Google Maps Unleashes My Location Beta, So Get Lost
November 29, 2007
Can we just say, it’s about time. Not that it’s Google’s fault, but let me tell you, carrier restrictions on handset manufacturers just sucks. We haven’t been able to get it to work on our Palm OS Treos yet, but apparently some Windows Mobiles users have found the “blue dot” of success. All we can say is, we don’t see no stinking dots, but so it goes with Beta software. Read more
The Gphones Are Coming, Kind Of.
November 5, 2007
Today Google, along with a number of the major players in the OHA (Open Handset Alliance), announced the existence of Android. From Google’s very own blog:
“Android is the first truly open and comprehensive platform for mobile devices. It includes an operating system, user-interface and applications — all of the software to run a mobile phone, but without the proprietary obstacles that have hindered mobile innovation.”
New phones should start arriving 2nd half of 2008. Looks to be an interesting ride, especially for Microsoft, Palm, and Symbian.
-wS.
Google To Announce Mobile Plans In Two Weeks?
November 1, 2007
What’s this? Google is planning to enter the mobile space? Seriously, if that is news to you, I don’t know where you’ve been hiding for the last couple of years. What IS new is that the Wall Street Journal is reporting that in just 2 short weeks the Mountain View search giant will be officially announcing several different plans to enter into the already crowded mobile arena.
This should prove to be interesting. Especially since US carriers tend to be a little controlling with what goes on their networks and even more so about what ships on the phones. Google-centric devices will undoubtedly be information-driven and somehow be linked to their advertising empire, and with the mobile ad space heating up, carriers will surely frown on losing any revenue that their current in-place models are generating. Of course, Google does have some pretty deep pockets and a deal could surely be struck that shares additional ad revenues.
‘Til then, we’ll just have to sit tight for two more weeks.
-wS.
[via RCR Wireless News - PC - Mobile]
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
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)
Google Docs Goes Mobile
October 22, 2007
Keeping with their current mantra of taking over the information world, Google has release the mobile version of their free Docs service. This should prove to be helpful and convenient to mobile users, but we have yet to see if you can actually modify any of your currently uploaded files. Our signs point to no, but the service is still in Beta. Maybe in a future update you will be able to actually work with your documents on your mobile from their remote server. In the meantime, you can view your documents in all of their mobile glory.
