a multi-tasked stream of consciousness or perhaps just emails to myself
A team at VentureBeat was able to get Android running on an Asus EEEPC 1000H netbook, which is certainly a cool hack.
I’m not sure this is something I would personally want in the current state other than as a proof of concept. Though once things are perhaps more optimized for a larger touch screen it might be cool on a MID.
I get and respect Cisco’s desire to dig deeper into the home, but I am not convinced that a piece of consumer electronics gear is the way to to do it. According to the NYT, Cisco is looking to develop a “a digital stereo system that is meant to move music wirelessly around a house.”
I can’t help but wonder why Cisco is not simply focusing on enabling the connectivity and distribution piece on the network rather than going for the end-point. I’d rather have something neutral that provides access to content (and not just music btw) where I want it – whether that’s in my house or pushed out to my mobile device. The limited info on the upcoming Cisco product seems to limit the usefulness to a connected audio component. These typically sit in your stereo rack connected to your home network and stream content through as through it was in your audio player.  Sounds a lot like Sonos, AppleTV and quite a few other boxes that have been sold with considerably less success.
There’s no magic bullet here. In order to get your entertainment connected and distributed you need to have a way to either view or here it in every room which means cables or wireless kit. We chose the wired route and centralized most of the equipment into a couple of racks beneath the basement stairs. Each room in our home in which we planned for AV has speakers installed in-wall we’re able to select any source from any room.
My original AppleTV recently had it’s brain expanded through Boxee and now can play both the (limited) protected content we have from iTunes as well as any other file we happen to have accessible. Cisco is going to have to win over Apple unfortunately in order to earn access to the iTunes ecosystem and I just don’t see that happening anytime soon either. So far, the standard fault of every media streamer is that it can’t play iTunes DRM … I don’t see how Cisco’s solution solves any of this. Another box to setup and futz around with as a source? No thanks.
I was given a demo of the Nokia Home Control Center solution at Nokia World and it will take a very different approach. Instead of trying to provide a streaming end point, Nokia is shooting for a more centralized role in your home and one that I frankly would have expected from Cisco.
In my regular commute on the train it’s not uncommon to see people with two phones – and like the cited UK survey notes one is the typical work Blackberry. The other varies from a freebie looking flip to an iPhone.
The average mobile phone owner now has an average of 1.8 handsets and the figure is expected to rise to two mobiles for every person soon.
The rise in ownership is thought to be because more people have one mobile for personal calls and another for work as companies give employees Blackberry devices to keep in touch out of hours. [via Telegraph]
Initially my (non-standard) usage was one for personal and the other as a work-issue, though over the past couple of years that’s evolved to be two personal devices. I do use a work-issued SIM so they pay the airtime as well as my international roaming and data – I’m traveling for work after all.
Interestingly now I ‘m at the point where I’m considering a second plan for my personal consumption … only be for data though my third independently connected device.
The Nokia Internet Stick CS-10 made a quiet appearance at Nokia World earlier this month and the news piqued my interest. Though after a quick check I saw it only supports the 850/2100MHz bands which is a real bummer unlike other higher end 3G modems which also add in 1900MHz for tri-band world compatibility this Nokia device will be hard to consider for purchase.
The 850MHz band is something that tends to appear in a more limited capacity here in the States, though this device should be just fine if you only travel in Europe.
Porsche Design Sled via Gentleman’s Gadgets.
Kevin Tofel brought a new 3G modem to my attention today and I got very excited about the possibilities as it supports Tri-band HSDPA (850, 1900 and 2100) which would work in my global travels.
It was impossible to tell from the AT&T site whether the device was locked so I picked up the phone and called it in. After confirming my identify multiple ways to the customer support agent, I was placed on hold while she checked things out. She reported that the modem was able to take additional SIM cards which was promising, but given it took a few tries to explain things to her, I was honestly not very confident with the information. Well, I just checked it out at an AT&T store on my way to the train and was told that in fact the device is locked.
With mail-in rebate the unit is free which is what made it so attractive, but there’s no way I’m paying international data roaming charges regularly. I would love to know why something like a USB modem is locked by ANY carrier. In this case I would potentially be signing up for a 2 year contract which includes a $60/mo plan. Whether I actually use the service or not I’m committed to the contract and they get the money.
Why would I also be required to use their SIM when traveling overseas … and actually how is this thing even locked? This policy just cost AT&T a sale and 2 years of data revenue.
So I was just reading this NYT piece on the Digital TV cut-over and am somewhat shocked that it seems people still don’t know what’s about to happen… not. I would imagine that most people reading this are like me and well prepared for the transition. We’ve had HDTV for many years at home now and only have digital HD cable boxes. I’m sure not too unlike many of my tech centric friends…
The poor normal consumer though is about to have their television experience completely broken because we can’t figure out how to tell people effectively. Here’s a thought …
NASCAR was an interesting idea (sorry you crashed twice) to complement the regular commercial broadcasting, but how about getting out there and actually explaining the situation to people in the community. The digital transition is a big deal and instead of leaving it to chance, let’s actually make sure people are prepared. Walmart seems like a great place to have someone standing at the door handing out the government voucher so it’s a $10 purchase RIGHT NOW. Why make someone mail it in and wait … just do it. This process could be easily replicated in malls and big box stores in the markets our crack government researchers feel will be most impacted.
So I’ve had some great comments and discussion since yesterday’s post on finding my likely netbook (the MSI Wind) and it seems the Samsung NC10
For starters it offers a considerably larger keyboard (93% vs. 80%) and battery life is well over 6 hours … possibly closer to 8 through conservation. Both of these features are well worth a pause over the Wind and believe me, I’ve spent some time researching again today. What I think is really driving me though is the option for a SIM slot. Apparently, the Samsung NC10 has a SIM slot hiding behind the battery (a 6-cell comes standard) though it’s unclear so far if the current model actually has a modem inside. The modem / SIM combo is what initially drew my attention towards the HP Mininote, but it seems the MSI wins on a few counts there – for now anyway. Netbooks are hot and the competitive nature of the various companies is bringing new features and enhancements pretty rapidly.
Back to the Samsung… I need to confirm the SIM slot is functional of I’ll be waiting for the next rev to arrive — or will just wait it our for that updated MSI model. You can get an Acer at Radioshack now for as low as $99 if you are willing to sign up for a 2-year data plan with AT&T though I’m quite certain I can get data for less than $60/mo. The Acer did feel quite solid though – especially compared to the ASUS systems I saw recently at Best Buy.
This new MSI Wind U120 system sounds killer!
- 10 inch 1024 x 600 screen
- 1.6 GHz Intel® Atom™ with1GB RAM
- 160GB HDD
- Wifi b/g/n
- Bluetooth 2.0edr
- 3G HSDPA/HSUPA
- 3 x usb2
- 4-in-1-card reader
- 1.3Mpix cam with mic
- 4400mAH 6 cell battery
- XP Home
Of course I’m still more than capable of being swayed by a surprise from Apple if they feel up to it at MacWorld.
I just got an email about Tuneroom,(redirects to http://www.sideload.com/m) the latest idea from MP3tunes and it’s pretty slick. You just search for a track, choose your file quality and download away. All for free!
I gave it a quick try and it’s definitely worth a bookmark for when you want to grab something on the go. You can either download from your browser of have the file sent via SMS.
As a cablevision subscriber I’ve been enjoying the additional HD channels provided by Voom. MojoHD was a particular favorite and it recently (and quietly) shut down. When I visited the network’s site I found this:
Via NewTeeVee, I see Voom is going down for the count … though as a concession it seems Cablevision will be replacing the stations and retaining the number of HD channels offered which is excellent news.
A Rainbow spokesperson confirmed that Voom’s domestic operation was being closed, but declined to comment further, or discuss how many employees will lose their jobs. But those staffers reportedly won’t have to leave for 60 days.
Cablevision will replace the 15 Voom networks with other HD channels, with that transition most likely coming in late January.
“We will replace these channels with other quality HD programming and there will be no reduction in the number of high-definition channels available to our iO TV customers,” a Cablevision spokesman said. “We currently offer 68 HD channels without any additional equipment or programming fees, unlike our competitors, and expect our HD lineup to continue to expand in the coming months.” [MultiChannel News]
The Mobile Peer Awards is the annual competition from MobileMonday and will take place at Petit Palau at the Palau de la Musica on February 16, 2009 from 16H till 20H right during the upcoming Mobile World Congress.
For Startups, participation is free of charge and open to any startup willing to pay their way to the event but you must register before the December 31 deadline.
The idea is that each chapter of Mobile Monday, nominates their favourite local startup to go into the final. This year there are no less than a staggering 67 chapters entering. This means that there’s an (online) pre-judging round selecting 20 finalists to present their 3-minute pitch at the event in Barcelona.
To make the finalist selection as transparent and open to the industry as possible, the organizers are accepting applications to the finalist-selecting jury (individuals who will select the finalists among all the chapter nominees by online vote during mid January – and will not need to be in Barcelona). If you’re interested to become part of that jury or know someone who should be part of it, send an email to jury AT mobilepeerawards DOT com with a short bio, your LinkedIn profile, and personal blog and twitter name if you have it. [m-trends]
More often than not I see the iPhone being used with two hands … not too unlike the commercials and demo videos actually. Outside of the iPod function, the iPhone does feel more comfortable to use with both hands. The G1 in my limited use, also seemed like it wanted me to use two hands – one to hold and the other to tap / slide.
When we were at Nokia World a few weeks ago, the product team made it very clear that a substantial design consideration of the upcoming N97 was to make sure it could be used one-handed. Clearly this is when closed vs. opened as you’d want both hands for the slide out QWERTY keyboard. The Nokia 5800 Express Music also seems optimized for single handed use which makes sense given it’s similar size and shape to the N97.
While I’m not sure how critical it is either way, one-handed mobile usage is certainly a great option to have when you are actually moving around. One-handed use almost seems more “power user” to me over the two-handed option…. perhaps like touch typing vs hunt and peck. I find that for the most part I do things with a single hand though as I’ve thought about this and observed my behavior a bit, my other hand does tend to pop up when I am reading for a longer period or on the train. What’s your usage?
Technorati Tags: Nokia, Nseries, N97, 5800, Apple, iPhone, G1, Google
I just discovered Wordmobi which is how I am posting this from my E71 … Thanks to GerryMoth for the tip!
Looking forward to my future qwerty Nseries for a no compromise mobile solution.
Posted by Wordmobi
There are an increasing number of devices blurring the lines between categories these days. Nokia’s new N97 is being positioned as a mobile computer and while we’ll have to wait to see how this new vision will be executed, it has the potential to be more than just marketing given the power and capabilities offered. The N810 is already a computer in my pocket and while it’s not a phone (yet – please!) it fits into the MID / UMPC zone which tends to be inclusive of devices that can grow larger than a pants pocket …
As you get into the larger devices netbooks have become a big factor largely driven by cost which while not the key factor for everyone is a serious detail. The average prices are less than $500 and while you need a bag to carry them around they can run Windows or Linux and familiar applications from the desktop (or larger laptops).
Walt Mossberg offers some good point / counter points in today’s column:
Netbooks still constitute a smaller niche than laptops and the exploding smart phone, or hand-held computer, category. But they are threatening to break into the mainstream in a big way, especially in an economic climate where a low price and fewer bells and whistles are suddenly more attractive.
They are much more portable than most standard laptops. They are easier to use on a plane or carry around town. And they are way cheaper, between $300 and $500, than the very lightest, thinnest standard laptops, which often top $1,000.
Compared with even an amazingly powerful pocket device, like the iPhone, the Google (GOOG) G1, or the forthcoming BlackBerry Storm, a netbook, at about twice the price, offers a much larger keyboard and screen. And they can run far more sophisticated software and perform a much wider variety of computing tasks.
But netbooks come with serious compromises. While they are great for light use on the go, their cramped screens and keyboards, and slow processors, make them much less potent and less comfortable to use than even a so-called ultraportable laptop. And, as small as they are, they can’t fit in a pocket like smart phones can, be as easily used as a still camera, or function as a cellphone.
I’ve been actively considering a netbook since I tend to read so much news about them. My biggest issue is actually usage. I already carry a Lenovo X61 for work which is a 13″ 3.5 pound laptop. The size, power and weight are all excellent and I can’t see adding a second 3 pound machine to my bag when the while reason I scaled down in size was to cut the weight in half. I could see using the netbook as a hobbyist to tinker at home and maybe on short personal trips …
The power and flexibility offered in today’s (and soon to come) pocketable devices is really where it’s going to get interesting. A phone tends to be th emost personal device we carry and something that along with your keys and wallet is always with us. As it becomes more powerful and offers an increasing degree of flexibility to do things I might have previously had to do from a tabletop or lap, our lives will really start to change. Unlike most netbooks, a phone (or at least what we call phones today) is a connected device and with that we get access to – well whatever we need from where ever we want.
Technorati Tags: Nokia, N97, N810, mobile, mobile computer, travel, productivity, netbook, laptop
Thought you might like to see the new N97 in white …
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Technorati Tags: Nokia, N97, Nseries, mobile, nokiaworld2008
Here are some shots captured at the briefing I attended last evening …
Created with Admarket’s flickrSLiDR.
Some rough video I shot last night …
Technorati Tags: nokia, n97, nseries, nokiaworld2008, mobile
(more pictures to come – need more connection speed!)
Today Nokia announced the Nokia N97, the new flagship of the Nseries line. The N97 brings a QWERTY keyboard to Nseries for the first time as well as continuing the touch UI (S60 5th Edition) introduced in the 5800 Express Music. The home screen is all new and what I can only describe as a widget-top, giving you instant access to content that matters to you in your connected life.
There’s a clear emphasis on context which enables you to get both geographically and time sensitive information delivered at a glance. The N97’s homescreen will be customizable to allow both Nokia and 3rd party developers to activate WRT (Web Runtime) widgets without having to launch an application.  Essentially live feeds at a glance. For the connected the social networking enthusiast, this will be a must have device.
The keyboard slides and tilts from the longer side revealing a very comfortable raised typing surface. While I only had a limited time to type around it seemed very easy to get used to and absolutely like something on which I could do ton of messaging. It’s great to see QWERTY FINALLY on an Nseries! Nokia has typically made you choose between E and N series for a device that does what you want most of the time and with the N97 there’s finally a single unit that can handle everything.
The new homescreen is an awesome way to provide direct access to information within an instant. During our briefing with Nokia we learned that they consider the N97 a new category of device and one that is more a mobile computer than the prior generation of multimedia computers. The N97 offers a massive amount of functionality in a very reasonably sized package. The screen is 640×360 and is just gorgeous. Contrast was excellent and colors (all 16 Million of them) seemed quite vibrant! You can customize every part of the homescreen which is remarkably something that we’ve not had previously in S60 devices. You can add, remove or just slide any of the widgets around to make things just how you like them. When you rotate the device between portrait and landscape modes, things nicely re-align.
On first glance the N97 compares to the 5800 in size and seems like it’s older brother … until you slide the keyboard out and realize you’ve got an altogether new breed in hand. While it’s not a small device, the N97 feels great in your hand and can easily be used while walking without needing two hands in most cases. The virtual keyboards (numbers and T9) were clear and the softkeys seemed eas to access for quick data entry. Of course for larger text needs a quick flip and you’ve got a real keyboard at your disposal. Weight (Approx. 150 g) felt semi-comparable to the E71 and in the front pocket of my jeans it was not in any way uncomfortable.
There’s much more to this device than I can possibly do justice in an initial post. When this goes live I’ll be listening to the keynotes and will report back after further Q&A.
Tomorrow will reveal a new device from Nokia and there’s certainly a great deal of speculation from the bloggers here on what we’ll see. I’m really looking forward to getting some hands-on time with our “something new” though I think beyond the hardware I am hoping we will also be able to get a much more clear view into how Nokia’s Services will work.
Nokia announced Ovi at Nokia World last year and has done quite a bit to kick start the brand though many would also argue they’ve yet to do enough. To date, the services have largely existed as individual components rather than an integrated solution and that’s what I’m hoping will really change.
Hardware is a key component to how things work while mobile, but an integrated service solution is what will actually drive both usage and adoption … not too mention selling more hardware.
Assuming we see a high end device (what we are all hoping for here) it will likely be one of many things to come in 2009. Scoble feels we are looking at make or break time for Nokia which is a bold statement and something I totally disagree with. As Michael Gartenberg states, “Nokia’s future hinges on more than just one device.” I believe Nokia has around 50 devices for sale in various markets and offers something from the very low end entry to the ultimate high end. There’s no doubt that the iPhone single SKU (2 with drive size) strategy is simpler, but the iPhone is not the device for everyone or every market. Mindshare (and the growing market share) are something to keep watching … when you are the global market leader, there’s typically only one way to go …
I’ll post as much as possible over the next few days with live updates, tweets and multimedia … stay tuned!
Technorati Tags: nokiaworld2008, nokia, marketing, mobile, apple, Ovi, services