Friday, February 15, 2008

Touch Me, Talk to Me: Mobile Device Convergence




















A recent BusinessWeek article about Google in Japan, describing the Japanese preference for Web browsing on their mobile devices, reminded me again how the world is heading inevitably from the PC to mobile handsets. The Japanese best demonstrate this trend as mobile users surf the Web, view maps, download music, text and email from their homes, businesses, parks, street corners and subways. To the Japanese, mobile is where you are--not necessarily when you leave home.

Voice and data integration still remains a mystery to me. While many handsets throughout the world offer voice dialing, controlling your mobile device's functions by voice alone is growing more slowly than touch screens. This is especially peculiar since speaking is easier and faster than operating keypads or using touch screens.

In my ideal Android mobile device PDF, which is available on MarketingBeyond, I summarize my four requirements--including voice control:
  • Global Mobility--handsets running on 4G networks with download speeds exceeding 100mbps accessing the Web from anywhere on Earth. A "global hotspot" connecting all mobile device users.
  • Multi-Dimensional. VOIP connectivity for all phone calls and multi-media messaging.
  • Voice Control. Operating all device functions and enabling speech-to-text input in any language.
  • Solar Powered. A solar panel underlies the mobile device's large touch screen, powering devices, similar to hybrid cars running on both fuel and electricity.
A fantasy dream of mine? Not really. The PDF contains links explaining existing and new technologies for such devices in the next few years. As 3G and 4G networks emerge across the globe, the greatest challenge is market acceptance. Mobile users in Asia, the U.K. and Europe already embrace more powerful wireless devices and applications. The majority of people in the U.S. and third-world countries, except early adopters, will take time to realize the benefits of advanced wireless technologies.

As mobile devices take over many functions handled by personal computers, however, the mental chasm between voice and data will disappear. In the next five-to-ten years, mobile users will communicate with their devices as they do with people. "Touch me, talk to me" will not be an advertising slogan. It will be a mobile reality.

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

FCC Caves In to AT&T: The Value of the 700Mhz Spectrum

The FCC awarded a sizable chunk of the 700Mhz spectrum to AT&T Mobility, giving AT&T access to 72 of the top 100 U.S. markets reaching 192 million customers. The 700Mhz spectrum, formerly used for analog television signal transmissions, is today considered a valuable asset to mobile carriers for data services.

According to Reuters, AT&T paid a mere $2.5B to Aloha Partners LP that had acquired the spectrum several years ago at low cost and never used it. The losing bidders include Google, Verizon, EchoStar Communications and Cablevision Systems.

AT&T Mobility, claiming 64 million subscribers, continues to expand its domination of U.S. wireless spectrum. The only other major GSM carrier in the U.S. is T-Mobile, which didn't bid on the spectrum and continues waffling about building its 3G network.

FCC Commissioner Michael Copps voted against the deal, according to the Associated Press, saying he believes "the transfer 'seems destined to reduce competition and diversity in the wireless marketplace.'" AT&T claims the additional spectrum will "'...meet the growing demand for spectrum-intensive wireless data and content services...more cost effectively.'"

As AT&T, formerly Cingular, extends its tentacles--grabbing valuable wireless spectrum and growing its customer base--the danger of monopolistic pricing and control over AT&T's roaming partners grows daily. Unlike carriers in the U.K., Europe and Asia, AT&T lacks healthy competition from other carriers deploying GSM technology, the world standard for cellular services.

Now that U.S. cell phone penetration has reached 250 million lines, mobile carrier marketing is re-focusing on more lucrative data services. The 700Mhz spectrum is key for U.S. carriers to increase profitability by delivering Internet-enabled handsets and applications.

The FCC and Congress should carefully consider awarding spectrum--owned by the public--to carriers capable of driving smaller competitors out of business.

Monday, February 4, 2008

Want to Sync Your SmartPhone on Your Mac? Try Mark/Space


Synching calendars, contacts, to-do's and notes is a major pain for mobile users who prefer Macs vs. PC's. While Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Motorola, Samsung and others supply sync and multi-media software, using USB or bluetooth connections, I've never been totally satisfied with their solutions. The software is 90% Windows-based and doesn't always sync mobile phones accurately.

As a result, online Web-based sync companies have stepped up to the plate, offering synching and data back up services that securely protect your mobile device's information. But unless you have a fast broadband connection, the services are slow. Many mobile users are also concerned about storing their private data on other's servers.

Google
offers limited synching for your calendar, docs, notepad and even YouTube videos, but it's not a complete smartphone sync solution. Plaxo delivers contact synchronization for Macs and PC's only, while Glide Sync provides a fairly comprehensive package.

Mark/Space, however, provides excellent synchronization software for Mac geeks who want to keep private data on their Macs and sync with their mobile phone.

So far, I've used the company's "Missing Sync for Windows Mobile" and I'm planning to buy a copy of its new "Missing Sync for BlackBerry" software as soon as my 8830 arrives this week. (RIM supplies its own PocketMac software free, but users on BlackBerry Forums say it has flaws and Missing Sync works better.) Mark/Space also just announced software for the iPhone.

"Missing Sync" software provides greater value and functionality than other sync software. In addition to accurate synching of your calendar, contact, to-do and notepad data, Mark/Space also includes a unique feature--Mark/Space Notebook--synching your mobile device and Mac notes across the Internet to other computers, using its own "SyncTogether" software. Dot-Mac users can use their accounts as well.

Palm users will love eliminating "HotSync"--a problematic mobile sync tool, frequently creating duplicate calendar and contact entries. Nokia and other Symbian phone users have access to Apple's iSync, but numerous iSync users have become disenchanted with its performance.

Mark/Space clearly outshines the competition. As more people go mobile, we need reliable sync solutions that integrate personal and business information. "The Missing Sync" tools for Mac users are excellent.