GM's OnStar announces partnership with MapQuest | Reuters
Google might have a partnership with BMW, but this Onstar/Mapquest partnership is pretty huge. That's going to affect a lot of people that already have OnStar and that already use Mapquest, vs. the number of people using Google Maps and driving BMWs. I hope Google has a big announcement coming soon about how they struck up a partnership with Garmin, TomTom, and every other GPS device vendor soon. :-)
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
iPhone Q&A for AT&T employees
iPhone Q&A for AT&T employees - Engadget Mobile
Engadget got an internal FAQ sheet from AT&T to their employees regarding the iphone.
"The highlights:
With an iPhone you'll have access to Cingular's MyAccount via the device as well as via iTunes.
Sorry, no pre-orders (yet).
If one wants to read tea leaves, it's still probable there will be iPhone specific service plans.
"... no subsidies are being offered on the phone at this time." You heard 'em!
They will "allow" out of contract customers to sign up for two more years to get an iPhone. Sui generis!""
Click the above link or header to see the Engadget post with the full FAQ sheet.
Engadget got an internal FAQ sheet from AT&T to their employees regarding the iphone.
"The highlights:
With an iPhone you'll have access to Cingular's MyAccount via the device as well as via iTunes.
Sorry, no pre-orders (yet).
If one wants to read tea leaves, it's still probable there will be iPhone specific service plans.
"... no subsidies are being offered on the phone at this time." You heard 'em!
They will "allow" out of contract customers to sign up for two more years to get an iPhone. Sui generis!""
Click the above link or header to see the Engadget post with the full FAQ sheet.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Vonage can continue signing up new customers
Vonage wins stay of potentially crippling injunction during appeal of Verizon patent verdict - Business - BostonHerald.com
Link and headline says it all. Vonage has caught a break ... for now.
Link and headline says it all. Vonage has caught a break ... for now.
Monday, April 23, 2007
Virtualized BlackBerry?
SiliconValley.com - RIM to bring BlackBerry application to rival Windows devices
You've got to be kidding me. Running a virtualized copy of BlackBerry OS on your Windows Mobile 6 smartphone? Yep, RIM is working on it and should be ready in the fall. This is an attempt to get in with the Microsoft fans I didn't expect. Truthfully, is there anything that BlackBerry can do that Windows Mobile 6 can't that I just HAVE to have?
You've got to be kidding me. Running a virtualized copy of BlackBerry OS on your Windows Mobile 6 smartphone? Yep, RIM is working on it and should be ready in the fall. This is an attempt to get in with the Microsoft fans I didn't expect. Truthfully, is there anything that BlackBerry can do that Windows Mobile 6 can't that I just HAVE to have?
Push Ringer for cell phones
MobileTechNews - Emotive announces "Push Ringer"
Ok, so most people are aware of how to set a certain ringer for a certain person when they call you. For example, every time my wife calls me, my phone plays "Brown Eye Girl" by Van Halen. Many people are also catching on to the RingBack tones offered by Sprint, Verizon, Cingular etc that plays music to your caller when they call instead of hearing a ring sound. For example, every time my wife calls me, she hears some country song she likes. The newest thing being announced is a way for your CALLER to set the Ringtone that your phone plays when they call. It's a temporary override and they are actually picking the song, not you.
I think this is cool, but I also think this could be abused. I'll wait until you are in church and hope you forgot to put your phone on vibrate when I "push" a Snoop Dogg song to your phone when I call you. :-)
Ok, so most people are aware of how to set a certain ringer for a certain person when they call you. For example, every time my wife calls me, my phone plays "Brown Eye Girl" by Van Halen. Many people are also catching on to the RingBack tones offered by Sprint, Verizon, Cingular etc that plays music to your caller when they call instead of hearing a ring sound. For example, every time my wife calls me, she hears some country song she likes. The newest thing being announced is a way for your CALLER to set the Ringtone that your phone plays when they call. It's a temporary override and they are actually picking the song, not you.
I think this is cool, but I also think this could be abused. I'll wait until you are in church and hope you forgot to put your phone on vibrate when I "push" a Snoop Dogg song to your phone when I call you. :-)
Google WebEx
Ok, so Google buys Marratech and now WebEx is sweating. I've been waiting impatiently for Google Talk to offer video conferencing. This must have been what they were waiting for. Now how long do I have to wait before Marratech is integrated with Google Talk?
PS, with the market share Cisco's Webex and Citrix's GoToMeeting have, I'd be shocked if Google really makes a dent before 2009.
PS, with the market share Cisco's Webex and Citrix's GoToMeeting have, I'd be shocked if Google really makes a dent before 2009.
Friday, April 20, 2007
Google Voice Local Search
Google Voice Local Search
This is experimental, which is a bummer because it could mean it goes away, but Google Voice Local Search is really sweet. Call 1-800-GOOG-411. Say the city and state. Say a business name or a category. Google finds the location, then dials it for you. You can also get the details sent to your mobile phone by saying "text message" and then it still connects you. Totally free (so far) and no ads.
I tried Lowes and Ames, Iowa and it worked flawlessly. I also gave it something more tricky. I tried Ames, Iowa and then "Lawn Mower Repair" for a category. The first result was a small engine repair place in Ames. The second was a truck repair place in a surrounding town and the third was a lawnscaping service also in a surrounding town. I had it send me a text message for the first result and I think it's who I'm going to call tomorrow about fixing my lawn mower!
This will have to replace 1-800-FREE-411 until they decide to scrap it. :-)
This is experimental, which is a bummer because it could mean it goes away, but Google Voice Local Search is really sweet. Call 1-800-GOOG-411. Say the city and state. Say a business name or a category. Google finds the location, then dials it for you. You can also get the details sent to your mobile phone by saying "text message" and then it still connects you. Totally free (so far) and no ads.
I tried Lowes and Ames, Iowa and it worked flawlessly. I also gave it something more tricky. I tried Ames, Iowa and then "Lawn Mower Repair" for a category. The first result was a small engine repair place in Ames. The second was a truck repair place in a surrounding town and the third was a lawnscaping service also in a surrounding town. I had it send me a text message for the first result and I think it's who I'm going to call tomorrow about fixing my lawn mower!
This will have to replace 1-800-FREE-411 until they decide to scrap it. :-)
Microsoft Unveils Silverlight 'Flash Killer'
The Windows Observer--Microsoft Unveils Silverlight 'Flash Killer'
You've probably heard of the new product to go up against Adobe Flash. It's called Silverlight. I have a hard time swallowing that Silverlight will take over the flash market. In my opinion, Microsoft is WAY late in this game. There is just way too much flash in the world for Microsoft to take away much market share. I could be wrong, but I don't see Flash developers jumping ship any time quickly.
You've probably heard of the new product to go up against Adobe Flash. It's called Silverlight. I have a hard time swallowing that Silverlight will take over the flash market. In my opinion, Microsoft is WAY late in this game. There is just way too much flash in the world for Microsoft to take away much market share. I could be wrong, but I don't see Flash developers jumping ship any time quickly.
Froogle renamed!
Google Product Search
One of my favorite Google Tools, Froogle, has been renamed Google Product Search. At least www.froogle.com still redirects to http://www.google.com/products. :-) They say the results are more similar to Google Search results and integrates better with Google checkout, which I also use, but it looks about like the same old Froogle to me. Either way, after 5 years, it's still in beta, so who knows what it will graduate to be...
One of my favorite Google Tools, Froogle, has been renamed Google Product Search. At least www.froogle.com still redirects to http://www.google.com/products. :-) They say the results are more similar to Google Search results and integrates better with Google checkout, which I also use, but it looks about like the same old Froogle to me. Either way, after 5 years, it's still in beta, so who knows what it will graduate to be...
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Sprint considering purchase of Vonage?
Light Reading - VOIP - Could Vonage Sprint to an Exit? - Telecom News Analysis
So while Vonage is getting their heads handed to them by Verizon, they are also preparing to get smacked again with patent infringement suits from Sprint (scheduled for September). But there is TALK of Vonage being willing to sell itself to Sprint. While one might think that would mean Sprint gets the patent probelms with Verizon, the truth is that Sprint has their own technologies that Vonage would adopt and no longer be infringing on Verizon. Punitive damages I'm sure would still exist, but that would all be part of the buy out deal. The only thing more interesting to me would be if Verizon just bought Vonage. :-)
So while Vonage is getting their heads handed to them by Verizon, they are also preparing to get smacked again with patent infringement suits from Sprint (scheduled for September). But there is TALK of Vonage being willing to sell itself to Sprint. While one might think that would mean Sprint gets the patent probelms with Verizon, the truth is that Sprint has their own technologies that Vonage would adopt and no longer be infringing on Verizon. Punitive damages I'm sure would still exist, but that would all be part of the buy out deal. The only thing more interesting to me would be if Verizon just bought Vonage. :-)
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Presentations for Google Docs & Spreadsheets
» Presentations for Google Docs & Spreadsheets | Googling Google | ZDNet.com
Google confirmed that they are adding PowerPoint support and presentations for Docs & Spreadsheets (something many of us already think is way cool for Word and Excel). Anyway, should be fun to play with Google Presently...
Google confirmed that they are adding PowerPoint support and presentations for Docs & Spreadsheets (something many of us already think is way cool for Word and Excel). Anyway, should be fun to play with Google Presently...
Future PCs to integrate powerline Ethernet
Future PCs to integrate powerline Ethernet | Reg Hardware
Intel plans to put 802.11n powerline Ethernet into desktop designs next year as part of the bundle of processor, chipset and connectivity for computer manufacturers. You're going to have to keep it straight between Power over Ethernet (PoE) and Ethernet over Power (EoP) pretty soon.
Intel plans to put 802.11n powerline Ethernet into desktop designs next year as part of the bundle of processor, chipset and connectivity for computer manufacturers. You're going to have to keep it straight between Power over Ethernet (PoE) and Ethernet over Power (EoP) pretty soon.
Cingular and Verizon Wireless drop kid phones
Cingular and Verizon Wireless drop kid phones :: RCR Wireless News
I am a bit surprised that the cell phones for kids with preprogrammed numbers didn't take off enough to continue the program. I would have thought this would have really taken off. Shows how much I know about the cell phone market. I guess once they turn 5 they need a fully functional PDA phone like everyone else. :-)
I am a bit surprised that the cell phones for kids with preprogrammed numbers didn't take off enough to continue the program. I would have thought this would have really taken off. Shows how much I know about the cell phone market. I guess once they turn 5 they need a fully functional PDA phone like everyone else. :-)
Chat For Charity
i'm Home
Interesting initiative from Microsoft:
"i’m is a new initiative from Windows Live Messenger™. Every time you start a conversation using i’m, Microsoft shares a portion of the program's advertising revenue with some of the world's most effective organizations dedicated to social causes. We've set no cap on the amount we'll donate to each organization. The sky's the limit."
Interesting initiative from Microsoft:
"i’m is a new initiative from Windows Live Messenger™. Every time you start a conversation using i’m, Microsoft shares a portion of the program's advertising revenue with some of the world's most effective organizations dedicated to social causes. We've set no cap on the amount we'll donate to each organization. The sky's the limit."
Vonage admits no workaround for technology in patent row
Vonage admits no workaround for technology in patent row
So for those of you not following, Vonage was found guilty of infringing on 3 Verizon patents. It was alleged to be 7, but they were found guilty of 3. They were immediately told they couldn't sign on new customers, but were given a temporary stay on that decision the same day. They were told they had to find a new way to do things that didn't infringe on Verizon's patents. Today, they announced they don't know how they're going to do it, and even if they could find a workaround, they'd lose so many customers in that timeframe they wouldn't survive. That was the basis for the appeal for a stay on the "no new customers" decision. It's an interesting battle, you should "google" Google News about Verizon and Vonage. Really isn't looking good for Vonage...
So for those of you not following, Vonage was found guilty of infringing on 3 Verizon patents. It was alleged to be 7, but they were found guilty of 3. They were immediately told they couldn't sign on new customers, but were given a temporary stay on that decision the same day. They were told they had to find a new way to do things that didn't infringe on Verizon's patents. Today, they announced they don't know how they're going to do it, and even if they could find a workaround, they'd lose so many customers in that timeframe they wouldn't survive. That was the basis for the appeal for a stay on the "no new customers" decision. It's an interesting battle, you should "google" Google News about Verizon and Vonage. Really isn't looking good for Vonage...
Friday, April 13, 2007
Virginia Tech Tackles Head Injuries Using Wireless - News and Analysis by PC Magazine
Virginia Tech Tackles Head Injuries Using Wireless
I thought this was interesting and am a bit surprised nobody came up with this sooner. The Virginia Tech football players will have wireless transmitters in their helmets that send information about tackles to a Sybase database that keeps track of head impact. That way, people on the sidelines can see when the players have "had enough." It'll be interesting to see if this catches on.
I thought this was interesting and am a bit surprised nobody came up with this sooner. The Virginia Tech football players will have wireless transmitters in their helmets that send information about tackles to a Sybase database that keeps track of head impact. That way, people on the sidelines can see when the players have "had enough." It'll be interesting to see if this catches on.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Dell Axim, RIP: 2002 - 2007
Dell Axim, RIP: 2002 - 2007 - Engadget
I couldn't figure out why my Dell Axim X50v was crying yesterday until I saw this blog post on Engadget. The Axim is no more...
I couldn't figure out why my Dell Axim X50v was crying yesterday until I saw this blog post on Engadget. The Axim is no more...
Thursday, April 05, 2007
OCC builds an Intel Chopper
Intel Wheels and Deals Embedded Xeon Chips
Ah my two favorite hobbies. Technology and motorcycles. I'm a huge fan of the Orange Country Choppers, so this episode coming up in July should make for one of my all time favorites!
Ah my two favorite hobbies. Technology and motorcycles. I'm a huge fan of the Orange Country Choppers, so this episode coming up in July should make for one of my all time favorites!
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Snake gets loose in Google Offices
Official Google Blog: Snakes in a Plain... Old... Office Building!
This was pretty funny. Especially since it happened on April 1st, so people were unsure whether it was a prank or not. The kind of thing that would only happen at an office like Google's. :-)
This was pretty funny. Especially since it happened on April 1st, so people were unsure whether it was a prank or not. The kind of thing that would only happen at an office like Google's. :-)
MPAA names its Top 25 movie piracy schools
MPAA names its Top 25 movie piracy schools
Check it out. The most piracy-ridden schools in higher education and Iowa State is number 15. :-) Iowa State's student/faculty number is about 28,000, which means there are a KNOWN 2% pirating copyrighted materials. I wonder what the percentages would look like for the other schools...
1. Columbia University - 1,198
2. University of Pennsylvania - 934
3. Boston University - 891
4. University of California at Los Angeles - 889
5. Purdue University - 873
6. Vanderbilt University - 860
7. Duke University - 813
8. Rochester Institute of Technology - 792
9. University of Massachusetts - 765
10. University of Michigan - 740
11. University of California at Santa Cruz - 714
12. University of Southern California - 704
13. University of Nebraska at Lincoln - 637
14. North Carolina State University - 636
15. Iowa State University - 586
16. University of Chicago - 575
17. University of Rochester - 562
18. Ohio University - 550
19. University of Tennessee - 527
20. Michigan State University - 506
21. Virginia Polytechnic Institute - 457
22. Drexel University - 455
23. University of South Florida - 447
24. Stanford University - 405
25. University of California at Berkeley - 398
Check it out. The most piracy-ridden schools in higher education and Iowa State is number 15. :-) Iowa State's student/faculty number is about 28,000, which means there are a KNOWN 2% pirating copyrighted materials. I wonder what the percentages would look like for the other schools...
1. Columbia University - 1,198
2. University of Pennsylvania - 934
3. Boston University - 891
4. University of California at Los Angeles - 889
5. Purdue University - 873
6. Vanderbilt University - 860
7. Duke University - 813
8. Rochester Institute of Technology - 792
9. University of Massachusetts - 765
10. University of Michigan - 740
11. University of California at Santa Cruz - 714
12. University of Southern California - 704
13. University of Nebraska at Lincoln - 637
14. North Carolina State University - 636
15. Iowa State University - 586
16. University of Chicago - 575
17. University of Rochester - 562
18. Ohio University - 550
19. University of Tennessee - 527
20. Michigan State University - 506
21. Virginia Polytechnic Institute - 457
22. Drexel University - 455
23. University of South Florida - 447
24. Stanford University - 405
25. University of California at Berkeley - 398
Monday, April 02, 2007
CompUSA.com - Closing Stores
CompUSA.com - Closing Stores
Under pressure from online retailers like Newegg.com and discounters like Fry's Electronics, CompUSA is closing about half its stores. I must admit, I haven't been to CompUSA for probably 10 years. However, if I get the urge, it doesn't look like the one in Des Moines Iowa is on the chopping block! See the link above for a list of stores closing. Maybe you can get some good going out of business deals if you live in those areas...
Under pressure from online retailers like Newegg.com and discounters like Fry's Electronics, CompUSA is closing about half its stores. I must admit, I haven't been to CompUSA for probably 10 years. However, if I get the urge, it doesn't look like the one in Des Moines Iowa is on the chopping block! See the link above for a list of stores closing. Maybe you can get some good going out of business deals if you live in those areas...
Sunday, April 01, 2007
About Gmail Paper
About Gmail Paper
I couldn't believe what I was reading when I logged into Gmail tonight. Gmail Paper Archive button? I find this really hard to believe, but if you want a paper copy of your e-mail mailed to you, you just click the ones you want, click on Paper Archive, and Google will send you a box (free of charge) with all of the e-mails you had selected printed out. Am I missing something? Will people actually do this?
PS, note the date this started appearing on GMAIL'S login screen. 4/1/2007... ;-)
I couldn't believe what I was reading when I logged into Gmail tonight. Gmail Paper Archive button? I find this really hard to believe, but if you want a paper copy of your e-mail mailed to you, you just click the ones you want, click on Paper Archive, and Google will send you a box (free of charge) with all of the e-mails you had selected printed out. Am I missing something? Will people actually do this?
PS, note the date this started appearing on GMAIL'S login screen. 4/1/2007... ;-)
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