AI, Mobile, and Eveything Around the Cloud

I've seen this video twice already. And I'm happy I ordered my iPhone 4S and won't regret it. And when you see the video, you'll agree. First, Siri won't judge you. And second, the camera!

Sony is paying for the rights to Steve Jobs movie based on the upcoming authorized biography, Steve Jobs , by Walter Isaacson. I think it would be more appropriate for Apple to produce the movie and offer it through iTunes only. Or even have Disney do it. - Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

When Steve Jobs came back to Apple, he did a few things that were considered unpopular at the time.  He looked off products – including the popular Newton PDA and eMate, good products that were not selling well.  Today, Sprint did something similar – it killed WiMax and in its place promised to build out an LTE network of its own. What will happen to all those WiMax devices and hotspots?  Well, it's like they'll be able to keep using their WiMax wireless access for some time, at least until Sprint can finish its LTE network.  Sprint has said it will stop selling WiMax devices after 2012.   http://old.news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20111007/ap_on_hi_te/us_tec_sprint_network And Sprint had no choice.  And things might get worse before it gets better.  Therefore, it's why it has placed a huge bet that the iPhone will help ease the pain.  Interestingly, it has not said anything about the millions of Android users on its network with a WiMax device and what will ...

Let me get right to it.  I stayed up until 3 AM to order a white 32 GB Verizon iPhone 4S.  It seems exactly like the white 16 GB Verizon iPhone 4.  Why? Siri is the main reason.  As a mobile fan, I want to experience what I believe is the next revolution in mobile computing and social experience.  Sure, the 8 MP camera is going to rock as is the two core A5 chip with what I assume will be much faster speed operational wise and 7X the graphics. But it's Siri and the accurate dictation.  By next week, I hope to be able to dictate these blog posts and updates on Google+ and Twitter.  I hope to send out messages and e-mails while I drive.  This past Wednesday when I was on the freeway to meet some friends for dinner and to pick up my awesome new Touchpad, I got a few messages about changes in plans and inquiries about where we were meeting.  I could have used those features. On top of that, I'm pretty stoke not only by what is available with Siri...

Under the circumstances, it appears that Google and Samsung did the right thing and posted their next Android event, previoiusly scheduled for October 11th to another date to be determined.  The reason appears to be the 11th will be the day Steve Jobs' family and friends bury the iconic figure. Is this the right thing to do?  Humanity never ceases to amaze me even when we are locked in as competitive a market as the mobile market.   It shows that what's going on in the market, the war of words, patent wars, and others showed that none of that is personal.  I'm sure our readers all realize that as well.  After all, Android versus iOS versus anything else has always been what sports is like for sports fans.  UCLA versus USC (Bruis rock!) or Starbucks versus Coffee Bean.   I think those companies did the right thing and I like to think that Apple probably would have done the same.   Source: The Droid Guy .

These two funny, funny, and very important voices of sanity in America right now pays tribute to Steve Jobs. Doesn't get better than this. The Daily Show with Jon Stewart Get More: Daily Show Full Episodes , Political Humor & Satire Blog , The Daily Show on Facebook The Colbert Report Get More: Colbert Report Full Episodes , Political Humor & Satire Blog , Video Archive

I am not sure if you are aware of this because it kinda sneaked up on me.  We are hours away from the iPhone 4S preorder here in the US. I was only made aware of this when I was at the temporary Apple store in Pasadena, CA to buy a couple of Apple TVs on behalf of my mom to give to her friends.  The Apple employee who was helping me was kind enough go answer a few questions I have about it and reminded me that I should be ready to order it tonight. I supposed the news of Steve Jobs has sort of left me feel a bit out of it.  So, if you are looking to get the new iPhone, make sure you've got your Apple ID all set to go.   The ordering starts 3:01 am EST and 12:01 am PST. -- Sent from my HP TouchPad

I woke up this morning thinking about avoid the Internet today.  As you know, Steve Jobs passed.  I don't take these things well, even with people I've never met but follow closely as anyone can from a far on the Internet.  I guess with human nature, you don't have to have shaken hands with someone, met, or say hello to for someone to become a part of your life. Steve Jobs, through his genius and deeds, have really impacted people far more than they realized.  And for us who follow tech and mobile, even more so. I'm sure I'll much more to say about this so let me apologize.  It's a release for me.  And perhaps for you.  Like I said, I'm not very good at deal with these things. I don't know, I have learned how to grieve. But I'll come back to mobile and other tech stuff soon enough.

Apple's page on Steve Jobs ...

Let's face it.  The iPhone 3GS is there at "free" because Apple wants to cover all basis from free and up.  It's why the iPhone 4 with 8 GB is at $99 and the iPhone 4S from $199 to $399.  But I'm telling you.  Get the iPhone 4S.  And if there is Sprint in your neighborhood, go with Sprint. Apparently, this Cult of Mac (who I'm upset with right now because they have been so wrong with the information they've been pushing about the iPhone 5) post thinks you should get a 16 or 32 GB white 4S through Sprint.  I'm gonna leave the color and size up to you.  However, they did make a very good case with iCloud:  cloud storage could alleviate some storage issues.   So, it has me thinking about whether I need a 32 GB model anymore.  However, I still have to see just how well iCloud services me first.   See, I don't just take a lot of pics. I also take a lot of videos to the chagrin of my family and friends.  And they're all such pretty ...

Here's a list of participating providers and studios that will be offer their services and contents for the Xbox.  All of this is from a deal Microsoft announced earlier today. I'm like ESPN, HBO, Manga, and BBC.   There are a few like AT&T, Comcast, and Verizon that are participating. I'm not sure what they are bring to the table.  Their channels?  That would be good.  Perhaps, this is why Dish Network offered its Blockbuster streaming a week or so ago.   And then you've got the old ones like Hulu and Netflix.  Now, this is competition. I am trying to see just how Apple and Google will try to counter this.  I see Google offer similar services for Google TV.  Apple?  Maybe these individual services can be persuaded to write apps and stream their video on iOS devices including Apple TV.

Some on Wall Street are afraid that Apple’s iPhone 4S has given a window of opportunity to other mobile platforms.  And they could be right.  But it is also Wall Street who starting on this window of opportunity with their wild predictions that looked like they’re reading the same rumor sites we all are, talks about supply chain checks that never panned out, and information from questionable sources who probably have their own agendas. Take the WSJ and BGR combo that said the iPhone 5 will be a Sprint exclusive.  Yeah, not only was there no iPhone 5, the only exclusive that remains is the iPhone 3GS that AT&T is selling. Here’s a list of rumors that  Gawker  put together of. All are major FAILs. So far, this morning, few sites if any issued retractions or apologies for disappointing their readers.  After all, a few of them even offered up their information as “exclusives” like Boy Genius Report.  Okay, BGR I get but WSJ, Bloomberg, and NYT? ...

I'm not sure why Microsoft wants Yahoo this badly.  After all, they've got a search and ad seal with them already.  Maybe it has to do with the international reach of the Yahoo properties or some kind of hidden value.  The question for Yahoo's board is if they make a deal this time around or not.  Since Microsoft's last offer, Yahoo has lost billions in market cap and with its CEO firing debacle, things don't look to get better any time soon. What's interesting is that Microsoft is looking at a partner to go after Yahoo.  As cash rich as Redmond is, putting down $25 to $30 billion is still a large chunk of dinero.   Money and valuation aside, core Yahoo guys need to know that if they sell, they have a buyer who can allow Yahoo to flourish and bring benefits to the new company. So, who would this partner be?  A domestic company?  An international one with better reach like Alibaba?   It'll be interesting to see where this goes and how it affec...

Phone4u, a large British phone store said interest in the iPhone 4S has already surpassed those of the iPhone 4 from a year ago.  In fact, it's double that of the iPhone 4. Not bad for a disappointment. Source: Electronista .

Microsoft just announced a deal with a variety of media companies and providers to push content on the Xbox Live.  So, yeah, once I get a TV, I could be looking at buying an Xbox as well. It's like  Gigaom  said, companies are realizing that they need to provide content and access in ways that they haven't been used to.  And provide means for users to view those content wherever they are. And even if you're not an Xbox or Microsoft fan, you have to get excited about this.  This really socks the likes of Apple, Google, and Netflix where it hurt.  And to fight back, anyone else competing with Microsoft has to make similar deals or find other ways to compete. We're looking at BBC, HBO, WB, Fox, Bravo, and Syfy to name a few. There are even other international channels as well. I'm sure this is just the start and we all look forward to a more open access to content, not to mention, more cord cutting if Microsoft brings all this to Windows Phone.

There is no other way to say this.  It's all the rumor sites that ruined it for iPhone 4S.  This is just as bad as when Gizmodo bought the stolen iPhone (and got away with criminal responsibilities).  Actually, no. This is worse because everyone is saying that the 4S is not as good as the iPhone 5. And here’s the kicker.  There is no iPhone 5.  You know, the tear dropped form factor with 4.5” screen giving us LTE speed without sacrificing the battery life. At least with the Gizmodo debacle, we came out of it knowing that the iPhone 4 is one bad-ass phone.  Now, the iPhone 4S, a bad-ass mobile device in its own right, is being measured up against a device that doesn’t’ exist. How is that fair?  If we be measuring the Galaxy S II to the III?  Yeah, the II is really coming up short against the III.  Not fair there either.

I know many of you are disappointed because we didn't get the iPhone 5.  Well, blame Google.  Blame Android.  Blame RIM.  Blame HP's gutless move to "cut" Web OS.  Blame Microsoft.  Well, scratch that.  Let's blame Steve Balmer for Windows Phone being two years late.  Blame HTC, Nokia, Samsung, and Sony. Heck, let's blame everyone for not putting the heat on Apple and it's we're stuck with the iPhone 4S and not the iPhone 5.  After all, they failed to "bring it".   At least that's what this  iPhonetouch.blorge  post is saying.  In a way, I kind of have to agree. And it gets worse on the tablet side.  If sales don't pick up in 2012 for non-iPad tablets, heck, Apple might put off the iPad 3 release until, well, 2013 or later.   Alright, perhaps not but you know what I mean right?   Right now, Apple probably would not care that Android has 50% of global smartphone market or more than 40% of ...

Here is a good level headed post from  MacObserver  that compares the best Android device that Verizon Wireless has and compare it to the iPhone 4S, to be released on October 14th.   One is faster, decent battery, and heavier but has a larger screen.  While the other is smaller, lighter, but has a slower wireless Internet connection.   You decide which is which and see how they will compare head-to-head in eleven days.   I think it's also important to note that the iPhone 4S will be sporting a more updated OS while the Bionic is running an OS that is at least a year old and while Android 4 is due out in November, it can take months before Android devices get OS updates.   Whatever camp you're in, this is fantastic.  Competition.  It's what this is all about.  

Here's the quick reason why some people are upset about the iPhone 4S.  It's not called the iPhone 5.  Really, that's it  Admit it.  It was your first knee-jerk reaction when the iPhone 4S event ended and there was no "one more thing".  You were like "where the iPhone 5?"  I admit it, that was my initial reaction.  But after I've let my emotions to run its course and started thinking with a clear head, I thought "hey, not a bad upgrade at all".   Slightly longer battery life, faster CPU and gobs more graphics for gaming, Siri (voice assistant), faster connectivity (depending on the carrier), vastly improved camera, and better overall performance. You get the same first-rate form factor.  What's not to like?

I can tell you the Apple event was rather dull.  We certainly didn't get what we expected but judging by the flood of people going to Apple's website, i think we can safely say that demand is stronger than ever.

iOS 5 AS A FREE UPDATE ON OCTOBER 12TH! Pod touch - iMessage and iOS 5 with iCloud integration - also in white.  8GB for $199, $299 for 32 GB and $399 for 64 GB! iPhone 4S - looks like iPhone 4 with A5 chip - not impressed with battery life.  But features listed (below) is enticing to consider upgrading. Assistant!? "Will it rain in Cupertino" or "Do I need an umbrella today?" Both the same question, but different ways of asking. iPhone 4S preorder October 7th - AT&T, Verizon, Sprint

Mocha - Checked Toast with organic blueberry - Checked Large chocolate chip cookie - Checked Work for the morning - done and done Live blog sites I follow - loaded and running Twitter and Google+ - loaded and primed for updates I think I'm set to go...

The Apple store is down ...I wonder why... Seriously though, I am not anxious when we'll see the iPhone available for ordering.  I like it when folks were able to pre-order online and pick up their iPads at the store. My understanding is that this will be like the iPad 2 experience - order online and it gets sent to you.  You cannot go pick it up in the store.

Part of the prelaunch buzz of the next iPhone by Apple in a few hours is Sprint's supposedly deal with Apple to buy more than 30 million iPhones worth $20 billion over the next four years. That comes out to about 7.5 to 8 million iPhones a year.  Crazy, I know but it makes for fun speculation while we wait for the main event.  The Next Web  suggests that Apple pretty much will own Sprint in many respects.  Figuratively, I would say that will be the case.  Sprint is counting on Apple to not only stop the bleeding at Sprint but also start to steal users, probably carriers without the iPhone and those who might be enticed by Sprint's offer of unlimited wireless data access. Financially, TNW suggests Apple could become a virtual carrier on its own.  This isn't a new concept but one that has not been discovered for a while.  They also suggest Apple could buy out Sprint at some point in the future and set up Apple Wireless (I came up with that).   Perha...

I can't say that there will be one specific reason or feature that would entice me to upgrade my months old iPhone 4 after tomorrow. No, I'm not made of money but there's a way I can upgrade without additional cost for my next iPhone but that'll be my little secret, for now. So, what can it be? A better camera with 8MP camera? No, it cannot be just that. I've long talked about having better battery life. I would have to have the kind of battery life that I have with my iPad but I would have to take a long hard look to make sure that's what I'm getting. Having A5 chip would not be enough. I think for the most part, the iPhone 4 is plenty fast enough for my mobile use. Don't get me wrong, I can certainly use more speed but that isn't enough either. A change in form factor definitely will not be enough. Bigger screens? I wouldn't mind a 4" screen but only if Apple is able to retain the Retina Display quality. I don't know how but ...

Just like that the title says, we are 11 hours from Apple's fall event. I wanted to check in and say that we are no closer to find out just Apple has in store for us tomorrow. What's clear is that the anticipation is building rapidly. I am hoping someone will have some sort of a true breakthrough that and broke some kind of information a bit early. And there will be. So, let me say this: read but do not trust because we will be unable to verify.

It's been widely reported that Sprint will not only guarantee to buy 30.5 million iPhones and pay Apple $20 billion over the next four years, it will also get an exclusive period of time to sell the iPhone 5.  No way, dude. I've had a couple of hours to ponder over this.  This is what I think is likely if any whiff of this is true.  Sprint will likely get a specially modified iPhone 5 that runs on its WiMax network.  Nothing more, nothing less. And having this WiMax iPhone will give Sprint a quarter or two lead on any LTE iPhone that could be coming out in 2012.  It's possible that Apple can try to get folks to fork over more money in the first quarter of 2012 for those who want LTE access.   This would grant Sprint a small window all to itself to market a "true" 4G wireless experience.   So, relax, iPhone fans iPhone 5 for all tomorrow, assuming there is such a device.

An update to the Sprint story I shared earlier.  According to WSJ, Sprint could get an exclusive iPhone designed with WiMax.  If true, this would be a dramatic departure from Apple's previous behavior.  However, it would make sense given that the iPhone is very much the premiere device despite Sprint being heavily invested in Android. Do I think this is likely?  I'm leaning towards possible WiMax iPhone but no exclusive design just for Sprint. Source:   Macrumors .

Over the next four years, Sprint is committed to buy 30.5 million iPhones from Apple. That is at a cost of $20 billion or more. That is a big big number. But is it risky? Probably not. And Sprint likely has no choice but to do this. At the same time, don't be surprised if Sprint finds that 30+ million iPhones won't be enough. Now, I like to know how many iPads is Sprint committed to. Source: Yahoo . - Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Chances are that Steve Jobs won't be at the unveiling of the next iPhone, iOS 5, and iPod lineup tomorrow but with nothing more to talk about, it seems blogs, joined by traditional print and online media, have gotten into guess whether Steve Jobs will be at the Apple event tomorrow. I don't know.  It'll be Tim Cook's moment tomorrow.   But boy, would I love for Tim Cook to lay in a "one more thing" tomorrow and that being Steve Jobs.  It'll be sort of a finale that is fitting of the man who has brought up so many wonderful "one more thing" products.   And to top that off, I wouldn't mind see Steve really introduce somthing a bit extra at the end - say an iPad XL with a 12' screen?

I think the idea of the iPhone 3GS going for free makes good sense.  It's go after the low-end of the market for Apple in carriers across the mobile market here in the US. That is exactly what Appleinsider is reporting.  Will this happen?  Maybe.  Also, I think the retail price could be lower - closer to $300.  It'll probably cost closer to $125 for Apple to make the 3GS now and it could flood the pre-paid market along with the revamped iPhone 4 with 8 GB that should take its place at $400.   Source:   Appleinsider .

Check out this video from MicGadget from China.  It's a Vimeo video. The device claims to be an iPhone 5 clone made from the factory of where vast majority of electronics are made in China. It isn't close to the real thing as far as the OS is concerned.  It certainly doesn't run the iOS but the feel and look is very close.  It's a dead giveaway that it's not the real thing because it has a stylus.  Other than that, from a far, it looks like the real thing. Check it out.  And we'll come notes to see how close this thing is to the form factor of the updated iPhone.  I can tell you now, I like the look of this iPhone 5 clone. "iPhone 5" Clone from M.I.C. Gadget on Vimeo .

iPhone 4S or 5? Does it matter when these items appear in the slots of databases of retailers who might simply trying to be ready for what comes next on Apple's Tuesday fall event that will feature the next iPhone? Well, it should not because these retailers are likely among the last to know about them, just after carriers and certain bloggers whose sources come close to getting it right. At this time, I simply dismiss whatever it is that Radio Shack, regional carriers, or anyone else might have leaked screen captures of what are simply place holders for the next iPhone or iPhones. I don't mind speculations which is just what these guys are playing at and preparing for. It's likely one blog or two will strike gold and leak some early. Maybe they'll find out of Steve Jobs will make a guest appearance or two. Maybe they'll be able to confirm whether there will be one or two new models of iPhones or even three. Until then, keep enjoying reading these conjectures a...