Ars Technica has listed a number of problems with iPhone 3G since the launch a month ago. Many of them are not expected of a company the reputation of Apple. While Sprint Instinct was rushed and has minor (mostly) issues, Apple's device is the second revision and had plenty of time to mature. Maybe part of the problem is due to sleeping with AT&T (very expensive phone plans and poor 3G network).
Some of these problems originated with the activation nightmare and others are about the poor quality of iPhone shell (already showing real cracks on many phones). Many others are probably from the spotty 3G coverage on AT&T's network.
People are experiencing a number of iPhone GPS issues even in the open areas along with slow response times. The keyboard is not always great and phone presents very slow response times leaving you confused if you tapped an icon or not. iPhone 3G sometimes switches from 3G to slooow EDGE network even at short distances apart and sometimes right at the same location.
So iPhone 3G problems can't be ignored but it still has a beautiful browser which is mostly reliable.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
New Instinct app updates - SprintTV and Email
There were two recent application updates:
SprintTV
Updated on next use. Updated from version 3.0.44 to 3.0.47
Email
Optional update. When you go to email application and check for update, it shows a screen that says:
Optional Upgrade
An optional upgrade is available. Would you like to upgrade to the new version?
New Version: 6.9.1.283
Cancel
Upgrade
(previous version was 6.9.1.238)
I haven't seen any information on what was fixed in these updates.
SprintTV
Updated on next use. Updated from version 3.0.44 to 3.0.47
Optional update. When you go to email application and check for update, it shows a screen that says:
Optional Upgrade
An optional upgrade is available. Would you like to upgrade to the new version?
New Version: 6.9.1.283
Cancel
Upgrade
(previous version was 6.9.1.238)
I haven't seen any information on what was fixed in these updates.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Samsung Instinct Canada - price comparison with iPhone
Here is a comparison of Samsung Instinct and Apple iPhone plan prices in Canada:
http://telegraphjournal.canadaeast.com/blog/bitsbytes,380731
http://telegraphjournal.canadaeast.com/blog/bitsbytes,380731
Another Samsung Instinct, Apple iPhone and LG Dare review
Source:
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/lifestyle/374493_taves12.html
Summary of review:
Battery life: LG Dare, Samsung Instinct
Camera: LG Dare
Navigation: Samsung Instinct
Response: Apple iPhone
Size: LG Dare
Touch control: Apple iPhone
Web browsing: Apple iPhone
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/lifestyle/374493_taves12.html
Summary of review:
Battery life: LG Dare, Samsung Instinct
Camera: LG Dare
Navigation: Samsung Instinct
Response: Apple iPhone
Size: LG Dare
Touch control: Apple iPhone
Web browsing: Apple iPhone
Verizon now offers visual voicemail for $2.99 per line!
Source:
http://news.vzw.com/news/2008/08/pr2008-08-11.html
Verizon announced the launch of visual voicemail on LG Voyager phone. Verizon Wireless customers can find the Visual Voice Mail application on the Messaging menu under option 6 on their Voyager by LG phones. Visual Voice Mail is available for $2.99 monthly access, per line, plus airtime or megabyte charges and messaging fees, depending on a customer’s plan.
No thanks, I will stick with my Sprint Instinct's plan (it is included in the plan, no extra charge).
http://news.vzw.com/news/2008/08/pr2008-08-11.html
Verizon announced the launch of visual voicemail on LG Voyager phone. Verizon Wireless customers can find the Visual Voice Mail application on the Messaging menu under option 6 on their Voyager by LG phones. Visual Voice Mail is available for $2.99 monthly access, per line, plus airtime or megabyte charges and messaging fees, depending on a customer’s plan.
No thanks, I will stick with my Sprint Instinct's plan (it is included in the plan, no extra charge).
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Confirmed iPhone has remote App kill switch and iPhone app sales - $1 million per day!
According to a reuters report, Apple sold an average of $1 million a day in applications for a total of about $30 million in sales over the month, Jobs told the paper (The Wall Street Journal).
If sales stay at the current pace, Apple stands to earn at least $360 million a year in new revenue from the App Store, Jobs said.
"This thing's going to crest a half a billion, soon," Jobs told the journal adding that it may be a "$1 billion marketplace at some point in time."
Jobs confirmed that iPhones routinely check an Apple Web site that could, in theory, trigger the removal of the undesirable software from the devices.
He told the paper that Apple needed the capability in case it inadvertently allowed a malicious program to be distributed to iPhones through the App Store.
This confirms the earlier reports about Apple's tight control on things. I would rather have companies less control than more control on a device that I paid for and is not leased to me for a fixed duration.
If sales stay at the current pace, Apple stands to earn at least $360 million a year in new revenue from the App Store, Jobs said.
"This thing's going to crest a half a billion, soon," Jobs told the journal adding that it may be a "$1 billion marketplace at some point in time."
Jobs confirmed that iPhones routinely check an Apple Web site that could, in theory, trigger the removal of the undesirable software from the devices.
He told the paper that Apple needed the capability in case it inadvertently allowed a malicious program to be distributed to iPhones through the App Store.
This confirms the earlier reports about Apple's tight control on things. I would rather have companies less control than more control on a device that I paid for and is not leased to me for a fixed duration.
Sprint considering a sale of Nextel's iDen network?
According to a Reuters report:
"Sprint Nextel Corp is considering a sale of the Nextel wireless network it bought in 2005, but may have trouble finding a buyer for an asset whose value has plunged about 80 percent to an estimated $5 billion.
Sprint has struggled to integrate Nextel's iDen network, used by public safety and construction workers, with its own services and has lost millions of customers since paying about $35 billion for Nextel Communications three years ago."
Talk about bad investment! They have so much debt that they need a lot of cash to keep things moving along smoothly...
"Sprint Nextel Corp is considering a sale of the Nextel wireless network it bought in 2005, but may have trouble finding a buyer for an asset whose value has plunged about 80 percent to an estimated $5 billion.
Sprint has struggled to integrate Nextel's iDen network, used by public safety and construction workers, with its own services and has lost millions of customers since paying about $35 billion for Nextel Communications three years ago."
Talk about bad investment! They have so much debt that they need a lot of cash to keep things moving along smoothly...
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Coverage of Canadian launch of Samsung Instinct
Mobilie Magazine has some coverage of Samsung Instinct's canadian launch.
And here are the details of Bell Canada version of Samsung Instinct:
Specifications
- Dual mode, dual band digital phone (1.9GHz & 800MHz)
- Operates on both the Bell core network and the Bell high speed mobile network
- Integrated digital music player (MP3) and access to Bell's Full track Music downloads
- External memory card slot allows you to store and carry additional pictures, videos and music up to 8GB
- Quick access to popular content including Facebook, News, Sports and Weather highlights
GPS turn-by-turn navigation - Windows Live™ Messenger and Windows Live™ Hotmail
- HTML Mobile Browser™
- SMS/Text messaging capable* with full qwerty keyboard
- 2.0 megapixel camera, with 4x digital zoom
- Video camera
- Picture/Video messaging capable*
- Mass storage tool to transfer MP3s, pictures and videos to and from your PC
- Backup Manager support
- Bluetooth 2.0 enabled.
- Profiles supported:
A2DP (Stereo Headset)
HSP (Headset-mono)
HFP (Hands-free)
DUN (Dial-up Networking)
OPP (Object Push)
OBEX (Object Exchange)
FTP (File Transfer Protocol) - Download ringtones, screensavers, games and applications*
- Dial-up networking/USB tethered data*
- 3.1" 262K TFT colour display
- Speakerphone
- Languages - English & French
*Dependent on the content & network availability, additional charges may apply.
Some things to note that it seems to have direct button for Facebook and Youtube. It also has Windows Live Messenger! And they are officially allowing mobile connect (tethering or Phone As Modem)!
Friday, August 8, 2008
Apple receives a patent for Remote Streaming - seems like Orb.com
According to a new patent granted to Apple, this will allow:
"Remote access of media items" from a remote device, like an iPhone (or even an iPod). The remote device would sync the metadata associated with your music library at home—titles, album art, file size, etc.—but not the files themselves. This would allow you to have access to gigs upon gigs of media sitting on your home machine without filling up all the space on your iPod or iPhone. "In this manner, the virtual capacity of an electronic device may be increased," writes Apple in the filing.
When you want to play a song, your device would establish a connection with your home computer, either over WiFi or through the mobile network...."
This sounds surprisingly similar to Orb which I confirmed works great with Sprint Instinct to stream media, iTunes podcasts, streaming online radio and TV from your home PC or from online streaming sites. Hopefully this won't allow Apple to stifle innovation from others and as far as Orb is concerned, I would think that that is prior art. They have it working even before Apple filed the patent!
"Remote access of media items" from a remote device, like an iPhone (or even an iPod). The remote device would sync the metadata associated with your music library at home—titles, album art, file size, etc.—but not the files themselves. This would allow you to have access to gigs upon gigs of media sitting on your home machine without filling up all the space on your iPod or iPhone. "In this manner, the virtual capacity of an electronic device may be increased," writes Apple in the filing.
When you want to play a song, your device would establish a connection with your home computer, either over WiFi or through the mobile network...."
This sounds surprisingly similar to Orb which I confirmed works great with Sprint Instinct to stream media, iTunes podcasts, streaming online radio and TV from your home PC or from online streaming sites. Hopefully this won't allow Apple to stifle innovation from others and as far as Orb is concerned, I would think that that is prior art. They have it working even before Apple filed the patent!
July - Top 10 selling phones
Source:
http://www.krusell.se/nav/marketing/?pressRel=111
TOP-10 selling phones in July 2008
1. (1) Apple Iphone
2. (5) Nokia 3109
3. (3) Nokia E51
4. (4) Nokia 6300
5. (-) Sony Ericsson C902
6. (-) Sony Ericsson C702
7. (7) Nokia N95 8 GB
8. (8) Sony Ericsson K810i
9. (9) Sony Ericsson K530i
10. (6) LG KU990
() = Last month’s position.
The list is based upon the number of pieces of model specific mobile and smart phone cases that have been ordered from Krusell during July 2008. Krusell's list is unique due to the fact that it reflects the sales of phones on six continents and in more than 50 countries around the globe.
I am taking this with a grain of salt because I haven't even seen their cases for phones like Instinct at nearby stores.
http://www.krusell.se/nav/marketing/?pressRel=111
TOP-10 selling phones in July 2008
1. (1) Apple Iphone
2. (5) Nokia 3109
3. (3) Nokia E51
4. (4) Nokia 6300
5. (-) Sony Ericsson C902
6. (-) Sony Ericsson C702
7. (7) Nokia N95 8 GB
8. (8) Sony Ericsson K810i
9. (9) Sony Ericsson K530i
10. (6) LG KU990
() = Last month’s position.
The list is based upon the number of pieces of model specific mobile and smart phone cases that have been ordered from Krusell during July 2008. Krusell's list is unique due to the fact that it reflects the sales of phones on six continents and in more than 50 countries around the globe.
I am taking this with a grain of salt because I haven't even seen their cases for phones like Instinct at nearby stores.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Does Apple iPhone have a remote app kill switch?
Source:
http://www.pcworld.com/article/149561/apple_can_kill_iphone_apps_remotely_or_can_it.html
"Apple yields ultimate control over applications running on your iPhone. If it doesn't like an app it flips a "kill switch" that zaps an unpalatable iTunes App off your iPhone in a heart beat. At least that's the buzz today in the blogosphere about a line of code found inside Apple's iPhone 2.0 software by independent iPhone developer Jonathan Zdziarski. "
While this may or may not be true, most of us don't like any company to have so much control on the device. Once it is sold, I should be able to do whatever I want with it unless the company is leasing it to me (like a cable box for about $5 per month!). Mobile phones are not leased (you don't return them back when you cancel your service). But I think that all phones should have this option of remote wipe with an owner password. So when I buy the phone, I can set up a password through the company's website and if my phone is stolen, I can key in that password on the company's website and remotely wipe all my personal information from the phone. That would be nice but something like that only exists on blackberrys and maybe a very few other devices..
http://www.pcworld.com/article/149561/apple_can_kill_iphone_apps_remotely_or_can_it.html
"Apple yields ultimate control over applications running on your iPhone. If it doesn't like an app it flips a "kill switch" that zaps an unpalatable iTunes App off your iPhone in a heart beat. At least that's the buzz today in the blogosphere about a line of code found inside Apple's iPhone 2.0 software by independent iPhone developer Jonathan Zdziarski. "
While this may or may not be true, most of us don't like any company to have so much control on the device. Once it is sold, I should be able to do whatever I want with it unless the company is leasing it to me (like a cable box for about $5 per month!). Mobile phones are not leased (you don't return them back when you cancel your service). But I think that all phones should have this option of remote wipe with an owner password. So when I buy the phone, I can set up a password through the company's website and if my phone is stolen, I can key in that password on the company's website and remotely wipe all my personal information from the phone. That would be nice but something like that only exists on blackberrys and maybe a very few other devices..
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
HTC Touch Diamond (HTC Victor) on Sprint
According to various sites, Sprint is rumored to start selling the best Windows Mobile touch phone (HTC Touch Diamond or HTC Victor) in early September. This phone might give iPhone a run for its money (not sure why they chose 2.8" screen though even though it is much higher resolution than iPhone's 3.5" screen)
A version of the same phone will go on sale in Canada very soon. Check this out:
http://www.telusmobility.com/on/pcs/handset_htc_p3100.shtml
(some software will differ on Sprint's version)
I expect a physical keyboard version of the same phone to follow.
It is likely that Verizon will sell a slightly different version of this phone too.
A version of the same phone will go on sale in Canada very soon. Check this out:
http://www.telusmobility.com/on/pcs/handset_htc_p3100.shtml
(some software will differ on Sprint's version)
I expect a physical keyboard version of the same phone to follow.
It is likely that Verizon will sell a slightly different version of this phone too.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Apple's Steve Jobs says MobileMe Launch not their finest hour!
According to the an email from Steve Jobs to Apple employees:
"The launch of MobileMe was not our finest hour"
"MobileMe was simply not up to Apple's standards – it clearly needed more time and testing."
"It was a mistake to launch MobileMe at the same time as iPhone 3G, iPhone 2.0 software and the App Store. We all had more than enough to do, and MobileMe could have been delayed without consequence."
"We are taking many steps to learn from this experience so that we can grow MobileMe into a service that our customers will love. "
"The MobileMe launch clearly demonstrates that we have more to learn about Internet services."
This shows that software applications when rushed (due to unrealistic deadlines set by marketing and management) don't always work as planned!
"The launch of MobileMe was not our finest hour"
"MobileMe was simply not up to Apple's standards – it clearly needed more time and testing."
"It was a mistake to launch MobileMe at the same time as iPhone 3G, iPhone 2.0 software and the App Store. We all had more than enough to do, and MobileMe could have been delayed without consequence."
"We are taking many steps to learn from this experience so that we can grow MobileMe into a service that our customers will love. "
"The MobileMe launch clearly demonstrates that we have more to learn about Internet services."
This shows that software applications when rushed (due to unrealistic deadlines set by marketing and management) don't always work as planned!
Some more "UNOFFICIAL" information on Instinct software updates
Here are some more UNOFFICIAL updates. Don't rely on them too much for dates because things are still in the process of being decided:
TechieTech
(Customer Care Specialist)
"I attended a conference call with Samsung last week and as far as the date of the new release, all they would say is August. We attempted to pin them down on a date and time frame (Early August, Late August, Mid August, 10 days, etc.) and they would not provide a hint as to specific date. In general the software update is to address some issues with mobile sync, visual voice mail, and other applications on the device.
Currently they are investigating:
- Why the word Microbrew freezes the device when it is typed in a text (my personal favorite)
- Visual Voice Mail Notification is not working properly
- Data error codes "Reject Ambiguous user", 46957, 1012 and 403 (however, I know how to fix the 403 error)
- Browser unable to access high security web sites
- No SMS signature feature available while the user guide states it's available
- Complaint due to not providing end-user option to delete recent history of SMS
- End-users complaining due to phone's inability set starting menu on (currently phone defaults to speed dial menu on boot)
- End-users are wanting to use MicroSD card as storage media; however, phone will not recognize files saved on to MicroSD card using PC.
- Inability to receive call during data usage.
Some of this, just need to be ok'd by Sprint, such as the 128K browser and the SMS signature, while others need to be investigated for a root cause."
-----------------------------
wengla02
(Sprint Administrator)
"Nice Info!
That's more complete than what I have. Poking around to see if I can find more.
Will
Will England
Buzz About Wireless Admin
Sprint Nextel "
------------------------------
TechieTech
(Customer Care Specialist)
"The initial updates will focus on "inconveniences" (ie Mobile Sync, VVM, bugs, known issues). As far as adding the same options as the Canadian version, I personally have not heard anything regarding that, but I will ask if we get another conference call scheduled.
Regarding who is running the show, the official Sprint answer, I don't know. What I have seen? We all in this thing together! I'm just glad someone spoke up and changed the original name from Minerva to Instinct!"
----------------------------------
wengla02
(Sprint Administrator)
"Sprint has a team of technical, project management, UI design, etc gurus. Samsung has a larger team of coders and developers making changes to the firmware code. I'm not sure where the dividing line is, or who does what specifically.
Will England
Buzz About Wireless Admin
Sprint Nextel
-------------------------------------
wengla02
(Sprint Administrator)
"You're right - we don't have all the information. We're on the wrong side of the wall, and if we were in product developement, we'd be bound by wicked tight rules on what we can and can't say. I skate a thin line here ...
About the updates: There are two. One is definitely in August. I wouldn't count on the second till after Labor Day, but that's just me speaking, and like I said, I'm on the wrong side of the wall.
As soon as I get hard confirmed information I will post it or forward to the Instinct Admin to post.
Will
Will England
Buzz About Wireless Admin
Sprint Nextel "
TechieTech
(Customer Care Specialist)
"I attended a conference call with Samsung last week and as far as the date of the new release, all they would say is August. We attempted to pin them down on a date and time frame (Early August, Late August, Mid August, 10 days, etc.) and they would not provide a hint as to specific date. In general the software update is to address some issues with mobile sync, visual voice mail, and other applications on the device.
Currently they are investigating:
- Why the word Microbrew freezes the device when it is typed in a text (my personal favorite)
- Visual Voice Mail Notification is not working properly
- Data error codes "Reject Ambiguous user", 46957, 1012 and 403 (however, I know how to fix the 403 error)
- Browser unable to access high security web sites
- No SMS signature feature available while the user guide states it's available
- Complaint due to not providing end-user option to delete recent history of SMS
- End-users complaining due to phone's inability set starting menu on (currently phone defaults to speed dial menu on boot)
- End-users are wanting to use MicroSD card as storage media; however, phone will not recognize files saved on to MicroSD card using PC.
- Inability to receive call during data usage.
Some of this, just need to be ok'd by Sprint, such as the 128K browser and the SMS signature, while others need to be investigated for a root cause."
-----------------------------
wengla02
(Sprint Administrator)
"Nice Info!
That's more complete than what I have. Poking around to see if I can find more.
Will
Will England
Buzz About Wireless Admin
Sprint Nextel "
------------------------------
TechieTech
(Customer Care Specialist)
"The initial updates will focus on "inconveniences" (ie Mobile Sync, VVM, bugs, known issues). As far as adding the same options as the Canadian version, I personally have not heard anything regarding that, but I will ask if we get another conference call scheduled.
Regarding who is running the show, the official Sprint answer, I don't know. What I have seen? We all in this thing together! I'm just glad someone spoke up and changed the original name from Minerva to Instinct!"
----------------------------------
wengla02
(Sprint Administrator)
"Sprint has a team of technical, project management, UI design, etc gurus. Samsung has a larger team of coders and developers making changes to the firmware code. I'm not sure where the dividing line is, or who does what specifically.
Will England
Buzz About Wireless Admin
Sprint Nextel
-------------------------------------
wengla02
(Sprint Administrator)
"You're right - we don't have all the information. We're on the wrong side of the wall, and if we were in product developement, we'd be bound by wicked tight rules on what we can and can't say. I skate a thin line here ...
About the updates: There are two. One is definitely in August. I wouldn't count on the second till after Labor Day, but that's just me speaking, and like I said, I'm on the wrong side of the wall.
As soon as I get hard confirmed information I will post it or forward to the Instinct Admin to post.
Will
Will England
Buzz About Wireless Admin
Sprint Nextel "
------------------------------
So that's it for now. Remember that in the software world, dates change because of unexpected problems and tight deadlines. Even Apple isn't immune from this - see here.
Sprint Champions Courtesy with National CineMedia
Sprint and National CineMedia , operator of the largest digital in-theatre network in North America for cinema advertising, alternative entertainment and events, have entered into an exclusive, multi-year agreement to promote courtesy in movie theatres through a series of public service announcements reminding moviegoers to silence their cell phones and refrain from texting during feature films.
The new Sprint courtesy campaign will be created by Goodby, Silverstein & Partners in San Francisco and placed through Mindshare/Kinetic in New York. The spots will be seen on more than 14,300 screens in over 1,100 AMC Entertainment Inc., Cinemark Holdings Inc. , Inc. and Regal Entertainment Group movie theatres – the three largest theatre operators in the U.S. – beginning in October 2008.
his multi-year commitment follows Sprint’s recent cinema success with the Sprint Instinct from Samsung movie-themed campaign, which included a spot running in National CineMedia’s FirstLook digital pre-feature program, highlighting a trailer-style clip promoting Instinct: The Greatest Product-Placement Movie of All Time, a film that promised "no plot, no romance, just phone."
Full details here
The new Sprint courtesy campaign will be created by Goodby, Silverstein & Partners in San Francisco and placed through Mindshare/Kinetic in New York. The spots will be seen on more than 14,300 screens in over 1,100 AMC Entertainment Inc., Cinemark Holdings Inc. , Inc. and Regal Entertainment Group movie theatres – the three largest theatre operators in the U.S. – beginning in October 2008.
his multi-year commitment follows Sprint’s recent cinema success with the Sprint Instinct from Samsung movie-themed campaign, which included a spot running in National CineMedia’s FirstLook digital pre-feature program, highlighting a trailer-style clip promoting Instinct: The Greatest Product-Placement Movie of All Time, a film that promised "no plot, no romance, just phone."
Full details here
Monday, August 4, 2008
Some iPhones reported to be showing cracks!
CNET Review - Samsung Instinct vs. Apple iPhone 3G
Check out this 5-round match-up of Samsung Instinct vs. Apple iPhone 3G:
http://reviews.cnet.com/4370-11399_7-501-101.html?tag=lnav
Total points:
Samsung Instinct: 60
Apple iPhone 3G: 69
Winner: Apple iPhone 3G
This is a no brainer but they compared Instinct's TV quality to iPhone's video which is like comparing apples and bananas! Instinct can play higher quality video than highly compressed TV stream from Sprint. If iPhone had TV, it probably would look worse on higher resolution screen. That's probably why Apple didn't even include it!
And Instinct's Navigation is much better than iPhone Navigation which is nothing but Google maps. Instinct has true turn-by-turn voice GPS Navigation. And if you are not satisfied, you can download Google Maps on Instinct.
To top it off, AT&T's comparable iPhone plans are $20-$50 more per month than Sprint Instinct's plans and provide less services (No TV or turn-by-turn voice GPS included)!
And funny that according to their judges, LG Voyager beat original iPhone! Hmm....
http://reviews.cnet.com/4370-11399_7-501-101.html?tag=lnav
Total points:
Samsung Instinct: 60
Apple iPhone 3G: 69
Winner: Apple iPhone 3G
This is a no brainer but they compared Instinct's TV quality to iPhone's video which is like comparing apples and bananas! Instinct can play higher quality video than highly compressed TV stream from Sprint. If iPhone had TV, it probably would look worse on higher resolution screen. That's probably why Apple didn't even include it!
And Instinct's Navigation is much better than iPhone Navigation which is nothing but Google maps. Instinct has true turn-by-turn voice GPS Navigation. And if you are not satisfied, you can download Google Maps on Instinct.
To top it off, AT&T's comparable iPhone plans are $20-$50 more per month than Sprint Instinct's plans and provide less services (No TV or turn-by-turn voice GPS included)!
And funny that according to their judges, LG Voyager beat original iPhone! Hmm....
Sunday, August 3, 2008
More LiMo (Linux for Mobile) handsets on the horizon
Source:
http://www.limofoundation.org/en/press-releases/limo-press-releases/new-wave-of-innovative-limo-handsets-feature-unique-mobile-experiences-and-services.html
LiMo Foundation (a global consortium of over 50 mobile companies - founder members Motorola, NEC, NTT DoCoMo, Panasonic Mobile Communications, Samsung Electronics, and Vodafone ) announced another wave of handsets using the LiMo Platform™ (open handset platform based on Linux for Mobile).
The seven new devices from Motorola, NEC and Panasonic Mobile Communications are:
In a blog post regarding Mozilla Firefox mobile browser on LiMo, Jay Sullivan says:
"We intend to participate actively in all aspects of the LiMo platform that relate to Web browsing, Web widgets/runtimes and security."
(a version of mobile Firefox browser runs on Nokia N800/N810 Linux-based tablets and is awesome! Some day similar browser will show up on mobile phones...)
http://www.limofoundation.org/en/press-releases/limo-press-releases/new-wave-of-innovative-limo-handsets-feature-unique-mobile-experiences-and-services.html
LiMo Foundation (a global consortium of over 50 mobile companies - founder members Motorola, NEC, NTT DoCoMo, Panasonic Mobile Communications, Samsung Electronics, and Vodafone ) announced another wave of handsets using the LiMo Platform™ (open handset platform based on Linux for Mobile).
The seven new devices from Motorola, NEC and Panasonic Mobile Communications are:
- MOTOZINE™ ZN5 from Motorola;
- FOMA N906i, FOMA N906iμ, FOMA N906iL and FOMA N706i from NEC and
- FOMA P906i and FOMA P706iμ from Panasonic Mobile Communications.
In a blog post regarding Mozilla Firefox mobile browser on LiMo, Jay Sullivan says:
"We intend to participate actively in all aspects of the LiMo platform that relate to Web browsing, Web widgets/runtimes and security."
(a version of mobile Firefox browser runs on Nokia N800/N810 Linux-based tablets and is awesome! Some day similar browser will show up on mobile phones...)
Update on Sprint Instinct's browser crash issue
Here are the latest responses on the Sprint Developer forum regarding the Instinct browser crash issue:
Raymond_Reeves_ADP
Subject:re: Instinct Browser Crash - Confirmed BUG
Date:2008-07-29 at 11:59 AM CDT
Bradskey, et al., This is to thank you for the information shared on this topic. We have been able to reproduce this issue and are looking to understand its source, which is the first step to developing an effective resolution. Due to the nature of these items, we do not presently have a timeline or more details to share but a commitment to address at the earliest. As always, we greatly appreciate your assistance and please feel free to continue voicing your experience and recommendations.
Saludos,
Raymond Reeves
Sprint ADP Team
---------------------------------------------------------------
Raymond_Reeves_ADP
Subject:re: Instinct Browser Crash - Confirmed BUG
Date:2008-07-29 at 05:49 PM CDT
All, As we research the replicated behavior, should you feel comfortable, please share in this thread the ESN for devices experiencing this issue. Again, we greatly appreciate your support in this effort.
Gracias,
Raymond Reeves
Sprint ADP Team
Raymond_Reeves_ADP
Subject:re: Instinct Browser Crash - Confirmed BUG
Date:2008-07-29 at 11:59 AM CDT
Bradskey, et al., This is to thank you for the information shared on this topic. We have been able to reproduce this issue and are looking to understand its source, which is the first step to developing an effective resolution. Due to the nature of these items, we do not presently have a timeline or more details to share but a commitment to address at the earliest. As always, we greatly appreciate your assistance and please feel free to continue voicing your experience and recommendations.
Saludos,
Raymond Reeves
Sprint ADP Team
---------------------------------------------------------------
Raymond_Reeves_ADP
Subject:re: Instinct Browser Crash - Confirmed BUG
Date:2008-07-29 at 05:49 PM CDT
All, As we research the replicated behavior, should you feel comfortable, please share in this thread the ESN for devices experiencing this issue. Again, we greatly appreciate your support in this effort.
Gracias,
Raymond Reeves
Sprint ADP Team
BestBuy website says Instinct can be used for Phone as a Modem
(Click on the image for full-size view)
When I bought my Instinct phones from BestBuy, the sales guy had told me that with my talk/message/data share plan, I could use Instinct phone as a modem. I was disappointed when I found out that Sprint had it disabled on the Instinct phone.
It turns out that BestBuy website still (as of 08/03/2008) says:
"Use the included USB cable or Bluetooth wireless technology to connect to a PC and use the phone as a modem for Internet and e-mail access "
Source:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8874284&st=Instinct&type=product&id=1210378662054
Copy and paste from BestBuy website as-is (highlighted to show that phone as modem feature is listed):
Product Features
- Operates on CDMA 800/1900MHz networks; EVDO technology; Bluetooth-compatible
- 3.1" LCD screen (240 x 432 pixels) displays photos in up to 262,000 colors
- Sprint Power Vision network provides Internet and e-mail access along with text-messaging ability; Sprint Music Store-enabled for easy music downloads and streaming music; Sprint TV-enabled so you can watch live TV on the go (additional fees may apply)
- * Phone activation required before use
- Built-in microSD card slot for additional storage capacity (2GB microSD card included)
- Digital camera captures images at up to 1600 x 1200 resolution; supports video recording
- Identify callers instantly by downloading ringers and assigning them to each number in your phonebook
- Use the included USB cable or Bluetooth wireless technology to connect to a PC and use the phone as a modem for Internet and e-mail access
- SMS text messaging and wireless e-mail enabled
- Visual Voicemail lets you quickly and easily decide which voicemails to listen to
- Download images to use as screen savers or assign them to your phonebook for instant caller ID; Sprint PCS Picture Mail lets you shoot, share and print high-resolution digital photos with ease
- GPS-enabled, so you can receive audible and visual turn-by-turn directions, map your location or conduct local searches on the handset (additional fees may apply)
- Hands-free speakerphone eliminates the need to purchase a hands-free kit for your car; speaker-independent voice dialing
- Wireless Mobile Sync backup services restore your contact information if your phone is lost, damaged or stolen (additional fees may apply)
- Preloaded digital content includes Bejeweled, Brain Challenge, EA Sudoku and Midnight Bowling demos
- Up to 5.75 hours talk time (with each included lithium-ion battery; 11.5 hours total talk time)
- Includes 2 batteries, charger and USB cable
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Google's response regarding Google maps on Samsung Instinct
Here is the response from Google Maps Guide Ravi regarding Instinct:
"Samsung has been promising some updates for the Instinct and hopefully this should alleviate the issue and you'll all be able to use a touch enabled version.
Thanks,
Ravi "
If you want Google maps to fully work on your Instinct (with GPS), please post your request stating:
"Hi Google, please integrate the Google maps for mobile application with Sprint Instinct's GPS. Thanks!"
in this google groups forum:
http://groups.google.com/group/Google-Maps-for-mobile/browse_thread/thread/1a401e9b1845962c/688373420e495e7e
The more, the merrier!
"Samsung has been promising some updates for the Instinct and hopefully this should alleviate the issue and you'll all be able to use a touch enabled version.
Thanks,
Ravi "
If you want Google maps to fully work on your Instinct (with GPS), please post your request stating:
"Hi Google, please integrate the Google maps for mobile application with Sprint Instinct's GPS. Thanks!"
in this google groups forum:
http://groups.google.com/group/Google-Maps-for-mobile/browse_thread/thread/1a401e9b1845962c/688373420e495e7e
The more, the merrier!
Motorola finally working on touch-screen phone?
Motorola has been steadily losing market share on mobile phones without any blockbuster phone since Razr! Their stock has dropped more than 60% since 2006.
But it seems that they are finally working on some new touch-screen phones:
Source: http://www.rcrnews.com/article/20080801/FREE/867454753/-1/rss01
"Brown (Motorola CEO) said he expects to roll out about 34 new phones by year's end, more than double the number introduced in the first six months of the year. That’s likely to include an answer to Apple Inc.’s popular iPhone, a Web-friendly phone with a touch-sensitive screen. The phone is now in its second generation, accompanied by look-alikes from most rivals, except Motorola.
But it seems that they are finally working on some new touch-screen phones:
Source: http://www.rcrnews.com/article/20080801/FREE/867454753/-1/rss01
"Brown (Motorola CEO) said he expects to roll out about 34 new phones by year's end, more than double the number introduced in the first six months of the year. That’s likely to include an answer to Apple Inc.’s popular iPhone, a Web-friendly phone with a touch-sensitive screen. The phone is now in its second generation, accompanied by look-alikes from most rivals, except Motorola.
Brown said new phones in the second half of the year will have “capabilities that will include touch and messaging . . . and we’ll be looking to enhance our smartphone portfolio.”
Asked whether such a phone will be in U.S. stores by Christmas, he said, “That’s a reasonable expectation.”
Apple kills iPhone as a modem option, then resurrects it and then kills it again!
Source:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13505_3-10005292-16.html
"Apple has apparently put the blocks on an iPhone application that turns the device into a modem for a PC. Macrumours reports that Canadian software company Nullriver Inc. released the application, called NetShare, yesterday through Apple's iTunes store, but it was withdrawn within hours."
And then it was available again! And then it disappeared again. Nice yo-yo!
According to the developer Nullriver's website:
"Update 2: Apple has taken it down again, with no explanation yet again. Update: NetShare is now back up and available from the AppStore! We're not quite sure why Apple took down the NetShare application yet, we've received no communication from Apple thus far. NetShare did not violate any of the Developer or AppStore agreements. We're hoping we'll get some feedback from Apple today. Sorry to all the folks that couldn't get it in time. We'll do our best to try to get the application back onto the AppStore if at all possible. At the very least, we hope Apple will allow it to be used in countries where the provider does permit tethering."
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13505_3-10005292-16.html
"Apple has apparently put the blocks on an iPhone application that turns the device into a modem for a PC. Macrumours reports that Canadian software company Nullriver Inc. released the application, called NetShare, yesterday through Apple's iTunes store, but it was withdrawn within hours."
And then it was available again! And then it disappeared again. Nice yo-yo!
According to the developer Nullriver's website:
"Update 2: Apple has taken it down again, with no explanation yet again. Update: NetShare is now back up and available from the AppStore! We're not quite sure why Apple took down the NetShare application yet, we've received no communication from Apple thus far. NetShare did not violate any of the Developer or AppStore agreements. We're hoping we'll get some feedback from Apple today. Sorry to all the folks that couldn't get it in time. We'll do our best to try to get the application back onto the AppStore if at all possible. At the very least, we hope Apple will allow it to be used in countries where the provider does permit tethering."
Here is Nullriver's NetShare direct download link on iTunes:
And here is a tutorial on setting phone as a modem with iPhone and NetShare for those that grabbed it before Apple removed it from their store:
Here's how Sprint can entice those disgruntled iPhone customers - why not officially allow Instinct to be used for Phone as a modem option (5GB monthly limit) with all plans costing $99 per month or more including simply everything plan and talk/message/data share plans?
Friday, August 1, 2008
Third-party calendar syncing coming to Sprint Instinct?
According to the user bdroad on baw forums (my guess is that he/she is an employee of Seven - see here and here) :
"I have seen a lot of threads asking about calendar syncing with exchange and/or domino with the Instinct.
Being that I work for the company that created the email application on the Instinct I can tell you that it is under development. Engineers are working on a completely separate calendar from the local calendar located on the Instinct. This is to avoid all of the limitations with the local calendar. This is to insure that you get full access to editing Notes, to do list, appointments, etc. Basically the same calendar that would be found on a full blown PDA device.
While I do not have an exact ETA, I can tell you that we are looking to get it released before the end of the year.
If you have any questions about this, post here and I can answer them.
bdroad"
and this:
"Sorry to confuse you guys. I do not work for sprint. Unfortunately there is no place that would tell you what developers are currently working on, well... except in this thread. =)
I can tell you a few features that are in development for the Instinct:
- Full calendar support for Exchange and domino
- The option to edit your account settings on the fly (incoming and outgoing servers)
- HTML email support
If you guys have any other questions, feel free to ask."
"I have seen a lot of threads asking about calendar syncing with exchange and/or domino with the Instinct.
Being that I work for the company that created the email application on the Instinct I can tell you that it is under development. Engineers are working on a completely separate calendar from the local calendar located on the Instinct. This is to avoid all of the limitations with the local calendar. This is to insure that you get full access to editing Notes, to do list, appointments, etc. Basically the same calendar that would be found on a full blown PDA device.
While I do not have an exact ETA, I can tell you that we are looking to get it released before the end of the year.
If you have any questions about this, post here and I can answer them.
bdroad"
and this:
"Sorry to confuse you guys. I do not work for sprint. Unfortunately there is no place that would tell you what developers are currently working on, well... except in this thread. =)
I can tell you a few features that are in development for the Instinct:
- Full calendar support for Exchange and domino
- The option to edit your account settings on the fly (incoming and outgoing servers)
- HTML email support
If you guys have any other questions, feel free to ask."
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