Mobile And Social Perfect For "Change That We Can Believe In" And Make Happen

Here it is:  with social networks and your mobile device, you can be more effective than your usual run-of-the-mill government official, elected representative, or your typical organizer.  Everything you want to do about things you support, dislike, or simply want to lend a voice to an issue is already within your reach.  I'm talking about the smartphone in your pocket, Twitter or Google Plus (yeah, yeah, and Facebook too), a Wordpress blog, and couple of mobile apps.  

In the old days, people had to get together for meetings.  Someone had to coordinate and try to rally people to join in a cause.  Today, a couple of countries in the Middle East have new governments because Facebook and Twitter.  Iran's Green Revolution did not succeed in changing the government but it scared the crap out of Tehran.  And then there's the on going struggle in Syria that has yet to be resolved.  All started with a simple tweet or Facebook update.  

Most of us live in a country that don't require a revolution (though I'm sure some of you might disagree with me).  However, there are issues that you probably care about and like to see something done about it.  Well, here's my challenge to you:  do something about it.

Get your iPhone, Blackberry, Droid, start up a blog, take pictures, and share with like-minded mobile warriors.  This is an issue that I will examine in future posts.  If there is anyone out there who is an activist blogger, from trying to get your pot hole fixed, running out that corrupt city council member, or trying to reduce government debt, share with us your experience and how others can go best about this.

Google Plus Status: Google is Not Offering Invitations And Has Closed Loophole

Hello, folks. I am very happy that many of my fellow mobile warriors are so interested in Google's new social network, Plus.

Many of you are waiting for invitations and Google quickly closed that. For we found that that there was still a way to get through when you add someone's email to someone who has access to Plus.

Once the user updates the stream, an email is sent to the people he or she added and the owners of the email addresses could then click through the "Learn more about Google Plus" and receive a profile.

However, Google has even closed off that loophole. I have verified this with Dave the Mobile Sage At this time, there is no way to add anyone.

I have a list of new friends that I will add once this loophole is opened back up, invitations are back, or if there happens to be an alternative mean.

Again, I am heartened with the vast interest in Plus. Many I've spoken with are fed up with Facebook's blatant disregard for users.

7 Hundred million users is quite an achievement for Facebook but if they are not careful, such a meteoric rise only means the fall will be just as awesome.

So hang in there, as soon as Plus is back to accepting new users, I will update this blog and email each and everyone of you about it.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Will The Next iPhone Lose Some Weight?

It's hard for me to reconcile the weight of the iPhone 4 with it's size. It feels good in my hands but coming from the iPod touch, I can't help but feel that I would like the next iPhone to shave off an ouch or two.

It is probably going to be difficult if the next iPhone uses the same chip inside the iPad 2 while maintaining the same battery life.

Then again, it could be the design that is deceptive. The iPhone is angular while the touch is curved.

There are suggestions on the Web that the next iPhone could have a more curved back like th touch or the iPad 2. If so, this could make some sense along with the possibility of a larger screen iPhone.

The bigger screen could make the next iphone bigger but the tapered edge would give it a visual feel that it is lighter.

And given how Apple is able to shave off a couple of ounces off the iPad 2 compared to the iPad, maybe Apple can do the same with the next iPhone despite a bigger screen.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

If You Want To Join Google Plus

UPDATE:  It seems that Google closed this loop-hole.  It's no longer working.  Once official invitations start up again, I'll be more than happy to let people know about it. 

Google has locked down additional invitation to their Plus social network due to high demand.  But Android Community posted this workaround.  

I've successfully added three friends so far.  I'm on a mission to help those migrate to Plus from Facebook.  If you're interested, drop me an e-mail at paul.public.acct@gmail.com.  I don't want you putting your e-mails in the comment section where everyone can read it.  I'll try to get to you as soon as I've got time tonight.

Again, it's worked for three of my friends.  I don't know how much longer this will work.  Idea is like this.  I'll send you an update via e-mail.  You'll get an e-mail from Google that I've updated my stream.  Then simply clicked on the "Learn more about Google+" pic and it should work after that.

I know everyone's excited about this and I'm happy to help.  If after you get Plus access and you don't want to be my friend after that, I'd understand.  E-mail me again and I'll remove you.  Privacy is very important to me.  

Good luck!

HP: Touchpad Not Designed To Challenge iPad - Not What They Said The Last Time

An HP executive is out publicly saying that the Touchpad isn't out to challenge the iPad.  Honestly, who would believe that.  Here's why he's lying and what he should have said.

First, when Apple was on life support, Steve Jobs said that Microsoft has won the war and for Apple to win, it does not mean that Microsoft and Windows has to lose. And yet, competition continued in 2000s.  That's the nature of the business.  The "I'm a PC, I'm a Mac" campaign was evidence of this.

The Touchpad is competing with the iPad  It's competing with Android tablets and Playbooks as well.  And next year, it'll be competing for our hard earned money with Windows 8 tablets.  And competition is good for the industry because it forces these companies to innovate.

That's the reason why he's not being honest.  I reckon he said what he said because of the lukewarm reception by the tech media and blogs.  What he should have said is that Touchpad and Web OS is a different type of mobile platform with a very unique UI. And that it'll only get better over time.  That's what he should be saying.  

Sure, it's heavier, sluggish, and can't do much now but that'll change over time as well.  The next major Web OS update will prove me right.

And as mobile warriors, we want them to compete hard.  

Apple really hit it out of the park with the first iPad.  Since then, first gen Honeycomb tablets and Playbook all show potentials and will need more work to challenge the iPad.  The way I see it, the Touchpad is in the same boat.  And they will all get better.

And just like the handset market, the tablet market is in its infancy.  There is plenty of room for multiple players to grow and flourish.  Heck, if HP's play to use Web OS in PC works, I'm all for it.

Source: Pocketgamer.

Apple, Microsoft, RIM, Others Team Up To Beat Back Google For Valuable" Mobile Patents

The mobile scene is one of the most confusing and exciting to watch.  These days, mobile tech is just pretty much how we live our lives whether people want to admit it or not.  It isn't about Google versus Apple versus RIM versus Nokia.  It's also about clashes of politics and philosophies, trying to win the hearts and minds of the next generation, and, of course, hundreds of billions at stake across different industries  So, we should not be surprised to see that Apple, Microsoft, RIM, and others offer $4.5 billion for Nortel's mobile patents.  

At stake for mobile warriors like us are wireless and other 4G tech.  Over 6,000 patents were in play when Google first offered $900 million.  However, just because Google lost does not mean that the winners will soon launch a plethora of lawsuits against everyone else  The winners like Apple were subject to regulatory reviews by the US and Canadian governments prior to the bidding.

On a personal level, I wonder how close Google's own bid was and whether they formed their own consortium with fellow Android allies.

Source: Infoworld.

Green: Spark, Mobile Solar Charger For Your Mobile Needs - One Step Closer To Self-Sustainability

This is a mobile blog but at times I also like to chime in on green tech as well.  And rarely do I get to talk about both in the same post.  And this is one of them.  Check out this solar charger bag, the Spark, that can charge up your iPad, other iOS devices, Androids, or other mobile gadgets.

The Treehugger post I got this from mentioned that it's for the iPad but I surmise it's their way of drumming up clicks (like I don't do this at all…tongue in cheek).  It provides power for so much mower than Apple's gears.  They mentioned other tablets and smartphones as well.  That's because it has a USB attachment that allows you to use it for various devices that can be powered/charged through this ubiquitous connection.

It's small enough with a 2 watt solar panel.  On an iPad, and probably an other comparable sized tablet, an hour in the sun also gives an hour of video playback.  

My initial thought about this was that it would be perfect for camping trip.  Then again, it would be perfect for just about any outdoor type of work or excursion.  At the same time, as a guy who likes to prepare for eventualities, this device could be critical in the event of a disaster and power is cut off.  As nice as the tablets are in providing 10-12 hours of battery life, once that power is used up, it's gone.  If the electrical grid is knocked out for some reason, well, this little guy could come in handy.  

However…there always is a however.  It costs $299.  It's not cheap.  On the other hand, given what it's capable of, the Spark could make a whole lot of difference.  

Having said all that, this is only a tiny step towards what I like as far as green power and mobile goes.  Self-sufficiency.  That's the kind of person I am.  I've bought a bunch of solar lamps and garden lightings from Ikea that I use indoor instead of out.  It's pretty awesome.  I was very happy with the small investment.

I think the Spark would be a right step in towards fulfilling this mobile/green vision in some settings.  It's good enough but I'm still looking at that solar setup that can powerful my whole house without breaking the bank.

If you're looking for something like this, the Spark is one of the best solar charger for mobile devices I've seen.  Honestly, I had expected this to cost in the neighborhood of $500.  And again, it charges all devices that can be charged through a USB port.

Source:  Treehugger.