Ryan J. Faas's Blog
Posted by Ryan J. Faas
Cool Guerilla and LastMinute.com (an online travel site) have teamed up to offer virtual phrase books for the iPod. The language packs install items in both the iPod Notes folder and a number of audio files. Combined, they offer both the functionality of a phrase book that can be used while traveling and a variation on the traditional cassette or CD offerings for learning the basics of a foreign language. So far language packs are available for both French and German with plans for Spanish and Greek to be released soon. What's even better is that unlike many iPod add-ons (and most phrase books or audio guides), the packs are available free. Check them out but beware that you have only a limited time from requesting a download to respond to the email granting you access to the download site.
Posted by Ryan J. Faas
Coming shortly after last week's announcement of the icombi bluetooth headset for the iPod, Jabra (a maker of countless high-quality cell phone accessories) has announced its own bluetooth adapter for iPods with dock connectors. Unlike the icombi headset, I mentioned last week, Jabra's product is an adapter only, allowing you to purchase your choice of headset for use with the iPod. As such, it comes with a retail price half that of the icombi.
For users that already have bluetooth headsets or those that want a greater choice of headset, the Jabra A 125 is a much nicer option. However, Jabra is also recommending their own BT620 headset models for use with the iPod.
The Jabra A 125 will be available in August. More information is available here
Posted by Ryan J. Faas
We all know the rules about not using a metal umbrella or being the tallest object during a thunderstorm. Now, advocacy groups are adding a new warning - don't use our cell phone. Cell phones, like other objects containing metal can affect the way that electricity is transferred across or through the body during a lightning strike. Although so far the number of fatalities associated with cell phone lightning strikes is somewhat limited, the evidence does suggest that using your cell phone in a thunderstorm significantly increases the level of danger. More information is available here.
Posted by Ryan J. Faas
Rumors have said that a bluetooth iPod has been coming for quite some time now. Well, a bluetooth iPod hasn't arrived (and recent reports indicate any future iPod models may be delayed for some time), but bluetooth headphones for the iPod are here. The icombi headphones can work as a traditional bluetooth headset with a mobile phone or other device. But they also include a dock adapter for any recent iPod models that enables them to be used for listening to music as well as for listening carrying on conversations.
The headphones, which also include a built-in mic for full hands-free phone use, retail for $149.99. They will work with all iPods with a dock connector. However, the iPod nano does require an included adapter because of its small size. For more information (or to order them), check out this page.
Posted by Ryan J. Faas
The FCC today approved increases on fees for cell phone and Internet phone providers. The fees, which most traditional phone companies and mobile phone service providers already pay to some extent are used to subsidize the Universal Service Fund, a government program created to ensure phone service in rural and low-income areas. The fund is also used to assist in providing Internet and other communications technology to public institutions such as schools, libraries, and hospitals.
The move primarily target Voice Over IP phone providers like Vonage and cable companies that offer "Internet" phone service, which until now have not been required to contribute to the fund. Ironically, the FCC opted to remove the fee from DSL service.
However, in the process, the FCC has also increased the fees incurred by cell phone companies by one percent of their revenue (bringing the fee to a total of four percent).
More information is available here.
Posted by Ryan J. Faas
Two of the most powerful mobile technology companies, Nokia and Siemens announced plans for a merger on Monday. The merger continues a trend of companies consolidating in the mobile phone industry. As with previous mergers, this one combines a company with a solid track record in developing handsets and other mobile devices (Nokia) and one more well known for developing cellular networking equipment employed by service providers. More information on the merger can be found here.
In related news, Nokia unveiled a series of five new phones and other third generation(3G) network equipment for cellular service providers.
Posted by Ryan J. Faas
The iCarta by Atech Flash Technology provides an iPod dock with built-in speakers. This is not that unusual. What makes the product unique is that it is specially bathroom-themed with a wall mount and plastic arms in which the speakers are integrated. The arms extand to function as a toilet paper holder (no, I'm not kidding, this is a real product).
Personally, I'm a fan of being able to listen to music while taking a shower or shaving in the morning. Somehow, though the concept of this product may go a little too far by integrating the toilet paper holder. For photos and more informaton, check here.
Back with more serious mobile technology news and tips next week.
Posted by Ryan J. Faas
In a statement, Apple has said that it is investigating the claims reported earlier this week that iPods and iPod components are produced in sweatshop-like conditions in factories in China. Apple also pointed out that it requires all partners to adhere to a code of conduct that includes support for human rights. More information is available here.
Posted by Ryan J. Faas
A report from the Brittish newspaper The Mail on Sunday reported this week that iPod components and possibly iPods themselves are being produced using sweatshop labor in China. The report, which does not appear to be available on The Mail's website, has been quoted by a number of other news sites (MacWorld UK offering the most complete I could find).
The report throws new light on labor abuses within China's booming industrial economy. However, from what I've read it isn't clear if Apple is directly at fault or the abuses are the result of the companies that Apple has contracted to develop iPod components.
While the news certainly seems somewhat damaging for Apple, it is worth noting that globally, Apple has relatively high marks for employee safety and satisfaction and that many companies that produce mobile devices and technology employ subsidiary companies that operate similar factories within China.
Posted by Ryan J. Faas
I've known several adults who, after first purchasing a BlackBerry, became obsessive about getting and responding to their email. For the most part, these people were doing so in job or career related capacities. For some, however, it also became a new level of keeping touch with others or just avoiding boredom (in the same way that some employees will email each other or their firends constantly throughout the workday). Regardless of the reason, some of these people became better text/email/IM-messengers than any teenager with a cell phone or a PC.
Most users eventually get over the giddy obession - much like most people did in the last decade after they first discovered email or instant messaging, or discussion boards on the Internet. But, there are some people who, for reasons of being simply being very organized and prompt individuals, job related requirements, or for other personal reasons remain obessessed with being constantly connected and informed.
While the concpet of Internet addiction is still being debated in mental health circles, this raises the question of whether someone can become unhealthily obsessed or additicted to the stream of comunication and immediate content that can be beamed to a BlackBerry anywhere/anytime. If it can be called an addiction, then the first recovery center has been setup by a hotel manager in Chicago, where users can pay to have their BlackBerries and similar mobile communications devices locked away from them during their stay - thus forcing them to interact more and relax.
Posted by Ryan J. Faas
Despite recent rumors that Microsoft is planning to take on Apple's dominance of the portable music palyer market with a product dubbed an "iPod killer", the software giant publicly announced that it has no plans to develop such a device. Recent rumos have suggested that Microsoft was planning to wade into the fray by either developing a music player on their own or partnering with another company. The rumors surrounded news of the release of the latest version of Windows Media Player. However, execs at Microsoft have confirmed that the company had no interest in developing such a device.
Posted by Ryan J. Faas
There's been a lot of talk over the past year about the One Laptop Per Child project, a non-profit initiative to provide children in developing nations with inexpensive laptop computers in an attempt to ease the digital divide between the industrialized and developing populations. The aim of the project is to develop a laptop that can be produced and distributed to school children at a cost of around $100. Many of the design elements have also focused on powering the laptop through alternative means to increase the availability of use (one method involved a hand-crank powered battery).
Last week, the first prototypes, which will run a stripped down Linux version as an operating system, were unveiled for the first time at the annual Red Hat user summit. Photos of the computer as well as additional information can be found here and here. Full details about the project (along with more information on the facets of mobile technology that are being pared down for inexpensive development and use) can be found at laptop.org.
Posted by Ryan J. Faas
You can find any number of devices that will allow you to play audio from an iPod through speakers or stereo systems other than the using the included earbuds. But hard-core audio-philes might object to the level of quality of the sound out of a device that relies on a typical headphone jack. If you have the money to spend, Red Wine audio will iMod select iPod models to deliver even higher audio quality than the best iPod peripherals on the market.
Posted by Ryan J. Faas
I've written about the convergence of wireless networking and voice over IP (a.k.a. Internet phone) services briefly, most notably talking about Nokia's first WiFi/cell phone product and their more recent wifi-only device. As wireless broadband and WiFi hotspots and municipal wireless networks become even more ubiquitous, these technologies are poised to radically alter the business models of mobile phone companies. Computerworld recently published a great article on this subject and the potential fate of mobile phone services.
Posted by Ryan J. Faas
Many schools ban students from using cell phones in classes or even while on school grounds. However, educators in Scotland are proposing a ban that goes even further. At a time when, many teachers and college professors are seeing educational uses for the iPod, this teacher's union would like to see all mobile devices (iPods, phones, games, etc.) all banned from school grounds.
Posted by Ryan J. Faas
Sony Ericsson announced a series of new multi-purpose mobile phones yesterday. These include the W850 and W710 Walkman phones and a Chinese language messaging device that can serve as a smart-phone and integrate with BlackBerry and other messaging services.
The phones illustrate advances in varied markets. The Chinese device clearly coincides with the release of by RIM of BlackBerry service in China (and the establishment of China's RedBerry service).
Meanwhile, the Walkman phones continue to push of converged mobile audio devices and cell phones. The phones rely on Sony's Memory Stick for storage - the W850 being capable of storage between its included 1GB and 4GB while the W710 offers an included 512MB that can be upgraded to 1GB. The phones also offer an integrated FM tuner. They also offer a special "flight mode" so that the audio functions of the phone can be used on a plane while the phone functions are disabled. The phones also focus on athletic uses with several fitness applications.
So far, Sony Ericsson has only confirmed that a version of the W710 will be available for US markets.
Be sure to check out the rest of the Suite 101 Mobile Technology Blog and homepage.
Posted by Ryan J. Faas
U2 star Bono's red brand campaign has come to mobile technology. Bono has called on major companies to produce red versions of their products to promote awareness of the AIDS crisis in Africa. A portion of the proceeds from sales of the red branded products also goes to help AIDS embattled countries in Africa. Following the release of the RED American Express, Motorola is now offered a red branded version of its SLVR mobile phone to customers in the UK. Mobile service providers in the UK have also pledged to donate a portion of monthly bill of each red phone subscriber's to the project.
Rumors also indicate that Apple will be launching a similar red iPod later this week. The rumored red iPod is expected to be announced at a press event on Thursday that coincides with the opening of the new flagship Apple store in Manhattan. The event is also expected to include the release of a new line of Apple notebooks.
Posted by Ryan J. Faas
As I mentioned in a recent article, Nokia became the first mobile phone developer to create a phone that can operate using WiFi in addition to using traditional cellular technology. More recently, Nokia and Cisco have teamed up to further develop the concepts with phones that can seamlessly transfer service between a wireless Internet connection and a cellular network.
Now, Nokia has gone a step even further, partnering with Google to create a device that relies completely on wireless Internet connectivity. The device, which will be a multifunction wireless Internet appliance comes with a version of Google's GoogleTalk instant messaging program. Like many instant messengers, GoogleTalk includes support for voice conversations. The device also incorporates other entertainment functions, including audio and video.
The move is interesting because it marks Nokia's first major foray outside of the traditional mobile phone market in addition to the company's expanding its focusing on a WiFi as a connectivity alternative to traditional cellular networks.
Posted by Ryan J. Faas
Just when it seemed that BlackBerry users were safe - Research in Motion (the Waterloo, Ontario-based developer of the BlackBerry) is the target of yet another patent infringement lawsuit. This time the lawsuit is coming from Visto Corporation, a California company that develops mobile email technology. Visto is claiming that the BlackBerry infringes on patents related to synchronizing data between mobile devices and network services.
The timing of the lawsuit is particularly interesting in that it comes less than two months after RIM agreed to a settlement in its years-long patent dispute with NTP. But there's even more to the timing of the lawsuit as it was filed on the same day that Visto won a similar case against rival Seven Networks (though Seven Networks has a counter-suit pending). Visto is also suing Microsoft for similar infringements.
So far RIM has denied that it has violated Visto's patents and has stated that it is considering a counter-suit, alleging that Visto has violated RIM's own patents on mobile email technology. More information can be found here.
Posted by Ryan J. Faas
CNet has a series of photos of new "e-readers" coming to market from iRex, Sony, and Polymer Vision. The premise of all these devices is a comfortable way to read books and newspapers on a simple portable device, as well as some form of electronic ink for drawing of taking notes. Three of the devices shown do not appear to be much other than a sub-set of the features available in Palm and Pocket PC devices. In fact the newspaper download feature has been around for those devices for years now from companies such as AvantGo.
The big difference in these devices is their size is a little larger than the average handheld PC (the final device in the series, the Raedius from Polymer Vision, is unique in that it is resizable). Personally, I'd opt for a low-end handheld PC, which offer similar pricing to these devices. However, with some clever marketing, the devices might take off simply because they offer a clear-cut function and, presumably, a very basic user interface. The Sony device, in particular will be sold through Borders bookstores, which could give it access to different audience segment that a Palm or Pocket PC might ever see.
Posted by Ryan J. Faas
Last week, I reported in a blog entry that Apple had warned its resellers about counterfeit iPods. This week, a newspaper in Taipei is reporting on a new iPod Nano knockoff. The knockoffs are called the Nano Apple and looks amazingly similar to iPod Nanos. However, the knockoffs do not appear to directly claim to be an Apple product, despite the implication of their name.
The Nano Apples operate with a unique operating systems that appears to be Chinese-language only. They also offer some type of video capability and retail for about half the price of the actual iPod Nano (albeit at about half the storage capacity). More details and a photo can be found in the Taipei Times article.
Posted by Ryan J. Faas
Yesterday blog post about waterproof laptops got me thinking about other mobile devices, cell phones in particular. Although there are no mobile phone handsets on the market at this time that are designed to survive and/or operate while immersed in water, accessory manufacturers have designed supposedly waterproof cases for a large number of phones and I have heard that some cell phone manufacturers are working on developing truly waterproof handsets.
Interestingly enough, many cell phone models can survive a dunking (not that I'm suggesting anyone try testing this). However, from personal experience and many reports, the problems that occur if a cell phone is dunked are mostly battery related. I've read of a number of cases where replacing the battery will restore the phone to operation - after waiting at least a couple of days to be sure that the phone has completely dried out.
Posted by Ryan J. Faas
Matsushita announced plans for the world's first waterproof laptop earlier this week. The company is most known outside Japan for it's Panasonic brand. The new laptop will include a a waterproof sheet and drainage system to protect the motherboard, hard drive, and other internal components. Don't assume that this a laptop intended for in-pool use, however. The waterproof features would almost certain not stand up to immersion for more than a few seconds (if that long). However, having seen a number of laptops damaged by accidental spills, I can say that this is one of those design innovations that has been a log-time in coming. The laptop, called the Let's Note CF-Y5, is also designed with an extra-rugged shell capable of withstanding 200 pounds of force and will hit stores in Japan during the second half of May (no word so far on world-wide distribution).
Posted by Ryan J. Faas
Rumors have been circulating for months about Apple venturing further into the mobile technology market by launching their own cell phone. The rumored iPhone would likely be a cross between an iPod and a phone, similar in concept to Motorola's ROKR E1 and SLVR phones that include a mobile version of Apple's iTunes music software but which only store about 100 songs. One of the problems with the idea, however, is that Apple has a habit of maintaining a large measure of control over the quality of not only their products but also of the services that go along with those products - which could lead to lots of head-butting with cell phone service providers.
One option for Apple, that was described in a Chicago Tribune article published this weekend, was for Apple to actually setup shop as a wireless provider. This would give them complete control of the phone, all features, and service. And, it's something that is becoming more common as companies outside the major carriers in the US begin purchasing airtime wholesale from established carries and reselling it under their own brand and with their own services and contracts, an approach known as operating as a mobile virtual network operator or MVNO.
Several companies have already established themselves as MVNOs and many are doing so in order to deliver a mobile media experience without needing to build an infrastructure - the most recent of which is ESPN Mobile, along with more veteran operators like amp'd mobile. Certainly, this approach is perfect for what Apple would be marketing if they are indeed prepping an iPhone.
Posted by Ryan J. Faas
In entertainment/mobile news this week, Paris Hilton has signed on to become a mobile video game character. Hilton said little about her new deal with Gameloft, which will develop an animated version of the reality TV star but did refer to her mobile phone as her all-in-one entertainment device said that she is excited by the deal. This marks the first major celebrity announcement involving cell phone gaming - generally speaking most people use the games built into cell phones in limited capacity. However, in the past couple of years mobile games have grown significantly both in the level of spohistication and in the ease of adding new games to handsets. Hilton's announcement shows that there this may be leading to more cell phone owners turning to their phones as a more full featured entertainment solution. The announcement interestingly coincides with a report that Internet use on mobile phones is growing world-wide. The AP report on Hilton's announcement can be found here.
Posted by Ryan J. Faas
In what must be the strangest claim from an elected official since the Al Gore claimed to be responsible for the development of the Internet - President Bush claimed this morning that the government was responsible for the development of the iPod. As reported by Engadget, Bush told a crowd gathered at Tuskegee University in Alabama that "the government funded research in microdrive storage, electrochemistry and signal compression. They did so for one reason: It turned out that those were the key ingredients for the development of the iPod."
While I fully support government funded research, the claim has to make someone scratch their heads and wonder if all the scientists and engineers involved really felt that they were only working so that Apple could one day develop a very popular portable music player with the results of their efforts. That said, Bush's statement wasn't totally off-base. The money spent on research by both the public and private sectors does often lead to unexpected technological developments (hence my support for publicly funded research).
Posted by Ryan J. Faas
In recent weeks, Apple has begun warning its authorized resellers about counterfeit iPods hitting the market. Like a fake Rolex watch or bootleg movie, the forged iPods are strikingly similar to the real thing and even include convincing packaging and Apple-style serial numbers on them. They are, apparently, even functional devices but with an operating system that shares nothing in common with the real iPod interface.
So far, the fakes only seem to be targeting the iPod Nano and iPod Shuffle models. Easy ways to spot the forged iPod Shuffle models is that they have a simple on-off switch as opposed the real iPod Shuffle's on-repeat-shuffle switch and do not have a battery indicator light. The fake iPod Nano models include an screen that is noticeably longer than the actual Nano, lack an iPod dock connector, and have a differently styled click wheel than the real thing (with a play/pause logo in the select button in the center of the wheel and the letters VOL at the bottom of the wheel where the play/pause button should be).
iPodgear has photos of the forged iPods and Apple Insider has a more detailed report including information on the forged serial numbers and additional photos.
Posted by Ryan J. Faas
Most iPod owners know that they can reset their iPod in case of minor problems like if it refuses to power on or freezes up. This is usually the standard first step in troubleshooting iPod problems. The course of iPod troubleshooting is usually to use the iPod Updates from Apple to restore the iPod to a factory default state. If those options don't work, you typically need to get help directly from Apple for a sick iPod.
However, there's also a special (and until recently unpublished) diagnostic mode built into all generations and models of iPods that allows you to run a battery of tests on the iPod's hardware. These tests can help confirm a hardware problem or help you be aware of anything that might be wrong with your iPod before symptoms occur. I have yet to hear of anyone using this information when contacting Apple for support (which usually ends up being a replacement iPod), so I can't say how helpful knowing the exact source of the problem will be to the average iPod owner. For the geekier among us, though, it is a fascinating little tidbit of knowledge.
Posted by Ryan J. Faas
The Canadian newspaper The Globe and Mail featured a story last week on China's state-managed telecom company China Unicom is set to release a competitor for the BlackBerry just prior to the launch of BlackBerry Service through other providers in China. China Unicom's product jabs at the successful portable email device by using the name RedBerry. The RedBerry, while using the same push technology that allows BlackBerry users to receive emails, will not require a specialized handset device, which will likely position China Unicom to be able to offer lower cost devices and services than BlackBerry service. The complete article with more information can be found here.
Posted by Ryan J. Faas
Apple's latest software update for the video and Nano models enables you to set a maximum volume limit. This comes as no great surprise since Apple has been under criticism (and the target of a class action lawsuit) of late because the iPod's earphones are capable of producing sound at levels that could cause hearing loss. Apple's action has been applauded my many, although the legal team mounting the lawsuit claims that this is proof of a "flaw" in the iPod.
There are many who say that the lawsuit seems to be somewhat frivolous in that it singles out a single company and that it doesn't seem to acknowledge that individual iPod users should have some responsibility for the sound levels at which they listen to music. Some of the criticism is the iPod's earphones as well as the iPod itself, although the iPod's standard headphone jack can accommodate any number of headphones. So, I'm posing a new poll on the issue to the readers of this site: what do you think about the issue?
Posted by Ryan J. Faas
I love my video iPod - but I'm not crazy about paying $1.99 for every piece of video content I put on it, especially when most of the video I want to carry around isn't available from iTunes. Thankfully, there are other ways to get your favorite shows, home movies, and other video content onto the iPod, as illustrated in my recent article.
Posted by Ryan J. Faas
First there was streaming video, allowing you to watch news and entertainment on your PC. Then, Apple let you download TV shows for $1.99 a pop and watch them on an iPod. Now, Cingular (along with Verizon, Sprint, and amp'd mobile) are offering streaming video straight to your cell phone - and with popular shows from networks like MTV, Comedy Central, HBO, and ESPN.
Posted by Ryan J. Faas
Cingular has begun selling Motorol RAZR ultra-thin phones again. The carrier returned the RAZR to the shelves after receiving updated models from Motorola that have repaired the problems that resulted in both Cingular and T-Mobile halting sales of the phones. T-Mobile reports that it expects to receive updated models and begin selling the RAZR again by the end of the week. In a written statement, Motorola said that it is that is working with affected customers "addressing a quality issue affecting a very limited number of RAZR handsets sold for GSM networks." GSM is the technology that powers both the Cingular and T-Mobile networks. Motorola also noted that the CDMA RAZR models sold to Verizon customers were not affected by the problem.
Both T-Mobile and Cingular derive a significant amount of phone sales (estimated between ten and fifteen percent) from the RAZR. As a result, there could be significant impact on both companies if the issue is not resolved quickly. Neither company indicated how long they expect the RAZR to be off the shelves.
No similar problems have been reported with Motorola's other phones, including the new iTunes-capable SLVR, which is sold exclusively through Cingular.
Posted by Ryan J. Faas
After months of wondering if their screens would go dark, millions of Blackberry users can now rest assured of continued service. Following years of legal battles, potential injunctions and shut downs, and a few days of intense negotiations, Blackberry developer Research in Motion has reached a final settlement in its patent dispute with NTP. The settlement secures RIM and wireless carriers from future lawsuits as well.
Posted by Ryan J. Faas
First, let me say I like the look of this device and I like the concept. Almost every iPod user wants or has some method of listening to their iPod in their home. In fact, a number of devices have been around for a while that make the dock-connecting iPods into small stereos (and virtually all are cheaper than the iPod Hi-Fi). Also, the iPod docks from Apple and other manufacturers have enabled audio out to home stereo systems for quite some time. And multiple models include a remote.
What bothers me about the iPod Hi-Fi is its cost and limitations. It is priced more than most portable stereo systems (including those built for the iPod). It is actually right in the price range of most entry-level home theatre/stereo systems. And most of those systems not include multiple surround sound speakers, but they also include receivers that can accept multiple audio sources. Yes, the Hi-Fi can take in one alternate source, but that's still limited. Also, because it is a single unit, you cannot get surround sound effect from it. For serious home audio buffs, these are some important concerns.
Posted by Ryan J. Faas
Last Friday, US District Court Judge Spencer refused to order an injunction against the use of patented technology in RIM's Blackberry service, as was requested by patent holder NTP. Spencer acknowledged the jury's verdict (that RIM had committed infringement) had not changed. He also admonished both sides for not resolving the dispute outside the court system. Spencer said that he will issue a decision on the requested injunction "as soon as reasonably possible" but indicated that he will first render a decision on damages to be awarded to NTP as part of the suit.
Despite claims that RIM has developed a workaround if the injunction is awarded, the company also admits that implementing such a plan would be both costly and time consuming. NTP meanwhile has said that it will investigate whether RIM's workaround would also violate patents.
Despite the ruling, neither company seemed to show any indications that they would be willing to consider negotiating a settlement following the weekend.
Posted by Ryan J. Faas
In my first article here at Suite 101, I look at the idea that all our mobile technology needs can be consolidated into a single device - an idea that's been hyped for years but has yet to actually come true. And if it does happen, would it be a good idea for consumers to have an iPod, camera, video, phone, messenger, email, Internet do-it-all device?