4 key takeaways from Samsung's Galaxy S4

4 key takeaways from Samsung's Galaxy S4

So many new features on new high-end phones. What will we see with Apple's new iPhone later this year? And it's about time for a new Google Nexus and/or a Motorola blockbuster.
Meanwhile, I'm happy with my Motorola Droid Razr HD. (why such a long name, guys?)

Verizon to kill unlimited data plans for existing subscribers | Mobile - CNET News

All good things must come to an end. There is no free lunch... at least not forever, anyway. Verizon also announced 4G LTE availability in my service area today so it's time to upgrade my phone to $(not a typo!)G soon.

"Verizon issued this statement on Thursday morning (5/17/12):
As we have stated publicly, Verizon Wireless has been re-evaluating its data pricing structure for some time. Customers have told us that they want to share data, similar to how they share minutes today. We are working on plans to provide customers with that option later this year.
We will share specific details of the plans and any related policy changes well in advance of their introduction, so customers will have time to evaluate their choices and make the best decisions for their wireless service. It is our goal and commitment to continue to provide customers with the same high value service they have come to expect from Verizon Wireless."

Google's New Year resolution must be Android's virtualization | ZDNet

Google should fix this problem right away. While Android is an 'open' platform, to deny end users updates for their phones because of a lack of coordination between Google, phone manufacturers and carriers is a problem that should have been solved by now. This creates unnecessary ill will, finger-pointing and customer frustration

"...If this Android fragmentation and update problem is left unchecked, it could ultimately result in customers defecting from the platform and pursuing other options, such as as the iPhone as well as even Microsoft’s Windows Phone 7 offering, both of which do not have these types of problems.
Why don’t they have these problems? The answer is simple. In the case of both iOS and Windows Phone 7, both Apple and Microsoft have full control over their platforms..."

ARM CTO Predicts Chips the Size of Blood Cells | PCWorld

Technology gallops on, nano-technolgy and rapid advances in manufacturing processes yielding incredible miniaturization and capabilities. Now if we could only find a way to charge all those batteries effectively without wires...

"In less than a decade, that smartphone you're holding could have 32 times the memory, 20 times the bandwidth and a microprocessor core no bigger than a red blood cell, the CTO of chip design company ARM said on Thursday...."

'via Blog this'

Galaxy Nexus vs. iPhone 4S vs. Droid RAZR: Smartphone Battle Royale | PCWorld

One of many comparisons that are sure to come of the newest smartphones from Samsung (Android Ice Cream Sandwich, 4G), Motorola (Android Gingerbread, 4G) and Apple (iOS5, 3G).


VZ/Moto recently upgraded my Droid2 to Android Gingerbread. While there are many nice new features, I and many other D2 users have various glitches and performance shortcomings. 

"Google’s Galaxy Nexus is the latest addition to this year’s hot smartphone line-up, alongside the iPhone 4S and the Droid RAZR. Unveiled last night, the Galaxy Nexus, manufactured by Samsung, embodies Google’s idea of the perfect smartphone, together with the brand-new Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich mobile OS."

Here's a story with a comparison chart of several new smartphones.

'via Blog this'

A very powerful new 4G phone from Samsung and Google. Will watch closely and decide whether to upgrade my DROID 2 on Verizon...when 4G is available in my area.


More here on Google's Mobile Blog

Dear Android: This is your last chance | Molly Rants - CNET News

Android may be wildly popular based on the number of phone manufacturers using Google's Android software. Wood's rant is pretty serious and I can attest to a problem after my phone was upgraded from Froyo to Gingerbread in September.

My Verizon 3G signal varies from lousy to non-existent where I live so I had relied on WiFi via my wireless router for data and web use of my phone. Yet after the upgrade, I cannot connect to the Internet through it. Admittedly, it's a 7 year old router, but it does solid duty. My wife's iPhone 4 connects OK and Apple laptops also connect wirelessly OK. I think the new Android software doesn't like the unit's encryption.

My phone will connect with my Verizon MiFi (encrypted) and with other wireless networks, both encrypted and open. So the remedy should be for me to replace (I have all the firmware upgrades) my wireless router? Phooey. This is Google's or Motorola's problem to fix.

This post-upgrade WiFi problem has been reported by several folks on the Motorola Users Forum sometimes with suggested fixes that work for some but not for others. This is my one gripe with the Gingerbread upgrade. And I have spent several hours messing with it, to no avail. Otherwise, the new Gingerbread features look and feel are OK.

Nevertheless, the fragmentation issue that Wood highlights is real and I think only Google can fix it. They better get on the stick and do it PDQ. I wonder if my DROID2 will see an Ice Cream Sandwich upgrade someday? Or is it time to upgrade my phone to a Samsung 4G Prime, or whatever it's new name on Verizon or an iPhone 5, assuming it'll be 4G when it arrives.

"Fragmentation (still)
...I've written about this problem before, and it's still a problem. Sure, it's a problem Google has pledged to address, by forming the Android Update Alliance back in May. Google announced it would work with manufacturers and carriers to deliver timelier updates on a standardized schedule, and to keep updating every device for at least 18 months after its creation. That seemed like good news, and a pretty straightforward acknowledgement that fragmentation was a serious problem, and one that was driving consumers batty.
As of August, progress was spotty, and abysmal at T-Mobile and Verizon, where AndroidAndMe found that only a fraction of phones with those carriers were running the latest version of Android..."

'via Blog this'

New Samsung Phone with Android Ice Cream Sandwich

I like this ad. I hope the phone is as good when it arrives on Verizon.

Google to Buy Motorola Mobility for $12.5 Billion - WSJ.com

Wow, few pundits and analysts didn't see this one coming! Now Apple has a fierce competitor in Google for both hardware and its Android operating system. Seems like a very strategic move to me. Meanwhile, Microsoft is stuck trying to pull Nokia out of the mud.

"The deal, which comes just eight months after the split of Motorola Inc., would give Google control of Motorola Mobility's attractive patent portfolio after the Internet giant recently missed out on a bid for Nortel Networks Corp.'s portfolio. Google, which owns the fast-growing Android operating system used in millions of mobile phones, has a thin portfolio of wireless and telecommunications patents."

What to Expect from Verizon's LTE Roll-out

I have thought all along that Verizon's LTE roll-out would see the marriage of Verizon and Apple around the iPhone and likely the iPad (version 2 due in 1Q2011). Verizon has and will embrace the best device technology that comes along because it means revenue for both the device maker and Verizon. How much for each becomes merely a matter of negotiation and deal-making.

"But the big question for Verizon's LTE network isn't whether it will support smartphones in the first half of 2011 but whether it will finally land an LTE-capable version of Apple's popular iPhone. Although rumors of a Verizon iPhone have swirled for years now, Hays thinks that Verizon's LTE launch would be the perfect setting for Apple to debut a new iPhone model.

'It's quite likely that Apple will seek to take advantage of Verizon's 4G network,' he says. 'Having an LTE-enabled iPhone and adopting new technology early would fit squarely with Apple's overall strategy.'"

My New Smartphone

I took the smartphone plunge. My old Motorola phone had a cracked glass face so I decided to upgrade to a new DROID2 from Verizon about a week ago.
This thing is a very powerful device but I'm just beginning to learn how to use it. I chose Android because I want to remain with Verizon Wireless and because I'm an inveterate Google user. The ability to manage Gmail and Calendar using the new and improved slider keyboard is so convenient. I have set it up to use Google Voice for calling and voice mail.
Android 2.2 (upgraded to 2.2.2 on Friday) is a powerful operating system and I particularly like the voice actuated search and calling tools in this Android release. Future software upgrades can only include improved capabilities.


I debated waiting for Verizon's 4G LTE roll-out and the powerful phones that will surely follow, but that's likely two+ years away in Vermont so I decided on the DROID2.


Since I have a MiFi hotspot device that has a few more months to run on its two-year contract, I'll hold off on activating the WiFi hotspot feature on the DROID2.

A review of T-Mobile's HSPA system - WSJ.com

A review of T-Mobile's HSPA system - WSJ.com

A nice summary by Walt Mossberg of the carriers' plans for 3G+ and 4G network rollouts and some side-by-side testing of T-Mobile's 3G+ network in the Washington DC area.

Looking forward to the broad deployment of these 4G networks, probably by 2012 in the Burlington area where I live, but suspect I'll have a 3G smartphone well before then.

Pew: Mobile Web Use Now The Norm

Pew: Mobile Web Use Now The Norm

I suppose it's nearing the time when I should join those who access the Internet via cell phone to increase the lowly % from my age cohort described in one of the charts accompanying this story. Besides, my 'old' non-smartphone has a crack in the glass face, but is perfectly functional. No, I didn't do it on purpose...it's a long story.

I have been using my laptop to connect via 3G for a few years, but have been agonizing over when and what kind of smartphone to purchase. My choice definitely needs to have WiFi hotspot capability even though the two-year contract on my Verizon MiFi runs until next April.

Could I upgrade that device to a smartphone with WiFi hotspot capability?

Should I wait for Verizon's LTE 4G to arrive in my area and buy a 4G smartphone or jump in now and upgrade in a couple of years? Or will iPhone really come to Verizon in 3Gg...or will Apple wait for 4G deployment before joining VZ?

Or is the Verizon Droid X what I need now to satisfy my technolust? I really like what I'm reading about Android.

All savvy advice welcomed!!

YouTube - Peek at the Future: Verizon Wireless Boston 4G LTE Trial

All we need now is the price for Verizon's 4G LTE and when it'll be in Vermont!

The future of AT&T: Of atrophying flesh and phones | The Economist

The future of AT&T: Of atrophying flesh and phones | The Economist:

Verizon will not fare much better. They will be earlier in the game than ATT with a 4G network, but the inertia of 3G will restrain customers from the new network unless they can deliver blockbuster devices and comparable prices to 3G. Maybe they'll have a fire sale on 3G to encourage deployment of all sorts of monitoring/measuring devices. As I understand it, initially new 4G phones will use 3G for voice and 4G for data.

"Hence the persistent speculation that AT&T’s boss, Randall Stephenson, may launch a bid for DirecTV, an American satellite broadcaster, to give his firm yet another means of entry to people’s homes. AT&T may also be tempted to buy a bigger foothold in fast-growing emerging markets. This week it denied rumours that it was in talks to buy a minority stake in India’s Reliance Communications. Finding the right partners abroad will be devilishly hard. But given the flesh-eaters stalking the American market, Mr Stephenson must be making plenty of calls."

Why Nobody Uses Their Phone as a Phone, Anymore - Business - The Atlantic

Why Nobody Uses Their Phone as a Phone, Anymore - Business - The Atlantic

We still communicate, but using so many different means than voice. It's no surprise that data usage has exceeded voice usage on cell networks. The coming 4G networks will accelerate this trend because they are up to 10 times faster than today's 3G networks. We live in wondrous times!

The BIG question is, how will 4G networks be priced? Today's texting is a very profitable market for wireless carriers.

Digital Domain - AT&T Takes the Fall for the iPhone’s Glitches - NYTimes.com

Digital Domain - AT&T Takes the Fall for the iPhone’s Glitches - NYTimes.com

So, this story says that AT&T has a wireless network superior to Verizon's and the sullied reputation of AT&T's network is caused by poor design of the iPhone? Who to believe? I don't have an iPhone and so have no personal experience with either that phone or AT&T's network.

For me, ubiquitous coverage and reliability are most important. Since 2006 I have had Verizon's 3G BroadbandAccess service for laptop use on the road. On a U.S. cross-country RV trip in 2006, I found VZ's service to be broadly available and it has served me well since. I recently upgraded to the MiFi 'modem in your pocket' personal WiFi hotspot, and that's a very nice device that allows both Carol and I (and three others) to be connected simultaneously.

The marketing wars will continue, but now that Google's announcement of an Android phone in 2010 unconnected to a wireless provider is a big deal. Yesterday's initial reports did not state whether it would be available both for GSM networks (AT&T) and EVDO-RevA (Verizon). My guess is they will have a phone for both wireless technologies, although early reports said that Google employees recently had a GSM model to play with.

FairPoint and Burlington Telecom Threatened by Wireless Services

(Published in the Colchester, VT Sun Dec. 10, 2009)

Wireless Telecom Threatens FairPoint and BT

Two of Vermont's telecommunications providers are mired in painful difficulties. This pain is inflicted by technology, competition, failed expectations, and dubious public policy filtered through the deepest recession in a generation. The outlook is grim. FairPoint Communications, the state's largest provider, has filed for bankruptcy. Burlington Telecom, the municipal enterprise providing services for Burlington customers is over budget, not fully constructed and short on cash.

Both companies are beset with financial problems driven by excessive costs and insufficient revenue to support their operations.

While the Great Recession is certainly aggravating the companies' woes, deeper reasons have led to this state of affairs. Their unrealistic optimism has hit the wall of competition while costs have exceeded earlier rosy estimates.

FairPoint's pain is caused by too much debt and declining revenues because the number of lines is shrinking more than 10% annually. Customers give up landlines in favor of cell phones, switch to a cable company's telephone service, or make phone calls via the Internet. An unsuccessful conversion from Verizon's operations systems caused widespread customer dissatisfaction and substantial extra costs to fix them and to satisfy angry customers. In addition, Burlington Telecom siphoned off revenue from FairPoint as a few thousand customers switched to BT.

Burlington Telecom suffers from costs exceeding estimates, excessive debt and insufficient revenue. Add to this the taxpayer furor caused by city officials acting in apparent direct conflict with Vermont's regulatory rules governing their franchise.

Burlington's dilemma is deeper yet because it is based on the flawed theory that a municipal telecom system would thrive. That notion was crafted by Burlington ideologues who mistakenly believed that a city-owned business was viable in a highly competitive marketplace in an industry where changing technology regularly upsets business plans.

The harsh reality facing both FairPoint and Burlington Telecom is the rapid growth in wireless services. Many types of valuable services are migrating to mobile wireless technology and when Verizon and AT&T install robust fourth generation (4G) wireless technology in the next 2-4 years, wireline companies will shed yet more revenue.

Finding viable remedies will be tough as customers spend increasing time and money on wireless services.

FairPoint must restructure debt in bankruptcy to dramatically reduce the costs of servicing it. Employee concessions will also be required to reduce operations costs. Deteriorating morale and employee defections may impact customer service. Selling or partnering with a financially stronger company may be in FairPoint's and Vermont's best interests.

Burlington Telecom must convince regulators to accommodate its apparent violation of franchise conditions and remedy them. Simultaneously, Burlington must deal with the problem of financing excessive capital and operating costs and persuade Burlington residents to part with yet more revenue. To have a chance at success, Burlington taxpayers and the Public Service Board must demand a viable business plan, one that accounts for the robust wireless services on the horizon.

Meanwhile, the Vermont Telecommunications Authority is charged with creating statewide cell phone and broadband coverage by 2010. They will rely on FairPoint and other telecommunications and cable companies to dramatically expand wireline broadband access.

The smart electrical grid and it's fiber optics component may help provide a more extensive Vermont broadband backbone. Yet, the lion's share of remaining 'last mile' broadband needs may be provided mainly by Verizon Wireless and AT&T using 3G & new 4G technologies.

Widespread deployment and rapid customer uptake of new wireless technologies and services threaten the future revenues of both FairPoint and BT.

Verizon CEO slams Net neutrality | Signal Strength - CNET News

Verizon CEO slams Net neutrality | Signal Strength - CNET News

A fascinating dance the tech giants do! A few days ear;ier Verizon Wireless got in bed with Google with a partnership that includes using Google's Android operating system in a new line of cell devices. Now, Ivan Seidenberg, CEO of Verizon pounces on the FCC's proposal for net neutrality principles, which are avidly supported by Google and others.

Well, I suppose it's all about the money and the business models.

Net neutrality's downside is well-expressed by Ivan:

"Seidenberg pointed to telemedicine as an example of how strict rules could hamper innovation. He said that companies like Verizon need to be able to prioritize packets that are transmitting medical monitoring data--over such items like e-mail or spam--to make sure they get through the network quickly. But if rules are in place that prohibit carriers from prioritizing traffic, he said, then such medical services cannot be offered."

The Wireless Internet Access Door is Opening

TechCrunch has a short summary about the FCC actions yesterday to probe the refusal by Apple to allow Google Voice and related apps on the iPhone.

This inquiry is a really a big deal for the wireless providers, far beyond the specific issues of the iPhone and AT&T's exclusive contract for selling and carrying traffic to/from iPhones. Google wants openness while the carriers want control of both apps and traffic to protect their revenues.

This will take a while to play out, but more rather than less openness will eventually prevail.

This policy game has played out in the past, the distant (pre-wireless, pre-internet past), when the old AT&T monopoly for all telephone services, including end-user devices was broken open by the Carterphone decision eliminating the prohibition against connecting non-AT&T/Western Electric devices to the network. AT&T obviously lost that battle and the wireless carriers, though not monopolies, eventually will lose this one too.

Technology, particularly software-driven advances, will prevail aginst the walled garden business model..