iPhone 4: Shipping Already and FaceTime Will Not Use Up Minutes

First, ATT is confirming iPhone shipments have begun. I read over the weekends that Apple was doing the same but I did not want to get into it but with a secondary source like ATT, it's a lock. As a matter of fact, MacRumors has a screen shot of the matter.

This is fantastic news despite the dismal day everyone had trying to order the iPhone last Tuesday. This Thursday is going to be wild. As a matter of fact, iOS4 is suppose to be released today. So be ready to be flooded with Apple and iDevice news.

If you have not order one, I feel for you. I went through Radio Shack because there was no line and I was the second person to have ordered that day in person. I noticed that many of the Radio Shack folks were ordering for themselves and friends.

FaceTime.  Although I anticipated as much it's good to have confirmation that users will not be charged their cell minutes for using FaceTime.

It would have been moronic for ATT to charge mobile users who use their own Wi-Fi network to use video chat that has nothing to do with ATT itself.  But you can blame us after all right?  ATT will be charging users who use microcells to improve network connection extra.  

Ma Bell hasn't been exactly consumer friendly.  At times, Apple also has a take-it-or-leave-it attitude and that does drive me crazy.  But the difference is that Steve Jobs sells great products.  It's Apple so everyone who buys into it knows there are certain things we have to put up with.  The main thing is that with an Apple product, it works.  It just works as advertised.

We are with ATT because we don't have a choice.  So it's great to hear that ATT is going to jack users further with FaceTime.

More at MacRumors.  More about FaceTime at Appleinsider.

3D on iPad

Here's a clip of how 3D can be done on the iPad.  Last week, the rage was all about Nintendo's 3DS. Of course, this video coming up is a simulated 3D. I don't know how the 3DS will actually look like since we'll have to see it in person.

For now, this works for me.

Responsibile iPad Use For Kids And Education in General

I don't have kids but I am in the fortunate position of being an uncle to a few little and adorable nephews and nieces. The best part about being an uncle is the absolution of any real parental responsibilities.

However, I am concerned about the mental and educational development of these kids. Instead of yielding their development to the Disney gang, Dora, and clueless blue dog, I tried to get them to work with games and puzzles. Of course, that doesn't always work.

But they were highly interested in my iPhone. And now, with my iPad. So, i make it a point to load up a page of apps suitable for their use.

Of course, it isn't just replace the TV with an iPad. A lot of it involves adult supervision. My three-year old nephew is adept with the home button and the swiping.

I think there is an inherent advantage to this. Not only I am able pull these kids away from the TV, which is the biggest win of all, they are learning something. At least, that's what I am hoping.

So far, the app that had the cutest animals, the noisiest, and large buttons seem to my nephews favorites. With an alphabet app, I worked with the kids to repeat the sounds. I think in two weekends of playing with the apps, my oldest nephew has learned quite a bit.

And that is what is going to make mobile work. Most the important mobile lesson I got out of this experience. Parents, teachers, and caretakers don't have to be tethered to a desktop to work with children. The convenience of a robust mobile platform with child-proof hardware (this includes drops, banging, excessive pressure on the screen, and, of course, drools).

More importantly, adult supervision is a must. Yes, there isn't any technology available that can supplement an adult working with a child. No technology that can replace a parent. Nevertheless, I am encouraged with what mobile tech can offer our children these days.

Note: I didn't get into motor skills but if anyone can point me to any app that improve motor skills, greatly appreciate it.

Another note:  I've yet to know of any device that can supplement a teacher in school or parental guideance at home.  I'm very serious about the positive impact of mobile gears like the iPad but very concern that adults might use them to remove themselves from their responsibilities of educating and raising children.

-- Post From My iPad

iPhone: Screen Shortage Will Cause Shortage Through 2010

Unless Apple can make some arrangements, it looks like there is going to be shortage for unfilled iPhone 4 demands for the rest of 2010 as Apple is unable to get enough of the touchscreends.

This is information from MacObserver. Their source is thestreet.com. While I don't take too seriously (they report 4M planned production a month. Only Apple has that number. No one else does), the current shortage does give some credence to their report.

So if I were you and you want an iPhone 4, just pre-order, and go into the store on launch day and every day after that to see if you can get your hands on one.  That's my absolute best suggestion.  May ATT orders were cancelled and orders from Radio Shack such as mine are no longer guaranteed to come in on the 24th.

At least I've got my iPad.  Oh, there's a waiting list for that too.

Lakers Are The 2010 NBA World Champions!!!!

I would like to thank Ron Artest's psychiatrist for a job well done.


-- Post From My iPad

MobileMe Update - Please Make It Free For All

We know that Apple will take down MobileMe for a few hours tonight. It could just be something routine. Regular maintenance. Lord knows that there is still a lot of work to be done.

But there have been talk about this being something more than just working out the kinks.

I don't know. But I hope that parts of the MobileMe will be made free like e-mail at the very least. Bur more needs to be offered to iPhone users.

This would an opportunity for Apple to show case more of it's technologies and innovations to traditionally non-Mac users. You know, the PC guys.


-- Post From My iPad

iPhone: Who's Next? T-Mobile or Verizon

I'm on the camp that T-Mobile is likely to get the iPhone next before Verizon.

Two reasons why. T-Mobile uses GSM like ATT and that really says it all. Plus, T-Mobile is the smallest of the major national networks in the US and they're usually pretty open to "experimentation" if you will. And another point. T-Mobile's HSPA+ network is live now for 80 million users and will expand to 180 by the end of 2010. Going this route is easier than the CDMA route.

The other reason is that Steve Jobs probably doesn't like the way VW spurn Apple in the past and the Droid campaign last year didn't help much. Having said that, Apple will have VW iPhones because as much as Apple like to hold grudges, it knows it is in a major mobile with multiple competitors with one or two with as much innovative energy as it does. Still, moving T-Mobile ahead of VW for a quarter of two just to sting Verizon a bit is fine by me.

So, I'm still betting on T-Mobile because of its parent's international relationship with Apple and it's a pretty good one given the lack of problems. For Verizon, well, first quarter of 2011 is likely the earliest when it might get the iPhone. I also think Apple might wait until there is sufficiently large LTE footprint from VW's 4G network.

Furthermore, ATT has generously given anyone whose contract expires before December 31, 2010 an upgrade now so that does say volumes about what will happen in the iPhone landscape and when iPhones might be coming to another network.

And if I'm wrong about T-Mobile, I apologize.