Category: Mobile (Page 44 of 65)

      FTC Commends Schmidt For Stepping Down

      August 3, 2009 /

      The FTC HQ.We reported earlier today that Eric Schmidt officially stepped down from his position on Apple’s Board. Now the FTC, which has been investigating Google and Apple for competition issues, has issued a statement commending Schmidt for his decision.

      Bureau of Competition Director Richard Feinstein had this to say: “We have been investigating the Google/Apple interlocking directorates issue for some time and commend them for recognizing that sharing directors raises competitive issues, as Google and Apple increasingly compete with each other. We will continue to investigate remaining interlocking directorates between the companies.”

      Sounds like the FTC got their wish when Schmidt stepped down. My guess is we won’t hear much more from them on this.

      The FCC is another matter entirely. They’re the folks investigating the Google Voice snafu, which promises some sort of fireworks. Apple’s got itself in a fairly sloppy situation by blocking GV Mobile, which provides access to services people would find useful on the phone. Keep your eyes peeled on this one.

      Apple, Mobile, News

      The FCC Shows Concern Over Google Voice Debacle

      August 1, 2009 /

      GV Mobile app.The FCC is looking for additional information regarding Apple’s recent rejection of Google’s newest iPhone app, Google Voice. Everyone knows the FCC has been doing some digging with regard to wireless open access and carrier exclusivity. The information they seek from Google, Apple, and AT&T is meant to be a part of that discussion.

      A whole load of people are pretty pissed about Apple’s block against Google’s service, which could potentially allow people to use their iPhone as a dummy handset for voice calls. Personally, I’d love to get the voicemail transcription service. There are a host of services that people are after too, making the FCC decision to at least look into things intriguing.

      We’ll probably be waiting a while to see the outcome of this one. The FCC has been looking at wireless exclusivity for a bit now with nearly no word to the general public. The FCC’s specific request for information on the GV Mobile app should tell us why the app was removed and whether it was Apple acting alone or in accord with AT&T.

      Source: Reuters

      Apple, Apps, iPhone, Mobile

      Palm’s Pre Can’t Plug Sprint’s Leak

      July 29, 2009 /

      Sprint's having a rainy...year.Sprint’s just posted their second quarter numbers and it doesn’t look great. The company may be doing better than a year ago today, but they’re still losing customers at what plenty would could a steady flow. Some might venture to say heavy, but I’d spend so little time around that type of individual I’d hopefully miss it.

      How bout some numbers then? Dan Heese and company lost $384 million along with 257,000 subscribers. Those are some big numbers to be throwing around, especially since next month won’t likely get much better. That’s when we’ll see the full impact of the Virgin Mobile acquisition and the loss of Pre exclusivity, which may well be the only thing presently keeping Sprint afloat.

      If you’re one of those “half-full” types, you’ll no doubt remember that just six months ago, Sprint lost a cool $1 billion along with a million customers. I’d be interested to hear you have to say next month. “At least they’re not Vonage?”

      Mobile, News

      Quite possibly the greatest looking Bluetooth Headset ever!

      July 27, 2009 /

      Orb HeadsetThe creative minds at Hybra Advanced Technology and AbsolutelyNew must be applauded. They have come up with what I consider the most beautiful looking Bluetooth headset of all time. The Orb is a ring and a headset. Yes, a ring and a headset.

      So, when in ring “form” it can display things like caller id, calendar items, and voice-to-text info. When it headset “form” it small and shiny and subtle. Let’s just hope it works as well as it looks. Here’s what OhGizmo! had to say about it:

      The Orb is an actual Bluetooth headset that transforms into a ring and vice-versa. Wear it like a ring and its Flexible OLED (in the Deluxe edition) will display caller info, calendar items and voice-to-text info. Feel like answering? Twist it off and hang it on your ear. Sound is transmitted through bone conduction, so there’s no need to even insert it in your ear. It’s really just brilliant.

      The best part is that it’s supposed to be available for purchase in early 2010 for $129 for the regular edition, $175 for Deluxe and going up from there depending on what gemstones people might choose to have embedded into it. It is after all, also a ring.

      So I’ve never worn a headset because… well… nothing against any of you that wear them but… they look dorky. I mean c’mon, you and I know there is nothing sexy or cool about them. Well, the Orb might be changing that and changing my mind about headsets.

      Audio, Mobile

      Pre Homebrew Gets A GUI

      July 27, 2009 /

      The new homebrew installation methods.While Apple and Palm battle back and forth for iTunes connectivity with the Palm Pre, the homebrew community is finding easier ways to put their apps onto Palm’s new phone. They’ve released two new methods that make adding applications as easy as a drag and drop.

      WebOS Quick Install is a java-based desktop app that works for Mac, Windows, and Linux, and allows dragging and dropping for application installation. Just download the 1.1 SDK update, drop your phone into developer mode and drag and drop. Hit the “install” button and you’re all set.

      The other installation method is actually on-device, allowing you to download and install ipk files straight from the phone. The on-device system is called fileCoaster, and it works by using the text strings associated with apps in the Precentral forums. Browse to an app, copy the associated string, and paste into fileCoaster. The app then downloads and installs automatically.

      Looks like developers are making excellent use of the Pre’s new OS. I just wish Palm would wake the hell up and let these brilliant folks make some money. Sure, turning your phone into the device you want it to be is cool, but these guys should be making a little coin for their efforts.

      Source: Precentral

      Apps, Mobile, News

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