Is Google Becoming The Wal-Mart Of The Internet?
October 29, 2007
Nary a day goes by that you don’t hear the name of the Internet Search Giant’s name mentioned. Their stock is trading at over $670 a share. They buy companies like it’s going out of style. They continually release new services and refresh current offerings - sending competitors rushing back to the drawing boards.
So where does it stop? Or should it? Google has obviously added numerous free features to make using the internet easier and keeping your life organized, but in the end, is anything truly free? Their advertising network is far-reaching and a money-making machine, but it leaves me to wonder, will there come a day when Google will decide to start charging for their services? Undoubtedly, large numbers of people now rely on Google’s free service offerings to better manage their lives (myself included,) just what would a sudden increase in price do to their user base?
I’m sure that some people would switch, some would just discontinue using altogether, and others would just pay the fee and move on. For some, the cost of switching would far outweigh any fees that Google may decide upon.
But how much power will Google end up with? With the sheer number of searches and information that goes through Google’s servers, what kind of power does that information equate to? Remember the Justice Department subpoenas [PC - Mobile] not so long ago? Google declined them information but this raises the question:
“The real issue here is, is Google being deputized to spy on us? In this case, you could maybe argue that the spying is not that bad, because very little of it is personally identifiable, but what will the next case be?” said Richard M. Smith, a Boston-based software engineer who has written about the Internet age.” [Link - PC - Mobile]
How much power is too much power? Too much information? Just food for thought.
-wS
Sprint Plays Favorites, Goes Head To Head With T-Mobile, Alltel
October 28, 2007
It’s called Sprint Pick 3 and if you have Sprint for your mobile service, listen up. In an as-of-yet unannounced promotion, Sprint customers with plans totaling over $40 per month now have the option to pick 3 numbers as their ‘favorites’. Customers with plans under $40 have the option to add this feature for $5 per month extra.
So what exactly does this do for you? This means unlimited calling to and from 3 numbers. Assuming that most people have plans that are over $40 a month, this works out to be a pretty decent deal as T-Mobile charges an additional $10/month and Alltel will set you back a $20 premium.
While the plans are not identical, differing in large part by the 2 additional favorites offered by Sprint’s competitors, the pricing is clearly the angle here. Apparently the no. 3 wireless carrier is trying to pull out all of the stops to reduce customer churn and appeal to potential wireless customers. Now all they need to do is advertise it…
-wS
[via TreoCentral.com - PC - Mobile]
No New Palm OS For 18 Months? Can Palm Last That Long?
October 28, 2007
Treo users that prefer the PalmOS know that there have been little changes to the operating system in years. Incremental changes between models have carried the company since the Treo 600 was released, with increases in memory and EVDO speeds, but many wonder how long Palm expects the loyalists to hang on.
With the conclusion of the investment from Elevation Partners, Jon Rubinstein officially took the reins as Executive Chairman and Head of Product Development. Those familiar with Rubinstein know that he had a large hand in development of the iPod (and that turned out alright), however, it is a long road ahead that awaits him at Palm.
In commenting about the priorities at Palm, the new operating system is obviously at the forefront. He goes on to note that new products are not to be expected for 18 months…
18 months?
What has Palm been doing? Realizing that the Foleo obviously took resources away from the smartphone team, how long does it really take to continually put the same (or nearly identical) phone out not once, but 3 (arguably 4) times?
Come on Palm. The newest Palm OS device better not disappoint. You have an awful lot riding on this.
[via TreoCentral.com (PC - Mobile) - thanks Surur]
Google Announces IMAP For Gmail - Still Free
October 28, 2007
Those who check in to see what’s new with Gmail probably already know this, but for the rest of us, this is good stuff to know. If you’re not familiar with IMAP yet, take a quick read. (PC- Mobile)
Palm OS users need not apply if you’re using VersaMail, as it is not supported yet. There are, however, other Palm OS-compatible email software titles that will most likely offer the ability to take advantage of this latest offering.
A complete list of currently supported IMAP Clients has been posted here. (PC - Mobile) The price for their email service remains the same, which is free (for those 2 people who may not know already.)
[via Official Google Blog] (PC - Mobile)
Facebook Teams With RIM, Sells Share To Microsoft
October 27, 2007
The wildly popular social networking site Facebook [PC - Mobile] has had quite the busy week it seems. Announcing a 1.6 percent sale to Microsoft for $240 Million (easy to do when you post $4.3 Billion Dollars in quarterly profits) that allows Microsoft exclusive rights to sell ads on Facebook. Sounds like a deal to us.
Apparently RIM also gets some Facebook love this week (as IT departments across the nation cheer, we’re sure.) An application was released to allow Blackberry users to get in on the fun by using a optimised version for them. Messages and other events are pushed automatically to the phone (go figure).
Read [PC Link]
5 Reasons The iPhone Is Like Sex
October 27, 2007
Ok, ok. We know that we are probably the biggest geeks for even posting this, but here it is. Our 5 best reasons why the iPhone is like sex (we actually discussed this ad nauseum believe it or not) Read more
SprintNextel To Unlock Customers’ Phones
October 27, 2007
In a move that will make many a CDMA customer very happy, the nation’s third largest carrier will now provide the unlock codes to departing customers. (AP - Mobile, PC Link)
Some would say that this is LONG overdue. After fulfilling your contractual obligations, or even just paying the early temination fee, the phone is yours - and not everyone carries the “free” phones that carriers offer. Why shouldn’t you be able to use your current phone? Especially in the SprintNextel/Verizon/Alltel arena. Often the same phone is sold through each carrier, but under the current set of “rules,” you would have to repurchase the very same phone again on the new carrier.
The current situation of US Wireless carriers has been frequently compared to the Ma Bell restrictions of yester-year. Remember when the big telecom forced you to use only their phones on landline telephone service? Seems pretty crazy by today’s standards, doesn’t it?
-wS
Review: Jensen Universal Bluetooth Stereo Receiver
October 26, 2007
In our quest for losing any and all possible wires, we stumbled upon this cool little gadget, a way to transmit my music wirelessly from my Treo 755p. The search revealed several options to choose from. I, of course, opted for the cheapest I could find - the Jensen Universal Bluetooth Stereo Receiver ($9.97 from Amazon.com.) Those who have a 755p know that A2DP does not come standard. (Bad Palm, bad. But that’s another topic for another day.) But with the help of the Softick Audio Gateway, voila, streaming Bluetooth.
The Receiver did not come with the highest reviews, but I figured for less than $20 with shipping, I’d bite. It turns out it was better than I expected. Much better.
Out of the box you get everything that you would need to get up and running - audio cables, mini-manual, and power adapter. And of course, the Bluetooth Receiver.
Setup was straightforward. After a couple of attempts, I was able to pair the receiver and the phone. The manual, though short, does give you the basic steps (in case it is your first time, you may also want to consult your phone/media player’s manual, too)
Range turned out to be above average as well. I was able to get a good 20 feet before I was clearly out of range. The problem is, once you are out of range, it seems that you need to unplug the receiver before you can re-pair. Not so bueno.
I do have to say, being able to stream the music from the Treo and control the playlist from almost anywhere in the house (I don’t have the biggest house) was uber cool. Definitely file this one under the Impress Your Friends file. However, the fact that if you wander out of range you have to go back and unplug the receiver, repair, and start all over, does reek of party foul.
Even with the noticable drawbacks, I don’t think that this device deserves the reviews that it has received. Though not a 5 star solution, we challenge you to find a better bang for your buck.
Microsoft Posts Decent Quarter Earnings…
October 26, 2007
Engadget.com reports on Microsoft’s last quarter financial postings…$4.3 Billion in profits. Yeah that’s Billion with a big fat “B” and profits, as in, after expenses. Revenues were $13.7 Billion.
So, umm, yeah. We don’t have much else to say ’bout that.
Winksite Allows Users To Create Mobile Sites, Network
October 26, 2007
If you’re a newbie at the mobile web, coding your own website, or just plain lazy (I’m pretty sure we fall into all three), fret not, there is a solution for you. Meet Winksite.com, (PC Link here) the place where anyone with basic PC and internet skills can set up their very own mobile site.
Setting up the service is pretty straight forward (just for kicks, we went ahead and set one up.) I have to say, it is actually a pretty robust service (considering it is free). Customize your site with a chat room, forums, RSS feeds - you can even host Google AdSense ads if you have an account.
We did notice that the site we made did not come up correctly when viewing with a Treo 755p. We didn’t have any other smartphones to test it on, so if you’ve got one laying around, make sure to let us know how it worked for you.
The service is dubbed as a Social Networking site, though I’m not sure how much networking is actually going on. In poking through some of the existing users’ sites, it seems that most have under 10 friends (of course, I really don’t have room to talk as ‘Tom’ is still my only friend on MySpace.) However, it does appear that the service is picking up steam as many celebrities have their own “official” mobile site through WinkSite.
All in all, if you are looking to set up your own start page (or have ideas of grandeur on the third screen), this service is definitely worth looking into. You would be hard-pressed to find another service that gives you this many features for your money.
Added to the Social Networking directory.
