tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-195766362024-03-19T03:19:08.510-04:00NET9The Future Of Mobile Information TechnologyDerek_Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12540730732501962080noreply@blogger.comBlogger549125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19576636.post-14946801521928358032011-11-15T03:47:00.001-05:002011-12-12T14:27:27.553-05:00NET9: Six Years In...Wow! So much has happened this year. For us at NET9, we've had a child born, seen Android take off, iOS mature, the number of tablets rapidly expand, and mourned the passing of a great tech icon.<br />
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A great bit of tech news slipped past us without as much as a word from the site about it, but we are very much amazed at the staggering amount of developments that have occurred in this short amount of time. I have a feeling the coming year will bring an avalanche of innovation and progress that will continue to blow our minds.<br />
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We've made it through a lot of tough times since we started six years ago, but I see great times on the horizon. We always keep a positive outlook here at NET9, and we believe the future is going to be very bright indeed.<br />
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Definitely "Making the future happen" here at NET9. To many more amazing years of mobile tech. Derek_Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12540730732501962080noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19576636.post-88619839819684131202011-09-09T05:50:00.001-04:002011-09-09T05:57:40.749-04:00Blogger iOS AppGoogle has finally brought Blogger to iOS via official app, and we look forward to using it quite a bit. So far, the app allows just about everything you would expect. You can edit posts, view previous posts, add photos, and publish all from within the app.<br />
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There is one thing I don't like about the app, but it's probably something that can be fixed in an update. The keyboard is portrait only, which I never liked using. Other than that, the app is perfect for blogging on the go.<br />
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The best feature I've noticed is that the app can be used offline to create posts, although saving/syncing is not available in this scenario. Lets hope Google keeps this app updated.<br />
<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-YTwsN_DBLFA/TmnhaJvYYdI/AAAAAAAACQo/2o70wMDkakM/s640/blogger-image-180426556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-YTwsN_DBLFA/TmnhaJvYYdI/AAAAAAAACQo/2o70wMDkakM/s640/blogger-image-180426556.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9Nllo1fVXIA/Tmnhavs7EzI/AAAAAAAACQs/wWXjLCDEcps/s640/blogger-image--135892563.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9Nllo1fVXIA/Tmnhavs7EzI/AAAAAAAACQs/wWXjLCDEcps/s640/blogger-image--135892563.jpg" /></a></div>Derek_Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12540730732501962080noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19576636.post-32754029450842349302011-09-08T18:36:00.001-04:002011-09-09T05:24:34.179-04:00A New World, A New LifeIt's been an amazing couple of weeks, with the birth of our daughter topping the list of great events here at NET9. We've seen Google gaining ground in mobile with the Motorola deal, as well as Google Plus jump into gaming, while the iPhone 5 is on the horizon from Apple. Speaking of Apple, we were surprised with the news of Steve Jobs stepping down as CEO. Of course many more Android smart-phones and tablets have made it on the mobile scene since our last post as well.<br />
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HTML5 is beginning to shape the new web and cloud computing is one of the big topics in development right now. The patent wars are in full force, and social networking royal rumble between Facebook, Google Plus, and Twitter is changing the way people communicate forever. No one really knows how these conflicts in tech will end, but one thing is for sure, the events developing now will impact what mobile computing hardware and software we use and how we use it in ways we never imagined.<br />
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There's plenty more great tech news just waiting over the horizon, and the year is not over, but coming close to an end. We believe there are a lot of big surprises in store and we're making the most of every opportunity to be a major part of this bold new mobile future.<br />
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<b>Cr-48 Update: Offline Apps</b><br />
Lately, there has been a good deal of work being done by Google and other developers to make Chrome OS useful offline. This work has resulted in several apps that make using Chromebooks offline a bit more enjoyable. I've only just started to find some of these new offline apps, and will be adding more to the list as they become available. Right now, these are my favorites.<br />
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Offline Gmail</div>
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Using Gmail offline works just as expected, with a slightly unfamiliar appearance than the web version. Reading and replying to email and even composing new mail is possible. Once online, everything is synchronized and works like any other e-mail client. It's not the most elegant solution to e-mail, but it does make using a Chromebook away from Internet access a bit more useful.<br />
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Scratchpad<br />
I've been using Scratchpad to take notes and compose this blog post, and so far it works well for my needs on the Cr-48. Until Google Docs becomes usable offline (editing and not just viewing documents), this app will have to do. This is one of my most favorite Chrome apps at the moment thanks to its simplicity and functionality.<br />
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Amazon Kindle Cloud Reader<br />
Sure this is a no-brainer application, but I love the idea that I can pick up a book where I may have left off reading on my iPod Touch or PC and have yet another device I can read my books on. The interface is sleek and simple, and there's nothing to get in the way while reading. And while I'm no advocate for reading on a laptop or PC, the Cr-48 display is quite good for the occasional burst of e-reading.<br />
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File Manager<br />
Probably the most important offline app for me has to be the file manager for the mere fact that I can save web pages for later viewing, organize pictures, listen to music, and even watch some video when offline. Utilizing a fairly large usb stick, I can work with all my files even when I'm not connected to the web.<br />
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So, these are just some of the great apps and tools we take for granted on the more well established OSes we all know an love (or love to hate), but Chrome OS is coming along quite nicely. I look forward to seeing how these and future apps evolve over time into foundations for cloud computing. <br />
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<b>New Apple Devices And Software Soon</b><br />
One post for all the exciting news that has been breaking is just not realistic, so I want to focus on the few items we are most excited about.<br />
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iOS 5: This is a big one. Finally, iPod Touches, iPhones, an iPads will be free from needing the initial connection to a computer before using it. That's the one feature I've been waiting for, and all the others are just icing on the cake.<br />
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iPhone 5: This iPhone could be the one that gets me to upgrade from my current smartphone, the N97. Considering I use my iPod Touch 4G more than even my desktop these days, the logical progression is to move to an always connected and more powerful mobile device. I see the iPhone 5 being the perfect "next phone" for me.<br />
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iPod Touch 5: Here's where things get interesting. I've heard rumors that there may not be a successor to the current iPod Touch this time around, and some that say not only will there be one, but it will include a 3G radio to become that always connected mobile device I want. Depending on what path Apple takes, I could be moving to iPhone territory, or I could upgrade again to one of the best no-contract mobile device coming to market. Either way, Apple will be getting some of my money soon. How exciting.<br />
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And speaking of exciting...</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uy8iljGC_KQ/TmlCt7qcTGI/AAAAAAAACQk/MdGWVaC8GZs/s1600/File+13155030333069.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uy8iljGC_KQ/TmlCt7qcTGI/AAAAAAAACQk/MdGWVaC8GZs/s320/File+13155030333069.jpg" /></a><b>First Weeks As A New Dad</b><br />
My beautiful daughter Amai was born August 19, 2011 and it's been like a wonderful dream I never want to wake up from. She's been keeping her mom and I pretty busy, but every moment with her is a blessing. Our daily activities have shifted to revolve around her and it's an adventure for sure. I've learned to squeeze as much time out of the days, and learning new tricks to getting things done efficiently. So, although we have less time to ourselves (a lot less time), we are getting to the point where Amai's world is running like clockwork. I even had time to write this post without many breaks. We are really looking forward to our future as a family and we hope Amai can look back on this writing when she's older to see all the events that were happening as she grew up in this amazing time.<br />
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So, we have a great future ahead, and we are so very excited to still be here to share our thoughts, ideas, and moments with this brave new world.</div>
Derek_Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12540730732501962080noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19576636.post-64156422603522247512011-03-03T21:56:00.000-05:002011-03-03T21:58:21.368-05:00iPad 2: One More Thing...So the iPad 2 has been shown, used, and dissected hundreds of times by the time you’re reading this. The tech in the iPad 2 is not very exciting. Front and back cameras? The iPod Touch 4G has them. Thinner and beveled edges? Got that too. What’s truly exciting about the iPad 2 is the dual-core A5 chip and the Apple Digital AV Adapter allowing you to mirror everything done on the iPad 2.<br /><br />Aside from a better back camera, these two features are all that I am missing in the iPod Touch 4G. I’m willing to wait for those until my next mobile upgrade. But that doesn't tell you what I think of the iPad 2. I like it, but won’t buy it. I have a laptop, a smart phone, and an iPod Touch. I don’t see and need for an iPad. I have come to the conclusion that if I can’t take a computer with me everywhere, it’s not truly useful to me. Sure, it has a larger screen, but I could have that with the digital AV adapter.<br /><br />No, the iPad or iPad 2 is not for me. I find the iPod Touch is far more useful to my needs as mobile computer. But beveled edges and cameras be damned! It’s all about the massive number of useful apps and awesome games. Apple has the magic thanks to the developers. It is this growing app “gravity” that will solidify and extend Apple’s lead. There’s no doubt that the iPad 2 will sell in droves and will be great for attracting even more developers perpetuating the process. 2011 is definitely the year of the iPad 2, but the year is just getting started, and a lot can happen in a year.Derek_Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12540730732501962080noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19576636.post-24826737437672375202011-02-17T11:53:00.000-05:002011-02-17T11:54:59.325-05:00Nokia+Microsoft, IBM+Samsung, Cr-48 UpdateSo, Nokia and Microsoft have joined forces and could either change the mobile industry forever in a huge way, or be the end for Nokia and the beginning of a new mobile era staring Apple and Google. I’m still not sure what to think about this news. On one hand, it’s sad that Nokia has given up on Symbian OS for Windows Phone OS. On the other hand, this could lead to some interesting mobile developments in the near and distant future. I truly hope it works out for both Nokia and Microsoft, and wish them the best. However, I will wait and see what comes of this new partnership. Meanwhile, I’m growing fonder of iOS and even Android to some extent.<br /><br />IBM and Samsung have announced a patent cross-license agreement, and will likely have a huge impact on computer technology in the world soon. Of course, cross-license agreements like these happen all the time, but I imagine as time progresses this will be one of the most common solutions to the ever growing patent problem that has been stifling innovation for many industries. I look forward to a day when the patent application process is made obsolete and companies can see that collaboration is key to the survival and growth of any industry.<br /><br />It’s funny how I seem to have not been giving the Cr-48 much time lately, but there are a few good reasons for that. For one, I have been using Netflix [a lot], and I can watch movies on my iPod Touch and PC, but it’s not compatible with Chrome OS and so there’s the problem. The second reason for not using the Cr-48 is mobility. Sure, I could take it some places, but it can’t be with me everywhere I go. The iPod Touch takes care of that problem also. There are other small reasons I haven’t been using the Cr-48 much, but they are few. I have yet to discover a “killer app” for the Cr-48, but for now I can just count on it eventually replacing my PC for most of my everyday use. I think the PC is becoming more of a storage server for files [music, movies, photos, etc.] now anyway. I’ll keep coming back to the Chrome-powered notebook to find new web apps and to do a lot of web work and research, but I don’t see it ever getting as much attention as a mobile computer like the iPod Touch.Derek_Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12540730732501962080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19576636.post-23450746218239082572011-02-06T13:03:00.004-05:002011-02-06T13:11:27.375-05:00Cr-48: Basic Web Apps, Advanced Web ConceptsSo it's been almost two weeks since NET9 got the Cr-48 in the lab, and although I haven't used it every day I have thoroughly enjoyed the time using it. It turns on and boots up extremely fast [my most favorite feature], the hardware is solid and simple to use, and I don't see myself needing much more than Chrome OS has to offer. But this isn't a Cr-48 review, it's the begining of a series of posts surrounding our ongoing experience with Chrome OS as a whole.<br /><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" >Web Apps By Google<br /></span></b>The first places I went after starting up Chrome OS were Google Docs, Gmail, Google Reader, and YouTube. Google Docs is how I take my notes, prepare blog posts, jot down ideas, and doodle. I have the ability to read and edit docs from other devices like the iPod Touch, and I have been using Google Docs primarily since it was Writely way back when.<br /><br />Gmail was the next logical web destination, and my cornerstone of communication. I email, chat, and voice/video call all from Gmail, and have it in a pinned tab always. Instant access to email through the Cr-48 is what dreams are made of.<br /><br />Speaking of dreams, Google Reader is perfect for my Cr-48 use. I use all the keyboard shorcuts to navigate, and for the first time in a long time, I am able to keep current with all my RSS feeds. In my opinion, Reader was made for Chrome OS.<br /><br />YouTube, however puts the greatest strain on the Cr-48 of all the Google apps I've used so far. Video is hard work for the little notebook, and I'm sure it has everything to do with Flash at this point. Hopefully HTML5 will solve this problem if Adobe doesn't do so first. For now, YouTube videos on the Cr-48 are barely ok.<br /><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" >More In Store<br /></span></b>Aside from the numerous Google apps running on our Cr-48, there are some other very useful apps in the Chrome Web Store. The Box.net app is essential to this sort of OS as a storage alternative/supplement, and a great way to transition to cloud computing in general. Then there’s Picnik, for editing photos online. The concept of editing images online is a powerful one, and Picnik does an excellent job of it. It connects to various sites like Picasa, Flickr, Facebook, and more to offer a seamless experience.<br /><br />As the Chrome Web Store continues to mature, I’m sure there will be many great new options in the cloud for getting things done as well as an entertainment hub for the future of computing. It is a very exciting time for the web, and we are deeply invested in how mobile will shape it. The Chrome Web Store will be an integral part of shaping the web and how we use it in the future.<br /><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" >Smart, Fun, Cloud<br /></span></b>Working in the cloud may be a big deal to most people trying to wrap their heads around the idea behind Chrome OS, but the entertainment and educational factors of such an idea are yet to be tapped. As entertainment is largely at the forefront of any great new technology, it is logical to see entertainment aspects of cloud computing being a very big contributor to its progress. Social games, audio/video streaming, and more will power the cloud after a days work.<br /><br />Education is another large force that will help the growth of cloud computing the world over. Because it is more economical and encourages collaboration, the global reach of education via the cloud is boundless. Online books, video lectures, and various information on the web is accessible to most anyone. And thanks to cloud computing, more people will be able to afford and obtain an educational experience with greater ease and efficiency.<br /><br />So cloud computing is here, and Chrome OS is doing an awesome job of bringing it all together so far. For me, it has sparked inspiration about where computing is headed and allowed me to view the web as more of a journey and less of a destination. We look forward to continue the journey by getting to know Chrome OS and the Cr-48 through the coming months, and we’re excited to see what becomes of cloud computing and how it eventually will infect mobile computing.Derek_Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12540730732501962080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19576636.post-54850427836739190362011-01-30T10:46:00.004-05:002011-02-06T13:03:17.759-05:00The Touch, The Cr-48, And The Way<span><span><div><span><span><b>How Touching</b></span></span></div>The iPod Touch is one our most used and loved mobile devices to date. Because it has so many capabilities as a mobile computer, it's a wonder why it's not as popular or more so than the iPhone and iPad. Sure, its weaknesses are connectivity and screen size compared to its Apple created siblings, but ironically those also happen to be a couple of the iPod Touch's greatest strengths.<br /><br />Having the option to chose the way one connects the iPod Touch to the web is the very reason I decided that the iPhone wasn't right for NET9. I'm free from a monthly carrier bill, and I can use apps like Skype, Google Voice, Textfree, etc. to make/receive calls and sms messages for cheap or free over wifi. As for the screen size, my eyes are very good and I have no problem reading text on the smaller screen. I can take the iPod Touch with me anywhere at this size, which makes it 100% mobile.<br /><br />There's almost no limit to what the iPod Touch can do for my mobile computing experience, and I'm sure Apple will continue to improve this under-hyped consumer device over time. It's currently my main mobile computer at the moment, and shall remain so until something better for my needs comes along.<br /><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span">On Cloud 9</span><br /></b>As you may have seen from my excited tweets, I finally received a Cr-48 notebook from Google recently, and have been wrapping my brain around finally seeing my dream of web-based computing. I won't go into a detailed review of the Cr-48 or Chrome OS, because there are so many already out there, and I would rather just integrate my ongoing experience with these sort of devices.<br /><br />In terms of hardware, the Cr-48 is a solid machine incorporating simplicity and elegance that some see as “cheap” while others see it as “Zen-like”. I love the hardware personally, and it does the job while not getting in the way of what’s important, which brings us to the Chrome OS itself.<br />Basically, the browser is the operating system and there’s not much left to add to that fact. I see this as the future of cloud computing, and Google has a great head start with Chrome OS.<br /><br />I plan on pushing this devices capabilities powered by Chrome OS and will continue to report on my progress going forward. The best thing I like about the Cr-48 and Google’s new OS is that it sparks so many ideas for me to put to the test. I am truly thankful for this great new opportunity, and can’t thank Google enough for making this possible.<br /><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span">Uncharted Territories</span><br /></b>I believe we are once again transitioning into new and interesting places with respect to mobile technology and all technology as a whole. Devices like Microsoft’s Kinect for the Xbox 360 prove that slightly advanced camera tech combined with a microphone can provide an amazing gaming experience and possibly a great new computing interface paradigm.<br /><br />Our mobile devices such as smart phones, media players, tablets, etc. have become our new PCs, and offer many more capabilities at the same time. Features like cameras, microphones, GPS sensors, accelerometers, and touch screens have been incorporated in mobile devices for some time now, but are just beginning to become useful in very creative ways. Meanwhile, technology such as NFC, gyroscopes, compasses, and various new sensors and wireless connectivity options are starting to change the mobile space once again. They are getting smarter.<br /><br />Between more powerful and faster mobile processors, the growing additions in hardware features, and the smart new ways in which software utilizes the hardware, the future of mobile is becoming a very powerful force indeed. Mobile is starting to learn, to become like our pets, if you will. It is our new keys and wallet/purse. It connects us in more ways than just telephony. It records and outputs our location as well as our textual, audible, and visual memories. It is becoming closer to us than our best best friends. Soon, we will be putting it on like clothes, but eventually it will become part of us like our eyes, ears, nose, etc. We are more than half-way t</span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">here, and there’s no reason for us to turn back now.</span>Derek_Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12540730732501962080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19576636.post-13035173529150802952010-12-05T07:59:00.004-05:002010-12-06T08:40:10.502-05:00Predictions For 2011This is our first predictions post composed entirely on a mobile device [iPod Touch 4G], and we know it won't be our last. NET9 is five years old now, and we are growing a little wiser each day. This year has been very enlightening, and we are excited about the future we are building. So here's what we've got...<br /><br />- TV is changing, weather you like it or not. 2011 will see concepts like Clicker.com competing with ideas like Google TV for your visual attention, and depending on if you're a die hard cable cutter or just want to add the web to your TV for simplicity, you will have new ways to watch what's on. We also see Google TV coming to PS3 and Xbob 360 in 2011.<br /><br />- Your mobile device is the new PC and so much more. Today's mobile devices have become more powerful than the desktop PC of five years ago. Not only in power, but in functionality. Watch as the next stage in computing changes again with technologies such as NFC, AR, gyroscope sensors, bio sensors, and compass sensors. This is the tech that you'll see a lot of in 2011.<br /><br />- Geo location gains steam in 2011. With the much needed help from augmented reality and NFC tech, where you are will be about much more than just checking in to Foursquare or other similar services. Coupons and local deals will continue to drive location-based services for the foreseeable future.<br /><br />- Messaging, voice, and video communications shape future for carriers. Data rich devices and services are changing the telecom industry, and we see monumental changes taking place in 2011 that will fix or break the way many will use mobile computers. This is one of the largest issues we will face in coming years that affects the progress of mobile computing. I see a future where wifi makes an inevitable comeback because of this.<br /><br />- Slates, tablets, and pads are the next computing fad. In 2011 we will have several Android tablets, and of course Apple will have an update to the IPad as well. The Blackberry Playbook also comes to market, and I imagine Microsoft and Nokia won't be too far behind. But like the netbook trend before it, we doubt it will last longer than a few years.<br /><br />- Gesture-based ui and voice recognition begins to replace the mouse and keyboard in 2011. The Kinnect is just a first step for Microsoft's agenda for changing how people use computers. Windows Phone 7 could greatly benefit from this tech and even change mobile computing forever. We see other big companies like Google and Apple continue to advance this new paradigm in computing in the future as well. This is one area we are particularly excited about, and look forward to being a huge part of.<br /><br />- Touch UI tech reaches inevitable limitations toward the the end of 2011. Touching will give way to letting the advanced camera and microphone technology handle majority the UI in computing. People are getting tired of fingerprints. After that we move to thought-controlled systems. We believe what mobile devices look like will change dramatically during this transition.<br /><br />- NFC will finally go mainstream in 2011 with big names like Nokia, Google, Apple, and others building the tech into mobile devices. We see mobile payments being the biggest factor in this movement, followed by gaming, file sharing, shopping, and even ticketing.<br /><br />- "Voltronization" begins now... All the features of our mobile devices will start to come together in very interesting new ways. The hardware is now more than capable, and software is more powerful than ever. Demand is growing for a congealing of all the functions of a mobile device in order to represent more and more of ourselves as accurately as we can. We are here, this is what we are doing, take a look, watch how this happens, it's happening now, and sure you can check it out again later if you like, but we'll be doing something else by then so...<br /><br />Thanks for another wonderful year. To all our readers, Happy Holidays. Stay warm, safe, and loved. We'll see you in the future.Derek_Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12540730732501962080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19576636.post-50952727286717886452010-11-22T07:55:00.000-05:002010-11-22T07:56:48.498-05:00Time For Some More Change<div>So we have been looking at ways to update the site a little and we have decided on brightening up the text and we've added our Twitter feed to the sidebar as well. We are always looking to improving and adapting NET9 as we continue to grow. We hope you like what we've done, and we look forward to your feedback.</div><div><br /></div><div>We finally got a new iPod Touch [4G] in the lab, and are loving the new features. The screen is amazing, the speed on and off-line is excellent, and the cameras are more useful than we expected. Of course, the mobility of this device is out of this world, and I personally love the multitasking feature. We'll continue to test the capabilities of these iPods as new apps become available and as various web services are adapted to mobile computing devices in the future.</div><div><br /></div><div>As we come closer to the end of this year, we have seen many trends surfacing that will develop and mature throughout next year. We see this wave of new ideas and products around the same time every year, and this years' trends look to be the Kinect [because gesture and voice interfaces are the future], NFC [near field communication tech will finally start to gain traction in the states and will change the payment process in a huge way], Internet TV [Google TV, Apple TV, and various others are bringing the web and tv together, but each one has their own ideas about how it should work], Social and Location [who and where you are has never been so important in the last few years, and sharing all that was cool, but this time it's personal...].</div><div><br /></div><div>We are seeing a lot of change in the mobile industry lately. Some of it we like, some we don't like. Some ideas we see as a big deal for the future [AR, gesture/speech recognition] are being overshadowed by frivolous quibbles between the very companies [Google vs. Facebook] that could be developing these ideas more quickly and efficiently. There needs to be a refocus of efforts on the parts of everyone in the coming year, because I see rough roads ahead if we don't.</div>Derek_Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12540730732501962080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19576636.post-74521801436230596932010-09-22T05:06:00.001-04:002010-09-22T05:06:37.858-04:00Miracles Of MobileFrom going vegan to living a more "green" lifestyle, my mobile devices have helped me organize my time, projects, and ideas in ways I would not have without them. My most recently purchased mobile device being the iPod Touch has seen the most use, and it is amazing.<br /><br />Time Saver<br />To many, time is the ultimate resource. It's the only non-renewable resource we have and to most, more precious than all the riches in the world. We mistakenly think time can be "saved" as if it were money, but all we can truly do is make the best of what we have of it. And so, anything that helps us to be more efficient with our time becomes extremely valuable the more we utilize it. However, our mobile devices only allow us to do the things we want to do. It's up to us to decide how we spend our time, be it wise or unwise. With so many time stealing games and other useless apps available for mobile devices growing by the minute, it becomes harder for some to focus on the ways our mobile devices can help us become better people. Nothing's wrong with a little rest and relaxation every now and then, but there should be a balance of what we do with our time even on the move. We use our devices to keep in contact with others, take notes for great ideas, make shopping lists, capture photos and video, save cooking recipes, listen to music, watch movies, read books, surf the web, and so much more all while on the go. Mobile devices are the ultimate time "savers", and they change my life for the better everyday.<br /><br />Projects Pro<br />The number of projects I work on is astounding. From small DIY projects around the house to long-term projects that may help others one day, they all grow and develop on my mobile devices now. It used to be harder to do not long ago when the PC was the best place to keep all these projects organized, but now mobile devices have enough power and storage space to keep most of my projects as well as start new ones while away from home. I've been able to put a whole website together for a client while on vacation using only a mobile phone, I've taken notes without writing or typing by using the voice recorder or video recorder on the same phone. I've mapped out an entire trip including hotel, restaurants, gas stations, and other points of interest all on my mobile device. I am able to start and complete multiple projects faster than ever thanks to mobile technology.<br /><br />Ideas And Goals<br />With so many thoughts entering my head throughout each day, the quicker I can take some notes down the better. Having a mobile device capable of recording my ideas and goals is invaluable and gives my mind the rest it needs once I know my thoughts will live longer than the moment of conception. <br /><br />But just having the tools for a job doesn't get the job done. Time is only "saved" when we do things efficiently enough to make room for other things to do or get done. Projects are good to have going, but it is the completed one that is worth anything. And ideas and goals are wonderful things for anyone to have, but the ideas we share and the goals we actually strive for are the ones that change and mold our world.Derek_Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12540730732501962080noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19576636.post-8365611169875773922010-09-18T19:36:00.001-04:002010-09-18T19:36:55.219-04:00Near Future And Growing Beyond ItThere's no doubt now that the iPod Touch has been the best mobile device experience I've had to date, and I plan on purchasing the latest update to the iPod Touch soon. I never thought I would be a user of any Apple product, much less a fan of one. But here I am, looking forward to upgrading to a new one already. Of course there are still many things I don't like about the Apple way of doing things, and I continue to be amazed at the great things coming from Nokia, but I am finally beginning to understand how things work on both sides. I know some are wondering where my thoughts about Android are in all this. Well, I have to say that I have yet to see an Android device that makes me have to have one. So, at this point I am Nokia/Apple device advocate and user.<br /><br />It's probably safe to say that I'll upgrade to a new Nokia phone every 3-5 years and a new complementary type device from Apple every 1-2 years. I really look forward to the advancements in mobile tech from other companies as well, but for now Apple is showing me the most futuristic tech in a single device with the new iPod Touch.<br /><br />Everything from the retna display to the power and efficient A4 chip inside are pretty nice features for a device that's even slimmer than its predecessors. And that's before you get to the thousands of apps that make such a device so useful.<br /><br />I could list so many ways the iPod Touch has helped me and my family on a day to day basis, but I'll save those for future posts. I'm constantly finding new ways this device can allow me to grow in the world, and it's very exciting to know that I'll always find something I can improve about myself and the world we live in.<br /><br />So as we upgrade to new mobile hardware and software to help ourselves and the world for the better, we must remember where we want to go and maybe try to fix some things we've broken along the journey.<br />Derek_Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12540730732501962080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19576636.post-33018822171285379782010-06-17T09:15:00.005-04:002010-06-17T17:50:29.576-04:00Not Here, But Everywhere...It's been awhile since our last post, and it most likely will be some time until our next one. However, we haven't given up on NET9. We're just spreading to other places. After all that's what being mobile is about.<br /><br />As for this post, we've done quite a bit of shopping and changed the way things run around here. For one, we updated our Windows desktop to Ubuntu and hooked it up to an Optoma pico projector, which gives us a huge screen that is quite clear and bright.<br /><br />Then we purchased a Loopt gyroscopic mouse to control the experience in an more comfortable way while relaxed on the sofa. The Loopt controller looks and feels very futuristic, and the best part is that it just works right out of the box.<br /><br />My wife recently upgraded to the T-Mobile MyTouch Slide 3G from the aged Nokia 5800, and I have to say Android has become quite impressive. I decided to purchase an 8GB iPod Touch (2nd gen.) for myself though. It's funny how I got to this point, but it feels good to be here.<br /><br />I had been putting off buying the iPod Touch since it first came on the scene, and for awhile I forgot about it and avoided all things Apple. Without venturing out to other mobile worlds, progress is impossible. So my thoughts on the device are that this is one of the best experiences I've had in a long time. This is coming from a diehard Nokia fan. I seriously wish I had bought this thing sooner. I wouldn't have went for the Nokia N97, and would have just continued using my N95 as my phone. The iPod Touch hardware is really solid, and there's an app for just about anything one could think of for the mobile device.<br /><br />I won't go into too much detail about the many things Apple did right with this thing, but I will say that I'll be using this a lot more than my other mobile gadgets for now. In fact, this post was composed entirely on the iPod Touch.<br /><br />The main purpose of this post is mainly to explain that we are still here and growing day by day. We are adapting to the constant change of the mobile industry, and we are virtually finding our way around the web looking for what the future holds for mobile tech. We might post to Google Buzz here, Twitter there, and of course there are the check ins through Foursquare and Facebook. Our comments will be submitted to various tech blogs and sites, and the health of NET9 will be better for it.<br /><br />So you see, we're no longer the centralized hub we once were, and our ideas and thoughts about the future of mobile will be found in more than one place on the web. This sort of defeats the need for a dedicated blog or site, but that doesn't mean we won't post here from time to time. We will keep the real exciting developments reserved for NET9 here. Thanks to all that follow us, and we will see you out there on the web.Derek_Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12540730732501962080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19576636.post-64638575197595723342010-05-02T17:10:00.011-04:002010-05-03T16:45:02.608-04:00Nokia N8: First Impression<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WHIl5eIl_ic/S981sVr3BfI/AAAAAAAACHM/dz5uvW2MCg8/s1600/nokia_n8_shot_E_black_604x604.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WHIl5eIl_ic/S981sVr3BfI/AAAAAAAACHM/dz5uvW2MCg8/s320/nokia_n8_shot_E_black_604x604.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467147508502693362" /></a>The news surrounding the recently confirmed Nokia N8 mobile computer has been spreading like a wildfire, and while at first I was a bit disappointed in everything from the look of the device itself to the lackluster look of Symban^3 screenshots. I didn't want to be too quick to judge a device (as I did with the N97), so I waited. And I waited, and I waited until I began to see the true potential of the N8 unveil itself through images and videos. Then I saw the amazing images and video captured with the device itself (wow!). But still I waited, and the news began to reach the many sites and blogs I subscribe to via my RSS reader. The thoughts and opinions pushed and pulled at the Nokia N8 in ways I have not seen in a very long time.<br /><br />The wait is over. My thoughts on the potential of the Nokia N8 grew from one of disappointment to one of sheer excitement. The Nokia N8 is the big bad wolf from the story of Little Red Riding Hood. The remarkable 12MP camera that can also capture HD video (all the better to see with my dear...). The nearly impossible to believe peta-band radio to make this the first real "world phone" from Nokia (all the better to hear with my dear...). The quick and nimble Symbian^3 powering the fast CPU and utilising the nice amount of memory of the device (all the better to run with my dear...). With so much going on into one device, and so much hype growing around it, I think the biggest teeth the Nokia N8 will show its price. €370 before taxes (all the better to eat you up with my dear!).<br /><br />So, while the Nokia N8 is the start of the next generation of mobile computers, and my adoration of the device has grown since the web caught the first glimpses of what would be the N8, it may not be my next mobile device. Not because I don't want one, but because I know there will inevitably be a Nokia N9 not far behind it, as well as the firs MeeGo device from Nokia coming soon. It will likely be a showdown between those two for the thrown that the Nokia N97 currently sits. With that said, I'm really excited about the Nokia N8 and what it could do for Nokia and the world of mobile. I certainly look forward to lots of nicely taken 12MP photos and HD videos uploaded to the various video streaming sites.<br /><br />It's finally time when power, portability, and affordability come together to push the mobile future forward with much force. It's a good time to save toward a new mobile computer.Derek_Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12540730732501962080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19576636.post-81335352484239383932010-03-30T03:10:00.007-04:002010-03-31T05:44:15.398-04:00One Gets New Life, One Grows Smarter<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">The N95-3 Lives Again!</span></b><br />So, not long after we got the Nokia N97 into the NET9 lab, our trusty Nokia N95-3 started to bug out on us. At first we thought it was the memory failing on us or maybe the battery wasn't holding a charge anymore. Then we noticed that the power button wouldn't work when we tried to turn the device off. So that's when we decided to open it up to see what was going on. Immediately, we discovered that the power button module was freeing itself from the board. Too much stress on the tiny component, I guess.<br /><br />So being the procrastinator that I am, I decided to "shelf" the device until just recently. I decided to try my hand at fixing the phone, and I'm happy to say that the results are a success! The N95-3 works like a charm once again, and is back in the labs working hard as you read this very post.<br /><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">The N97 Gets Even Smarter</span></b><br />Recently, Nokia Beta Labs released a new app for the N97 and N97 mini called Nokia Bots. The application consists of four different "bots" that can be activated via a homescreen widget to learn various routines you usually perform manually and helps to automate the processes.<br /><br />- The Profile Bot assists in switching your profiles for meetings according to your needs.<br />- The Alarm Bot helps in setting up a wake-up alarm and night profile.<br />- The Shortcut Bot provides quick access to your most frequently used apps.<br />- The Battery Bot notifies of upcoming power issues.<br /><br />Each bot can be enabled or disabled from the homescreen widget and takes some time to learn your routine. I particularly like the Shortcut Bot, because it allows yet another widget bar for a set of four app shortcuts. Normally, you could only add two application shortcut bars to the N97 homescreen, but using this app allows a third.<br /><br />Hopefully, Nokia continues to add more bots to this surprisingly useful app as well as make it available to more devices. Currently, Nokia Bots is only available to N97 and N97 mini users.Derek_Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12540730732501962080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19576636.post-86606064571467055012010-03-22T17:46:00.003-04:002010-03-22T18:09:47.532-04:00N Focus Episode #3: On The Right Track<object width="400" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/iYYXcSsmKrM&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/iYYXcSsmKrM&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Episode 3 of N Focus is now live, and we think it turned out okay. We have yet to get comfortable with video production [especially because we're only using the Nokia N97 to do so], and we still are having some synchronization issues with the audio and video. I'm thinking the sync issues is due more to the extremely small amount of RAM on the N97 though.<div><br /></div><div>That said, we're going to just have to continue to refine our footage in order to cope with the problem. It did take us a bit longer to get to shooting this episode for various technical reasons, but we're confident that we can solve that issue going forward. On to Episode 4...</div>Derek_Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12540730732501962080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19576636.post-15300156528817717372010-03-02T19:24:00.003-05:002010-03-22T17:53:05.578-04:00N Focus Episode #2: Better, Still A Bit Rough<object width="400" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/8ccU9TDIObA&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/8ccU9TDIObA&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="344"></embed></object><br /><div>So our second episode is live, and a little better than the "epic fail" that was episode #1. We're still new to this whole mobile video production thing, and we have much to learn still. We got the audio sync issues ironed out [turns out the cool intro video was to blame for that], the audio level is a bit better [keeping the screen in the open position uncovers the microphone], and we actually focused [no pun intended] on the key news at hand.</div><div><br /></div><div>There are still some ideas we want to try out in future episodes, so bare with us as we find our way. This has already been an enlightening adventure into mobile video production and a real learning experience overall. We can't wait to bring you episode #3 and beyond.</div>Derek_Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12540730732501962080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19576636.post-29865586949086079632010-02-28T00:09:00.002-05:002010-02-28T00:16:36.249-05:00N Focus Episode #1: A Very Rocky Start<object width="400" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/96sjSuI8E8s&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/96sjSuI8E8s&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="344"></embed></object><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana;font-size:13px;"><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; ">Well, here it is. Our first episode, and boy oh boy is it a mess. We apologize for the poor quality. Like any new endeavor, the first steps are usually the hardest, and this was certainly the case with our first <a href="http://www.youtube.com/net9nfocus">N Focus</a> video. The audio quality is ridiculous, the audio sync was off by a mile [we now know the reason for this], and my frustration of editing video footage over the course of almost half a week shows up in clearly in the final cut. All in all, this first episode, which was supposed to be such an exciting pilot, was a disaster.</div><br /><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; ">However, even in light of all that, we did learn a lot about editing video on the Nokia N97 and are not discouraged one bit. We are already working on episode 2, and have found a solution to the audio sync issue. The intro [as cool as I thought it was] has been scaled down to the bare minimum, we are trying out a common yet tricky editing technique, and we're working on a fix for the sound recording quality too. Please stay tuned as we continue to grow and learn with us here at NET9 as we build our <a href="http://www.youtube.com/net9nfocus">N Focus</a> portfolio. We've got a long way to go, and this is just the beginning of the beginning.</div></span>Derek_Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12540730732501962080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19576636.post-2727576017924805482010-02-21T15:38:00.006-05:002010-02-21T16:16:29.466-05:00We're Getting N FocusWe've been busy over the last few weeks getting a grasp on the latest news from <a href="http://www.mobileworldcongress.com/index.htm">MWC 2010</a>, and we have had a real hard time trying to keep up with all the exciting announcements. Everything from the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdGyZYrix9g">Symbian^3</a> news, to the Nokia and Intel announcement of <a href="http://meego.com/">MeeGo</a>, to the Samsung Wave with the new <a href="http://www.bada.com/">Bada</a> OS and a Super AMOLED screen. Of course we can't leave out the <a href="http://www.windowsphone7series.com/?CR_CC=100237323&WT.srch=1&WT.mc_id=Search&CR_SCC=100237323">Windows Phone 7 Series</a> news. Sure, there's a whole lot more news we'd like to cover in more detail here, but we have been running extremely short on time lately and have come to the conclusion that we need a faster [and more entertaining] way of getting the news out.<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WHIl5eIl_ic/S4GiacPq9MI/AAAAAAAACGk/rSfsmNT8rvU/s1600-h/nfocus.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WHIl5eIl_ic/S4GiacPq9MI/AAAAAAAACGk/rSfsmNT8rvU/s320/nfocus.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440808399982490818" /></a><div>That's why we're proud to announce <a href="http://www.youtube.com/net9nfocus">N Focus</a>, our new video channel for NET9 where we will mix as much of the latest news with our thoughts and opinions about that news. But that's not all. The way in which we are recording and editing is the most interesting part. We'll be doing it all on the mobile devices at hand. In this case, the Nokia N97. I have to say, this is the most challenging project we've tackled due to the very very very few video editing options available on the device. Needless to say, our next device will have to have slightly better than average video and photo editing software for our requirements.</div><div><br /></div><div>We're still working on the first episode, and we hope to get your feedback as soon as we post it. As with any new project, we know there will be room for improvement, and we hope you'll stay tuned as we continue to learn and improve our content.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Derek_Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12540730732501962080noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19576636.post-6221110581755236752010-02-12T14:00:00.002-05:002010-02-12T14:17:58.519-05:00A Buzzing Sound Heard Around The World<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WHIl5eIl_ic/S3WpXER2hUI/AAAAAAAACGQ/VqirrU0TWtI/s1600-h/1444417344-GoogleBuzzLogo68.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 286px; height: 68px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WHIl5eIl_ic/S3WpXER2hUI/AAAAAAAACGQ/VqirrU0TWtI/s320/1444417344-GoogleBuzzLogo68.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437438338870445378" /></a><div>The latest buzz around the web has to be the new <a href="http://www.google.com/buzz">Google Buzz</a> feature in <a href="https://mail.google.com/">Gmail</a> and Google Maps for Mobile. I won't go into detail how it works, as the site does a well enough job itself, but it's basically a real time status updater similar to Twitter or Facebook. It's social networking meets geo-location, and it works pretty well.</div><div><br /></div><div>I've been using it since I heard about it, and the buzz is growing fast. It will be interesting to see where users take this new social tool, and of course we can't wait to see what Google has planned as well.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.google.com/buzz/106447481168877790866/6XmenpJbpo2/NET9-Okay-first-ever-buzz-post-for-my-site-This">Follow along</a> as we discover cool new uses for this very cool new feature.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Derek_Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12540730732501962080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19576636.post-66638813117989589952010-02-04T09:14:00.001-05:002010-02-04T09:16:19.229-05:00Huge News Surrounding Nokia And Symbian<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana;font-size:13px;"><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><a id="z908" href="http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2010/02/symbian-operating-system-now-open-source-and-free/" title="Symbian 100% Open Source" style="color: rgb(85, 26, 139); "><b>Symbian 100% Open Source</b></a></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; ">Talk about huge news...this has to be the biggest today. Symbian is now completely Open Source, which <a id="tsan" href="http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2010/02/symbian-operating-system-now-open-source-and-free/" title="means many things" style="color: rgb(85, 26, 139); ">means many things</a> for device manufacturers, developers, and consumers alike. I believe this day will be looked back on as one of the greatest moments in mobile history.</div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><br /></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><a id="n5pn" href="http://blog.ovi.com/2010/02/04/faster-access-to-relevant-content-with-new-content-sorting-for-store/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=faster-access-to-relevant-content-with-new-content-sorting-for-store" title="Ovi Store Updated With New Sorting Of Content" style="color: rgb(85, 26, 139); "><b>Ovi Store Updated With New Sorting Of Content</b></a></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; ">Now there's "Top Free", "Best Sellers", and "New" tabs for the various genres of content in the store. Apparently this is will speed access to the content you are looking for. Search, it seems, is still not working at it's best though.</div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><br /></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><a id="n.2r" href="http://dailymobile.se/2010/02/03/nokia-c5-leaked-pictures-of-a-new-symbian-s60-device-from-nokia/" title="Nokia C5 Images Leaked" style="color: rgb(85, 26, 139); "><b>Nokia C5 Images Leaked</b></a></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; ">We're not sure if this is an actual Nokia device just yet, but if it is, we'll most likely get more information about it at <a id="tz4t" href="http://www.mobileworldcongress.com/index.htm" title="MWC" style="color: rgb(85, 26, 139); ">MWC</a>. From the images, it looks to be a low to mid-end device. Let's just hope the C stands for "cheap" as in price and not in terms of device quality.</div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><br /></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><a id="iug7" href="http://store.ovi.com/content/26254" title="Ovi Maps Racing: Here And Free" style="color: rgb(85, 26, 139); "><b>Ovi Maps Racing: Here And Free</b></a></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; ">The top-down racer is finally in the Ovi Store for free download [for a limited time?], and is pretty cool from my brief time playing it. Race on default tracks, custom tracks, or build your own tracks, and burn out!</div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><br /></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><a id="ugl6" href="http://www.nokia.com/press/press-releases/showpressrelease?newsid=1380128" title="Ovi Maps Reaches 1.4 Million Downloads In 1 Week" style="color: rgb(85, 26, 139); "><b>Ovi Maps Reaches 1.4 Million Downloads In 1 Week</b></a></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; ">Thanks to Nokia releasing free navigation for Ovi Maps, a huge number of downloads of the app have been made in just one week's time. This is big, and there's no doubt that the number</div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><br /></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><a id="yu_0" href="http://betalabs.nokia.com/apps/nokia-diagnostics" title="Nokia Diagnostics" style="color: rgb(85, 26, 139); "><b>Nokia Diagnostics</b></a></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; ">This is a pretty simple and self-explanatory application. It allows users to diagnose, troubleshoot, and configure their device on their own. Lets hope even more features are added to the list. I know I would like to see a touchscreen calibrator, brightness control, camera test, microphone speaker test, buttons test, and sensors [accelerometer, GPS, compass, etc.] test.</div></span>Derek_Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12540730732501962080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19576636.post-19139735746746438062010-02-02T05:09:00.001-05:002010-02-02T05:09:51.643-05:00Latest Nokia N97 Update<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; ">The latest firmware update for the N97 is now version 21.0.045, which brings a few nice treats for device owners:<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><br /><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><ul style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; ">A little more RAM after booting [up to 53MB]</li><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; ">Improved call reliability</li><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; ">Smoother touchscreen scrolling</li><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; ">Cool new default theme [black]</li><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; ">Browser improvements [faster load times]</li><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; ">Music player improvements</li><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; ">Improved image and video stability</li></ul><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><br /></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; ">To me, the device is much more responsive as a whole. Smoother transitions, apps launch quicker, auto-rotate is snappier, etc. Great job Nokia!</div></div></div></span>Derek_Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12540730732501962080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19576636.post-84703234920571979532010-02-02T04:43:00.001-05:002010-02-02T04:50:01.567-05:00The iPad Has No Future In The Mobile Space<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; "><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; ">That's right, I'm going outright and stating that Apple's new iPad will fail as a truly mobile device...</div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; ">- It's not mobile enough [can't fit in anyone but MC Hammer's old parachute pants pockets].</div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; ">- It has no built-in camera [dumb, dumb, and dumb].</div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; ">- It has no definitive purpose [big smartphone? e-book reader? Internet tablet? what the heck is this thing?! at least we knew the iPod was definitely an mp3 player].</div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; ">- It's being built around an operating system that already has a device [sure it can make use of all the iPhone and iPod Touch apps, but so can the iPhone and the iPod Touch!].</div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; ">- It uses the micro-SIM card that hardly anyone uses...yet [okay, this is just Apple being difficult again. Can we at least get two options of the standards for the SIM format? Way to lock down a new device Apple.]</div></span>Derek_Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12540730732501962080noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19576636.post-45342846898134180882010-01-21T07:23:00.000-05:002010-01-21T07:25:13.938-05:00Nokia Frees Navigation<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; ">The countdown is over, the <a id="l8cl" href="http://events.nokia.com/ovimaps/index.html" title="announcement" style="color: rgb(85, 26, 139); ">announcement</a> has been made, and Nokia N97 owners like myself are hardly feeling good about being left out yet again. Of the 10 Nokia GP-equipped devices, the N97 would be the last device I would have expected not to be included. Oh well, the news is huge never the less. It shows, Nokia isn't sleeping. That, or Google has made quite the <a id="jt95" href="http://www.google.com/mobile/navigation/index.html#utm_campaign=en&utm_source=gh0smm&utm_medium=ha&utm_term=google%20navigation&dc=gh0smm" title="wake-up call" style="color: rgb(85, 26, 139); ">wake-up call</a>.</span>Derek_Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12540730732501962080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19576636.post-86324519286498720032010-01-20T20:37:00.000-05:002010-01-20T20:39:38.465-05:00Nokia Event Countdown<embed width="400" flashvars="timestamp=http://events.nokia.com/countdown/countdown.aspx&exitUrl=http://events.nokia.com" allowscriptaccess="true" scale="noscale" quality="high" bgcolor="#ffffff" name="banner" src="http://events.nokia.com/countdown/assets/flash/countdownBanner.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"/>Derek_Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12540730732501962080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19576636.post-26991166724394630222010-01-17T08:12:00.002-05:002010-01-17T08:16:32.683-05:00Online, Offline, And Balancing Both Worlds<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WHIl5eIl_ic/S1MNILcJDUI/AAAAAAAACGI/QMAfQ7jkfBM/s1600-h/balance.1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 133px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WHIl5eIl_ic/S1MNILcJDUI/AAAAAAAACGI/QMAfQ7jkfBM/s200/balance.1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427696410072517954" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana;font-size:13px;"><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><b><span style="font-weight: normal; ">In 2010 , more people will go online for the first time than ever before. This fact is pretty easy to see by anyone that has just a little knowledge of technology trends. However, another fact that is not so easily seen, is that more people will choose to go offline in 2010 than ever before. People are starting to disconnect in varying durations of time. From days or weeks to months and even years on end. Today, we'll look at the pros and cons of each, and then we'll see if there's room in our lives for the best of both worlds.</span></b></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><b><span style="font-weight: normal; "><br /><b>Always Online</b><br />Many of us should know what this is like. Being always connected and updated on the latest whatever. Zoned into the web and the real world tuned out. With the exponential growth potential of mobile technology beginning to develop around the world, the sheer number of people going online and staying online is astonishing. Third world countries are utilizing the lower cost of mobile devices and wireless networks to establish themselves in this global extravaganza. The downsides are numerous however. Network congestion and wireless signal interference are problems that loom in the near future and will soon need to be addressed.<br /><br /><b>Going Offline</b><br />There seems to be a new trend forming where people who once would spend more time online than not are choosing to disconnect and go offline for (seemingly) enormous lengths of time. We're talking days, even weeks here people! This is one of those movements that will allow people to reunite with reality and change the web landscape in a big way. Creativity of people comes mostly from stepping away from what is there to see something that is not yet there. Many great new ideas will grow from this movement and will develop valuable relations between large groups and companies. It's one of those concepts that's hard to grasp by many still, and that may be the biggest disadvantage, but it also may result in a rift of information and resources that always-onliners may miss out on. The offline movement is still in the early stages, so only time will tell how it all plays out.</span></b></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><b><span style="font-weight: normal; "><br /><b>A Good Balance</b><br />I firmly believe a good balance of online and offline time is the most healthy choice for a person. Just like too much water will make you drown and not enough will kill you too, not enough time connected can leave one lost in the world, while too much time online will leave one lost <i>to</i> the the world. I'm not going to tell anyone what a good balance of online/offline time or percentage is. That's something you'll have to figure out on your own. It seems to me a constant tightrope act in my life to keep online time and offline time balanced, and I'm constantly discovering new ways to get the most out of both times. The easiest way for me to keep balanced is to keep focused on one side at a time and not go back and forth between the two too much. Do online activities online and do offline activities offline. Try not to mix the two. Social networks are examples that encourage you to mix the two, and that's where many issues arise. Stay conscious about which world you are in, for a time will come that will make it near impossible to distinguish between the two.</span></b></div></span>Derek_Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12540730732501962080noreply@blogger.com0