Tag: cell phone

Our Google Phone Wishlist

Paul

Although rumors of a possible Google Phone have been making the rounds really hard lately, any such phone will have to be amazing to grab enough end-user and media attention. Expectations are high, but since we’re dreaming, here’s our wishlist:
Tight integration with Google Apps:
• Picasa: A 2MP camera with decent color and low light performance should take a shot, and upload it directly to your Picasa web storage as a mirror. Likewise for YouTube uploads.
• Google Talk: Both IM and VoIP makes this a fancy web communicator. The carriers may not like this, but we’ve got a feeling Google will sell this sans carrier. Oh, and other IM client support.
• Google Video and YouTube: To at least match the iPhone, they have to have their video sites ready for mobile usage. Uploading
• Google Earth: Google Earth for 3D maps, with GPS and app integration.
• Google Docs support with full read like the ones for iPhones, Windows Mobiles and BlackBerries, but real with full editing right on the phone, and support for multiuser editing.
• Google reader for RSS.

I didn’t quote all the article because it’s a big article. I like what they said. I like the picture myself.

Steve Jobs: iPhone SDK In Dev Hands February ’08

Paul

The Steve has listened to our incessant whining and now he’s writing something I’ve been waiting to read for many months: “Let me just say it: We want native third party applications on the iPhone, and we plan to have an SDK in developers’ hands in February.” That’s the lead-in from his letter on Apple.com saying the third-party app SDK for native iPhone programs is coming in early ’08. It’ll also do iPod touch programs. Jobs also explains the delay: Making the iPhone more open while keeping it secure from viruses has been a challenge. They’re taking their time, and doing it right. Arn from Macrumors points out that the piece includes hints that Apple might pick up a digital signature system for app verification. P.S. Kudos for Businessweek on scooping this ahead of time, but Fake Steve called it first, bluffing or not. P.P.S We’ll really have to wait a while to find out the exact details of app development to fully celebrate, but right now, I gotta admit, I feel like a born-again fanboy. [Apple. BTW, that Digg badge links to the apple.com website, so keep it floating.]

I hope they get those apps out soon!! 😉

Twitter Testing Text Footer Ads

Paul

The format is a one line tip directly below the Tweet. The message might be flattering to CNet’s Caroline McCarthy, but it’s a fair guess that this is a test message and that in future it might read something like “Tip: Orkut, not just big in Brazil” or something similar.

Buried at the bottom of a Guardian article is mention that Twitter is looking at developing “branded channels” where companies can connect with Twitter users via their own corporate Twitter page. Twitter’s Ev Williams is quoted as saying this is an alternative to “attaching advertising to a personal communications channel” which would suggest that Twitter isn’t focusing on footer ads, but the screenshot above would seem to suggest otherwise.

Now how are they supposed to help with adds on your phone are you going to sit there and buy something on your phone? It is going to be quite interesting to see what develops.

Destroy all phones: Portable GSM phone jammer

Paul

Want to know why I don’t got to the movies anymore? Because consistently and without fail all the times I’ve gone in the past two years I’ve sat behind or in front of — always very near — people talking on the phone. Seriously. So in leiu of throwing Junior Mints at them, I suspect I’ll just get this portable phone jammer for $166 and cut them off at the source.

I don’t suggest buying this because it is illegal in the USA and I personally don’t like the idea of someone jamming my cell phone in case of an emergency! You can buy it in Japan.