Skype Available On Verizon Vireless Palm Pre 2
Skype just announced that it's service is available on the Palm Pre 2 from Verizon Wireless.
To get Skype on your Palm Pre 2 from Verizon Wireless, visit skype.com/m on to find out how to get started.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Skype just announced that it's service is available on the Palm Pre 2 from Verizon Wireless.
To get Skype on your Palm Pre 2 from Verizon Wireless, visit skype.com/m on to find out how to get started.
Nexus S, Nexus One, Manual Updates Available For The Impatients To
Nexus S, Nexus One, Manual Updates http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
XDA-developers and it's resourceful members have uncovered official updates for Nexus S and Nexus One. The Updates are the same as the OTA Gingerbread (Android 2.3.3) update announced earlier.
So users and developers alike should be happy now as none has to wait for those dastardly OTA updates. There are so many good improvements that comes with this Android 2.3.3. update for Nexus S and Nexus One. One of the notable is the NFC API for developers, now developers can actually do something with these phones capabilities.
One thing is make sure you get the correct ROM, correct version and build number as well. XDA- Developers have plenty of information on the link below. Read it carefully to proceed on getting the upgrades. There is also some modifications and addons to the original ROMs to make them even more exciting.
the official OTA Gingerbread, directly hosted at Google.
****Nexus One GRI40 from FRG83G - Passion***
***Nexus S GRI40 from GRH78 - SOJU***
****Nexus One GRI40 from FRG83G - Passion***
***Nexus S GRI40 from GRH78 - SOJU***
See you in the Gingerbread land.
Angry Birds Oatmealed!
Angry Birds Oatmealed! http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/Long before Angry Birds came about, we were getting some laughs by spending time reading Oatmeal. We still do, that is why and how we found out that Angry Birds have been Oatmealed!
The best of the angry birds
to the worst of angry birds,
And you can find the ones in between at oatmeal But nothing will beat Angry Birds Brithday cake.
Google Voice, How University Professors Use it.
If you thought how could I get creative with Google Voice and out of ideas, after all those call forwarding, call screening, voicemail transcribing and getting your phone calls to follow you, you are in luck.
There is another soul who really gets creative with Google Voice and able to give some ideas.
Todd Stanfield a professor at Union University in Jackson, manages his classes and students with the aid of Google Voice. Dr. Stanfield interacts with students with combining Google Voice with Google Docs and GMail and even draw lines between his professional and private life with it. Follow the link, to learn what he does and to get some inspiration, if needed.
Google Voice Blog: Google Voice & the Snowpocalypse
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Limited Gold Edition Motorola XOOM™ Sweepstakes By Motorola!
Follow @Motorola and RT for a Limited Gold Edition Motorola XOOM http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
Limited Gold Edition Motorola XOOM™ Sweepstakes
OFFICIAL RULES
NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. MAKING A PURCHASE OR PAYMENT WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCE OF WINNING. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.
THE FOLLOWING SWEEPSTAKES IS INTENDED FOR PLAY IN THE UNITED STATES ONLY AND SHALL ONLY BE CONSTRUED AND EVALUATED ACCORDING TO UNITED STATES LAW. DO NOT ENTER THIS SWEEPSTAKES IF YOU ARE NOT LOCATED IN THE UNITED STATES.
Entry into the Limited Gold Edition Motorola XOOM™ Sweepstakes (“Sweepstakes”) constitutes your acceptance of these Official Rules.
DATES: Sweepstakes will take place starting at 1:00 pm Eastern Time (“ET”) on 2/23/11 and end at 11:59 pm ET on 2/28/11 (“Sweepstakes Period”).
WHO MAY ENTER: Open to all legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia, age 18 and over. Individuals employed by Motorola Mobility, Inc. (“Sponsor”), Weber Shandwick and their respective parents, affiliate companies, subsidiaries, advertising and promotion agencies, and judges (collectively “Sweepstakes Parties”), Twitter and members of their immediate family (parent, child, spouse, sibling and their respective spouses, regardless of where they reside) or persons living in the same household, whether or not related, are not eligible to enter or win. The Sweepstakes is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Twitter.
HOW TO ENTER: To enter the Sweepstakes, during the Sweepstakes Period, re-tweet (“RT”) the specified tweets sent from the Motorola Twitter account (@motorola), located at http://twitter.com/motorola in their entirety, including the hashtag #motoxoom. One (1) re-tweet shall be equal to one (1) entry.
OFFICIAL RULES
NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. MAKING A PURCHASE OR PAYMENT WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCE OF WINNING. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.
THE FOLLOWING SWEEPSTAKES IS INTENDED FOR PLAY IN THE UNITED STATES ONLY AND SHALL ONLY BE CONSTRUED AND EVALUATED ACCORDING TO UNITED STATES LAW. DO NOT ENTER THIS SWEEPSTAKES IF YOU ARE NOT LOCATED IN THE UNITED STATES.
Entry into the Limited Gold Edition Motorola XOOM™ Sweepstakes (“Sweepstakes”) constitutes your acceptance of these Official Rules.
DATES: Sweepstakes will take place starting at 1:00 pm Eastern Time (“ET”) on 2/23/11 and end at 11:59 pm ET on 2/28/11 (“Sweepstakes Period”).
WHO MAY ENTER: Open to all legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia, age 18 and over. Individuals employed by Motorola Mobility, Inc. (“Sponsor”), Weber Shandwick and their respective parents, affiliate companies, subsidiaries, advertising and promotion agencies, and judges (collectively “Sweepstakes Parties”), Twitter and members of their immediate family (parent, child, spouse, sibling and their respective spouses, regardless of where they reside) or persons living in the same household, whether or not related, are not eligible to enter or win. The Sweepstakes is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Twitter.
HOW TO ENTER: To enter the Sweepstakes, during the Sweepstakes Period, re-tweet (“RT”) the specified tweets sent from the Motorola Twitter account (@motorola), located at http://twitter.com/motorola in their entirety, including the hashtag #motoxoom. One (1) re-tweet shall be equal to one (1) entry.
The complete rules here at Tweetpic
Google Voice without Google Number, your existing number
Google Voice has made it even easier to use by allowing your existing number to be your Google Number, Google Voice announced today.
As we have already told many of you, Google Voice and Google Number have made our lives and communications much easier to handle. We are able to to do call recording, call screening, getting text messages and even have transcribed Google voicemail messages as email.
So either way, with a Google Number or your own number, you will have ability to use many of the features that Google Voice offers, like the Google Voicemail.
There are many ways you can get an Google Voice account, one is to request an invite directly from Google or someone who already has a Google Voice account.
You can see how Google Voicemail makes life easier for many Google Voice users.
Verizon On iPhone, We Were Made For Each Other! iPhone LTE Will Be Even Better
Verizon On iPhone http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
Verizon Wireless CEO Dan Mead is very pleased about the iPhone sales and the short lines in stores were result of staggered sales maneuver Verizon pun in place to avoid any unpleasant customer experiences, acquiring an iPhone.
iPhone was first offered by Verizon as pre-orders of the phone to existing customers on Feb. 3, and then began selling it in stores one week later. Mr. Mead said the staggered the launch of the Apple Inc. device in phases so that customers would have a smooth purchasing experience. "It was a conscious decision to spread the launch over three phases," said Mr. Mead.
According to Mr. Mead more than 60% of iPhones were sold online, which translated into short or no lines on launch day "If we had not done online, you would have seen a much different flow in the pictures," Mr. Mead added that his company will double the number of stores that sell iPhones, going from 4,000 to 8,000.
Among many other things, he also mentioned about iPhone LTE, "You'll see more coming from Apple on LTE, They understand the value proposition of LTE and I feel very confident that they are going to be a part of it."
WSJ
Friday, February 25, 2011
"Sony Vs Hotz" Geohot Raises Money To Defend Against Sony! And Is Interviewed
"Sony Vs Hotz" http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
iPhone hacker George “Geohot” Hotz is in the middle of a heated lawsuit "Sony Vs Hotz" with Sony. Geohot “jailbroke” the Sony PS3 and circumvented Sony’s DRM. The ramification of his exploit is that Sony is suing Geohot for “encouraging privacy” on their platform. In that case, making PS3 also should be encouraging piracy?
EFF thinks;
"Simply put, Sony claims that it's illegal for users to access their own computers in a way that Sony doesn't like. Moreover, because the CFAA has criminal as well as civil penalties, Sony is actually saying that it's a crime for users to access their own computers in a way that Sony doesn't like."Once you are at EFF, please also read Related Issues: Coders' Rights Project, DMCA, Free Speech, Innovation, Terms Of (Ab)Use
Yes if this continues, one day it might become illegal to upgrade memory in your SONY computer. Buying a computer, having an internet connection also can be constitutes to "Promoting Piracy" if SONYs reasoning holds. But INAL so don't count me on anything, I am just voicing my mind, why I would not buy anything sony, too bad considering all the sony stuff I have (Sony you just lost a sale, I decided to go with Apple 17 Macbook Pro.)
Even Geohot is pretty civil about it, even after the lawsuit broke out he went out and bought A Sony Xperia phone, used I might add, but I will not do that, It is just too tiring to hear and follow Sony's whims. I will find a good racing game on another platform.
Boycott Sony, yes, I don't want moronic tyrant, I'd rather buy from a creative tyrant!:)
Geohot also found a Boycott Sony campaign spawning on the net!. I disconnected my PS3 from the net and the only thing I use it for Playing GT5 and watching Blueray movies in the room. If need updates, I will get it manually.
And Geohot closed the first round of donations because he got what he needed for his defense at the moment;
Thank you so so much for all of your help, things are looking up money wise.Then as things got famous, he got interviewed, I watched it live and for those who missed, here is the video;
Expect to see a few more lawyers on my responses!
I have enough to cover my legal fees for the time being.
And in the absolute worst case scenario, we don't want Sony getting it :-P
For now, the best thing you can do is spread the word
Let people know how Sony treats customers
Let people know Sony would rather sue than be proactive and try to fix the problem
Let people know about laws like the DMCA which stifle innovation, and don't do anything to fix the problems they were created to solve
Finally I wish all this come to a best resolution for all and hope Sony learns how to do PR.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
The MyGreatFest, The Worlds First iCommunity And Jailbreak Convention
This news should bring smiles to some and scowls to some. The world's first iHack Jailbreak convention is coming together!. Even the convention is made more interesting by the venue, The venue will be at The Old Truman Brewery on Brick Lane in London. I can't wait to wipe the froth of warm beers off my lips.(If I ever get there!)
“The MyGreatFest event is set to be the worlds first iCommunity and Jailbreak convention ever held and is the brought to you by the founder, Craig Fox, aka @flawlessfox. Craig has assembled a dedicated, knowledgeable team from all walks of life who all share the same passion and love of their iDevice(s).
The cynic in you might be thinking, “So this is just a bunch of tech geeks getting together to look at their beloved iPhones”. Well rest assured, it’s not. MyGreatFest will teach you how to use your devices and how to get the best out of your iPhone, iPad and iPod touches. The MyGreatFest experience is proudly associated with the thriving iCommunity and will educate users on how to most efficiently use your device whether it be through Jailbreaking or App Usage."
You can find more information on the event and attend. Let us know if you do!
MyGreatFest
The Old Truman Brewery
Google Mobile Search : Google Places : Getting To The Right Place At Right Time.
Living, studying and working in SF bay area has it's peaks. Everything is just a few miles or minutes away from where I live. I use Google Search and Google Maps, extensively as I am a bit clueless with driving directions. You know the people you have to shout "the other left". Yes. Google always get me there and back home.
Sometimes we want to get together and put finishing touches on a project after hashing it out at the office. Or sometimes walk out of the campus library, closer to mid night, looking for a snack.
So we do a search, map the place out and arrive at the destination, only to find it is closed! Who has time to check opening and closing times, when your brains are elsewhere. Now you can avoid those "Oh Man" instances, thanks to Google Places, Google Mobile Search.
Now you can narrow down your local searches to show businesses "Open Now".
Once you are done and in a mind to, you can further dig down by filtering on star ratings, the distance etc.
Another feature, I like is the addition of the photos, it makes it easier for me to locate the place, even if it is on the "other left" side of the road.
Finding the right place when you need it - Official Google Mobile Blog
http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
5 tips for Mobile Blogging On Blogger With Your Android phone.
If you have an Android Device, get the app from Android Market scan the QR code below, to consume mobile blogging as you have never done before.1. Attach photos as you composeTake photos using your phone’s camera and instantly add them to your post while you draft. You can also insert photos from your phone’s gallery, all within the Blogger app.
2. Include your current location
With your phone’s GPS, you can let your readers know where you’re blogging from by selecting your current location, no additional typing needed.
3. Share to Blogger
Share videos, products, photos, links and other interesting things you would like to include in your blog via the share button that’s available in many apps, including Google Maps for mobile, YouTube, and your web browser. After you share an item to your Blogger, it will be inserted into new post that’s automatically created for you so that start can composing right away.
4. Switch across multiple Blogger accounts
If you’re an author of more than one blog, you can easily switch between your different accounts by tapping on the orange arrow next to the title of your blog. That way, you can publish articles for each of your blogs to keep your all of your readers up to date.
5. Keep track of published posts and saved drafts
See what you’ve composed in an easy to read list by tapping the list icon located on the top right-hand corner.
5 tips for using Blogger on your Android phone - Official Google Mobile Blog
Honeycomb Animations And The New Android Animation System.
Android Developer / Engineer Chet Haase has posted an article covering Honeycomb's new animation system, a set of APIs in a new package, android.animation.
The new system is said to bring more functionality to Androids animation like extending the animation beyond the view objects and the widening of the scope to animate such as background colors of a view.
The new animation system in Honeycomb is not specific to Views, is not limited to specific properties on objects, and is not just a visual animation system. Instead, it is a system that is all about animating values over time, and assigning those values to target objects and properties - any target objects and properties. So you can move a View or fade it in. And you can move a Drawable inside a View. And you can animate the background color of a Drawable. In fact, you can animate the values of any data structure; you just tell the animation system how long to run for, how to evaluate between values of a custom type, and what values to animate between, and the system handles the details of calculating the animated values and setting them on the target object.Rather than just describing the capabilities of the new Android animation system, Chet walks one through the main classes of the new system, and provides some sample code as well.
After a very lengthy write up, he says there is much more to the system and invites us to his blog at graphics-geek.blogspot.com for upcoming articles, tutorials, and videos on this and related topics. He also invites one to check out the API demos, read the overview of Property Animation posted with the 3.0 SDK, dive into the code, and just play with it.
Yes make those apps sleek and better! I am awaiting my Motorola XOOM, the WiFi edition.
Android Developers Blog: Animation in Honeycomb
New Macbook Pro Line, As We Expected! Like Them
As I told you before, the 17" Apple MACBook Pro is in my sight for the next laptop to be and after reading the release news, it certainly will be. Now to convince my company to get me one.
First of all, I like the configuration of the Macbook pro line. Both 15 and 17 inch lines are very powerful computers and the 17" has 1920 X 1200 resolution that PC laptop makers have abandoned, settling on consumer 1080P bandwagon. The updated 17-inch MacBook Pro has a 2.2GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 processor with 6MB shared L3 cache, but users can upgrade to an or optional 2.3GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 processor with 8MB shared L3 cache. This notebook alsofeatures the new high-speed Thunderbolt port, which allows data transfers of up to 10Gbps in addition to audio and video connections, as well as a FaceTime HD camera with 720p resolution.
More info and pricing at Apple
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Facebook Android app, Google Calendar App, Not Secure,
Facebook's Android app, Google Calendar App, Not Secure, http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
Facebook and Google Calendar Apps, running on Android OS fail to encrypt data sent to and from respective servers. Please remember it is the app that is misbehaving not the Android OS
But before jumping into conclusions based on sensationalism like The register.com did, here are the facts the team, Freedom to tinker, found. Rice University professor Dan Wallach connected a packet sniffer to his network and observed the traffic sent to and from his Android handset when he used various apps available for Google's mobile platform. The real facts are;
- Google properly encrypts traffic to Gmail and Google Voice, but they don't encrypt traffic to Google Calendar. An eavesdropper can definitely see your calendar transactions and can likely impersonate you to Google Calendar.
- Twitter does everything in the clear, but then your tweets generally go out for all the world to see, so there isn't really a privacy concern. Twitter uses OAuth signatures, which appear to make it difficult for a third party to create forged tweets.
- Facebook does everything in the clear, much like Twitter. My Facebook account's web settings specify full-time encrypted traffic, but this apparently isn't honored or supported by Facebook's Android app. Facebook isn't doing anything like OAuth signatures, so it may be possible to inject bogus posts as well. Also notable: one of the requests we saw going from my phone to the Facebook server included an SQL statement within. Could Facebook's server have a SQL injection vulnerability? Maybe it was just FQL, which is ostensibly safe.
- The free version of Angry Birds, which uses AdMob, appears to preserve your privacy. The requests going to the AdMob server didn't have anything beyond the model of my phone. When I clicked an ad, it sent the (x,y) coordinates of my click and got a response saying to send me to a URL in the web browser. (Got to love the Angry Birds Birthday Cake!)
- Another game I tried, Galcon, had no network activity whatsoever. Good for them.
- SoundHound and ShopSaavy transmit your fine GPS coordinates whenever you make a request to them. One of the students typed the coordinates into Google Maps and they nailed me to the proper side of the building I was teaching in.
T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S 4G Comprehensive Review
Laptop Mag does a pretty good review of Samsung Galaxy S 4G, the T-Mobile version. From Design display interface, 4G and data speeds are checked and compared. So are the Apps Video, video calling and battery life. A good read.
Laptopmag
Froyo Updates For AT&T Android Phones Coming Soon, Samsung Captivate Gets It Tomorrow!
http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
AT&T announced through it's Facebook page that the Froyo, android 2.2 update for Samsung Captivate is available tomorrow and the link for firmware and the instructions will be published. That means the update is not OTA.
AT&T Great news for Samsung Captivate owners! The Android 2.2 upgrade is coming tomorrow! We’ll post a link here to the Samsung site with instructions to install the upgrade tomorrow. In the meantime, AT&T Android Senior Project Manager Dante Martin answers your questions about Android updates and provides some insights into updates for Aria in the video below.The Video; (I am surprised AT&T's the "Android Guy" is using an Aria! Why didn't AT&T give you an Atrix yet?
Facebook Stalking Made Easy! Breakup Notifier
Facebook Breakup Notifier http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
"You like someone. They're in a relationship. Be the first to know when they're out of it." and at the same breath Breakup Notifier likes to promote that it has got nothing to do with stalking, by retweeting tweets like below.
In either case, the app which was thought about as a joke, has blossomed and attracted a couple of hundred thousand users within a day, and it must be more now.
As for the claims or denials of stalking, you be the judge, the developer Dan Loewenherz says;
"I just really hope people use it for good, not evil," he said. "It's really a practical thing. If you're going to refresh someone's page 20 times a day, why not have an alert on it?"Either way, I am sure he will be happy with the app, which is free for now will charge, like $5 for tracking 7 people, man that is stalking made easy!
The New York Daily News
Judge Denies A Summery Judgment In Oracle - Google Copyright Infringement Case
Oracle - Google Case http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
Google was denied in it's request for summery judgment in the Oracle Google Android case, according to a post on Foss Patents blog
The District Court for the Northern District of California took Oracle's side, in Google's motion for summary judgment against Oracle's copyright infringement allegations.
"Having considered both parties' submissions, this order finds that good cause has not been shown to engage in a summary judgment battle at this time."But all is not bad news, as this does not mean Oracle will prevail. It is just that Google failed prove that that Oracle claims are bogus and should be dismissed without further scrutiny.
"Google's request is DENIED without prejudice to renewal after a more complete evidentiary record has been developed through discovery."This according to Foss patent blog means, Google gets another chance to go at it once all the evidence on the table, at the end of discovery. Oracle's answer to the motion seem to have helped a lot in this decision.
Perhaps Google was bidding time for cleaning up and modifying the Java engine so the disruption to Android is minimal.
But the article and related stuff on the FOSS Patents are pretty interesting. But I am sure Android will go on!
iPhone5 Delayed! Of course It's Rumor Time
iPhone5 Delayed http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
Business insider is quoting an analyst saying that Apple will delay the Apple's iPhone 5 till September, sighting the supply chain issues. But he is also saying that;
Apple is planning to build 100 million iPhones during calendar 2011, "much stronger" than Street estimates and the firm's prior estimate of 75 million. And he has heard that Apple has boosted its internal iPad target to 45 million units, up from 38 million previously
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Gingerbread (Android 2.3.3) OTA update for Nexus S and Nexus One, Coming Soon.
Google Nexus, @googlenexus tweeted that the Gingerbread (Android 2.3.3) update for Google Phones, Nexus S and Nexus One are on the way via OTA. But they did mention, and asked the users to be patient, as it may take a few weeks for OTA updates to complete.
We along with a bunch of others wondering when the firmware file will be available to download, so we do not have to wait that long!
Motorola Atrix 4G Tear Down By iFixit, Neat!
Being the most powerful smartphone on the market, the Motorola Atrix 4G will be the talk of the town for a while. Rooters have rooted the Atrix 4G and others are doing different things ti it but iFixit has done the most interesting, next to the rooting the phone and giving me a chance to laugh at AT&T, tear down the phone! Wish my boss gave me such a job.
As it stands, the Atrix boasts some impressive technical specs:
- 1 GHz Cortex-A9 Dual-Core [!] Processor
- 8 core ULP (ultra-low power) GeForce GPU
- 4" qHD (Quarter High Definition) Display (960x540) protected by a Gorilla Glass front panel
- 16 GB onboard memory, with up to 32 GB SD storage
- 5 MP Rear-facing camera with 720p video capture and VGA Front-facing camera
Motorola Atrix 4G Repairability Score: 9 out of 10 (10 is easiest to repair)iFixit
- The LCD is separable from the glass front panel, making them independently replaceable.
- The phone is held together with a limited number of screws and plastic clips. Adhesive is minimally used in its construction.
- The battery can be removed in seconds.
- No tools necessary for changing the SIM and microSD cards.
- The phone feels solid in the hand, but the plastic rear panel is a little chintzy (that's right, chintzy).
- The two main ribbon cables are soldered to many components (cameras, proximity sensors, etc.), making the cables costly to replace.
Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) Final, Updated SDK Tools For Yours To Download, Develop And Consume.
Android Developers announced today about the Final version of Android 3.0 and the updated Developer SDK tools have been released and available to download.
For more information on Android 3.0, if you have not already, could be found at Android 3.0 Platform highlights.
Of course with the new platform the newer and capable SDK Tools (r10) and ADT Plugin for Eclipse (10.0.0). Key features include:
- UI Builder improvements in the ADT Plugin:
- New Palette with categories and rendering previews. (details)
- More accurate rendering of layouts to more faithfully reflect how the layout will look on devices, including rendering status and title bars to more accurately reflect screen space actually available to applications.
- Selection-sensitive action bars to manipulate View properties.
- Zoom improvements (fit to view, persistent scale, keyboard access) (details).
- Improved support for
layouts, as well as layouts with gesture overlays. - Traceview integration for easier profiling from ADT. (details)
- Tools for using the Renderscript graphics engine: the SDK tools now compiles .rs files into Java Programming Language files and native bytecode.
Hope you like the Honeycomb like we do!
Android Developers Blog: Final Android 3.0 Platform and Updated SDK Tools
Clearwire Reports Solid Q4 And Total 2010 Growth.
http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
KIRKLAND, Wash., Feb. 17, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Clearwire (Nasdaq:CLWR), a leading provider of 4G wireless broadband services in the U.S., today reported its financial and operating results for the fourth quarter and full year 2010."In 2010, we achieved our aggressive network expansion goals, grew our subscriber base at an incredible rate and solidified our position as a leader in the 4G industry in both network reach and customer growth," said Bill Morrow, Clearwire's CEO. "The Clearwire 4G mobile broadband network now reaches 119 million people in the U.S. and covers 71 of the top U.S. markets. Our network expansion represents one of the fastest in history, and unlike some wireless operators, our 4G network is highly scalable and backed by a wealth of spectrum. With recent projections estimating global mobile data traffic will nearly double annually through 2015, we believe more than ever that a deep spectrum position will be a requirement for long-term success in the high tonnage, video-enabled 4G world.""Clearwire is also one of the fastest growing companies in the wireless industry. With fourth quarter subscriber additions in excess of 1.5 million, we now serve over 4.4 million customers and expect continued strong subscriber growth to more than double our total subscriber base in 2011. Despite this strong growth, our current plans and funding dictate that we remain prudent with our spending. This year, we plan to focus on improving the operating performance of our business by aggressively growing our wholesale business and reducing expenses. We remain very committed to our retail distribution model as well, and plan to prudently pace our retail growth in an effort to maximize our financial resources. We currently believe that the actions we are taking will allow our existing business to achieve positive EBITDA during 2012 and potentially become cash flow positive thereafter without the need for additional funding. Significant network expansion in the near term, however, remains contingent upon additional funding."Clearwire ended the fourth quarter 2010 with approximately 4.4 million total subscribers, consisting of 1.1 million retail subscribers and 3.3 million wholesale subscribers. During the fourth quarter 2010, Clearwire added 1.5 million total net new subscribers, including 126,000 retail additions and 1.42 million wholesale additions. Approximately 27% of our wholesale subscribers are users of multi-mode 3G/4G devices residing in areas where the Company has not yet launched 4G service, but from whom it currently expects to receive nominal revenue.Revenue for the fourth quarter was $180.7 million, a 126% increase over fourth quarter 2009 revenue of $79.9 million. Consolidated average revenue per user (ARPU) was $16.07, composed of a record retail ARPU of $45.10 and wholesale ARPU of $3.52 in the fourth quarter. Reported wholesale ARPU was determined based only on the $26.2 million of wholesale revenue the Company recognized in the fourth quarter due to the Company's previously disclosed pricing disputes with Sprint. Over the past few weeks, Clearwire and Sprint have held a number of productive discussions about the outstanding wholesale pricing issues. While nothing has yet been finalized, the Company believes that an agreement with Sprint resolving those issues is imminent. Consolidated cost per gross subscriber addition (CPGA) was $60 in the fourth quarter, comprised of $422 CPGA from the retail business and no CPGA in the wholesale business. Consolidated monthly subscriber churn was 2.1% in the fourth quarter, consisting of 3.8% in the retail business and 1.4% in the wholesale business. Under the proposed terms, the Company expects to receive substantial additional wholesale revenue.The fourth quarter 2010 net loss attributable to Clearwire was ($128.0) million, or ($0.53) per basic share. The fourth quarter 2010 adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization and non-cash expenses related to operating leases and stock-based compensation expense (adjusted EBITDA) loss was ($497.4) million. The fourth quarter 2009 net loss attributable to Clearwire was ($98.7) million, or ($0.55) per basic share. The fourth quarter 2009 adjusted EBITDA loss was ($295.7) million. The full year 2010 net loss attributable to Clearwire was ($487.4) million, or ($2.19) per basic share.At the end of 2010, Clearwire operated networks covering areas where approximately 117 million people reside globally, including approximately 112 million people in 4G markets in the U.S. We ended 2010 with nearly 14,500 4G cell sites on air utilizing in excess of 50,000 10 MHz carriers. As of mid-February 2011, Clearwire's 4G networks in the U.S. reached 119 million people.Clearwire continues to seek additional funding to continue its network development by looking at a number of funding and other strategic alternatives, including potential strategic transactions, additional debt or equity financings and/or asset sales. In the second half of 2010, Clearwire initiated a process to seek bids for the potential sale of certain excess spectrum. During the process, the Company received offers to purchase varying amounts of spectrum from multiple parties, some of whom also expressed interest in exploring other strategic transactions with the Company. Currently, Clearwire is evaluating the offers received for its spectrum and is holding discussions with the interested parties. As a result, Clearwire has not yet made a determination as to whether to proceed with any sale and the Company now expects to delay a conclusion until second quarter 2011.2011 OutlookClearwire expects to end 2011 with more than 8.8 million subscribers, with most of those subscribers coming from its wholesale business. Consolidated CPGA is estimated to fall to below $50 in 2011. The Company also expects to receive significantly higher wholesale ARPU in 2011. Without additional funding, the Company currently expects to cover approximately 130 million people with its 4G networks by the end of 2011, with new coverage focused primarily on rural areas where a build-out is required to protect its spectrum. Capital expenditures in 2011 are estimated to be less than $400 million.Under its current plans, the Company now expects to reach positive EBITDA during 2012. However, this is based on a number of assumptions, including final resolution of the wholesale pricing disputes with Sprint and achieving the expected expense reductions.Results of OperationsCost of goods and services and network costs for the fourth quarter 2010 increased 63% to $275.6 million compared to $169.5 million for the fourth quarter 2009, primarily due to an increase in tower lease and backhaul expenses resulting from the launches of new 4G markets. During the three months ended December 31, 2010, the Company incurred approximately $55.2 million of expense related to excess and obsolete CPE, and write-offs of network base station equipment.Selling, General and Administrative (SG&A) expense for the fourth quarter 2010 increased 19% to $233.2 million compared to $196.3 million for the fourth quarter 2009. The increase is primarily due to higher sales and marketing and customer care expenses in support of the launch of new markets, as well as additional resources, headcount and shared services that Clearwire utilized as it launched its 4G markets during the fourth quarter of 2010.Loss from abandonment and impairment of network and other assets for the fourth quarter consists of approximately $168.8 million in write-offs related to abandonment of projects that no longer fit within management's strategic network plans. The abandoned projects were originally undertaken in connection with our network build-out that were not incorporated into our networks at launch and no longer fit within our future build plans.Deceleration of network build activities led to a decrease in Capital Expenditures (CapEx) to $590 million in the fourth quarter 2010 from CapEx of $763 million for the third quarter 2010. CapEx was $2.7 billion for 2010. Cash utilization was approximately $2.1 billion for 2010 including net proceeds from financing activities of approximately $1.7 billion, primarily generated from the proceeds from the Senior Secured Notes, the Second-Priority Secured Notes and the Exchangeable Notes offerings completed in December 2010, as well as the Rights Offering completed in June 2010, and the final closing of the 2009 equity financing in the first quarter of 2010. The Company ended the fourth quarter 2010 with cash and investments of approximately $1.8 billion invested primarily in U.S. Treasury securities. Clearwire Corporation
Summary of Financial Data
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
Three months ended
----------------------------------------------
September
December 31, 30, June 30,
2010 2009 2010 2010
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
REVENUES $ 180,669 $ 79,915 $ 146,964 $ 122,521
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Cost of goods and
services and network
costs
(exclusive of items
shown separately
below) 275,636 169,524 225,339 273,129
Selling, general and
administrative expense 233,174 196,308 244,070 216,121
Depreciation and
amortization 177,880 60,513 124,348 85,128
Spectrum lease expense 72,389 66,224 72,761 68,152
Loss from abandonment
and impairment of
network and other
assets 168,808 5,010 20,173 760
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total operating
expenses 927,887 497,579 686,691 643,290
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
OPERATING LOSS (747,218) (417,664) (539,727) (520,769)
LESS NON CASH ITEMS
Non Cash Expenses 71,946 61,408 84,716 72,396
Depreciation and
amortization 177,880 60,513 124,348 85,128
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total non cash 249,826 121,921 209,064 157,524
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
ADJUSTED EBITDA (497,392) (295,743) (330,663) (363,245)
Adjusted EBITDA Margin -275% -370% -225% -296%
KEY OPERATING METRICS (k
for '000's, MM for
'000,000's)
Total Net Subscriber
Additions 1,542k 122k 1,227k 722k
Wholesale 1,417k 35k 1,077k 595k
Retail 126k 87k 150k 127k
Total Subscribers 4,384k 688k 2,842k 1,692k
Wholesale(1) 3,246k 46k 1,829k 752k
Retail(2) 1,138k 642k 1,013k 940k
Consolidated ARPU $16.07 $39.52 $21.19 $32.06
Wholesale $3.52 N/A $4.46 $4.87
Retail $45.10 $39.86 $42.74 $41.58
Consolidated Churn 2.1% 3.6% 2.3% 3.2%
Wholesale 1.4% N/A 1.3% 3.0%
Retail 3.8% 3.6% 3.5% 3.2%
Consolidated CPGA $60 $499 $92 $112
Wholesale -- -- -- --
Retail $422 $624 $505 $442
Capital Expenditures $590MM $767MM $763MM $622MM
Covered POPS 117.1MM 44.7MM 70.5MM 62.2MM
Cash, Cash Equivalents
and Investments $1,751MM $3,892MM $1,394MM $2,272MM
(1) Includes non-launched markets.
(2) During the year, the retail subscriber base was reduced by 67k to
adjust for subscribers who have cancelled service but have not yet
returned
equipment and for aged involuntary deactivations, and 12k to remove
subscribers who reside in Ireland, which was sold in July 2010.
Management WebcastClearwire executives will host a conference call and simultaneous webcast to discuss the Company's fourth quarter and full year 2010 financial results at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time today. A live broadcast of the conference call will be available online on the Company's Investor Relations website located at: http://investors.clearwire.com.Interested parties can access the conference call by dialing 877.392.9886, or outside the United States at 707.287.9329, at least five minutes prior to the start time. A replay of the call will be available beginning at approximately 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time on February 17 until approximately 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on March 3 by dialing 800.642.1687, or outside the United States by dialing 706.645.9291. The conference ID for the replay is 40334835
What To Expect From New Apple Macbook Pro.
New Apple Macbook Pro http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
With only 1920 X 1200 Notebook that I can buy off the shelf, with all the Apple bashing, I am strongly considering A 17' Macbook Pro. I need the real estate of a larger screen, and of course any othe stuff like powerful processor and super gizmo's that would make my working life a smooth one.
So I am very interested in the imminent Macbook Pro and what to expect from the new notebook. With buzz regarding the uber notebook is reaching high notes. GigaOM has some ideas as to what you can expect from Apple’s next generation of power-packing portable?
GigaOM
"We created subscriptions for publishing apps, not SaaS apps",Steve Jobs! Whatever Genius!!
Publishing apps, SaaS apps http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
According to Techcrunch, the line "We created subscriptions for publishing apps, not SaaS apps" is attributed to Steve Jobs. Obviously the first thing came to my mind was "whatever".
Remember this is the same guy who said people did not know how to hold the phone when the iPhone 4 Antennagate came about. Now the Antennae problem is mysteriously solved in Verizon iPhone. Give us a break!
Anyway I side with Eric Schonfeld at Techcrunch, the whole Apple subscription deal might have been a trial balloon, which blew up on the take off.
The inconsistency of this policy becomes more visible when we read various industry pundits and others go through the policy and pick it apart to see what it really is. It was the disbelief in the beginning, when we read about Readability Apple issue, even though Apple has every right to do what ever they want with their platform, is it wise?
Like Readability's open letter to Apple, now we have Instapaper founder Marco Arment saying;
"A broad, vague, inconsistently applied, greedy, and unjustifiable rule doesn’t make developers want to embrace the platform."But Arment is also more reasonable than me in laying out bricks that we hurl at Apple to build a reasonable case;
Well if I am a developer, if there is even a slightest content, functionality, or services involved, I will go Android Way. Oh Wait, We already did, our (My company) vertical market SaaS App designed for Healthcare industry, only runs on Android. So far it is something like 1500 tablets, but it is 1500 tablets that brings our company revenue and tied to multiple payments from various sections of the Healthcare industry. Even if we want to share 30% (certainly not) it will be close to impossible to calculate!One issue is that this policy assumes that all apps are made by someone with the ability and authority to collect IAP payments on the service’s behalf, which isn’t the case for third-party clients using a service’s API.
If Twitter charged a subscription fee, or even sold any content whatsoever, no third-party Twitter clients would be permitted on the App Store, effectively preventing that entire market.
But we don’t need to look only at Twitter. There are plenty of paid services, or free services with paid upgrades, that have first- and third-party iOS apps. Some of the many examples:
What’s going to be the rule for third-party apps accessing paid services?
- Evernote’s app offers its premium accounts with IAP, but third party clients can’t. Are third-party Evernote clients now prohibited?
- Dropbox’s app doesn’t offer Dropbox’s Pro accounts at all, but the app is indirectly affected by the user’s storage space. Is additional storage space enough to qualify as “content, functionality, or services”? If so, does that put all Dropbox-syncing apps under the (impossible for them) IAP-requiring policy?
- There are a lot of first- and third-party apps that access Salesforce, LinkedIn, and 37signals’ services, all of which have paid service tiers. Will all of these be removed from the App Store if they don’t build in IAP?
- All Pinboard.in accounts are paid. Does that mean that nobody can make a Pinboard client except Pinboard itself, because nobody else can accept payments on its behalf?
Monday, February 21, 2011
Motorola Atrix 4G Root How To,
Motorola Atrix 4G was rooted by the well-known AT&T developer designgears along with Getaphixx.
Gaining root access on allows one to remove bloatware taking up precious memory space, customize the device to heart's content, and poke around in the internal system. But the best part or the bonus is that one is able to use backup tools and backup the device.
Thanks to these people now, Atrix 4G users will be able to take full control of the device they paid for with their hard earned cash from the launch day.
AT&T has restricted Application sideloading on the bunch of Android devices AT&T released. Thanks to Root privileges, one will also be able to enable app sideloading!.
As always exercise care when you mess around with devices and firmware. Briefmobile, where the process is listed says the process is SAFE. If you find the development by these developers helpful (it is helpful otherwise you will be AT&T's dog, like iPhone dudes), You can donate to designgears for his work here. Also, make sure to throw Getaphixx donations for his device and his work on the root process.
XDA-Dev Forum and BriefMobile
pamfaxr, Faxing With Your Voice.
Faxing With Your Voice http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
Tropo, who brought AGItate, Asterisk Interface Gateway on Tropo has partnered with PamFax to provide faxing capabilities via an API. Jason Goecke has wrapped the API with a very simple Ruby gem called pamfaxr which is available on GitHub. The Gem could be installed using the command “gem install pamfaxr” from your command line. Tropo Blog has an article and a video from Chris Matthieu explaining the PamFaxr Ruby gem demonstrating how to send a simple fax as well as how to build a Tropo Voice to Fax transcription application using Tropo Scripting API!
Tropo
UberTwitter, Twidroyd Back Online As UberSocial
UberTwitter anf UbderDroid fans can rejoice as the banned service has come back online, this time as UberSocial.
I have / had Ubertwitter on my BlackBerry but lately I have been using it on my soon to discard / give away iPhone.
You can find information and links on;
UberSocial http://bit.ly/UberDL
Twidroyd http://bit.ly/Twidroyd5DL
Twitter via Engadget
Kineto's Smart Wi-Fi App Making Waves On Android Phones, Millions Of Them.
The Smart Wi-Fi application turns any Wi-Fi access point into an extension of the mobile network http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
Kineto Wireless, Inc., the key innovator and leading supplier of solutions that enable smart offload for smartphones, today announced its Smart Wi-Fi application has been deployed on more than one million Android handsets worldwide.
Key Facts
- Kineto's Smart Wi-Fi application became commercially available in November 2010 to T-Mobile US and Orange UK subscribers and has been distributed on more than one million Android handsets in the first 60 days.
- Kineto is currently engaged with five smartphone manufacturers and anticipates having its application
pre-loaded on more than 30 Android phone models in the first half of 2011. - The application delivers all mobile services to smartphones over Wi-Fi, including voice, SMS and data, providing an effective indoor coverage solution for 4G, 3G and 2G networks.
- The Smart Wi-Fi application turns any Wi-Fi access point into an extension of the mobile network, providing an effective offload solution for operators.
"Kineto's Smart Wi-Fi Application gives T-Mobile's Wi-Fi Calling users coverage even in deep indoor environments cellular networks can't reach, using existing Wi-Fi access points. It's a win-win solution for T-Mobile and our subscribers" said Josh Lonn, director of in-building solutions for T-Mobile USA.
"We are seeing unprecedented demand for the Kineto Smart Wi-Fi Application. Mobile operators need to keep their smartphone customers satisfied with improved indoor coverage and their customers love Android devices," said Mark Powell, co-founder and vice president of Kineto Wireless. "We're delighted with the success of our Smart Wi-Fi application, subscribers are really embracing and enjoying it!"
End-User Quotes
End users are tweeting about the quality and performance of Kineto's Smart Wi-Fi application, used in T-Mobile's Wi-Fi Calling service:
- "T-Mobile - You are officially my service provider!! I made the switch yesterday and am loving the MyTouch 4G that I picked up!! WiFi Calling++"
- "T-Mobile - Wifi Calling rocks! I was in an apartment with no coverage and talked on the phone for an hour! Thanks!"
- "T-Mobile - Wifi Calling: /amazing/. I'm sitting in the middle of a busy coffee shop with no cell reception and just got a crystal clear call."
- Additional customer comments can be found at WiFiCalling.net/twitter.
Kineto Wireless is the key innovator and leading supplier of smart offload solutions for smartphones. The company's products enable mobile operators to use existing Wi-Fi in subscriber's homes and offices to
offload mobile voice and data services, improve mobile coverage and offer competitive mobile VoIP services. In addition, Kineto solutions enable voice over LTE. The company's Smart Wi-Fi Application and hosted Smart Offload-as-a-Service, based on the 3GPP UMA/GAN standard, have been deployed by mobile operators around the world. Kineto customers and partners include AudioCodes, Cisco, GENBAND, HTC, Juniper Networks, LG Electronics, Motorola, NEC, Orange, Qualcomm, RIM, Samsung and T-Mobile. http://www.kineto.com/
Tribair Brings Free Calling, Worldwide Over WiFi
Tribair Free Worldwide Calling Over WiFi http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
Andy Abramson, again :) directed me to a new company, Tribair, which was launched by Mobivox founder Eric Reiher.
If you know or remember FON, the free WiFi mesh that allowed you to access WiFi all over the world for free for sharing your internet connection via a WiFi router, provided by FON. I used FON in Europe, Tokyo extensively in early years before I got my smartphones. Even Skype rode on FON by providing "SMC Wi-Fi Phone Package" in 2006 that merged the SMC WSKP100 handset, Fon's La Fonera router, 500 SkypeOut minutes, and a full year of Skype voicemail, all for $160.
Tribair does the same thing to VoIP, what FON did to internet access on the go or while sitting still. The concept is simple, to borrow from Andy;
You install a Tribair client, find a hotspot and make free calls to other TriBair subscribers or for low rates to others.. In alot of ways this is as much like what Skype Access does with Boingo, but for free. And if the FON model of sharing between carriers and between their customers can keep growing, then Tribair has more than a shot at being successful, especially in light of T-Mobile's statistics which shows how many of their customers use their mobiles to make calls over Wi-FiLinks after the jump
Tibair via Andy Abramson
.
Readability To Apple, "Apple Your Greed Suck!"! SaaS Need To Pay Too.
Readability To Apple http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
I really think FTC or DoJ really need to look at Apple's subscription laws.When we thought it has cooled down, another victim of Apple's practice, Readability, posted an open letter to Apple. This time Apple wants to charge 30%, if the app provides functionality, or services in addition to content sellers like Murdoch. SaaS (Software As A Service) is in Big Trouble, if they are planing to leverage Apple iOS popularity and customers. Readability pointed out the following from 11.2 in the App Store Review Guidelines:
11.2 Apps utilizing a system other than the In App Purchase API (IAP) to purchase content, functionality, or services in an app will be rejected.
Those who are thinking of bringing SAAS to Apple platform, get ready to poke out 30% of your income or charge 30% more from your customers, either way you lose. People with RSS readers, if you are planing to charge customers, add 30%, oops you too lose.
Great way to do business Apple, you are turning away the same apps that made you successful. Remember Google Voice App, yes I too think you suck and will stay away from you as much as possible.
Readability, as you can see from the video below, strips unnecessary bits, (yes ads too but authors are compensated, read below) and presented to the reader in a readable way but their app got rejected by Apple.
We’re obviously disappointed by this decision, and surprised by the broad language. By including “functionality, or services,” it’s clear that you intend to pursue any subscription-based apps, not merely those of services serving up content. Readability’s model is unique in that 70% of our service fees go directly to writers and publishers. If we implemented In App purchasing, your 30% cut drastically undermines a key premise of how Readability works.
Well Apple, do not worry, I am exchanging my iPhone for an Android phone and I have made a request at work for Android Tablet, perhaps a Motorola XOOM, After Bestbuy Verizon game ends.
Readability via Techcrunch
Angry Birds Birthday Cake, The Best Ever, I Want It For My Next Birthday!
Angry Birds Birthday Cake http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
Yes We all (Do You?) have played the game. Some find solace in playing Angry Birds when taking a ride on BART (Bay Area Transit) or even in the car if your friend is driving. Either way it is fun. Kids love it too 'cos I know two kids who hijack my phone to play the game because their parents have restricted the play. But I am sure nothing can beat this Birthday cake. Perhaps all the kids who see this video will want one :). What a super idea, If you want to have fun with some parents, just show the video to their kids! All I wanted to be was that Kid, the demolition expert, Ben.
I want this cake for my birthday!
Via Techcrunch
Sunday, February 20, 2011
iREB for 4.2.1 (RC3) From iH8sn0w Released, Just now!
http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
iH8sn0w just tweeted saying that;
One more release for the night. iREB for 4.2.1 (RC3) now at http://ih8sn0w.com // Verizon iPhone 4 support + Improved iPhone 3G Support.Download from iH8sn0w
Dell's Android Roadmad for 2011 Leaked! Hancock, Millenium, Gallo, Sterling, Opus One and Silver Oak, Oh My.
Dell Android Roadmap http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
Android Central has got hold of a bunch of leaked information on Dell's Android roadmap, laying out Android smartphones and Android Tablets.
Dell Hancock, and Dell Millenium, are two smartphones with Hancock sporting a dual-core and dual-camera phone with Android Ice Cream on a 4 inch qHD 960x640 display with an 8mp rear camera ( shoots 1080p video) and 1.3mp front camera. That should come around in September. The Millenium follows with a larger 4.3 inch screen, qHD 960x540 resolution, DLNA support and the rest being the same as Hankock.
On the tablet front, Dell Gallo, a Honeycomb tablet, will see us closer to April of this year, to be followed by the Dell Sterling, running Honeycomb in Q4. Then there are Dell Opus One and Dell Silver Oak to be released in Q1 of 2012.
There are some information on windows tablets called Rosemount and Peju, but do we really care :)
Android Central
Facebook Messenger : Make FREE VoIP calls with your Facebook friends
If you are an iPhone, iPad or and iPod user who frequents Facebook often, you got a new must have App. Facebook Messenger, iDevice application for iOS, by a team called Crisp App developers, could change the whole Facebook Chat experience for iOS users.
There are quite a few apps that allows you to chat with your Facebook buddies, but the Facebook Messenger cuts it's own unique place in the app space. The app provide a clean native iOS interface for chat, conversation views and photo attachments, but unlike other apps, it also lets you receive and place free VoIP calls through Facebook! Facebook Messenger utilizing the Facebook contact list, provide you with voice calls your friends, for free, over the Internet. Neet, the Facebook experince is almost complete, where is that Facephone, Facebook phone.
App Store lists following features;
Main features:Apple App Store
* Chat with Facebook friends from your iPhone/iPod Touch
* Easy-to-use interface
* Get replies instantly with Apple Push Notifications
* Make free VoIP calls to Facebook friends on desktop or iPhone/iPod Touch
* Easily send photos from your album or camera
* Keep track of all your chats and calls with message history
* View your friend's Wall in the embedded browser without leaving the app
Other cool features:
* Sound Notifications can be turned on or off
* Emoticons
* Full Multi-tasking support
Pre Order Motorola XOOM (NOT) For Thursday Delivery At BestBuy!
Pre Order Motorola XOOM (NOT) http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
Bestbuy announced the availability of Motoroa XOOM I have been waiting. But I will not buy, pre order. Why? Because of one line in the fine print!
*1 month data activation required.
"To activate WiFi functionality on this device, a minimum of 1 month data subscription is required."
Yep here is a lolypop Verizon / BestBuy, Are you planing to do the same what you did with Galaxy TAB? Disable WIFI when one discontinues data plan? Nice try BestBuy / Verizon
I will wait for the cheaper $600 model! See Android fanboys are different from those of Apple, they think.
But if you do not mind playing to whims of Verizon and BestBuy, or planing to use it over the 3G, you can pre order it today.
The $799.99 3G-equipped model which we already knew has, in layman terms;
Those accessories incluse, a $40 portfolio case, a $50 basic charging dock, a $130 stereo speaker dock, and a $70 Bluetooth keyboard.
Android 3.0 (Honeycomb), designed specifically for tablets
Large 10.1" widescreen HD display
Super-fast, dual-core processor for advance performance and superior graphics
Front- and rear-facing cameras
Multitask with ease and PC-like performance
Full-functioning HD camcorder for great videos
Supports Adobe Flash Player for optimal browsing
Monthly 3G Verizon Wireless rate plans available (3G upgradable to 4G LTE)
Compatible with Wi-Fi networks*
Variety of Motorola XOOM accessories available online and in store
Bestbuy
Discussion on contract at DSLReports.
VTech Avant 5000 model cordless VoIP phone, First DECT Forum's CAT-iq 2.0, Compliant Handset
Avant 5000 model cordless VoIP phone http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
VTech announced a new phone model, Avant 5000 model cordless VoIP phone, said to be the first hand set compliant with CAT-iq 2.0, a certification program introduced by the DECT Forum in December 2010. The CAT-iq The program tests devices on protocol, radio frequency (RF) level and especially on audio quality, one of the key drivers of the certification.
“VTech, as the world’s largest manufacturer of cordless telephones, has reaffirmed its technology leadership position with the introduction of the first CAT-iq 2.0 certified handset. The Avant 5000 model demonstrates our enduring strength in R&D, and how quickly we can turn new ideas into reality,” said Mr Chi Hoi Tong, President of Telecommunication Products, VTech Telecommunications Ltd.
“To see CAT-iq 2.0 products become a reality for the first time is a major milestone for the DECT Forum and is a result of our efforts to develop the future standard for cordless telephony,” said Mr Daniel Hartnett, Chairman of the CAT-iq Working Group within the DECT Forum.
.
VTech Press Release;
Hong Kong – VTech Holdings Ltd (HKSE: 303) today announced that its new Avant 5000 model cordless VoIP phone has become the first handset in the world to be certified as compliant with CAT-iq 2.0, a certification programme introduced by the DECT Forum only in December last year. The programme tests devices on protocol, radio frequency (RF) level and especially on audio quality, one of the key drivers of CAT-iq.
CAT-iq stands for Cordless Advanced Technology – internet and quality. It was developed to meet the demands of the new generation of IP-based services and devices. The technology enables transport of voice via broadband, making it sound more natural and “true-to-life” than the standard Plain Old Telephone Network (POTS) and 3G mobile communication. The DECT Forum is the international association of the wireless home and enterprise communication industry and has been offering certification of CAT-iq products at laboratories in Germany and Norway.
The big step forward with CAT-iq 2.0 is that it enables customers to make end-to-end VoIP calls with all the extras that come with Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) telephony, including wideband voice quality, multiple lines, caller ID and synchronisation of phone books and system settings. Certified CAT-iq 2.0 handsets from different system vendors can also be used on the same certified base station. They are inter-operable with other CAT-iq handsets and gateways, and are also backward compatible to certain other DECT products.
“VTech, as the world’s largest manufacturer of cordless telephones, has reaffirmed its technology leadership position with the introduction of the first CAT-iq 2.0 certified handset. The Avant 5000 model demonstrates our enduring strength in R&D, and how quickly we can turn new ideas into reality,” said Mr Chi Hoi Tong, President of Telecommunication Products, VTech Telecommunications Ltd.
“To see CAT-iq 2.0 products become a reality for the first time is a major milestone for the DECT Forum and is a result of our efforts to develop the future standard for cordless telephony,” said Mr Daniel Hartnett, Chairman of the CAT-iq Working Group within the DECT Forum.
The stylishly designed Avant 5000 is expected to be launched this year.
Low Bandwidth Skype For Mobile Markets With Low 3G Penetration.
http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
This week, Skype announced a low-bandwidth version Skype, for mobile markets in parts of the world where 3G service is not available or sparse. Skype describes it's mobile solution as a simple carrier solution utilizing purpose built client-server solution. The optimization of software for low bandwidth is certainly a plus for VoIP IP Telephony provider.
"We see a growing demand for differentiated services from mobile operators across the world , Our mobile operator program will give operators in emerging markets the possibility to tap into the global Skype community while providing a great user experience on a variety of mobile handsets." said Russ Shaw, vice president and general manager of Mobile at Skype.
Even though we complain at slightest dip in our bandwidths, be it mobile or land line, there are many parts in the world where getting a service is the issues rather than the bandwidth. With wired lines being costly to deploy in far interior villages, like in certain parts of Asia and Africa, mobile networks are pushing forward in providing much needed communication services.
LUXEMBOURG, 14 February 2011 – Skype today announced a Mobile Partner Program for operators in markets with low 3G broadband penetration. The program aims to bring the Skype experience to a broad range of mobile users and will enable carriers to differentiate their offerings in a competitive market environment. This program follows the successful operator partnerships that Skype has already launched with Verizon, KDDI and Hutchison 3.Skype
The Mobile Partner Program from Skype is a simplified operator program that utilises a purpose built client/server solution. The solution developed specifically for operators, enables use of Skype on a broad range of handsets including smartphones and feature phones. Optimised for efficient bandwidth usage, it keeps users connected with minimal impact on battery life and data usage.
Operators taking part in this program will be able to offer their customers a fast, easy Skype experience that runs on a range of OS platforms covering more than 100 different smartphone and feature phone handsets. Through Skype their customers will have the ability to make free calls and send instant messages to other Skype users. In addition, their customers can take advantage of Skype’s low rates to make affordable calls to mobile phones and landlines virtually anywhere in the world.
“We see a growing demand for differentiated services from mobile operators across the world,” said Russ Shaw, VP and GM of Mobile at Skype. “Our mobile operator program will give operators in emerging markets the possibility to tap into the global Skype community while providing a great user experience on a variety of mobile handsets.”
Operators interested in this program can contact Skype’s mobile business development team at: mpp@skype.net.
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