Wireless Muse: Reiter's Wireless Internet Weblog

My new "Alan Reiter's Wireless Web World" on CMP's "Internet Evolution" mobile site

I just began writing a wireless Internet weblog designed to be read on mobile devices for CMP’s “Internet Evolution” mobile site (see below).

I’ll be writing about all types of wireless Internet products and services, as the first weblog article describes.  Because the articles are designed for reading on cellular phones and other wireless-enabled portable devices, the entries are 200 words max.  And, I’ll try to keep the sentences and paragraphs short.

I’ve contracted to write a maximum of three entries per week.  But every so often I’ll write shorter articles to supplement the three “longer” entries….because that’s just the sort of guy I am.

If you read the articles, please let me know via e-mail (reiter@wirelessinternet.com) what you’d like to read (or not read).

I’m also continuing to write my longer, 600–word, weekly column about wireless Internet for CMP’s “Thinkernet” section on “Internet Evolution.

PodCampDC: NPR, NBC News discuss Qik, Twitter, video for radio stations

http://www.wirelessmuse.com/photos/nokia_n82/

I attended PodCampDC (see above) this Saturday and the most interesting session for me was by Andy Carvin of National Public Radio (NPR) and Jim Long of NBC News.  Carvin and Long discussed the value of Qik and Twitter for news gathering.  Also, I had a brief but interesting conversation with Carvin after the presentation.

Carvin is the senior product manager for NPR’s “Community.”  He’s a champion of blogging, social networks and camera phones.  He’s a blogger, has a Twitter account, uses Utterz (that I need to explore) and he and Long have a Qik account.

I don’t know Long’s exact title, but he’s a cameraman for NBC News who travels around the world.  He blogs and uses Qik (including interviewing singer/activist “Sir” Bob Geldorf).

Presentation on Qik

Carvin asked PodCampDC attendees in the room if they would use Qik to capture the presentation, and two people helped out by using his Nokia 95 to record a video.  About half of the presentation is on Qik (see below) and if you’re interested in these subjects, it’s well worth viewing. 

The Qik video was transmitted via WiFi AT&T Mobility's HSDPA network, and both the video and audio quality aren’t bad.  However, the signal crashed during the presentation, which is the reason it isn't available in its entirety on Qik (see Carvin's clarifications in the comments section).  (Near the beginning of the video you can hear Carvin say he was using Qik — “it is Qik and we’ll be talking about it later” — in answer to a question from me, whom you can’t see.)

Long notes that many people using Twitter learned about the recent earthquakes in the Midwest.  Carvin was instrumental in getting NPR to use Twitter (by first posting just news headlines).  He discusses how the NPR radio show “The Bryant Park Project,” now uses Twitter as a major source to obtain ideas for its New York City-based program.

Video for NPR

After the presentation, I asked Carvin whether he thought video would be a significant part of NPR, and he said yes.  This is a fascinating concept:  An audio medium posting videos.  NPR already posts videos on its Web site, and more are on the way.

(In my mobile TV weblog I wrote about a newspaper using Qik for videos of pro-Tibet protesters during the Olympic torch bearers running in San Francisco.  A print publication posting videos.  This is game-changing as radio and print publications become more multimedia oriented, especially being able to post newsworthy events as they happen, thanks in large part to camera phones.  As I’ve been writing for some time, live streaming cellular video is revolutionary.)

Carvin told me he is ordering more demonstrating Nokia N95 camera phones to NPR and hopes, but doesn't know, whether the network will order any (see his remarks in the comments section). 

The N95 has become something of a standard for many bloggers and video bloggers because of its excellent (for a camera phone) video recording capability at 30 frames per second.  I agree that the N95 is great for camera phone videos (and a great phone in general), but the new N82 (that isn’t available in the United States) might be a bit better. 

I’ve posted several N82 videos and more are on the way (courtesy of Nokia’s blogger program allowing me to test the handset).  I've also posted photos taken with the N82 and, as with the videos, more are on the way when I get a chance to upload them.

Battle between citizens and governments in information dissemination in "Us vs. Them"

One of my most interesting weekly “Thinkernet” wireless communications columns for CMP’s “Internet Evolution” Web site is, I believe, the most recent one:  “Us vs. Them on ‘The Internets’” (see below).

The column examines the continuing — and growing — battle between citizens (us) and governments (them) in the dissemination of information via the wireless and wired Internet.  I discuss how SMS, microblogging, live streaming cellular videos, online videos and e-mail are circumventing governments’ attempts to prevent information while, at the same time, governments seek ways to block information.

My column includes examples of protests in Myanmar (Burma), Tibet and along the route of the Olympic torch bearers around the world.  New examples crop of fairly frequently, and a few are noted in the comments section below the column.

My take on 4G: LTE dominates globally but WiMAX survives

There were lots of debates — and hype — about 4G during the CTIA’s Wireless 2008 conference.  Despite my sometimes contrarian opinions, my view is similar to many analysts:  The future of 4G will primarily belong to the LTE (Long Term Evolution) protocol, but WiMAX also will survive.

Although many analysts think WiMAX is a long shot, it does have a few advantages over LTE.  I also think Sprint has a shot at making its WiMAX network, Xohm, a success, but it has many, many challenges to overcome.

If you’d like to learn more, I discuss the future of 4G in my most recent weekly mobile communications column on CMP’s “Internet Evolution” Web site (see below).

On the way to CTIA Wireless 2008 in Las Vegas

I'm heading to the CTIA's Wireless 2008 conference and exhibition in Las Vegas (see above).  Despite misgivings about the economy, it should be a fascinating show that will highlight the continuing vibrancy and diversity of the wireless ecosystem.

Some of the major subjects of the conference will be the effects of so-called "open" cellular networks, making money with multimedia (music, videos and mobile TV), moving ahead with mobile advertising, the ramifications of the Apple iPhone, the development of 4G networks (cellular and WiMAX) and wireless security.

I'm booked for numerous briefings, receptions and dinners, and I also must find time to attend some of the panels and walk the huge exhibit hall.  I've got much to accomplish and not enough time!

My "Internet Evolution" column: What's the truth about municipal WiFi?

It hasn’t been a good 12 months for the proponents of municipal WiFi.  Many publications are writing about the “death” or, at least, the failure of many municipal WiFi efforts.

Earthlink’s abandonment of the business — for which it created a specific venture and won multiple city contracts — has helped to spark the large number of articles.  It’s a complicated issue, and there isn’t one specific reason why large-scale WiFi systems have had problems.

I wrote about the problems in my weekly mobile communications column for CMP’s “Internet Evolution” Web site (see below).  Municipal WiFi systems have had to face such challenges as cost overruns, in-building penetration, underestimating the number of hotspots required and trying to satisfy too many target markets.

However, this isn’t the end of WiFi for cities.  There are potential opportunities in smaller cities, for vertical market applications and also as a component of other telecommunications networks.

For more information, check out my column, including some of the interesting links to other articles provided in the comments.

My cellular medical monitoring article -- more prescient than I thought? Apple's fitness patents

Earlier this month I wrote my weekly CMP “Internet Evolution” column about the development of medical monitoring products and services for cellular.  Perhaps I was a bit more prescient than I thought because Apple might be developing something a bit similar.

According to AppleInsider, Apple is developing a variety of products for fitness/health uses, including medical monitoring.  The publication has posted about 20 photocopies of potential features, with multiple screen shots (see below). 

The article says, “A series of patent filings discovered by AppleInsider this week provides an overview of four distinct components that will comprise the system, including an iTunes-like software application, hardware-based heart rate and physiological sensors, a rewards tracker, and a component to facilitate synchronous group activities.

“Akin to a more advanced version of the company's Nike + iPod sport kit, the companion system would utilize a new software application for Macs and Windows PCs that would serve to ‘interview’ the user via a series of dialogs.”

Nokia’s efforts

Nokia is arguably the most innovative cellular phone manufacturers and conducts a tremendous amount of research.  It has debuted a beta version of a health application, Sports Tracker, for keeping records of workouts (see below).

Sports Tracker works with GPS devices to plot the location of jogging and walking.  The software is compatible with many Nokia Nseries and Eseries handsets as well as other models, such as the new N82, which I discussed in my camera phone weblog.

(As I was researching the Sports Tracker, I came across an interesting post from Jenifer Hanen, a Web designer and blogger who takes lots of photos with Nokia phones, including the N82 and N95.  She writes how the Sport Tracker could be used as a camera phone photo application with GPS tracking.)

Verizon Wireless discusses "open network" requirements for developers, vendors

Verizon Wireless this morning is holding an “open development” meeting with manufacturers and developers in New York to discuss the requirements for certifying cellular phones for Verizon’s new “open network” service.  Verizon has an “open development” Web site (see below).

The Wall Street Journal reports handset manufacturers may either buy airtime minutes and data usage at wholesale prices and sell them to consumers along with phones or have consumers purchase just the phones and deal with Verizon for the airtime/data plan.  Verizon won’t sell these phones, but manufacturers may sell them any way they want, such as online and in retail stores.

CNET News reports consumers “will be able to choose from Verizon's existing rate plans.”  That’s a bit of a surprise.  I thought the airtime/data prices would be more expensive.

Consumers with these “open network” phones would deal with Verizon online, not in stores, to activate the phone, obtain billing information and receive support.  Verizon will offer a “limited” toll-free 800 number, although the WSJ doesn’t report what “limited” entails.

No Verizon contracts

Subscribers will not have to sign two-year contracts with Verizon, but this means the phones could be considerably more expensive without Verizon’s handset subsidy.  For example, Nokia sells a variety of unlocked GSM phones at its two retail stores (New York and Chicago) as well as online, but they are much more expensive than if offered by a cellular operator.

However, some manufacturers might be able to offer inexpensive phones, based on volume.  Top-brand vendors as well as lesser known vendors are developing a variety of low-cost phones for developing nations.  Perhaps such inexpensive products would appeal to people who want Verizon’s network and don’t care about advanced features.

Verizon continues to say that consumers may download any application onto these “open network” phones.  This approach offers fascinating possibilities.

Update (3/24/08):  I discuss those "fascinating possibilities" in my latest CMP "Internet Evolution" column about Verizon's open network conference.

Asus Eee PC 701: First impressions - Everything's fine except keyboard, touchpad

This afternoon I received my Asus Eee PC 701 (see below; BlackBerry Curve 8320 photo).  Although there are so many reviews and discussions about this subnotebook, I’m adding my initial impressions after using it for about an hour.

I read so many reviews about the Eee PC before I ordered and received it that there aren’t any surprises.  Although I have only spent an hour with it, I’ve used so many computers (desktops, laptops, subnotebooks) that an hour is fine for me to have a good idea about what I like and dislike.

I got the $400 “4G” version.  No, that has nothing to do with cellular.  It means it has 512 MB of RAM, a 4 GB Solid State Disk (SSD) and a built in video camera.

What I like

1.  Nicely constructed.  Feels solid and sturdy and looks good — not at all cheap.

2.  The seven-inch screen is fine.  Bright enough.  Sure, the relatively low resolution of 800 x 480 means I have to sometimes scroll to see entire Web pages, but that doesn’t bother me.

3.  It connected very quickly to my WiFi router and the signal remained strong and fast.

4.  I’m a keyboard fanatic and the keys feel good.  The tactile feedback is fine.  However, more about the keyboard in the next section.

5.  The Linux-based OS and bundled applications software are fine.  With OpenOffice, Firefox, Gmail, etc., I have no problems using the Eee PC for most, if not all, of what I typically do with a computer.  Also, I’m a fan of using “the cloud” for many applications, as I’ve written.

6.  The speakers, albeit tiny, are better than the crappy speaker on my much more expensive and larger IBM/Lenovo X41 Tablet PC.  I was listening to music from Pandora while several Firefox windows were displayed, and the music sounded just fine. (I really like Pandora.)

7.  The charger is, as others have written, closer in size to a cellular phone charger than the typical large, heavy power brick of laptop computers.  Also, the prongs fold into the charger so they don’t stick out when traveling.

8.  When I plugged my Microsoft wireless optical mouse transceiver into a USB port (see the photo), the Eee PC immediately recognized it.  I use the Microsoft mouse for another computer, so I might get a Logitech wireless mouse that seems to have received good reviews.

What I don’t like

There are many more things about a Eee PC that I like than I don’t like.  However, one or two of the “don’t likes” might cause me to return the computer.  As with the “likes,” I had read about the dislikes in the reviews and user comments, but there’s no substitute for spending time using the computer.

1.  The touchpad is small, but that’s not a problem for me.  However, I really dislike the responsiveness — or lack thereof — of the single, silver mouse button bar directly below the touchpad, as you may see in the photo.  The mouse bar is narrow, of course, but the main problem is it’s really stiff and difficult to press.

However, this isn’t too much of a problem because I can use a travel mouse.  Carrying a mouse is a bit of a pain because it’s an extra device to carry, but it isn’t a big deal.  I can live with it, and the Microsoft mouse I plugged in works well.

2.  The keyboard’s space bar isn’t as responsive as I’d like.  I seem to have to hit it harder and perhaps more in the center that I’d prefer.  I have been running words together when I type because the space bar isn’t recognizing my touch.

Perhaps I could get used to that.  All the other keys seem to be sufficiently responsive.

3.  The keyboard is cramped and I make many more mistakes than when using a full sized keyboard.  Of course I knew it was a small keyboard, but I needed to test it.  I need to spend more time using it to see whether it’s acceptable.

The right shift key is small — the same size as the other letter keys — and it’s more difficult to hit than the larger left shift key.  I knew about this, too, and I think I can get used to it.

I don’t have huge hands, but I found my fingers were getting a bit cramped when typing.  However, I found that that when I sat at desk using a chair that was the proper height, it was much much.

3.  Wireless modems require hacking the Linux OS or installing Windows XP (Asus includes drivers for XP).  As a wireless data consultant I test a variety of tethered handsets and standalone cellular modems.  Again, I knew all about this and I certainly can install a copy of Windows XP that I already own.

Perhaps I shouldn’t even place this in the “don’t like” section because installing XP should eliminate the need to hack Linux to recognize the modems; all manufacturers include drivers for XP.

Return for updated model, new manufacturer?

Some time between April and this summer, Asus is slated to offer the Eee PC 900 that features an 8.9–inch screen at a resolution of 1024 x 600, either Linux or Windows XP installed, more RAM and a larger SSD.  Again, I’ve read and seen a lot about this.   The jkkmobile video notes the touchpad and mouse bar are slightly larger, and the mouse bar might be more responsive.

Those certainly are significant upgrades.  However, the keyboard is basically the same size.  So if I can’t get used to my Eee PC’s keyboard, the 900 isn’t going to make a difference.

By this summer, supposedly, HP will be introducing its Eee PC “killer” — the 2133 (see left).  If the rumors are correct, the 2133 will feature a keyboard that is 95 percent of “normal” for a laptop.  The HP subnotebook will weigh a few more ounces (2.5 pounds) than the two-pound Eee PC or the two-pound-plus (I haven’t seen the exact weight) of the Eee PC 900.  Also, the 2133 is expected to be more powerful.

Looking at competitors

I don’t need a more powerful subnotebook than the Eee PC.  But a larger keyboard would be a huge advantage — perhaps the deciding factor — assuming the 2133 isn’t heavier than 2.5 pounds.  For me, once a notebook computer gets close to three pounds, it’s no longer a take-without-thinking-about product.

I really want to like the 4G.  I might take it to the CTIA’s Wireless 2008 conference in Las Vegas next month, which is a major reason I purchased it now rather than waiting for the 900.

But if I can’t type fast enough on the keyboard without making too many mistakes, I’m going to return it to Costco — that has a 90–day return policy (that’s reason I bought it there!).  I’ll wait to see what HP and any other competitors have to offer.

Apple creates "killer" Internet software sales ecosystem with superior ease-of-use, distribution

Apple’s public announcement on March 6 to allow developers to write applications directly for the iPhone and iPod touch, rather than just as Web-based apps, will be a very big deal.

In fact, I believe Apple is creating a “killer” ecosystem of easy-to-use hardware and mobile software downloading that will result in iPhone users downloading more software, per-person, than any other single cellular phone.

I discussed “Apple’s Amazing Mobile, Internet Sales Ecosystem” in my most recent “Thinkernet” column for “Internet Evolution” (see below).