New iPHone Owners In UK To Have Three Carriers to Choose From

Mobile Today UK is reporting that Apple will open up the iPhone 3G, last year's model, to two additional carriers, Orange and T-Mobile.  

Prior to that, O2 had exclusive rights to the iPhone.  Three carriers for British mobile warriors to choose from.  O2, supposedly unhappy ("furious" was the wrong MTU used), will retain exclusivity to the 3GS model.

It is obvious why O2 will be furious.  This means competition.  It means it will have to deal with iPhone owners more seriously.  Roll up its sleeves to get users to buy iPhone from it instead of taking them for granted.  

On this side of the pond, I've been reasoned since the WWDC keynote that depending on the contract with ATT, Apple can find cause to bring the iPhone 3g to T-Mobile (provided they're willing to pay for it) because ATT has not lived up to what its part of the deal since it has late in getting MMS and tethering ready for the 3GS launch.

And from what I can tell, the three UK carriers do not share frequency so that means Apple would have to release different iPhone models specific to each network.  I am certain this is something Apple had planned for a long time.  This goes the same for iPhone versions for Verizon, T-Mobile, and maybe even Sprint. Though these models will likely never see the light of day, it just makes good business sense to be prepared for any changes in business conditions.

And with LTE not going live until late 2010 or early 2011 with Verizon Wireless, Apple's only option to increase iPhone sales is through other GSM networks in the US since it had already publicly declared it will have nothing to do with CDMA.

Source:  Mobile Today UK

Note:  Verizon CEO Ivan Seidenberg stated it is up to Apple to bring the iPhone to his network.  I'm betting that he's seen it.  Steve Jobs or Tim Cook probably let Ivan hold it in his hands only to take it away.  

Another Note:  I'll try not to talk about this subject for a while but you have to admit the prospects are very enticing.  

Google Voice: Just See Comcast's App To See GV Possibilities

I kept this sort of hushed up all of yesterday.  Google Voice is out on the Android and Blackberry platforms.  But not the iPhone.  And also, I wanted to keep hushed up how much I enjoyed using it.  If my iPod Touch knew why I didn't use it at all yesterday...

The reason is not that Google wanted to leave out the iPhone but but that it was working with Apple to getting GV to work properly.  While, they're at it, Google should make it's Google app work properly.  It's a good app but not a great one I have come to expect from them.

Perhaps, there will be a combination of both GV and Google's other web apps into one nice efficient app.  Simply look at Comcast's mobile app to see the possibilities of what Google's GV, gmail, and reader app can do.  Put in blogger, Google, and I'm in heaven.

If you don't know what Google Voice (GV) is, let me explain what I was able to do with it.  That might help.  I was able to get a GV number, link it with one of my mobile numbers.  All calls that goes in and out of my phone shows up GV (option I selected).  I also have access to voice mail on my phone or through a desktop browser, I can record conversations (podcasters will love this).  

But this is what I'm most excited about.  Free SMS.  Access it on your phone or the browser.  Send from your phone or your browser through your data plan (there is a mobile GV page).  So you know what that means right?

Using through SMS will cost you nothing as far as I can tell.  That means the wireless providers who has been nickle-and-diming us all this time will not get a penny.  It means as soon as the GV app is out in the open, get rid of your SMS plan.  Simple using GV's SMS feature and send out your text.  Then having it pushed back to you via iPhone's push notification.

So you see now how powerful GV is?  That's just the bare surface I just scratched in the description above.  It's why a lot of folks are waiting for their invitations from Google to access Voice.  

With a similar app like Comcast's mobile app, Google can centralize all the most used services with a swipe or touch.  It can even create tabs for gmail, voicemail, SMS, and gTalk.  When the app is not running, SMS, e-mails, and IMs can be pushed to the user.  

Of course, I'm speculating here but it stands to reason the lack of update from Google stems the amount of work it would take to put togetherl what I'm taking about.  Seriously, anything less from Google would be disappointing.

Note:  I suppose it isn't a matter of whipping up an app in a matter of hours like Apple would like us to believe.  In this situation, Comcast would need to work the backend and make sure things work as it should. Note the October 30, 2008 date on the app.  Comcast has put a lot of time into this.  There is no mention of push notification with the Comcast app for voice or mail.

ATT's Chances Without iPhone Exclusivity

I don't know if I'll ever go back to ATT in the condition they're in. I mean with T-Mobile and G1 and T-Mobile with EDGE and iPhone, I'm pretty happy.

But I have wondered where ATT will be once it loses its exclusive deal with Apple or when it will have to share the iPhone with someone else. What will happen then?

At Onxo, I've gotten into it a bit but I want to say something a bit different here. The iPhone 3GS is a fantastic mobile device. It is second to none. Only the iPhone 3G comes close.

So, what are you to do if you're on another network but aren't so sure about ATT? I've been calling for Apple to bring the iPhone 3G (I doubt they'll do it with the iPhone 3GS) to T-Mobile because ATT hasn't held up their end of the bargain with them dropping the ball on MMS and tethering, not to mention the crappy 3G coverage and signal. On T-Mobile's GSM, it's easy for Apple to make iPhone work on it than with Verizon's CDMA.

So, I'd say wait and see what Apple might spring on us through 2009 and 2010 as far as picking up another carrier. But if you really want the iPhone, go for it now. There simply isn't anything wrong with the iPhone so long as you can put up with ATT and prices.

And you can still pick up an iPhone or iPhone 3G on eBay, unlock it and use it on a GSM network though you will not be able to get 3G speed. This is a popular enough option that T-Mobile is even unofficially providing support to its own iPhone customers.

I suppose what I'm saying is some in my circle and a lot of you are keeping ATT going by going with the iPhone. It's a wise decision as far as pick up the best mobile device. And yet, given the chance to get a fully functional iPhone with another wireless network, a lot of us will do it without a second thought.

ATT will lose iPhone exclusivity one day. And when that day comes, I hate to see what happens to its stock price. I would hate to be a member of its executive team.

As with a lot of executives today, I don't think they're thinking too far down the road as they are only concerned about their short-term bonuses and padding their nest while the getting is good. And it's certainly very good at ATT now. They know people want the iPhone and are will to pay a lot for it in monthly fees. ATT can also take its time in beefing up their 3G network and work on their LTE network because for the sake of the iPhone, users will tolerate the substandard services. Less expenses mean better profit.

But just ask GM's stockholders and creditors how they feel these days. The old GM execs were looking down the quarter rather than ahead in terms of years. SUVs were selling hot so why worry about the days when people might not want to buy SUVs anymore. Now, ATT will no go bankrupt when their deal with Apple is over. But just watch the performance of the ATT stock the day Steve Jobs lets the world know that Apple has secured a second carrier for the iPhone in the US.

Then see how many subscribers ATT is likely to lose that quarter and the quarter after that. At Onxo, I mentioned that maybe there isn't anything ATT can do about that. But who knows. Maybe somebody there will wise up and realize how good they have it and finally come up with a plan to create a better network.

At the end of the day, it's about us, the iPhone users and having the best mobile device today.

Verizon Only App Store: This Sure Complicates Things With A LTE iPhone

The iPhone is the one that got away from Verizon.  ATT was struggle so it decided it needed the iPhone.  And judging by the sales numbers, Verizon does as well.  However, Verizon's decision to allow only its own app store to be installed on phones sold by it can complicate any kind of deal between the largest wireless network in terms of subscribers and Apple.

Apple has said that CDMA sucks.  So naturally, many folks believe that Apple is waiting for LTE, the next generation wireless, to come online before buddying up with Verizon Wireless.  Naturally, Apple will want to control its own app store.  Naturally, Verizon thinks not.

So, how does thing change things about a potential deal between Apple and VW?  Well, perhaps VW might make an exception.  Perhaps not.  And there's no way Apple will allow Verizon to dirty up the app buying experience we all love and enjoy.

The only way the iPhone will ever work with VW agrees to Apple's term on the app store issue.  I don't see this move being made as a shot across the bow of Apple but merely to serve as a reminder to anyone (even its own subscribers) who think that Verizon's pledge to maintain an open network a year ago means anything but.  

But this serves as a reminder to everyone just how evil wireless providers truly are.  To them, an open network means we are free to do anything on the wireless network so long as it is something they approve of.  

Source:  Appleinsider, Onxo

T-Mobile UK Joins O2 In Offering iPHone: Can T-Mobile USA Follow?

It's widely believed that the current issue preventing Apple from making the iPhone available with Verizon is CDMA and that won't happen until LTE, the next generation wireless Internet access, become available.  Conventional wisdom is Verizon Wireless customers won't see the iPhone until 2011 if at all.

It is also widely believed that Apple isn't thrilled with ATT at this year's WWDC and the absence of ATT, the booing of ATT, and the negative blogs directed at ATT was largely due to its inability to support all iPhone 3.0 features from day one.  I have also indicated that Apple can perceive this as a breach of contract if allowed and begin to look elsewhere for a second partner in the US.  The obvious being T-Mobile.  

MacNN is reporting T-Mobile will begin to offer the iPhone 3G in the UK in a few months.  There is no mention of the iPhone 3GS as they've noted.  Previously, Orange was the exclusive iPhone provider.  Perhaps this is a realignment by Apple across the pond by playing off two players for more money or a simple desire to expand the pool of buyers.  We'll know once those "in the know" start to talk.  

In the US, with a tweak of 3G chip, Apple can easily bring the iPhone 3G to T-Mobile for a short time at $99 or even $199 to punish ATT or simply to exert pressure on Verizon and ATT in future negotiations.  

The only thing that is going to prevent such a deal from happen is T-Mobile's 3G coverage.  But hey, it's the iPhone.  Who cares, right?

Source:  MacNN

Note:  This is not a rumor and I have no secret knowledge of Apple's plans.  I'm simply speculating based on what I know about Apple's past behavior.  For instance, once Apple dropped ATI in favor of Nvidia because ATI made the stupid mistake of preempting an Apple product announcement.  So don't be surprised if Apple sucker-punches ATT for not keeping up with the times.

A Look Back: When A Powerbook Saved The World

I love movie placements and this one I especially am fond of.

Know which movie this frame came from?  That's right.  Blockbuster, ID4 from 1996.  It was an alien invasion movie from back in the days when US hasn't invaded Iraq and it was okay for our fighters to use their bases a counterattack on the aliens.

What you see is co-star Jeff Goldblum (who is still alive) using his Powerbook 5300 to make the connection that the aliens were using our satellites to time a simultaneous attack on Earth.  Later in the movie, it was Powerbook 5300 uploading a virus that took down the alien's defense shield, thereby, enabling a successful counterattack.



Those were the days, wasn't they?  As much as I love my unibody Macbook, I have yet to see any of the Macbooks save the world yet.

Just saying...

Google (Eric Schmidt) Should Stay Involved With iPhone And Apple's Mobile Development

Some Apple fans are very competitive.  Downright scary at times.  I go into that role when I want to have some fun and creep out the remaining holdouts in my circle of life who aren't worshipping at the alters of Cupertino yet.  

I just love a good gadget.  I've got a G1 that's so-so but is full of potential.  I'm in love with the Pre except for the facts that it's got a crappy battery life (worst than even the G1 by some estimates) and that it's only available through Sprint and not a GSM network.

Of course, I'm a fan of Apple mobile products.  But when Chrome OS was unveiled by Google yesterday, the mobs were out in the streets calling for Eric Schmidt, Google CEO, to step down from the Apple's board of directors.

There is no denying where his loyalty lies but I am not call for security to haul him out of the building just yet.  Apple has benefited from Google's iPhone support.  I'm sure that would remain strong for years to come but more so if Schmidt is around.

Plus, there is no guarantee that Chrome OS is going to compete directly with Windows or the Mac OS.  We don't really know what it even does or where Google's taking it.  Android and now Chrome OS?  

One aspect of the future in our increasing mobile society is cloud computing and Google's got a good handle on its pulse.  And let's be honestly. Apple isn't really lighting it on fire with MobileMe just yet.  

Look, what I'm saying is deep down, 90% of us want cool, innovative mobile devices (with long battery lives) like the iPhone.  Apple and Google has made beautiful music together in the past and will continue to do so.

Under Apple's terms of course.