Mobile Tech Archives - Page 8 of 72

MLB Fans Dig iOS 6 Passbook

When the Passbook feature of iOS 6 was revealed, I thought it had great potential. I was surprised that most of you — the RPadholics that have used iOS 6, anyway — didn’t see the point or didn’t like Passbook. Do you know who likes it? Major League Baseball fans. In a pilot program used with four baseball teams, 12 percent of e-ticket buyers used Passbook to manage their tickets. For a new service that’s available on a limited amount of phones, that’s terribly impressive. Here’s more from Market Watch:

Passbook — which allows tickets and loyalty cards from a variety of outlets to be delivered to one iPhone app — proved to be an instant hit with fans, Bob Bowman, CEO of MLB Advance Media, tells MarketWatch. In its test run with four teams for the final two weeks of the season, 1,500 e-ticket buyers (12%) chose Passbook delivery. “That adoption rate really floored us — there is no question our fans want digital tickets,” Bowman says. “Fans can use the tickets, forward them to a friend, resell them, or even donate them to charity — and they never get lost or left at home.”

The MLB example shows the flexibility of Passbook and is a fantastic example of why I thought it had potential. That convenience is fantastic and the different things you can do with tickets is awesome. More and more companies are flocking to Passbook, which is no surprise considering the tens of millions of people that have or will buy iOS 6 devices. Hopefully these companies use Passbook in interesting ways, just like MLB.

What do you think of how MLB is using Passbook? Are you surprise by the relatively high adoption rate? Does this application change your mind about the service?

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Samsung Galaxy S III Mini Coming Tomorrow

Samsung is set to announce the Galaxy S III Mini tomorrow. This mid-range Android phone is based on the wildly popular Galaxy S III, but comes in a smaller form factor and allegedly features pedestrian parts. The purported specs (via Mobile Geeks) include a four-inch 800 x 480 Super AMOLED display, a 1GHz processor, 1GB of RAM, a five-megapixel camera, and Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) wrapped in Samsung TouchWiz.

While a cheaper S III variant was always expected, some pundits and consumers were hoping for a high-end phone with a smaller screen. A four-inch S III with the same tech as the original would have been a direct competitor to the iPhone 5; that would have been a fun battle for tech journalists to watch. As for real people, there are certain consumers that aren’t comfortable using phones with large screens, but want an Android device with top-notch specs. A true S III mini would have been perfect for those users.

Instead, this looks like a good phone for the budget market. For tech enthusiasts, it’s kind of nasty. The 800 x 480 resolution doesn’t cut it in 2012. Super AMOLED — not the “+” or “HD” variant — is dated too. I’m sure it’ll be a decent phone, but I’m also sure that gadget geeks won’t be impressed (if the rumored specs are true).

What do you think of the Samsung Galaxy S III Mini? Would you get one? Are you disappointed that it’s not a high-end S III in a smaller form factor?

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Coffee Talk #523: One Device to Rule Them All?

My friend Paul and I were talking about how tech geeks have done a 180 on the number of devices they want to carry. Ten years ago, it was all about finding one device that does everything. The digerati were tired of carrying a mobile phone, a PDA, a gaming system, etc. Fast forward to 2012 and that’s a very mainstream attitude to have. Millions of people are satisfied with their smartphone or tablet as their “one” device. Meanwhile, the geek chic have gone in the other direction…

While they’re in the minority (unless you live in San Francisco), tech nerds help set trends in mobile tech. They’re the tastemakers. These days, many of them travel with a notebook computer, a smartphone, a tablet, and a dedicated e-reader. Some of them even bring dedicated gaming systems, though it’s not as common these days given the rapid advancement in Android and iOS games. They’ve eschewed the “one device” philosophy in favor of multiple devices that excel at different things. Funny how it goes….

As for me, I find myself following the digerati. While I love my iPad 2012 (my usual “one” device) I plan on complementing it with a Kindle Paperwhite. I’m already dual-wielding phones with a Galaxy Nexus and an iPhone 5. If I’m hitting the road for a few days or more, my MacBook Pro has to come with me.

What kind of user are you? Do you prefer to travel with one device to rule them all? Or do you bring multiple devices if you’re going to be away from home/work for a stretch?

Steve Jobs’ Vision of the iPad…in 1983

Here’s a super-interesting presentation (embedded below) by the late Steve Jobs from the 1983 International Design Conference in Aspen. One of the most fascinating clips is around the 25 minute mark. The late Apple CEO talks about his vision for computing, saying that he believes Apple products of the future will be small, book-sized computers that are easy to use and connected to other computers. Keep in mind that this was in 1983 — way before the iPad and the Internet became the major forces that they are today. Here’s quote:

Apple’s strategy is really simple. What we want to do is we want to put an incredibly great computer in a book that you can carry around with you and learn how to use in 20 minutes. That’s what we want to do and we want to do it this decade. And we really want to do it with a radio link in it so you don’t have to hook up to anything and you’re in communication with all of these larger databases and other computers.

While Jobs was on the money about tablet computing and the Internet being the future, he was wrong about the timing. He thought it would happen much sooner. After the quote above, he was extolling the Lisa, which in retrospect was one of Apple’s biggest flops. All that aside, it’s kind of nuts that the roots of the iPad go back that far and it’s impressive how prescient Jobs was in 19-80-frickin’-3.

When you have a chance, give the presentation and the Q&A session a listen. It’s good stuff and I’d love to hear your take on it.

Source via The Next Web

Nexus 5 By HTC On the Way?

Rumor has it that Google will be serving up multiple Nexus phones (Nexi?) in November. The latest rumor is that HTC will be offering a “phablet” Nexus with a five-inch screen, appropriately called the Nexus 5. According to a GSM Arena tipster, the Nexus 5 will have a 1080p five-inch screen, Android 4.1.2, a quad-core Snapdragon S4 Pro chipset, a 12-megapixel camera, a 2,500 mAh battery, LTE connectivity, and 64GB of storage.

As some of you know, I’m a big fan of HTC. Not many Android phone manufacturers use top-notch materials and bold designs. HTC is one of the few (Motorola is another). I would strongly consider moving to an HTC Nexus 5 sold on Google Play, with updates provided by Google and not crap-bag carriers. I love HTC’s build quality and its use of Super LCD screens (as opposed to Super AMOLED).

Are any of you interested in the rumored Nexus 5 by HTC?

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Coffee Talk #519: Happy Birthday Google Android!

Yesterday was Google Android’s fourth birthday. In a short amount of time, Google has become the global market leader in smartphone operating systems. Whether you’re a fan or not, that’s pretty damn impressive. The feat is all the more impressive when you consider its start in America. The first Android product in the U.S. was an underwhelming piece of hardware (the G1) on the country’s fourth-largest network (T-Mobile). It wasn’t until the next year that Android really took off, thanks to a combination of more mature software (Android 2.0) and aggressive marketing from the nation’s biggest carrier (Verizon). Android came to America in October 2008, but it didn’t really…

For the most part, I love Android. Since I use a lot of Google products for work, Google’s operating system works best for me. Gmail and Google Voice are just two of the mobile applications I use daily and they work best on Android. Yes, it’s still behind iOS in terms of app quantity and quality, but the gap has gotten much smaller.

The usability, looks, and performance of Android have come a long way too. Google made a fantastic move by snatching up Matias Duarte and putting him in charge of Android UI. Duarte did outstanding work on the novel webOS operating system for Palm. Under him, Android has gotten better looking (Ice Cream Sandwich) and smoother (Jelly Bean). The best part is that he’s barely gotten started, so expect more significant improvements from Android in the near future.

Kindly join me in wishing Android a happy birthday. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the rise of Android, what you think of the OS, and where you think it’s going. Please shout it out in the comments section!

Coffee Talk #518: Wal-Mart Boots the Amazon Trojan Horse

Wal-Mart recently decided that it will no longer sell Amazon Kindle products. Target made the same decision earlier this year. I always thought it was remarkably stupid for either company to sell Kindle products, particularly the Kindle Fire. Prior to the launch of the original Kindle Fire in 2011, I wrote (for another web site) that it was a “gateway drug” and “Trojan horse” product. While Target and Wal-Mart benefit in the short term from Kindle Fire sales, Amazon wins in the long haul by selling digital and physical products to those consumers. I was astounded by the shortsighted thinking of the brick-and-mortar stores and impressed that Amazon duped these…

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,Verve’s Ethiopia Gakui Peaberry, Britney Spears learning the Gangnam Style dance, or Ichiro Suzuki’s hot streak, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

Wal-Mart recently decided that it will no longer sell Amazon Kindle products. Target made the same decision earlier this year. I always thought it was remarkably stupid for either company to sell Kindles, particularly the Kindle Fire. Prior to the launch of the original Kindle Fire in 2011, I wrote (for another web site) that it was a “gateway drug” and “Trojan horse” product. While Target and Wal-Mart benefit in the short term from Kindle Fire sales, Amazon wins in the long haul by selling digital and physical products to those consumers. I was astounded by the shortsighted thinking of the brick-and-mortar stores and impressed that Amazon duped these dinosaurs into carrying its Trojan horse.

Obviously the Kindle Fire makes it easy for people to buy digital media. That’s less CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs consumers would buy at a brick-and-mortar store. The really clever tactic is Prime Instant Video. With an Amazon Prime subscription, Kindle Fire owners get access to a large library of streaming movies and television shows. They also get free two-day shipping on most physical products sold by Amazon. This makes buying from Amazon really attractive. Consumers can buy nearly everything they can find at Target and Wal-Mart, but without the hassle of going to a store and with the benefit of fast (and free!) shipping. It’s awesomely conveniently, as well as a bit dangerous to impulse shoppers and those prone to addiction.

Why would you allow a Trojan horse like the Kindle Fire to be sold in your stores? I’ve always wondered what idiot executive thought this was a good idea. Thankfully, logic has prevailed and these companies will no longer be selling a product that makes their stores mostly obsolete. About time, morons.

LIFX: Lightbulb Controlled By Android and iOS Devices

LIFX is a recent Kickstarter project that has been getting a done of buzz and funding. As of this writing, the project has blown past its $100,000 goal with $1,107,996 in pledges. LIFX is an LED lightbulb that can be controlled with Android and iOS devices. Users can control the brightness and the color of the light with their phones and tablets. This is an energy-efficient product with an extremely high level of nerd appeal. Check out the video below for info on LIFX. Continue reading “LIFX: Lightbulb Controlled By Android and iOS Devices”

Verizon’s Bungling of the Samsung Galaxy Nexus Continues

When is a Nexus phone not a Nexus phone? When it’s handled by Verizon. The company’s bungling of Google’s hero phone continues! At the end of August, I expressed my disgust, as a Verizon customer, with the company’s pathetic delays with the Jelly Bean update. As someone that writes about mobile tech, it’s clear that Google made a poor choice by choosing Verizon as the exclusive American launch partner for this phone. Historically, Nexus phones receive the latest Android updates immediately. The GSM version of the Galaxy Nexus has had Jelly Bean since July. Months later, Verizon’s Galaxy Nexus still hasn’t been updated. Here are some of the latest inanities I received from Verizon customer service.

At this time we have not been provided with a release date for Google’s Jelly Bean 4.1 Android version. I understand it has been received on the GSM version, but before releasing any update to our customers, we perform multiple tests. Please know that we’re always working to get software updates released to you as soon as possible.

The last sentence gives me a headache. Working isn’t the word I would use. When Sprint beats you to the punch with software updates and you’re the largest carrier in America then you’re definitely not “working to get software updates released to you as soon as possible.” Either someone isn’t doing their job or the company isn’t interested in providing updates in a timely fashion.

If we could, I would send you the Jelly Bean update now. I know it’s nice to have the latest and greatest. A lot of our phones just received the Ice Cream Sandwich update like our Droid Razrs, because we are working diligently on getting all possible devices updated.

Again, the last sentence gives me a headache. It shows a complete lack of understanding of what the Nexus line is supposed to be. It’s completely irrelevant that RAZR phones have just received the Ice Cream Sandwich update. Nexus phones are supposed to be hero products that show off the capabilities of the latest version of Android. People buy these phones because they’re supposed to be running the latest software and they (mostly) lack the bloatware installed by carriers. The reputation of the Nexus line has been tarnished by Verizon.

I feel mislead by Verizon and Google. The Galaxy Nexus I bought is not a Nexus phone at all. When non-Nexus phones are getting Jelly Bean and the same phone is getting updated by smaller carriers then who’s at fault here? Clearly it’s a Verizon issue and clearly its customer service reps don’t care. While my experience with Verizon’s LTE network has been phenomenal, I’m disappointed with how the company has handled updates for the Galaxy Nexus and annoyed by the way customer service has responded to the issue.

Samsung Galaxy S III Commercial Mocks Apple Fans

First, let me state that I think the Galaxy S III is a great phone and the iPhone 5 is mostly likely a great phone (I’ll tell you after a few weeks with it). That said, these commercials are getting funny. They remind me of political ads. Truths are stretched. People are bashed. Lines are drawn. The comments on this video’s YouTube page are most entertaining. Again, it’s along the lines of a modern political debate. The loudest voices are extreme opinions on both sides. It reminds me of that Coffee Talk I wrote a few weeks ago. Fandroids vs. iSheep!!!

Anyway, check out the spot when you have a chance and kindly share your thoughts on this Samsung Galaxy S III commercial.