Jul 13
It has been a short while before the launch of the Apple iPhone 4 and already, we are seeing the first signs of Apple’s influence on the World Wide Web. As much as the tech industry respects and would want to live by the words that Adobe gave us: “the internet is not controlled by anyone”, it is hard to admit that Apple is at least, a very influential force.
With their latest handset easily selling over 1.7 million in just three days (and thus, we can only wonder how many have been sold by now), it is hard to say that Apple’s restrictions are not setting a new standard. Despite the fact that there are significantly more people using other smart phones with other operating system, the fact that even big companies are adapting to the new handset is astounding.
Take YouTube for example, now this is a famous web service that is technically owned by Google -a rival for Apple. They originally used Flash content for their site, but since Apple’s iPhone does not support Flash, YouTube has had to adapt HTML5 as the new format for its mobile site.
It may seem like a small victory for Apple, but it is significant. YouTube is a standard, the fact that Apple users once needed to have special apps means that the argument regarding the use of HTML5 as a new standard over Flash was hard to prove. But this goes against exactly that.
While it may seem illogical for Google to prove Apple correct about HTML5, they cannot afford to alienate over 1.7 million users from being able to tune into the largest depository of user generated video content on the internet.
In the meanwhile, both Google and Adobe have reported that they are working on their own development software and support for the HTML5 format.
Jul 12
Cheating during exams is a concept as old as time itself. Almost everyone has done it or has had a friend who has done it when they were younger. Unfortunately for today’s teachers, mobile phone technology is making it a bit more tricky to catch cheating students and prevent it from happening in the first place.
Because smart phones double as a web capable device, it is always easy to go online to search for the correct answer to exam questions. Since there are existing sites which are meant to be review material for specific subjects in school, students have instant access to exam answers as long as there is a live internet connection.
Storing formulas on the mobile phone is also common practice for cheating students. It would be easy to install apps which help speed up computing as well.
Texting friends is also a common means of cheating. For Bluetooth headset users, chewing gum may be used to disguise talking to friends on the phone while taking an exam. Those 5 megapixel cameras can also be used to take pictures of the exam to pass it along to the next batch of students who are set to take the same exam. Some business minded students even manage to sell these photos to others who are too lazy to study before the big test.
Since schools have to adapt to this tech savvy age we are living in, policies such as a ban on mobile phone use during school hours, restricting the use of chewing gum and keeping an eye out for students who brag about their cheating techniques through social networking sites are common. Some schools even install security cameras to minimize cheating during tests and some utilize computer exams.
The only problem with these is that students are usually more tech savvy than their professors, giving them the upper hand when it comes to discreet mobile phone usage.
Jul 12
While it would not be wrong to state that Smart phones allow people to get in touch with others in a deeper way despite being separated by both time and distance, the mobile phone technology is also doing some not-so-epic changes in the way people live their lives as well.
In a recent study by Oxygen Media and Lightspeed Research, they found out that at least 21% of women would actually go online and check Facebook the moment they get up. This activity precedes everything else from eating, washing the face, brushing one’s teeth or simply even getting up from bed.
Obviously, these women are not dragging themselves up to sit down at a desktop computer nor are they flipping open a netbook –these gals are checking their social networking status through the smart phone. A smart phone makes web access fast, easy and very convenient. While it is true that not everyone makes use of a handset (there are some that would use a tablet or an actual netbook), but for the most part, it is the smart phone’s accessibility that makes it all possible.
Size is just one of the many factors that make a smart phone a truly unique device –and one that is perfect for communication. First off, it is easy to carry around. This allows users to understand and learn how to use a smart phone better than a computer. Second, it is almost always on. Provided that a little energy management is put into use, a fully charged battery can get you through the day.
The most important feature of the smart phone is the fact that the device is convenient to use. No need for chairs, tables, power outlets and for those with 3G, no need for WiFi either. Women use their phones to check Facebook because it is the device that will get them online the fastest.
Jul 09
It seems that T-Mobile is busy training their staff to handle the most basic calls, questions and complaints about the upcoming Apple iPhone 4. While other network operators have already outsold their stocks, T-Mobile is still awaiting theirs. And according to this report, it seems that their stocks are about to arrive pretty soon.
The Apple iPhone 4 is much sought after handset. Despite some of the initial complaints regarding the device, there is no doubt that the iPhone 4 is a cult icon –or at the very least, it is continuing the legacy that has been set by the 3G. For a couple of years now, the iPhone has become the symbol and face of the smart phone industry. Despite the fact that RIM and Android devices are actually more spread out, there is no other smart phone in our society that is more recognizable.
T-Mobile’s sales personnel are being trained to answer three top questions about the Apple iPhone 4 as well. The first is how to take out the SIM card 
from the handset (which is actually quite confusing if a user is not instructed). The second is how to properly switch off the device and more importantly, how to turn it on. Lastly, they are being instructed how to deal with customers having issues with the whole iTunes and iPhone connectivity. After all, computer proficiency is something that is really hard to come by these days.
Surprisingly, there are no comments about people complaining about the handset’s infamous antenna issue. For those unfamiliar with the case, it seems that a significant number of iPhone 4 owners have observed that accidentally touching the antenna on the side of the handset will kill off the signal. Unfortunately, anyone who uses their left hand to hold the device and bring it up to their ear is likely to touch this exposed antenna –and accidentally cause the call to be dropped.
Jul 08
Vodafone is proud (for good reason) to announce that all text donation made through the network operator’s special numbers will be given to charities 100% -no texting or transaction charges will be deducted from the amount that is transferred. In what is considered to be one of the most generous and ingenious ways of promoting the spirit of reaching out to others, mobile network operator Vodafone seems to have just hit the sweet spot.
In today’s society, there are plenty of people who are willing to help aid many important charities and causes –if only financially. Time and energy are resources that people are not always willing to share, and often, even the simple act of handing out a check may take plenty of time and effort.
This is what makes text donations so successful and basically what makes any drive successful too. Mobile phones provide convenience: and instant and easy way to help out without having to take an hour away from work or other activities.
The medium is already successful as it is. After all, almost everyone in the UK owns a mobile phone and the process is as simple as texting a single message. The effort and energy needed is minimal, and the only time lost is a little under a couple of minutes at best. The greatest and most rewarding part of the whole act is that people still know they got to help out too.
Now, Vodafone is encouraging more people to start or keep donating through their channels. With a promise that all the proceeds would go to charity, many more people will be inclined to make donations (after all, having several donation transactions would originally rack up on a monthly bill).
Of course, the biggest beneficiaries are the charities, volunteer groups, causes and relief centers that would be receiving the donations.
Jul 07
The fact that smart phones come with GPS features is a pretty well established fact, and the fact that Apps such as Tom Tom’s GPS navigation feature exists for the Apple iPhone means that even the established sat nav service companies recognize the value of the hardware that a typical smart phone offers.
But when companies such as Nokia and Google announce that they will be offering sat nav services for free, it certainly changes the perspective on what technologies people should be investing in.
Just several years ago, GPS was still in its infancy and having a dedicated device in a vehicle was a sign of luxury. Now, it is a near requirement for people who need to get to locations fast without having to spend much time learning new directions (or having to stop and ask for them). GPS is slowly becoming a basic necessity. And just as companies such as TomTom and Garmin have started growing, the advancement of sat nav services also grew for smart phones.
More than just location based services Nokia and Google are able to offer full, voice guided turn by turn navigation with additional features such as live traffic updates, weather conditions and even points of interest.
This however is not going to kill companies such as TomTom and Garmin. But they will have to turn to other markets. Unlike Google, sat nav companies compile their own maps. While community based maps often contain plenty of great local information, their reliability is not one that Google is able to assure –unlike that of a professional GPS service.
Of course, while the average person does not need that much accuracy, professionals do. This means that people who seriously need sat nav –such as delivery personnel, emergency volunteers, law enforcers, fire fighters and the like will still need devices such as TomTom’s onboard GPS units.
Jul 06
What was once a highly anticipated smartphone now enjoys worldwide popularity right after its recent release. It is no surprise as the Samsung Galaxy S i9000 has loads of superior functionality and technological advances within its aesthetically designed casing.
Almost at the speed of thought
The mobile CPU that beats at the very core of the system is a powerful and efficient ARM Cortex A8 1GHz processor. A fast CPU is rendered useless without an equally powerful operating system to run, in this case, the Android v2.1 (Éclair) OS. The combined effect of these two components is felt on the phone’s enhanced user interface, the TouchWiz 3.0.
Having these three fundamental components work synergistically and you have one superior mobile phone capable of handling even the most demanding application or function. Navigating through the user interface’s multiple home screens on the phone’s generous 4-inch display is so fast and intuitive, you’d swear it operates at the speed of thought.
Lightning-fast display
The Samsung Galaxy S i9000 is equipped with a large 4-inch capacitive touchscreen utilising Super AMOLED technology which makes images and videos so vividly real and viewable even under bright sunlight. The screen delivers 480 x 800 pixels of screen resolution with the capability of displaying a stunning 16 million colours.
The Samsung Galaxy S has an accelerometer which automatically adjusts the UI according to the phone’s orientation and a proximity sensor which shuts down the device when the user is away. The i9000 has touch-sensitive controls as well which quickly responds to multi-touch input method.
Rapid connectivity
The CPU, OS and UI on the Samsung Galaxy S are not the only fast performers on the device. Class 12 versions of GPRS and EDGE provide the phone with its primary channels of cellular network connectivity. With its fast 3G coverage, HSDPA connectivity provides internet access with speeds of up to 7.2 mbps as well as HSUPA connection running at 5.76 mbps.
Jul 06
While Nokia is still sorting out what to do with the whole Symbian-MeeGo thing on the N-series, the development of the Nokia N9 smart phone continues. And from what we have seen in the initial leaks and videos, no matter what name Nokia decides to give to the N9, it will be one smart phone to look forward to.
The biggest thing about the Nokia N9 that we are certainly excited about is that focus on HD video. The device supports not only an HDMI output port, but it can even hook up to a component cable (which is not as nice as HD, but a welcome feature for anyone who has yet to upgrade their living room telly). Of course, the onboard 8 mega pixel camera is able to take high quality images and more importantly, video is 720p HD quality too. No details yet on how big the internal memory will be for this smart phone, but regardless of the memory space, users would certainly want to use the more versatile microSD cards instead.
The screen is reported to be a 4 inch capacitive touch screen display using nHD 640 x 360 pixels (not quite the 800 x 480 pixel screens on other handsets, but the nHD is a nice touch). For those wondering what nHD means, it refers to the fact that the aspect ratio is exactly proportionate to that of a 1080p display –in this case, one third.
As with most N-series devices, the N900 sports a nice, flat, slide out QWERTY keyboard. The buttons seem even better spaced than before and this would certainly improve the typing experience for many users.
The big clincher in the latest update is that the N9 might just be a MeeGo handset after all. Despite the initial videos showing the device running the Symbian^3 OS, it is possible that Nokia might decide to turn the phone into the very first MeeGo smart phone.
Jul 05
While Orange, Three and T-Mobile UK subscribers with HTC Hero units are still recoiling from the ‘Droid update delay, Nexus One owners have something to feel good about. Google has given word that the Android 2.2 update is scheduled to go live this week. All mobile phone users with a Nexus One should get an update message on the mobile phone’s notification bar located at the top of the display.
Nicknamed “Froyo”, Android 2.2 allows Nexus One users to save apps to an SD card as well as perform app updates simultaneously.
With a bit of luck, everyone with a Nexus One will have their hands on the update before Monday. Well, unless they have rooted to unofficially install version 2.2 in advance.
No word has been given regarding any required data transfers or standard procedures to prepare the unit for an upgrade. But just to be sure, it would be a good idea to back up your important files. Also, if you do not currently have an abundant data plan, it may be a good idea to download the patch over Wi-Fi.
HTC seems to be lagging in terms of Google upgrades. First, it was the HTC Hero getting the short end of the stick from its mobile network operators. Now, reports say that HTC Sense owners will have to deal with a slight delay in getting their 2.2 update. This is HTC’s official statement on the matter:
“We are working hard with our partners to update the HTC Sense experience on Froyo and distribute it to our customers as fast as possible. We expect to release updates for several of our 2010 models including Desire, Legend and Wildfire beginning in Q3.”
Looks like ‘Droid owners will just have to wait a while longer for their updates. At least there are plenty of fresh Android apps to keep them busy for the time being.
Jul 02
Thanks to the iPhone, the world of mobile phones will never be the same again. Today, the Apple iPhone 3GS is regarded by many as the best Smartphone in the industry in more ways than one. However, slowly creeping its way to the top is a relatively unknown brand hailing all the way from Taiwan. HTC has definitely made its mark in the business and what they have in the HTC Desire is a potential contender as the real iPhone killer.
Appearance
Let us give credit where credit is due. The iPhone can be held responsible for standardizing the candy bar form factor that we see in most Smartphones of today. Therefore, had it not been for the iPhone, the HTC Desire probably wouldn’t look the way it does now. However, it is also true that the Desire offers a different, more casual kind of vibe that may catch the eye of those who have grown tired of the iPhone’s all too familiar appeal. Certainly it looks seriously stylish, especially considering the HTC Desire deals that can put one in your pocket at a bargain price.
Features
In terms of features though, it can be said that the HTC Desire is able to outclass the iPhone 3GS. The Desire’s touch screen display, built-in camera, data connectivity speeds, and processor are all able to outshine those of the iPhone. Plus, the following of the Android operating system (version 2.1 or Eclair is what’s on the Desire) has become so big that a lot of consumers and critics alike have been claiming its superiority over the iPhone’s proprietary OS.
But then again, let’s not forget that the Desire was launched a good nine months after the 3GS which was released way back in June of 2009.
Overall
All in all, we’d have to say that the HTC Desire is a more impressive device than the iPhone 3GS. Once you go beyond all the pomp and pageantry that surrounds the iPhone, you’re going to realize that the Desire is simply a notch above the 3GS. With regard to the newly released iPhone 4G though, we choose to remain tight-lipped on that matter for the time being.
