Smartphones and Cell Phones

February 9th, 2010

Google Buzz goes mobile, except for BlackBerry and webOS

Posted by Matthew Miller @ 3:52 pm

Categories: Android, Apple, Google, Mobile services, Mobile software, Nokia, RIM, S60, Windows Mobile, iPhone

Tags: Matthew Miller

I am not very interested in any service that can’t be taken with me on my mobile phone so after seeing Sam’s coverage of Google Buzz I immediately started searching for how I could use it on my smartphones. There are actually a couple of ways to interact with Buzz on your smartphones and the easiest way (for iPhone and Android owners currently) is to simply point your mobile browser to buzz.google.com. You can read about the mobile web app features on the Google Buzz for mobile site and see a table at the bottom that shows iPhone and Android have the best support with limited support (Buzz layer on Google Maps for mobile) on Nokia S60 and Windows Mobile. Unfortunately, there is no support for Buzz on RIM BlackBerry devices at this time.

A few advanced features supported on Android 2.0+ and iPhone are Buzz on a place page, voice shortcuts, and Buzz icon shortcuts. You can actually speak “post buzz” in voice search from the Google Mobile app on the iPhone or the quick search voice widget on Android. The Buzz layer on Google Maps comes in the form of updates to Google Maps for mobile on Android, iPhone, S60, and Windows Mobile.

I have a Google Nexus One and tapping the Google Buzz icon on Google Maps opens up a screen where I can quickly enter a Buzz or even tap an icon to upload a photo from my gallery or from the camera directly. You can also scroll around the map and tap on various conversation bubble icons to see what others have posted on Buzz. Google Buzz brings a location-based social networking experience to your smartphone that may turn into quite a useful service, similar to a Foursquare check-in experience.

February 9th, 2010

iPhone Quickoffice update 3.0 adds Google Docs, Dropbox, and Box.net

Posted by Matthew Miller @ 12:05 pm

Categories: Apple, Mobile software, iPhone

Tags: Apple iPhone, Google Inc., Google Docs, Mobile Operating Systems, Smart Phones, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Word, Consumer Electronics, Personal Technology

I just turned on my iPhone to check for updated applications after reading that Navigon was updated with some very cool new features and discovered that Quickoffice Connect Mobile Suite version 3.0 (iTunes link) just became available today. Here is the full press release for this latest update. This new version of Quickoffice has come a long ways since my earlier review and now lets you access documents through Google Docs, Box.net, Dropbox, and MobileMe accounts while also providing general product enhancements. Without file system access it has always been a challenge for developers of these types of apps to help you access your documents and this looks like a great way to provide that support.

To start with you need to create a Quickoffice account or sign into an existing account. You then simply select a service to add, enter your credentials for that service, and then will see that service folder in your list of documents to edit or view, along with email attachments and locally stored files. I am particularly happy with the Google Documents support and may start using this mechanism for document storage and access even more now. I also see that this suite is available now for just $9.99 and provides you with Word and Excel creation and editing capabilities with PowerPoint support coming this year too.

February 8th, 2010

AT&T Navigator 1.5i update adds speed limit alerts, shake-to-go, to iPhone

Posted by Matthew Miller @ 2:21 pm

Categories: AT&T, Apple, Mobile services, Mobile software, iPhone

Tags: Apple iPhone, AT&T Corp., TeleNav, Smart Phones, Consumer Electronics, Personal Technology, Matthew Miller

Last June I wrote a review of AT&T Navigator for the iPhone and thought it was a very good solution for GPS navigation. I popped my SIM card in my iPhone 3GS last night and saw there was an update to version 1.5i that I read about on the TeleNav blog was just released a couple of days ago. You can find the latest version on the iTunes App Store (iTunes link) where you will also find TeleNav has a pricing option for $69.99 for a year instead of the $9.99/month option. The monthly option is convenient if you only need the navigation option for a couple months a year, but like I mentioned in my Android post the year option is the best deal.

You can check out the video below for a demo of this latest, free update.

There are quite a few new enhancements in this new iPhone version that provides you with features not seen in any other version of AT&T Navigator/TeleNav as listed below (from the TeleNav site):

• Speed Limit Display & Alerts: Navigation screen includes speed limit information and provides visual and audio alerts if the limit is exceeded
• Last Trip Origin: Once a trip is completed, users can easily return to the origin of their last trip by accessing the “Recent Places” menu
• Nighttime Maps: The brightness levels of map screens are adjusted for nighttime driving for easier viewing
• Improved Route Avoidance Options: Drivers may now choose to avoid routes that make use of high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes or choose to avoid routes that include toll roads
• Improved Pedestrian Mode: Users will be able to clearly identify when they are navigating in pedestrian mode with the introduction of a new pedestrian icon on the map screen
• Shake-to-Go: Lets you quickly route to a preselected application that you have setup, such as home, just by shaking the iPhone. The TeleNav product manager verified that driving on a rough road or hitting a speed bump will not reroute you home if you are in a navigation session.

I may go back to using my iPhone for TeleNav navigation because the speed limit and pedestrian modes look quite good. What looks to be your favorite feature? Anything else you would like to see in AT&T Navigator on the iPhone?

February 8th, 2010

Get one year of TeleNav GPS Navigator for Android for the price of 7 months

Posted by Matthew Miller @ 9:06 am

Categories: Android, Google, Mobile services, Mobile software

Tags: Netscape Navigator, Monthly Subscription, GPS, Handhelds, Smart Phones, Mobile Operating Systems, Web Browsers, Consumer Electronics, Personal Technology, Hardware

It was just about a year ago that I posted my review of TeleNav GPS Navigator for the Google Android platform. At that time you could purchase it for $9.99 per month and I have heard numerous people say they did not want a monthly subscription fee for GPS navigation and mapping even though there were some premium features available and always updated maps. I am currently taking part in a new program with TeleNav, called Waypoint, where they brought in about 20 people from around the smartphone and connected platform community to provide feedback on their current and future products. While speaking with a TeleNav rep last night, I learned that TeleNav GPS Navigator is available in the Android Market for $69.99 for a one year subscription. This is a HUGE savings over the previous $9.99/month fee and gives people an option without recurring payments.

I personally saw value in the monthly fee because I don’t always need GPS navigation and with a monthly subscription you have the flexibility to turn it on during heavy travel months and turn it off when not needed. However, at the $69.99 yearly price you are really only paying for 7 months and getting 5 months free so it is the best option for most people.

February 6th, 2010

More Windows Mobile 7 rumors; will it really not support multi-tasking?

Posted by Matthew Miller @ 4:20 pm

Categories: Microsoft, Mobile software, Rumor, Windows Mobile

Tags: Microsoft Windows Mobile, Mobile, Operating System, Microsoft Corp., Mobile World Congress, Microsoft Windows, Mobile Operating Systems, Operating Systems, Mobile Applications, Handhelds

Mobile World Congress is kicking off on 15 February and with the start date getting closer and closer the rumors of announcements is starting to kick into high gear. Rachel wrote last week that it looks like Windows Mobile 7 may be shown off and announced at MWC. Microsoft still hasn’t issued any public announcement that there is such a thing as Windows Mobile/Phone 7, but Steve Ballmer, other Microsoft officials, and partner representatives have all said it will be coming at the end of 2010 so there is no doubt it is real and being worked on. It was way back in 2007 when Mary Jo talked about Windows Mobile 7 so I have to really question if Microsoft can actually deliver this operating system by the end of 2010 and I will be keeping a close eye on MWC announcements.

There have been lots of rumors floating around about what the OS contains and these latest posts over on PPCGeeks and MobileTechWorld have long lists of possible features and service integration. I have to say that some are a bit disturbing to me. One that really shocks me in the list is the lack of multi-tasking. Really Microsoft? Everyone harps on Apple because the iPhone doesn’t support this and all indications are that iPhone OS 4 will add it. Microsoft has always supported multi-tasking in its mobile operating system and I would be shocked if they took a step back and removed this capability. It is also interesting to see the part about other interfaces not being supported. One thing that I really like about Windows Mobile is the ability to customize it to your heart’s content and if this is true then no more HTC Sense, Spb Mobile Shell, Samsung TouchWIZ, etc. Then again, if the OS is excellent then maybe none of these are necessary.

I do like the rumored Zune support and Zune taking over ActiveSync and WMDC. I don’t understand the Xbox support since it doesn’t seem to include gaming and just a way to check on your friends status, but maybe that will appeal to real gamers.

I am sure we will continue to see lots of rumors around Windows Mobile/Phone 7 and hopefully when we do see an announcement it shows that Microsoft is still interested in the mobile phone space.

It was pretty funny to read the line, “MS are actually ahead of schedule which will surprise the analysts / journalists” since the OS is at two years behind what Mary Jo talked about in 2007.

February 5th, 2010

MobileTechRoundup show #165, Nexus One, Pre Plus, and Overdrive

Posted by Matthew Miller @ 1:40 pm

Categories: Android, Google, Mobile services, Mobile software, Nokia, Podcast, Sprint, T-Mobile, WebOS

Tags: MobileTechRoundup, James, Palm Pre, Matthew Miller

Listen here (MP3, 33.3 MB, 36:15 minutes)

Subscribe to the show with this link (RSS)

Kevin and I both have Google Nexus One devices so were were quite happy to kick off MobileTechRoundup show #196 talking about our firmware update that brought multi-touch pinch and zoom to the Gallery and web browser. James and I also have the Palm Pre Plus (James has the Pixi Plus too) and we are not as excited about them as we thought we would be. James has been testing speeds compared to the MiFi and is seeing a huge difference between the two. I just went and picked up my own Sprint Overdrive today after taking an eval unit for a test drive. Firefox Mobile also arrived as a full version release and Kevin and I have been checking it out and offered some thoughts on our experiences.

February 5th, 2010

Slacker Radio 1.0 for webOS and Canadian subscribers

Posted by Matthew Miller @ 9:23 am

Categories: Android, Apple, BlackBerry, Google, Mobile services, Mobile software, Palm, RIM, WebOS, iPhone

Tags: Radio, Slacker Radio, Palm Pre, Wi-Fi, Wireless And Mobility, Handhelds, Hardware, Matthew Miller

I have a rather small personal music collection and rely on streaming music applications on my devices to enjoy the latest tunes. I started out using Pandora most of the time, then moved onto Last.fm, but have now found a new client that I actually enjoy more. Slacker Personal Radio is a very cool service that has (or will soon have) functionality on iPhone/iPod touch, BlackBerry and Android devices not seen in other streaming clients and that is offline caching ability so you can load up music onto your storage card and enjoy music when you do not have a wireless connection (such as when on an airplane). I also find that Slacker offers me a very nice selection of music without repeating songs as often as I see on Pandora, primarily due to their catalog that is nearly four times what others have. You can upgrade your free account to Slacker Radio Plus for $47.88 per year (or $4.99/month) and this gives you unlimited song skips, unlimited song requests, ad-free listening, and complete song lyrics.

The latest press release from Slacker was for the 1.0 Slacker Radio app available for the Palm Pre, Pre Plus, Pixi, and Pixi Plus. Local station caching is not yet supported, but the following features are part of the webOS version:

• Music library featuring millions of songs
• High-quality stereo playback from any available wireless connection
• Create custom artist stations based on artists or songs
• Over 120 professionally programmed and customizable genre stations
• View artist biographies and photos
• View album art and read reviews
• “Peek Ahead” artist and album preview
• Rate songs as favorites
• Ban songs and artists from stations

BTW, Slacker also recently announced that Slacker Personal Radio is available in Canada with support for BlackBerry (a major Canadian company) and Android smartphones. Slacker Radio is free for the first 30 days. Afterward, Canadian listeners can continue to enjoy the service by upgrading to Slacker Radio Plus, available for as low as $3.99 USD per month.

February 5th, 2010

Google Nexus One story in five short films

Posted by Matthew Miller @ 2:56 am

Categories: Android, Google, HTC, T-Mobile

Tags: Google Inc., Corporate Communications, Marketing, Matthew Miller

I was envious of Sprint customers back when I reviewed the HTC Hero and jumped on the opportunity to pick up the best Google Nexus One as soon as it was announced. The recent firmware update fixed the only issues I have seen on the device (3G/EDGE connectivity and browser/gallery multi-touch) and I am really enjoying the whole Nexus One experience. Google has a Nexus One YouTube channel and is posting a five-part short film series on the making of the Nexus One that will be complete on the 8th of February. The first episode is embedded below for you to enjoy, but keep visiting the channel to see the other four videos as they are posted.

I enjoyed seeing more about the dual microphone design in the first video and will be making a conscious effort to test this out in some loud environments to verify how well it works compared to other phones.

February 3rd, 2010

World's most popular smartphone OS, Symbian, is now 100% open and free

Posted by Matthew Miller @ 7:56 pm

Categories: Mobile software, Nokia, Symbian

Tags: Operating System, Smart Phone, Symbian Inc., Open Source, Smart Phones, Cellular Phones, Handhelds, Consumer Electronics, Personal Technology, Hardware

There has been a rather cryptic countdown on Twitter from the Symbian Foundation and now we learn that the countdown was designed to alert folks that Symbian is now fully open source and 100% free (thanks Symbian Guru). This happened four months ahead of schedule and we should soon start to see Symbian-powered devices from different manufacturers. This new Symbian is different than the previous Symbian you are familiar with in S60. While Nokia is still a major contributor to Symbian, the Symbian Foundation stated that the goal by 2011 is to have Nokia contributing no more than 50% of the development work.

Android has been promoted as an open source platform, but I understand that it is actually open with limits while this new Symbian platform is full and completely open. This openness may encourage developers to work to bring us smartphones, tablets, netbooks, and other devices in the future and is actually quite exciting. FYI, the six companies currently part of the Symbian Foundation include:

• Fujitsu
• Huawei
• Nokia
• Samsung Electronics
• Sharp
• Sony Ericsson

As I have mentioned before, 2010 will be a very interesting and exciting year for mobile enthusiasts.

February 3rd, 2010

Hands on with the myTouch 3G Fender Limited Edition

Posted by Matthew Miller @ 4:49 am

Categories: Android, Google, HTC, Review, T-Mobile

Tags: Google Inc., Device, T-Mobile, Keyboards, Mobile Operating Systems, Smart Phones, Hardware, Peripherals, Consumer Electronics, Personal Technology

Last July I took a look at the T-Mobile myTouch 3G and a few weeks afterwards I purchased my own myTouch 3G. I then returned it for a T-Mobile Touch Pro2 because I just couldn’t give up a physical QWERTY keyboard. I won’t go into all of the details of this new myTouch 3G Fender Limited Edition because the device is just about the same as the myTouch 3G. I will point out the improvements made in this device, including hardware and software, along with my thoughts on its appeal on T-Mobile USA given that the Nexus One can be purchased for the same price. Check out the cool Fender sunburst color scheme on the device in my image gallery.

	Image Gallery:The T-Mobile myTouch 3G Fender Limited Edition is one sleek looking device.

The original myTouch 3G was focused on personalization aspects and this new version is still focused on customization for your personality. The Fender Limited Edition device is actually made in a limited quantity so T-Mobile may run out of these before everyone who wants one can buy it. The demographic for T-Mobile fits in with the cool Fender sunburst styling so it should do pretty well.

What specifications are different?

There are very few differences between the myTouch 3G and this new Fender Limited Edition. Check out my original myTouch 3G review for the full specifications list and here is what is different between the two:

• Launches with Google Android 1.6 with support for Google Maps Navigation beta
• 288 MB RAM (was 192 MB) so you can install more apps
• 16 GB microSD card (4GB was included before)
• 3.5mm headset jack (was a HTC extUSB port)

I expected to see a bump up in the processor speed, so with the 528 MHz processor this is more of a mid-level Android device. While these are relatively minor updates, they are nice to see. Read the rest of this entry »