Category: Mobile Tech

Evo 4G vs. iPhone Video Creator Suspended by Best Buy

Remember those hilarious Xtra Normal Evo 4G vs. iPhone videos I posted the other day? It turns out that the cat that made them, Brian Maupin, works at Best Buy selling mobile phones…or at least he did. His videos were viewed more than a million times, which is fantastic…to everyone except the powers that be at Best Buy. According to TechCrunch Maupin has been suspended indefinitely and is in the process of being fired:

The video in question was made by Brian Maupin, a 25-year-old based in Kansas City, Missouri. For the past three and a half years he’s been working at Best Buy selling mobile phones. He’s probably not going to be doing that anymore as Best Buy has suspended him indefinitely and is currently taking the steps to terminate him, Maupin tells us. The reason? The video.

The video became so popular (it currently has nearly 1.3 million views on YouTube) that someone at Best Buy corporate saw it. They then put two-and-two together that it was an employee at one of their stores that made it, and the hammer came down. “They felt it disparaged a brand they carried (iPhone/Apple) as well as the store itself and were fearful of stockholders & customers being turned off to Best Buy Mobile,” Maupin says.

That’s pretty crappy of Best Buy. Hopefully Maupin gets a high-paying gig that pays him for making Xtra Normal videos full time. It would be really sweet if his future benefactors hired me too. Ha!

Maupin, Bryan Danielson, and me…. There is no justice.

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Why Aren’t These Features in Google Android?

Here are some quick, random thoughts on Google Android before I head to a lunch meeting. For the life of me, I still don’t understand why there isn’t better Google Docs integration in Android. This would be a killer feature for business. I understand that there are obstacles that make editing documents difficult, but surely Google has enough resources to throw at this problem, right?

Secondly, I was amused that Google was pushing its video chat service on its blog today. With the Apple iPhone getting a ton of attention with FaceTime and Qik for Android being a faulty mess, surely Google should have a first-party solution for video chat, hey?

There are a lot of areas where Android excels and I’m a big fan of the OS, but it also has a lot of holes. Some of them can be filled with obvious additions like the ones I mentioned above. For those of you that use or are interested in Android, what features would you like to see in this fine mobile OS?

Apple iTunes Launching Cloud-Based Features “Soon”?

One aspect of Google Android that I greatly prefer over Apple iOS is its heavy use of cloud computing. All of that will change if this rumor from BoyGeniusReport pans out. According to the site, Apple is readying a version of iTunes that leverages the cloud. The purported features include:

  1. Streaming music and movies from Apple’s servers to your computers, devices, etc.
  2. Streaming music and movies from your home computers to your other computers, remote devices, etc.
  3. Wireless iTunes syncing with devices.

These features would be fantastic, though a little overdue. In addition to Android, Palm WebOS and the upcoming Windows Phone 7 have heavy cloud features. Perhaps this is a case of Apple’s self professed habit of not necessarily doing things first, but doing things right.

The BGR story also hints at new iPod devices with cameras, something RPadholic bsukenyan has mentioned being interested in.

Anyone else psyched for a cloud-ified iTunes? Or is it just me?

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“Xbox Arcade” Games Easy Ports for Windows Phone 7

As many of you know, I’ve been anxious for details on how Microsoft’s upcoming Windows Phone 7 will interact with Xbox 360. Although Apple’s iOS is extremely popular and Google’s Android is growing at a crazy pace, Windows Phone 7 has a chance to stand out by positioning itself as the gamer’s mobile operating system. TechRadar was able to extract some details on WP7 from Microsoft’s Oded Ran:

There are four million Xboxes in the UK compared to 2.5 million iPhones; we’re now working with developers who know how to make games, and they’re able to port Xbox Arcade games to mobile phones easily.

Before you get too excited, it should be noted that not every Xbox Live Arcade game is an instant port to Windows Phone 7. From my understanding, XBLA games created with XNA will be easy ports. The majority of XBLA games are not made with XNA. That said, WP7 should bolster the use of XNA and give WP7’s games market a huge kick start.

*sigh* I’m still annoyed that this wasn’t shown at E3 2010.

Source via MobileCrunch

Motorola Pokes Fun at AT&T and Apple in Droid X Advertisement

I love it when giant companies take jabs at each other. The latest case of corporate amusement comes from Motorola, which deftly hit AT&T and Apple with a single blow. With one bit of text a clever copywriter took a shot at AT&T’s shoddy network and Apple’s iPhone 4 reception issues. A recent advertisement for the Droid X phone (Verizon) said:

Most importantly, it comes with a double antenna design. The kind that allows you to hold the phone any way you like and use it just about anywhere to make crystal clear calls.

Aren’t these guys just adorable when they fight? Ha!

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PSA: Free WiFi at Starbucks Starts Tomorrow

Here’s a friendly reminder that starting July 1, unlimited WiFi access at Starbucks coffeehouses in America and Canada will be free. Previously, customers were limited to two free hours that required some goofy login. The new scheme is unlimited and only requires one click to get things going.

While I’m not a big fan of Starbucks coffee (I don’t hate it. I just find it average.), I think it’s cool that the company is offering free WiFi to its customers. I’m sure that the unlimited WiFi will be problematic in places like San Francisco, where’s there’s a high nerds-per-square-inch ratio. Someone will gather a group of friends, start torrenting GBs of data, slowing down speeds for everyone else as they cackle at their prank. Hmmmm, I wonder what my LA freelancer friends are doing tomorrow….

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Coffee Talk #168: Your Console and Electronics Updating Patterns

Yesterday I updated the software for my HTC Evo 4G and PlayStation 3. Both had updates that were released yesterday. I was actually surprised that I updated so soon. Usually I wait a few days to see if there are any bugs or annoying quirks caused by the new software. For various reasons (okay, it was cloudy…and updating firmware makes me happy), I jumped the gun and didn’t following my usual updating pattern.

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, Roger Federer’s upset at Wimbledon, red pandas, or Stumptown’s Costa Rica Brumas Del Zurqui, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

Yesterday I updated the software for my HTC Evo 4G and PlayStation 3. Both had updates that were released yesterday. I was actually surprised that I updated so soon. Usually I wait a few days to see if there are any bugs or annoying quirks caused by the new software. For various reasons (okay, it was cloudy…and updating firmware makes me happy), I jumped the gun and didn’t following my usual updating pattern.

How do you handle updates for your consoles, mobile phones, etc.? Do you update straight away, like I did yesterday? Do you wait a few days to make sure everything is kosher? Perhaps you only update when it’s absolutely necessary, like when a certain game require a newer firmware version. Kindly share your console and consumer electronics updating patterns in the comments section.

Bloomberg Says the iPhone Will Hit Verizon in January 2011

In the latest string of iPhone-headed-to-Verizon rumors, Bloomberg has cited two sources that claim Apple’s wildly popular super phone is headed for America’s largest mobile network. Here’s the quote:

Verizon Wireless, the largest U.S. mobile-phone company, will start selling Apple Inc.’s iPhone next year, ending AT&T Inc.’s exclusive hold on the smartphone in the U.S., two people familiar with the plans said.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve become immune to these rumors. While I’d love to have a fully functional iPhone 4 on any major mobile network that’s not AT&T, these rumors are becoming a bit much.

How do you ladies and gents feel about the latest iPhone/Verizon rumor? You think this one is legit? Are you still dreaming about an iPhone on a superior network? Or are you tired of being teased?

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Hulu Plus Available on iPhone and iPad, Consoles Coming Soon

Hulu has revealed details on its “Hulu Plus” premium service, which soft launched today for the iPod, iPhone, and iPad. The service costs $9.99 per month and includes hundreds of popular televisions shows, as well as  a broad selection of movies. The teaser site for Hulu Plus says that it’s coming soon for Sony Playstation 3 and is due for Xbox 360 in early 2011.

Hulu Plus seems like a fantastic choice for television junkies on the run. I know a lot of you are high on Netflix for consoles; that service seems like a better choice for movies. That said, I’m sure Hulu will improve its movie selection and as a frequent traveler I love the portability of Hulu Plus.

What do you guys and dolls think of the service? Would a Hulu/Netflix combo be enough for you to cancel your cable or satellite service?

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