State of iPhone and All Things Mobile For Apple

Here is a good post from MacObserver summing on up on all things mobile for Apple, the iPhone, and Android competition. See, if you are new to the Apple blog scene, there are tons of sites dedicated to Apple news, rumors, and like this site that focuses on entertaining speculations and analysis.

While I love reading rumors, I don't report on them though occasionally I skirt around this self-imposed ban by speculating about their validity and pointing readers to them.

The MacObserver is a good jumping off point if you like to know more Apple and the latest speculations on when the next iPhone will be released and what features could be added.


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AT&T Provides iPhone Insurance On July 17th

Starting on July 17th, AT&T will begin offering insurance to iPhone users.  For new owners who sign up within 30 days of activation, they can sign up for iPhone coverage for $5 a month.  More information at Macnn.

What I do find interesting is the timing of the issue.  In the past, typical changes mobile plans and policies take place weeks or just a couple of months before new iPhone are introduced  AT&T did just before the iPhone 4 went on sale by ending unlimited data plans. 

So with this insurance policy change, I reckon it's one of recent signals that the next iPhone is coming sooner rather than later.  What other signs are there?

Verizon Wireless, which started selling the iPhone in February, will pointed end their unlimited data plans on July 17th.  

More than rumors, the timing of moves by mobile wireless providers can provide us with more valuable information about Apple's iOS releases.  How would you like to see the next iPhone 5 (or iPhone 4S) in August?

Apple Server Hacked - Should We Continue To Trust iCloud?

iCloud is the next foundation upon which mobile computing and just about every one of Apple's technical strategy is going forward. However, even Apple is not invulnerable to hacks.

In a tweet, Anonymous or its associate hacker group, Lulz Security, managed to hack into an Apple server. Though not a whole lot of information was stolen, the message was received loud and clear. Luckily for Apple, they're not the main target at this time.

According to the hackers, they're busy. In a tweet, they stated that "Apple could be target, too. But don’t worry, we are busy elsewhere".

This is particularly worrisome as Apple will make iCloud a large piece of the iOS 5 and OS X ecosystem. Apple has yet to say a word about this. This is typical Apple behavior. They almost never say anything for days or weeks when requested for information.

Just last week, Apple was forced to patch a security hole in its developer website after a hacker group threatened to expose it. According to Macworld, the phishing hole was exposed two months ago.

I reckon we could hear from Apple on this matter sooner rather than later as iCloud is due to launch this fall. As a mobile warrior, I am very excited about iOS 5 and having my data easily accessible from iCloud. Still, unless Apple puts security above all else, people will not be able to trust this.

After all, during Apple's WWDC keynote this year, Steve Jobs pointedly asked in a rhetorical question, why the users should trust them on iCloud when they're the one who brought us MobileMe.

Source: NYT.

Android Devices Growing But iOS Devices Could Be Defining Mobile Use

Android adoption has grown at a rate head-and-shoulders above everyone else.  The latest figure provided by Google showed that Android adoption is coming in at 500,000 units a day.  This information come across as a tweet from Andy Rubin, Google's Android-in-chief (Venture Beat).  And while no one else can lay claim to anything close, it could be Apple's iOS devices that are leading the charge in actual mobile use and future habits.

These Android figures do not accurate definite what is actually being sold, updates, or anything along that line.  What we do know is that Android tablets are gaining as wide an acceptance as its smartphone counterparts.  More than that, Apple's tablet, the iPad, is controlling more than a lion's share of use.  Internationally, the iPad controls nearly 90% of tablet browsing while it controls 97% of US share on the Web for tablets (Macrumors).  Now, comes word that iOS browsing controls 60% of all US mobile browsing (Fortune).  

That is saying quite a bit for a platform that many consider lose marketshare in a few years and even be overtaken by Microsoft's Windows Phone.  Whether that'll happen or not, time will tell but near terms, iPhone sales are growing once against and Android sales are now flat thank largely to CDMA iPhone sales.  

And with the pace of innovation and the coming iOS 5 update as well as a possible new iPhone hardware in the wings, it could be Apple further defining how mobile users, not only iOS users, use their smartphones and tablets.  It is not just native apps versus web apps but in areas like multi-touch, voice, and messaging.  

Thus, it's imperative that Google, RIM, Microsoft, and others continue to innovate in areas and absolutely avoid playing to Apple's rules.  And yes, Apple does need a kick in the butt from time to time.  And perhaps, iOS will go from second to third in a few years in terms of market share but by then, the market will expect other platforms to conform to how iOS devices work and serve our mobile needs.

Source: Venture Beat, Fortune, Macrumors.

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.


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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.


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