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Apple Selling Out, Nokia Taking Over and New Releases for Samsung and Sony
Nov 16th
Apple Patents Advertising Gimmick and Rumors of Nokia Taking Over Palm
What’s the Deal With Apple?
According to the New York Times, Apple filed for a patent for a type of advertisement that completely takes over whatever device you are using. This type of ad will completely lock up your screen until you click on the ad itself, or pass a test and if you don’t, the ads become more aggressive and harder until they are permanently stuck on your screen commanding your attention. And even then it might not let you see the page you are on, and it works on anything that has a screen.
You can’t really tell me that Apple is so hard pressed for money that they have to resort to slimy techniques to get ad revenue, can you? They won the suit against PsyStar and are probably going to rake it in on that one, not to mention the fact they are still on top of the Smartphone world when it comes to popularity AND sales.
What on Earth would they need to resort to the low down advertising of the likes of spammers? And Steve Jobs’ name was number one on the patent application itself, and that’s only happened 4 times in the history of Apple. No wonder Bill Gates made a statement recently about Apple being “..a force in doing good things.” They are alike. A force of Evil that must be stopped.
What’s the Deal With Nokia?
You have got to love Wall Street. Apparently there is some hype (again) about Nokia wanting to take over Palm. And because of the rumors, Palm shares have jumped a bit over 5% at closing. This has been heard from Wall Street before, but will they do it this time?
The jury is out on this one. Nokia has some pretty good reasons to buy Palm, like the taking over of control of the Web OS that everyone loves so much. And a takeover of Palm might get them out of the US hole thy dug themselves… But will they really do this? If history shows anything, probably not. It’s most likely just a ploy to get shares up at Palm and Nokia both before the coming holiday season. News like this would definitely move quite a few units, true or not.
What’s the Deal With Sony Ericsson?
Another New release, that’s what. The Sony Ericsson Xperia X10.
Meet the Xperia X10
This beauty is a much awaited new addition that will be the first Android OS based phone to have an 8 MP camera with touchfocus, and 5 faces finder with the photos to be displayed on a 480×854 WVGA TFT Touchscreen. It will also have ActiveSync, TimeScape, where you can have all your social media apps in one place, and Turbo 3G. The internal memory is 1GB and a powerful 1Ghz SnapDragon processor. The external memory is in the form of a SanDisk Micro SD card of 8GB and can use ones up to 16GB.
Wow. Go Sony… IMHO I think this is one of the nicer smartphones to come from Sony in a while…
What’s the Deal With Samsung?
Samsung has just released, today in Europe, the Samsung i5700 Galaxy Spica. It is the first Android OS(Cupcake 1,5) based phone to offer support for DivX video with the help of an 800 Mhz processor and, according to Mobile Burn.com, it is a
“…quad-band GSM/EDGE phone that also supports 3.2Mbps HSDPA data speeds on the 900 and 2100MHz UMTS bands. It features a 3.2-inch Half-VGA (320 x 480 pixel) TFT capacitive touchscreen display and also sports a 3 megapixel camera with autofocus.”
The phone is also HTMl browser capable with GPS Bluetooth 2.1 and WiFi capable.
And the Verdict Is?
My, my, my… Apple just doesn’t give up do they? First all the petty rejections of the iPhone apps, then court cases and now advertisements lower than those an Affilliate Marketer would use? No offense to those who read this, please, I’m just trying to make a point. Apple needs to get a grip and give up on the ad thing. They get enough sales, and they are on top of the world.
It’s bad enough I got stuck with one of those ads on EWeek.com last night. Now Apple, for whom I actually had more respect than Microsoft, is going to try to use them, or at least sell them to someone else contributing to the loss of respect for them and loss of our browsing freedom… I sincerely hope this goes all over the net in protest.
As for Nokia taking over Palm… Never gonna happen. They have said it before and it never happened. I think it’s just said or hinted at to make shares go uo so they can make some money, since they haven’t done anything here and lost most of their market share a long time ago..
both new releases are great. Sony’s is absolutely beautiful and I can’t wait till it hits shelves. Samsung did the right thing hitting Europe with it today. I’m not sure it would have gone over too well in the US…
For more great articles and user ratings and reviews, please visit the home page @ Youserbase.org
Check back tomorrow for more of the latest in the mobile phone industry. If any if our readers have any suggestions as what to review, or something you think needs to be talked about, feel free to leave a comment and I will see what I can do. Til then, happy phoning!
The opinions expressed here are not necessarily those of Youserbase.org’s executive staff, and Youserbase.org as such hold no liability of any damages arising from any opinions expressed by the author.
Samsung Developing Their Own OS-Dropping Symbian
Nov 11th
Bada to Become Landmark Fantasy Platform?
What’s the Deal?
Today marks history. The dropping of Symbian from the Samsung Empire in the coming year is a bold move that has Samsung operators and developers up in the clouds. The OS, called Bada which is Korean for “ocean”, will not be an OS per se, but it will get a free ride atop of Samsung’s proprietary software. The new addition will be officially announced in December and the SDK will also be available, at the same time, to developers who may want it. Hosoo Lee, Executive Vice President and Head of Media Solution Center at Samsung Electronics says in a prepared statement to the press-
“Bada will be Samsung’s landmark, iconic new platform that brings an unprecedented opportunity for operators, developers and Samsung mobile phone users around the world.”
Why does Samsung think the world needs another Mobile OS?
“But Mommy,“ Samsung whines childishly, “Every one else has one, I want one too!”
That’s why, according to PC World. Because everyone else has their own and they have enough money to do it with. They also say that the OS will get little or no developer support and it won’t be worth the try.
So What’s the Verdict?
I say good for Samsung! I think it’s about time they get in on the act. Being as they are in the top 5 of the Smartphone club, they should have their own OS. It’s fitting, I think. And maybe it will even offer up enough competition to bring down prices of the others. Don’t get me wrong, I love Symbian and am all for the Open Source thing, but Samsung , I think, will have a chance with this. Now…If we could only get Symbian to manufacture their own actual handsets…
For more great articles and user ratings and reviews, please visit the home page @ Youserbase.org
Check back tomorrow for more of the latest in the mobile phone industry. If any if our readers have any suggestions as what to review, or something you think needs to be talked about, feel free to leave a comment and I will see what I can do. Til then, happy phoning!
The opinions expressed here are not necessarily those of Youserbase.org’s executive staff, and Youserbase.org as such holds no liability of any damages arising from any opinions expressed by the author.
Intel’s Anti-trust Suit, 2 New Smasung Releases, and an iPhone Developer Gets busted for Stealing phone Numbers…
Nov 6th
Wow, What a Day It’s Been!
The Intel Anti-trust Thing
Intel has already either been investigated, or has settled, anti-trust suits in South Korea, Japan and the European Union. Now, I am sorry to have to say, Intel must deal with New York State’s (US) Attorney General, Andrew S. Cuomo. And let me tell you something, being that I am originally from NY, I know how nasty the government can be there. Intel does not want to mess with them, so I hope they settle quickly, or at least show that they didn’t do what NY is alleging they did.
But, with the evidence that has surfaced, I think they would be better off settling, to be honest. First, there is a quote In PCMag.com saying-
Kevin Rollins, had said that Dell had “made no plans to begin using” AMD chips. “Finally, something positive,” commented one Intel executive. On the contrary, Intel CEO Paul Otellini returned: “The best friend money can buy.”
So what’s an Intel to do?
Well, just wait and see. There is so much other evidence on Intel that it is almost impossible to think they aren’t guilty. The suit, even though it is targeted at Intel, also includes IBM, HP, and Dell, for various reasons. Including payoffs to not produce AMD based server processors, artificial caps of 5% of the market share at OEM and for rebates… Among other things… Come on Intel… Did you really think you were gonna get away with it forever?
New Samsung Releases-Mythic and Flight
These two new AT&T releases by Samsung are available starting November 8 and two totally different handsets. The Mythic is trying to give life to the AT&T Mobile TV services and has AT&T Mobile Music, AT&T Navigator, 3.3 display, 3.2 mp Camera, 3G, GPS, Bluetooth and AT&T’s famous TouchWiz.
The Flight, on the other hand, only has a 2 megapixel camera, no 3G and a smaller touchscreen, but it does come with the AT&T Navigator and Music. They are selling at dramatically prices too, the Mythic @$199.99 and The Flight @$99.99, for obvious reasons. Both with contract and rebates.
iPhone Developer Jailed?
Yup.. And apparently it’s not the fist time this has happened in the iPhone world. the arrested is called Storm8 and is a game developer for the iPhone. he is of the World War, Mobster and Vampire Live fame. Allegedly, he was stealing the phone numbers of the people who purchased his games and was using them to his own benefit, without permission. A Big Privacy NO-NO! The last time this happened, a Swiss developer was arrested for the same thing. But he went a little further. The developer, Mogo is the name, was using the numbers to harass the customers into buying more games. So what’s going to happen to Storm8? Not sure just yet, but the Swiss Developer is being sued… Will keep you posted on the outcome.
And The Verdict Is?
Wow, is pretty much all I can say right now. All the big players being investigated for an anti-trust conspiracy? That is gonna hurt when IF they lose.
As for the 2 new phones? It’s great news, as obviously iPhone is getting into trouble in just about every area… and the developer getting jailed? Come on now, we are all grown ups here. Do we really need to steal? Is the business that bad that they have to resort to those kind of actions just to make a buck? Really? Like I said, good thing AT&T released those phones…
For more great articles and user ratings and reviews, please visit the home page @ Youserbase.org
Check back tomorrow for more of the latest in the mobile phone industry.
Check back tomorrow for more of the latest in the mobile phone industry.
If any if our readers have any suggestions as what to review, or something you think needs to be talked about, feel free to leave a comment and I will see what I can do. Til then, happy phoning!
Finally the Moment Is Here…The Samsung Moment That Is
Oct 22nd
Coming Soon To A Sprint Dealer Near You…
That’s right. Another new phone from Sprint and Samsung, called the Moment and is the replacement for the Instinct Q. And it is just as bold and beautiful as the Intrepid, if not even more. It is a nice little slider style smartphone due in stores November 1st for a nice (not so) little price of $179 and that is with the $100 instant savings and after the mail-in rebate, according to the Sprint website.
Why Another Smartphone So Soon?
Why are Sprint and Samsung both releasing two new phones back to back? Officially, I don’t know. But in my opinion it was probably a good idea. The Intrepid is loaded with Windows Mobile 6.5, the first ever Sprint phone with Windows Mobile OS. So I believe that they weren’t sure how that would go over, so they are releasing another phone to make up for it. The Moment is packing the Android OS. The Android OS has a proven track record and the customers all seem to like it, so I think that since the customers are being given a choice between two new phones, they might just choose the Moment over the Intrepid. And I think that with all the bad press WinMo is getting lately, Moment will probably take the flag in this race.
So What Does Is the Moment Packing Under the Hood?
The Moment is sporting an 800mhz processor, 3.2 megapixel camera, optical trackpad, and a 3.2″ AMOLED display. And, so as far as I know, its QWERTY keyboard is a little better than CLIQ’s, making texting snappy and accurate. The only downfalls this phone seems to have is what it doesn’t have. And that would be intelligent social media integration. What a bummer. With the amazing popularity of social networks today, it might just be enough to cause a problem for the Moment…(pun intended). But maybe the restrictive touchscreen (making it more accurate) will make up for it, although I doubt it.
So What’s The Verdict?
Well, I think that if you haven’t yet sprung for Samsung’s Intrepid, than good for you. Go for the Moment instead. It seems to be a better phone all around, and isn’t that what having a smartphone is all about? Mine is bigger than yours mentality seems to really be taking over in the world of mobile phones, and the Moment seems to be bigger than the Intrepid, and definitely worth it.
For more great articles and user based ratings and reviews, please visit the home page @ Youserbase.org.
Please check back tomorrow for more of the latest updates in the mobile industry
Sprint Finally Jumps On the Windows Mobile Bandwagon…
Oct 21st
…With the Brand New Samsung Intrepid
What’s the Deal?
A week after Windows released their newest mobile operating system, Windows Mobile 6.5, Sprint released their very first ever Windows based phone. On October 11th, the world was introduced to the brand new Samsung Intrepid, or the Ace II, featuring the Windows Mobile 6.5 Professional Mobile OS.
But It’s Just Another WinMo Phone, Right?
Apparently, according to the Sprint website, wrong. They are claiming that this particular phone will set it apart from the rest. It’s being touted as a smartphone with unique new capabilities, such as the new app called Tellmet. What this application does is allow the user to do anything hands free. But wait, that’s not really anything new. Well, this really is new, sort of. This app affords the user not only voice activated dialing, but texting and searching as well. That’s right, never have to wear out the thumbs again. But, then again, on this phone thumbs don’t matter anyway as it comes with a full QWERTY keyboard.
And This is a “Professional Business Class” Smartphone
Meaning that it has everything the business person could ever want in a smartphone. For example, the Intrepid “…combines a robust mobile office experience with all the must have Microsoft Office Mobile-capabilities like corporate email and the ability to view attachments and manage your calendar,” along with the Window Mobile email system and Microsoft’s ActiveSync feature.
Some other main features include the usual Bluetooth capabilities, a multimedia with microSD slot for up to 32GB of off board storage and built in Wi-Fi, a 3.5 megapixel camera and camcorder, and 2.5″ Touchscreen with 320×240 resolution.
So What’s The Verdict?
Well, as Smartphones go, it is pretty much the same as any other on the market. Except of course for that voice activating texting feature. I honestly wonder why this feature isn’t built into any other phone. It should at least be offered as an option anyway. I do wonder why Samsung hasdecided to go with Windows Mobile 6.5. They were doing just fine until now without Windows Mobile and also have another new phone complete with Android, called the Moment. So Why all of a sudden the switch? I just hope that Microsoft doesn’t do to Samsung what it has done to T-Mobile in the recent past… More Sidekick-ish nightmares anyone?
For more articles, user ratings and reviews, please visit the home page @ Youserbase.org.
Check back tomorrow for a review on Samsung’s other new phone, the Moment
Windows Mobile 6.5-Apparently As Disappointing As the Vista Desktop OS
Oct 12th
What’s Up With Mobile OS 6.5?
Wow. Microsoft has managed to do it again. Hype us all up for what is supposed to be the greatest release of a mobile OS yet, Windows Mobile 6.5. And then finally after all this time waiting, hoping and saying to ourselves, “Could this really be it? Is this really going to be the best one yet?” Just to find out the truth once again… That Microsoft has produced another dud.
A Little Microsoft History
But then again, did we really expect anything else? I mean look at their recent history. Windows XP and XP Professional, the desktop OS’s which were the greatest released since the worst OS in history (Windows ME [cringing while typing]). Then supposedly Vista was supposed to be better. “Better, faster and more powerful…” Microsoft promised. But what did they deliver? another bad imitation of the ME OS.
What’s Inside the New Mobile OS?
Well, for starters, it has added Titanium, an on screen menu. But, because of custom branding of the main screen by the phone makers themselves Titanium is almost worthless. Then there is the start button at the top left of the screen, required on all screens and the bizarre way the apps menu is set up. There is apparently no way to change it. The only thing you can do with the apps is to “move to top” and nothing else. Not very engaging if you ask me. There is no way to get rid of the ones you want and no way to tell where you are in the menu. What is the point of a menu if you can’t navigate properly? Especially for those who go crazy buying all the apps they can, you will never be able to find the one you want without getting “lost”. There aren’t too many other changes, as most are just on the surface with not much under the hood itself. According to Gizmodo.com, it’s almost like a revamp of Windows Mobile 6.1 and noting else. Almost like when a person dyes their hair or changes a makeup look.
History Repeats Itself
And now with the release of the Mobile OS 6.5, the bad reputation is repeating… And getting worse. And the worst thing about this is that any phone that is utilizing this mobile OS is going to suffer for it. Take the HTC, LG and Samsung smartphones for example. These mobile phones have a reputation of being some of the best phones on the market. But now because some of their models are running Windows Mobile OS 6.5, they are going to take the hit.
And The Verdict Is?
Guilty. Guilty of just plain laziness to deliver what the customer wants. The customers wanted something better. Now they are going to have to wait for the release of Windows Mobile OS 7.0 and, with MS’s reputation holding steady, that is probably going to take a while (and probably going to be as bad). I am predicting that because of the recent reviews stating that the OS is a disappointment, sales will either drop of take a while to catch up to the competition. All because Microsoft had to rush to get the updated OS out there without putting any real effort into it.
For more ratings and reviews, please visit the home page @ Youserbase.org
And check back tomorrow for my take on the QWERTY vs. DVORAK controversy
And Now For All You Fashion Freaks-Is The New Samsung Armani As Sleek And Overpriced As Their Suits?
Oct 11th
Introducing The New Samsung Giorgio Armani Smartphone
This phone was rumored at one point to being called the Armani W820/8200, but I believe that the makers have finally settled on Samsung Armani B7620 as the final release name. But if anything changes, I will be sure to update as information is made available.
Lets Talk Phone Features
Other than the seemingly fashion conscious aspect of the phone (which I will review below), it totes all of the usual features that you would find on any Samsung Smartphone, including a 5 megapixel camera, 3.5″ AMOLED display, 8GB on board storage (plus microSD slot for even more) GPS chip and more. In fact, there are simply too many features to name them all here.
So What’s The Deal With Armani and Windows Being in Bed Together?
Well, a great, fashion conscious phone simply must have just the best OS around, right? Well that’s what the makers wee thinking when they put this little ditty together, anyway. Windows Mobile 6.5 needs some pretty hefty hardware to run it, so that means that the Samsung Armani is carrying some heavy artillery. In fact, its CPU runs at a speed of 800 mhz and it has 192 MB of RAM. Now that has some nice power to it.
And What About The Suit And Tie?
All of the fashion freaks out there MUST be drooling over this one. With its sleek black Armani casing and bronze tone “cuff link” like trim, it almost seems as it’s all tuxed up and ready for the ball. So now any of you out there that simply must have everything to match properly, this is the phone for you.
And The Verdict Is?
Well, I must say that this is one nice phone. It sports the new Windows 6.5 Mobile OS, An Armani tuxedo like quality to the outer casing, and a great camera to take all the pictures in the world so you can show off your new fashion conscious Smartphone. And you know what? It better have all these things. When you are buying a phone for almost 700 Euros or $1,030 USD, you want to be sure you are paying the same for your over priced phone as you are for your suit.
For more great articles like this one, please visit the home page @Youserbase.org
Also, don’t miss tomorrows post, my review on the Windows 6.5 Mobil OS- Will it be worth it?
The Wristwatch Mobile Phone-Who Really Needs One?
Oct 9th
Who Wants To Be 007 For A Day?
Bearing a huge resemblance to something right out of a James Bond or Dick Tracey movie, the wristwatch mobile phone has become all the rage over the last year in Europe. Even though most anyone would want a phone such as this, who really needs one? Well first off, let’s start with what a wristwatch phone is and what it can do.
What Are Its Main Features?
A mobile phone, watch, camera, MP3 player (some with MP4 capabilities), GPS and a Bluetooth device are all included. Some of them even have touch screens and video capabilities, like some made by LG and Samsung. It would seem as if the most popular features from the all best phones have been smashed together to form the wristwatch phone. Almost like someone took all of the leftovers from your icebox and turned it into a potluck casserole
Everyone Wants One, But Who Really Needs One?
Pretty much everyone wants one, or at least the people who think acting like a superhero is cool (I’m not knocking superheroes-I wish I was one! I mean, who doesn’t want to be invisible at times?). Of course, you can’t forget about those in the US who have heard of them and want to become a European citizen just to get their hands on it. Maybe a highly tech savvy geeky type who just has to have the latest in new technology was one of the first to line up to buy one.
These are the people who would want one (and probably already have one). But who really needs one? Well, the wristwatch phone does have it’s practicalities. It has GPS built in so you can find where you are if you happen to get lost. This is a great feature for all of the parents (and paranoid or jealous significant others) in the world who have to know where their particular someone is at all times. And don’t forget that its a watch too. All watches come with a wristband. What that means is that you may never lose your mobile phone again as you are wearing it right on your wrist and no more monthly insurance charges for lost phones. The wristwatch phone has a feature that translates into a practicality to suit just about anyone.
And The Verdict Is?
Who needs a wristwatch phone? Everyone! Parents, lovers, kids, geeks, the tech savvy and technologically illiterate alike all need to get their hands on a wristwatch phone. Why? Because it is a great piece of technology and its about time (no pun intended) practicality met the mobile phone. Also because it has to be just about one of the best, sci-fi fantasy gadgets come to life. The world could always use a little more sci-fi.
For more really great articles and reviews like this one, please visit the home page @ Youserblog.com
Is Symbian A Dead End Or Just At A Fork In The Road?
Oct 9th
What’s Up With Symbian? A Bit Of History
Despite its surge in sales and its 47% share of the market, Symbian has been declared by most as a dead end. When Sony Ericsson started laying off employees as it closed down its UIQ department and ported some pieces of the UIQ to Nokia in 2008, it has gone downhill. Ever since then, S60 has been knocking at death’s door as well, although David Wood, one of Symbian’s great masters said that “the statement was a little premature, but attention grabbing.”
Recent Developments With Nokia and Symbian
Now, back in May of this year a mole form Nokia leaked to the press that Nokia might just be looking to replace their mobile operating system from Symbian to Maemo with the release of the Smartphone successor to the N97, called the N900. All this time since Nokia and Symbian developed the S60 platform, Nokia has firmly stood behind it with their feet firmly planted in cement. Now it’s been confirmed that they are using Maemo instead.
So Why All of A Sudden the Change of Heart?
With the slated release of the N900 set for later this month, we are sure to soon to find out. Apparently, early reviews are stating that this phone is more than just a Smartphone; it should be in a class all by itself, considering that it isn’t a tablet either. Nokia is saying that it will “…bridge the gap between Smartphone and desktop PC.”
The Verdict
But for all you Symbian freaks out there, don’t be too alarmed. While some people think Symbian is dead, it is still going strong. It is true that it took a bit hit when Nokia dropped them with the release of their new Smartphone, but just look at where it’s still alive and well. Sony Ericsson and Samsung are still running the OS, and many Nokia Smartphones are still using it. So Symbian, although sliding a bit, will be around for a long time to come.
For more great opinionated articles, visit the Youserblog.com
Android everywhere: Beta for the mass market
Oct 2nd
Android Android Android. Every company now has to produce smartphones with Android. Of course this is understandable: Since the iPhone came to the market, everyone is now desparately trying to bring their ow version of something touchscreen. And what would be better than an open OS that looks at least a bit like what Apple does? Right now every major manufacturer except Nokia brings out several Android phones, no matter if Samsung, HTC or LG, even Sony Ericsson might one sunny day announce their Xperia Rachael. But is Android really a competitor? I would say no.
