi connections.  Together, Apple controls more than 50% of airplane WiFi networks if you include Macbooks.  PC has 40%.   The plans aren't terrible expensive if you're an exec or with money but with free WiFi now pretty much everywhere, even Del Taco I just found out, you have to be someone who travels much and has serious money.  Business type folks, ya know?   I wonder if this will go further with Apple releasing a new iPhone in a matter of weeks. Source: TUAW .

According to CNet, Walmart will be support UltraViolet.  What is UV? Ultraviolet is a new video standard that hopes to unlock video distribution for consumers.  Sounds friendly? So far.  The idea is that if you use a certain provider and you bought movies and TV from it but decides to change to another provider, you can take those rights with you.   It'll be a could-based service.  Each account can have six users and up to 12 devices that can view it.  This service has a a lot of support.  However, a few holdouts like Apple are not onboard.  And that's just what this service is meant to do - break down walls like this. There is no mention of Google but I can't see Google not be behind this. Walmart's support is just icing on the cake and we should see this service in 2012.  I'm not optimistic of the late 2011 roll out.  Just a realist.   I'm sure this is the first time a lot of you are just hearing this.  I know, they've not do...

Galaxy S II versus the iPhone 5 (or iPhone 4S, depending on who you believe) this October.  Slugfest to be free for all to see.  AT&T announced their version of the Galaxy S II to go on sale October 2nd for $199 with a two year contract. Just a week or so later, Apple should unleash its heavy weight, the iPhone 5.   Never has two such flagship devices been released so closely to each other.  Okay, I have to correct myself.  The Pre launch versus the iPhone 3GS was similar and we know who won that battle. But this time, it's Android versus iPhone.  Obviously, the Android camp is looking to bloody Apple a bit.  Despite Android owning close to 50% of the market share, it's respect in the media is sub par compared to what the iPhone has received.   On top of that, the Galaxy S II should also be slugging it out on the Sprint network with the iPhone has well. Only Verizon will not be carrying the Galaxy S II but it does have the Bionic.  T-Mobi...

Meg Whitman is in as interim CEO as HP just ousted Apotheker! Wow...and I thought this was going to be a boring day.

Apple has been selling the WiFi-only iPad in China for a few months now and it looks like the 3G version is joining the rest of the Apple gears.  All along, I had expected both versions were already being sold. I don't know how popular the 3G will be or if people in China feel the need to be connected to the Internet at all times.  Still, this is a good thing for Apple.  And I do expect the affluent in China to go with the 3G - after all, if you can afford an iPad in China, you can afford to be paying for the 3G mobile plan. Before Apple started selling the iPad in China, the black market there was thriving with US versions.  Models were going for twice the US retail prices. China is a very important market for Apple and in the future, I think it's very likely that the window between US and Chinese launches will narrow. Source:   The Mac Observer .

First generation iPad owners who upgraded their devices to the iPad 2 were able to donated them to teachers. It's possible that Apple donated up to 9,000 iPads. If you're reading this blog, chances are that you've already got an iOS device, maybe even an iPad.  So, you  know just how powerful these tablets can be in the right hands. I think Apple should make it its mission to get an iPad into the hands of every single teacher who wants one. Source:   Macdailynews .

It's almost official.  T-Mobile will not be getting the iPhone 5 this year.  This is very sad news, if I were still a T-Mobile customer, which I am no as of last week.  I've switched my family over.  I have had a long history with T-Mobile and I like their people and services. And stuck it out with them year after year while I waited to see if they'll get the iPhone. The last straw was when Verizon got the iPhone 4 and I tried to lock into the unlimited data plan.  To make matters worse, AT&T came along and is currently in the process of trying to buy T-Mobile.   Tmo-News reported that T-Mobile's Chief Marketing Officer Cole Brodman said "we are not getting the iPhone 5 this year".  So there you have it.  I don't know about you but that seems like a lock:  No iPhone 5 for T-Mobile this year. This is going to get ugly for T-Mobile.  I'm hoping that it'll still get the iPhone 4 somehow and that could stem the damages some what.  ...

Google+ finally has search. And this is among a few other improvements and new features that Google unleashed on the world today.  Plus (pun intended), Google+ is now officially open for business.  No need to beg for invitations any longer. While it's still in beta (Google is calling it "field trial"), it makes sense for Google to move as quickly on G+ as possible.  While interests remain high, it is nowhere near the level at the beginning. Techcrunch has a few other features that you might be interested in.  I like the new Named Hangout.  More than that, we can now do mobile hangouts as well.  The Android app has been updated with this new feature and an iOS update will be pushed out soon. G+ is beginning to take shape and it is vastly different from Facebook.  I like the better privacy control that we get with G+.  There's also screen sharing, video chats, and a sketch board as well. How does this compare with Facebook?  Google+ sh...

I love writing these kinds of articles - mashing solar and mobile together.  Check out Mobius's recharageable solar case for the iPhone.  It's a case, battery, and a solar unit all in one. An our of charge in the sun gives you an extra 30 minutes of data use, more than half hour of video, and nearly 2.5 hours of audio playback.  Charge it up to its full capacity and you get 8 hours of data and audio use and 1.33 days of audio. I can't think of a better device for mobile folks.  You're using the sun's power to charge your device and on top of that, you are almost free.  Almost no need to look for an outlet.  I'm sitting here in my office, I can be charge my iPhone right now right under the sun. This is where the future is headed.  Even if Mobius or others came up with a case without the added battery pack, a case with just the solar panel would also suffice.  Now, I don't know how the wear and tear of the battery inside the iPhone will be li...

This summer, millions of students hit the malls, retail outlets, and the Web for their shopping needs.  And this being 2011, electronics figures to play a big part of the back to school budget. Let’s start with what the students did not buy.  Televisions seems to be out, down more than 70% compared to last year.  Smartphone phones account for 14% of purchases, down from 21% last year but smartphone shares did increase 4% to 73% from 69% last year. And what about computers and tablets? More at  Greenjava .

Another tablet maker pars down tablet shipment.  This time, it's Lenovo, who had some strong fighting words for Apple and the iPad earlier in the year.  For Lenovo, it is another slap in the face as Apple has easily surpassed the China based PC company.  For Android, the 2 million tablets shipped (not necessarily sold) would help those keeping scores give Android a larger share of the tablet market, individually, we are seeing one tablet after another fail to gain traction. The problem isn't that the tablets are inferior to the iPad.  It is that the $500 and up price point is the new "$1000 ".  For a premium tablet, people want the iPad just as folks who pay more than a $1000 probably wouldn't rule out the Apple's MacBooks. But if this is the case, where does this leave tablet makers? For Android fans, buying a $500 tablet running Google's mobile OS is a non-starter.  For your average mobile warrior, they have two clear choices - the iPad or not.  At ...

The Nintendo 3DS debuted with great fanfare that quickly died and sales at Mario and company sagged.  A price cut did help spur sales for a bit but that likely added very little to the bottom line.  In fact, Nintendo could be selling the 3DS at a loss.  When the 3DS went on sale last spring, it was up against a very vibrant mobile market. However, it was fight against a 6-month old iPod touch and a 9 month old iPhone.  What are its chances against the iPhone 5 and the next iPod touch?  Not good, I wager.

I've been writing about battery life since I started blogging.  But I think while that is one major aspect of mobile experience and this power issue has been show by Apple that we are nearing a time when worrying about finding and outlet will be a thing of the past, there is another battle front for the Cupertino company. And it is one that it's losing badly That's voice control.  Google has demonstrated a natural integration of voice commands it balled "Voice Actions" into Android.  However, the iPhone's more rudimentary voice control is no where near what we have come to expect from Apple.  When Apple bought Siri last year, it was heralded as an important mobile moment where an intelligent voice system will be integrated into a mobile OS, not just simply voice commands. However, even with iOS 5 this late in development, there is hardly any new information that showed a deep level Siri integration or anything that might have come of the Nuance rumors.  As a m...

Google is working on their own version of Flipboard.  And from what we can tell based on its past work on the news and media apps, I think it'll be a winner to a certain extent.  First, let me say that there is not a whole lot of details about this. One aspect about this app that I can pretty much be sure about is its tablet aspect.  And we might see this once Android 4 is out.  It could be a selling point of a new breed of Android tablets.  And you can bet that it'll be very sociable.  You can bet that Google Plus will be a part of any sharing that is related to the articles.  And Google News as well as Reader will both play big roles. Will this make people want to switch from Flipboard to Google's new app, currently being dubbed the Propeller?  Well, I'm all for competition.  Keep in mind that CNN also has its own reader coming out.  And let's not forget Pulse News that is working on all mobile platforms. At the end of the day, Propell...

According to  FOSS Patents , Google maybe forced to change how the Android business works and it could mean that Google could do better because of it.  However, it would change how Android is perceived in the market place and make it less appealing to device makers.   According to the lawsuit taking place between Google and Oracle, a win by Oracle could mean that anyone who activates an Android device, whether its sanctioned by Google or just a Chinese device maker going into business for itself with its own Android variant, Amazon and Barnes and Noble activating millions of Android based devices, or Baidu using it to create its own mobile ecosystem, Google may be on the hooks to pay Oracle a per device fee if Oracle wins. The only option at that time is for Google to prevent Android form being used in the manners I described above.  After all, why should Google pay for someone else's mobile success in which it doesn't make money from them. This will radically change...

I always like how characters in science fiction novels and books are able to interact with their computers in ways that seem beyond the reach of anything we have here.  Computers that can interact with us as holograms or through auditory inputs and outputs. Google's Voice Actions are pretty good and second to none in the mobile market.  Apple's Siri is impressive but nothing close. However, third party solutions are paving the way for innovation in this field.  Couple with voice commands and better AI, we have Star Trek like interactions with our computers and mobile sooner rather than later. So meet the Voice Chat Robot app that is leaps and bounds beyond what's on the market. More at  Greenjava . I'm hoping that Apple will update Siri beyond what we already see.  Siri is pretty cool to use but it doesn't make us want to use it very much.  I've also used Dragon Dictation on the iPad and I hope that'll improve with iOS 5 as well.

I had to go bring something to my dad this morning at his temple. I took advantage of the down time and decided to use it to write, game, and read. So I decided to just read for a while. An ebook. Deadline by Mira Grant. Feeds was on the Nook and Deadline on the Kindle. I know, why mix the format? I have no idea why I did that. I sat in one of the lectures but with language barrier keeping me from knowing that was being discussed, I decided to amuse myself a bit. I read about 30 minutes. You know? It's one of those things that we don't do enough. I started off on this with the original ebook reader, the Palm III. I have so much distractions on the Anroid and iOS devices that reading ebooks hasn't really been an activity I do enough of.