iPhone Survives Skydiving Fall But It Speaks To General Toughness of Today's Devices

While this CNN post used the iPhone in its title, the general gist of the post is that mobile devices can survive some rough and tumble.  But then again, it really depends on your definition of "survive".

An iPhone fell from this skydiver's pocket and continued to work despite falling 13,000 feet.  He found the iPhone through the find my iPhone app and found that the iPhone's glass had cracked.  I'd be surprised if it didn't.  What was surprising was that it was still receiving calls.  

And the Apple device was in a case.  I think that is the key here.  The CNN post went to describe the general toughness of Android devices as well.  

Coming away from the post, the need for a good case really makes a lot of sense considering that you're paying for a mobile device that cost about $600.  Despite the initial subsidized cost with a two-year commitment, you still are paying for it through the life of the contract and them some.

But any time you've got a device that can fall from that kind of extreme height and give the media something to write about is a win  

Oh, for mobile users, having an app installed for GPS tracking in case your phone is lost or stolen is a must.  

CNN To Stream live to iPhone and iPad If You're A Subscriber Already

Though not as excited as I was when I first ready Cult of Mac's headline, that CNN is streaming live to iOS devices is still a good thing.  Since I'm not a subscriber to any cable, digital, or satellite TV, I am unable to take advantage of this service.  

There was a time when MSNBC and Fox News first started their cable news networks (before they both went off the deep end with trash), they streamed content on the Web as well.  But to be able to stuff from CNN, which isn't as bad as its competitors, would be a plus for those on the go.  

And let's face it, they've got the best election coverage of any news networks and people go to them for all the breaking events.  

Again, it's too bad I won't be able to take advantage of it.  If CNN offers some sort of a month deal that allows people who don't subscribe to paid TV access, that could be a great revenue stream for the cable news network.

Mobile Week Ahead: Patents, Patents, Patents

It looks like we are going to very busy week regarding Apple and Android.  Not it's not about new products but about the current products.  The iPhone 4 and the lines of Android devices out there.  

On Friday, ITC ruled that HTC infringed on two key Apple patents that could be at the heart of any Android device on the market.  According to PC World, the violations is in the coding.  At the same time, it could be difficult for companies to work around Apple's patents.  I'm no patent attorney nor am I well versed on the tech aspect of this, but the flood of blogs and media chiming in on this matter tells me that this is not a small matter but one that impacts the whole Android platform.  

And this isn't the end of it.  While there is always a chance that Apple could license the patents to Android makers, it could be very expensive.  Apple effectively could make it so that future Android device makers will think twice about releasing their devices running on Google's mobile platform.  And if Apple is completely against licensing its patents, the worse case scenario is that Android makers could be banned from importing devices into the US and probably other markets as well.

When Google created this mobile platform, it was unlike that anyone thought we would come to be point but during Apple's unveiling of the original iPhone in 2007, it appeared Steve Jobs had foreseen this.  He pointedly said to the Macworld audience "and boy, have we patented it".

And while we won't see the matter resolved for a while, Apple is due to release their third quarter earnings on Tuesday.  During the financial call, analysts are sure likely to ask COO Tim Cook about the case.  

I expect more lawsuits to be lobbed this week.  This ruling has emboldened Apple and Android makers, like Samsung, has been digging as well.  

Regardless of which mobile platform you support, we are watching history in the making.  Many of you missed the Mac-Windows war between Apple and Microsoft.  You're watching an even bigger war taking place on an almost daily basis.  

A World With No Android

A world with no Android. That will never happen nor will Apple fans or fans of other mobile platforms want to see that.

It is hard to fathom just what will come out of the ITC ruling today that HTC infringed on two key Apple patents. Will Apple and HTC work out a deal or will Apple say no to any deal.

A lot of blogs now seem to suggest that a deal will be worked out. A deal in Apple's favor but a deal nonetheless. There is evidence to suggest that could happen. After all, Apple indicated that it was trying to resolve its patent and trade-look complaints with Samsung. So a deal could still happen.

But many Apple watchers have also said Apple isn't in the business of licensing patents. This is a stark difference from what Microsoft is doing with its Android competitors. And maybe Apple's unwillingness to license its patents is at the heart of this epic mobile struggle.

However this plays out, I don't see this as the beginning of the of Android. Nor should anyone else. And anti-Android or anti-Google camps should rejoice.

There could be some pain for the Android device makers but consumers should not see a major change in the marketplace.

I hope.

- Posted By Mobile Means

Former 300-LB HS Kid Is My New Hero

I've got six or so apps on my mobile devices that I use to help me with workout, losing weight, and eating right.  But none of that matters without putting in the hard work and a willingness to.  According to CNN, Jamil Macias made that hard choice and effort after seeing how he looked from his pictures.

Since then, he has ran a half marathon and is feeling pretty good about himself.  The thing about Jamil's workout and diet is no secret at all.  It's his toughness and willingness to make it happen.  

CNN's post offered some details about what he did, ate, and went through.  The story is the same for all of us.  We're either a Jamil or we're not.  

I rarely get to post about health and mobile.  So, whip up your Blackberry, Android, or iPhone into shape with the right apps and get the ball rolling.

Breaking: HTC Violated A Couple of Apple's Patents

All day, I was waiting for another round of lawsuits, maneuvers, or filings between Apple and Android device makers it was suing.  Just when I thought the day was going end quietly, this happened:

The ITC ruled that HTC has violated two of Apple's patents.  HTC is appealing but if HTC doesn't win the appeal, it would need to come to terms with Apple.  And Apple does not have a history of licensing its patents.  

Closely watched is also the other major lawsuit between Apple and Samsung.  It's not over but this is definitely a major setback for HTC.

Could a ban of HTC products result?  I hope not.  If you're worried, better go out and get your HTC devices as soon as you can.

  

Source: CNet, TUAW.

Microsoft Launching Own SocIal Network? I thought It was Called "Facebook"

I had always thought that Microsoft did not enter the social network market because it had one.  Facebook.  After all, it was an early investor and there are close relationships between the two companies.

According to T3, the secret project is called "Tulalip" is Microsoft's own social network - this news comes on the heel of the successful Google Plus launch with already 10 million users.  

Personally, I'm kind of tapped out now.  Plus works for me and Microsoft is going to have to do a lot of incredible stuff to make me want to even consider starting up a profile with it.  

I wonder if Facebook had prior knowledge of this and how they feel about it.  

From the looks of it, Microsoft could be trying to be an aggregator to other social networks (both Facebook and Twitter were featured prominently on the front page) and working with them instead of just competing with them outright.  Yesterday, I wrote about an Apple patent that creates a mean for Apple's iOS devices to serve as an agnostic umbrella gateway to other social networks. I reckon this could be Microsoft's strategy.  

Perhaps it's taking a page out of Sauron's playbook: One social network to rule them all.  This is getting good.