Rumors are flying around the blogosphere about Microsoft possibly looking to develop (or maybe eve already developing) their own mobile phone. I mean, Google has done it, so why not Microsoft? The rumors from various news outlets are saying that tech giant Microsoft has teamed up with computer/laptop hardware manufacturer Asus to build a mobile that will compete with Google’s nexus one.
If a Microsoft phone is indeed in the works, it will no doubt run Windows 7, as was reported shown in a prototype already. Of course, not all prototypes ultimately make it to the assembly line. The phone is apparently going to be hitting store shelves by 2011, so keep your eyes peeled for it!
Is it really too much to ask for to be able to enjoy a little Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter while travelling via plane? Just imagine how much more engaging (and productive) a long overseas flight could be with WiFi web access. No more in flight movie on those tiny screens, but instead time spent on social network, and I don’t know, even blogs!
Apparently a lot of the European airlines already feature in flight WiFi, and it looks like our domestic airlines are about to head in that direction, as well. Alaska Airlines is leading the pack, and is set to test out its new WiFi system on flights between San Jose and Seattle. If it takes off well (and I can’t imagine it wouldn’t), we could start to see WiFi on more and more Alaska Airlines flights. No doubt five to ten years in the future it will be on all large commercial aircraft carriers. It just seems to be a matter of time…
I was really surprised today when I learned that while the iPhone is insanely popular hear in North America (and consequently expensive), it is neither popular nor expensive in the country of Japan. Now, I know that the Japanese people have a reputation for being very tech forward and tech savvy, so I wondered why the iPhone isn’t a hit over there? Do they perhaps have a better new gadget that we are unaware of?
Well, according to Softbank the iPhone has failed to take off in Japan because it doesn’t include a video camera, or video send option, and those are major staples that Japanese citizens like to have in their mobile phones. Also, there may be a tendency of the citizens to lean toward home grown products, such as those from Sony and other Japanese brands.
There’s actually quite a big promotion going on in order to try and sell mobile phones, and at some retailers in Japan iPhones can actually be had for free, with just a basic two year plan required. Intersting stuff.
If you know me, then you know that I just love the iPhone and its many applications. I mean, there truly is a app for just about anything you can think of! The possibilities are endless. Lately I’ve been trying out a few different fitness related apps, and have to say that I’m having a great time with them. The apps I’m liking the best are actually free and made by a company called ITMP, so if you want to drop a few pounds you might consider them.
The apps are neat as they provide an analysis of various factors when you’re working out. For example, you can set them to track data such as calories burned, fat burned, heart rate and so on. It’s neat because I use my iPhone not only to listen to music while I work out, but also I have the app running to let me know just how productive my workout has been. Cool huh?
With the popularity of bluetooth headsets going trough the roof, more and more people are flocking to stores to buy one of their own. However, many people don’t know what to look for in a good bluetooth headset, so I thought I’d write up a few tips.
Here are my recommended points to consider:
Cost
Obviously we all have different budgets and price considerations, but you can certainly get a quality bluetooth headset for a low price.
Comfort:
The device should be easy to put on and remove
The control buttons should be easy to find, press and work with
Perhaps most important, the device should be comfortable to wear
Usually lightweight headsets will be more comfortable when worn for long periods of time
Usability:
The volume should be easy to adjust
The features are all simple to use and can be used quickly
Features
Long battery life is essential, and should usually be a top consideration
The device should be compatible with your current phone and future phones that you are likely to purchase. Forgetting this could lead to purchasing a device that is soon useless to you
Sound quality should be tested to ensure clarity
When I think of mobile phones, I think of Nokia. And when I think of Nokia, I think of mobile phones. Seriously, it feels as though I’ve been using Nokia as my mobile phone of choice for centuries. That’s why, I was most surprised today to read that Nokia is considering dabbling in a new market for them — the laptop market.
When I started to think more about it, it sort of makes sense. I mean, it seems like every big tech company is trying to come out with a cell phone these days (Apple, Google, Dell), which takes more and more away from Nokia’s market share. So why wouldn’t they try to even the score?
Right now the potential Nokia laptop offering is just a frequently repeated rumour, but it will be interesting to see what, if anything, they do develop for the laptop market.
