Qualcomm Introduces Single-Chip 802.11n Wireless LAN Solution for Handsets and Mobile Devices - FierceWireless
Qualcomm has introduced an 802.11n chipset for use in mobile devices. The chip supports 4 x 4 MIMO antenna arrays which allow distributing high speed data (such as video) to multiple devices.
It's likely the chip will be used in home gateways and devices. This will put Qualcomm in direct competition with other chip vendors who are already in this space.
Data rates of 72Mb/s are achievable.
2009/06/06
Update on plans for a new consultation | Ofcom
Update on plans for a new consultation | Ofcom
Ofcom is going to hold a consultation into the use of GSM gateways following the Court of Appeal judgment of 10 February 2009 relating to an appeal by Floe Telecom.
Ofcom expect to publish the consultation during the summer.
The last time this came up was in 2005 (and NetTek responded to the consultation).
Ofcom is going to hold a consultation into the use of GSM gateways following the Court of Appeal judgment of 10 February 2009 relating to an appeal by Floe Telecom.
Ofcom expect to publish the consultation during the summer.
The last time this came up was in 2005 (and NetTek responded to the consultation).
2009/06/01
The Wireless Telegraphy (Short Range Devices) (Exemption) Regulations 2009 | Ofcom
The Wireless Telegraphy (Short Range Devices) (Exemption) Regulations 2009 | Ofcom
Ofcom is proposing to make various systems license exempt under the he Wireless Telegraphy (Short Range Devices) (Exemption) Regulations 2009.
These will include: -
* Tank Level Probing Radar (TLPR) at 4.5-7, 8.5-10.6, 24.05-27, 57-64 and 75-85 GHz.
* Radio determination applications at 2400-2483.5 MHz and 17.1-17.3 GHz (including Ground Based Synthetic Aperture Radar GB-SAR).
* Wideband data transmission systems (WBDTS) at 57-66 GHz (including wireless distribution of High Definition HD video).
Ofcom are also proposing to make various airborne systems exempt: -
* WBDTS at 2400-2483.5 MHz and 57-66 GHz;
* Radio determination applications at 2400-2483.5 MHz;
* TLPR at 4.5-7, 8.5-10.6, 24.05-27, 57-64 and 75-85 GHz;
* Model Control at 26990-27000, 27040-27050, 27090-271000, 27140-27150 and 27190-27200 kHz; and
* Radio Frequency Identification at 2446-2454 MHz.
The ones that will effect most people are the radio control bands and also the Wideband data transmission system which are expeted to be used in the home for distributing video.
Ofcom welcoming comments by June 30th 2009 and are expecting to implement the new regulations by August 2009.
Ofcom is proposing to make various systems license exempt under the he Wireless Telegraphy (Short Range Devices) (Exemption) Regulations 2009.
These will include: -
* Tank Level Probing Radar (TLPR) at 4.5-7, 8.5-10.6, 24.05-27, 57-64 and 75-85 GHz.
* Radio determination applications at 2400-2483.5 MHz and 17.1-17.3 GHz (including Ground Based Synthetic Aperture Radar GB-SAR).
* Wideband data transmission systems (WBDTS) at 57-66 GHz (including wireless distribution of High Definition HD video).
Ofcom are also proposing to make various airborne systems exempt: -
* WBDTS at 2400-2483.5 MHz and 57-66 GHz;
* Radio determination applications at 2400-2483.5 MHz;
* TLPR at 4.5-7, 8.5-10.6, 24.05-27, 57-64 and 75-85 GHz;
* Model Control at 26990-27000, 27040-27050, 27090-271000, 27140-27150 and 27190-27200 kHz; and
* Radio Frequency Identification at 2446-2454 MHz.
The ones that will effect most people are the radio control bands and also the Wideband data transmission system which are expeted to be used in the home for distributing video.
Ofcom welcoming comments by June 30th 2009 and are expecting to implement the new regulations by August 2009.
2009/05/28
Download the beta version of Skype for Windows
Download the beta version of Skype for Windows:
Skype have released Skype v4.1 beta for Windows. This now features the following features or improvements: -
* Screen sharing
* Send contacts
* Birthday reminders
* Improvements in call quality
* Improvements in video quality
* Accessibility features
* Bug fixes
Skype also now allows importing contacts from on-line services such as Gmail, AOL and LinkedIn, among others.
Skype have released Skype v4.1 beta for Windows. This now features the following features or improvements: -
* Screen sharing
* Send contacts
* Birthday reminders
* Improvements in call quality
* Improvements in video quality
* Accessibility features
* Bug fixes
Skype also now allows importing contacts from on-line services such as Gmail, AOL and LinkedIn, among others.
Being a Twit in Shoreditch and Pouting
Last night (Weds May 27th) was the combination of Pout and Shoreditch Twit. The evening was sponsored by SIP Drinks and Fashion Targets and a good time was had by all.
Some might think this was an odd combination, Pout is all about fashion and Shoreditch Twit is all about a gathering of Twitter users (twits?) who are mainly geeks though there is a good spattering of PR, journo and other media types - especially in the uber hip Shoreditch area (how times change - who remembers when Shoreditch was full of squats and a scary place). Anyway it all seemed to work though several twits could be seen gawking though no one seemed to mind.
Some might think this was an odd combination, Pout is all about fashion and Shoreditch Twit is all about a gathering of Twitter users (twits?) who are mainly geeks though there is a good spattering of PR, journo and other media types - especially in the uber hip Shoreditch area (how times change - who remembers when Shoreditch was full of squats and a scary place). Anyway it all seemed to work though several twits could be seen gawking though no one seemed to mind.
2009/05/27
Twitter goes mainstream
You know when a website has gone mainstream when it appears in a TV series. Well Twitter is now featured in an episode of CSI (Crime Scene Investigation set in Las Vegas).
The whole point of blogging on Twitter is not about privacy but the value of openness (as per the program dialogue).
Here's the YouTube clip.
The whole point of blogging on Twitter is not about privacy but the value of openness (as per the program dialogue).
Here's the YouTube clip.
2009/05/26
Direction under Section 106(3) of the Communications Act 2003 applying the electronic communications code in the case of Thales Transport and Security Limited | Ofcom
Direction under Section 106(3) of the Communications Act 2003 applying the electronic communications code in the case of Thales Transport and Security Limited | Ofcom
Thales Transport and Security Limited have been given powers under The Code allowing them to dig and install street furniture without the permission of the landowner etc.
This will allow them to build and install an electronic communications network.
Thales Transport and Security Limited have been given powers under The Code allowing them to dig and install street furniture without the permission of the landowner etc.
This will allow them to build and install an electronic communications network.
Facebook's $200M Investment Values Co. At $10B - NYTimes.com
Facebook's $200M Investment Values Co. At $10B - NYTimes.com
It seems Facebook has been given a $200m boost for 2% of stock valuing the company at $10bn. This is significantly less that the $15bn that Microsoft's $240m stack valued them at. The investment came from Digital Sky Technologies which is a Russian outfit.
Guessing it would seem Facebook have had internal differences about creating revenue or increasing the user base (Facebook now has around 200m active users). The co-founder left the company allegedly for wishing to increase revenues and more recently the CFO left too (he wanted to increase revenues) but the official reason was that he wasn't suitable for an IPO.
This will give Facebook some breathing space allowing them to continue operations as their advertising and other revenues do not yet meet their spend. At some point revenues must become the primary focus for the company or they'll run out of cash.
It seems Facebook has been given a $200m boost for 2% of stock valuing the company at $10bn. This is significantly less that the $15bn that Microsoft's $240m stack valued them at. The investment came from Digital Sky Technologies which is a Russian outfit.
Guessing it would seem Facebook have had internal differences about creating revenue or increasing the user base (Facebook now has around 200m active users). The co-founder left the company allegedly for wishing to increase revenues and more recently the CFO left too (he wanted to increase revenues) but the official reason was that he wasn't suitable for an IPO.
This will give Facebook some breathing space allowing them to continue operations as their advertising and other revenues do not yet meet their spend. At some point revenues must become the primary focus for the company or they'll run out of cash.
2009/05/18
Orange (UK) reports 500% increase in Dongles
Orange has reported that there has been a 500% increase in the number of dongles sold compared to six months ago. Data now accounts for 25% of their revenues.
Data usage increased to 386,000GB downloaded last month.
Customers with 3G phones or dongles increased to 3.824m at the end of Q1/09.
Data usage increased to 386,000GB downloaded last month.
Customers with 3G phones or dongles increased to 3.824m at the end of Q1/09.
2009/05/17
Vodafone drops roaming charges
Vodafone is dropping roaming charges in 45 areas from June through August. The announcement comes before the EU Commission is to make an announcement on capping roaming charges.
Although the current deal expires after August, Vodafone may well extend the offer depending on how well it goes. They're potentially going to steal customers from other networks as the holiday season starts.
The counties and areas covered are Albania, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Canary Islands, Channel Islands, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Faroes, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Isle of Man, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madeira, Malta, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Ireland, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Vatican City.
Will the other operators follow suit? Maybe including USA which Vodafone have missed off (preumably as Vodafone have networks in these areas and can move traffic across their own network).
Although the current deal expires after August, Vodafone may well extend the offer depending on how well it goes. They're potentially going to steal customers from other networks as the holiday season starts.
The counties and areas covered are Albania, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Canary Islands, Channel Islands, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Faroes, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Isle of Man, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madeira, Malta, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Ireland, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Vatican City.
Will the other operators follow suit? Maybe including USA which Vodafone have missed off (preumably as Vodafone have networks in these areas and can move traffic across their own network).
2009/05/12
Enforcement Report | Ofcom
Enforcement Report | Ofcom
In 2008 Ofcom fined broadcasters almost £7.83m for breaches of the broadcasting code, companies were fined over £100,000 for breaking the rules on silent calls and 28 people were prosecuted for illegally broadcasting (pirate radio).
The money of course goes to the UK treasury and not to Ofcom and several of these fines have come from public broadcasters who get their money from the public in the first place - so they end up as a tax to the consumer.
Ofcom could probably prosecure many more pirate radio stations, it's just too much like hard work and they only go after the big ones.
In 2008 Ofcom fined broadcasters almost £7.83m for breaches of the broadcasting code, companies were fined over £100,000 for breaking the rules on silent calls and 28 people were prosecuted for illegally broadcasting (pirate radio).
The money of course goes to the UK treasury and not to Ofcom and several of these fines have come from public broadcasters who get their money from the public in the first place - so they end up as a tax to the consumer.
Ofcom could probably prosecure many more pirate radio stations, it's just too much like hard work and they only go after the big ones.
2009/05/08
Carphone Warehouse to acquire Tiscali UK
Carphone Warehouse (CPW) are acquiring the assets of Tiscali UK for £236m from Tiscali (Italy).
Tiscali have been up for sale for some time as broadband economics worsen and competition increases. Both BSkyB and CPW have been rumoured to be in the running as well as outsiders like BT.
It seems CPW have got to the finishing post and they'll gain Tiscali's infrastructure and customers. CPW's customer base will increase to 4.25m making them the largest UK (home) broadband provider. There's going to be considerable overlap in infrastructure and staff so CPW will likely make sweeping cuts in both. Tiscali's IPTV platform (previously HomeChoice) will give CPW an edge to compete with BT Vision and whatever Sky are planning. Tiscali only managed to achieve 100,000 IPTV customers (they wanted double that) and maybe CPW will be able to get that out to all their customers.
If CPW can utilise the extra infrastructure and minimise costs then they may be one of the larger players that survives the broadband commoditisation game.
Tiscali have been up for sale for some time as broadband economics worsen and competition increases. Both BSkyB and CPW have been rumoured to be in the running as well as outsiders like BT.
It seems CPW have got to the finishing post and they'll gain Tiscali's infrastructure and customers. CPW's customer base will increase to 4.25m making them the largest UK (home) broadband provider. There's going to be considerable overlap in infrastructure and staff so CPW will likely make sweeping cuts in both. Tiscali's IPTV platform (previously HomeChoice) will give CPW an edge to compete with BT Vision and whatever Sky are planning. Tiscali only managed to achieve 100,000 IPTV customers (they wanted double that) and maybe CPW will be able to get that out to all their customers.
If CPW can utilise the extra infrastructure and minimise costs then they may be one of the larger players that survives the broadband commoditisation game.
2009/04/29
Comcast turns down Joost
Joost who raised $45m in 2007 are up for sale and have been touting themselves to cable companies where there could be a good fit.
Initially Joost tried to tempt customers with a standalone P2P video player (using the same underlying technology as Skype) but have since moved to a web based model.
Now being one of many web based system, they're facing increased competition and struggling to win customers and advertising revenue with less than 1m unique monthly visitors.
It seems Comcast have passed on purchasing them. Joost do have a decent underlying technology solution which could be utilised by an emerging IPTV player rather than developing their own.
Initially Joost tried to tempt customers with a standalone P2P video player (using the same underlying technology as Skype) but have since moved to a web based model.
Now being one of many web based system, they're facing increased competition and struggling to win customers and advertising revenue with less than 1m unique monthly visitors.
It seems Comcast have passed on purchasing them. Joost do have a decent underlying technology solution which could be utilised by an emerging IPTV player rather than developing their own.
2009/04/27
Tiscali Discusses Sale of U.K. Assets - WSJ.com
Tiscali Discusses Sale of U.K. Assets - WSJ.com
The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Tiscali (Italy) is in advanced negotiations with Carphone Warehouse with respect to the sale of Tiscali UK.
Tiscali (UK) has been on the market for over a year and there have been various rumours about their sale. They acquired HomeChoice (VideoNetworks) who had 30,000 IPTV customers, Tiscali increased this to 100,000 which was still half of their 200,000 target.
Carphone Warehouse could add Tiscali's customer base to their network (they'd dump overlapped network), but the IPTV infrastructure could be of interest as it will give them a competing service to BT Vision and whatever Sky are going to launch when they get their IPTV act together.
Sky are also rumoured to be be a suitor.
The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Tiscali (Italy) is in advanced negotiations with Carphone Warehouse with respect to the sale of Tiscali UK.
Tiscali (UK) has been on the market for over a year and there have been various rumours about their sale. They acquired HomeChoice (VideoNetworks) who had 30,000 IPTV customers, Tiscali increased this to 100,000 which was still half of their 200,000 target.
Carphone Warehouse could add Tiscali's customer base to their network (they'd dump overlapped network), but the IPTV infrastructure could be of interest as it will give them a competing service to BT Vision and whatever Sky are going to launch when they get their IPTV act together.
Sky are also rumoured to be be a suitor.
Changes to 0870 | Ofcom
Changes to 0870 | Ofcom
In the future 0870 numbers will be charged at the same rate as national number (i.e. those numbers beginning with 01, 02 or 03). Communications providers will also have to include 0870 numbers in any bundles they offer.
This is good news for consumers as many companies use 0870 numbers as revenue streams and most providers do not include those numbers in any kind of inclusive minutes (though BT has been offering inclusive 0870 minutes for a while and "taking the hit"). Mobile operators will also have to include 0870's in their mobile tariffs as they usually charge a hefty premium for calling these number ranges.
In the future 0870 numbers will be charged at the same rate as national number (i.e. those numbers beginning with 01, 02 or 03). Communications providers will also have to include 0870 numbers in any bundles they offer.
This is good news for consumers as many companies use 0870 numbers as revenue streams and most providers do not include those numbers in any kind of inclusive minutes (though BT has been offering inclusive 0870 minutes for a while and "taking the hit"). Mobile operators will also have to include 0870's in their mobile tariffs as they usually charge a hefty premium for calling these number ranges.
Femtocells support mobile phones in developing nations
Femtocells support mobile phones in developing nations
CSL has produced a reference design for a GSM/GPRS/EDGE/E-EDGE femtocell (called Centaur) based on a picoChip software defined radio.
Many operators are focusing on 3G femtocells, which are much easier to integrate into existing networks. CSL feel that 2G femtocells will be useful in emerging markets where 3G may not be widely adopted.
2G femtocells will also be useful in the UK where the low power GSM operators such as UK01 can utilise them.
CSL has produced a reference design for a GSM/GPRS/EDGE/E-EDGE femtocell (called Centaur) based on a picoChip software defined radio.
Many operators are focusing on 3G femtocells, which are much easier to integrate into existing networks. CSL feel that 2G femtocells will be useful in emerging markets where 3G may not be widely adopted.
2G femtocells will also be useful in the UK where the low power GSM operators such as UK01 can utilise them.
2009/04/26
iPlotz: wireframing, mockups and prototyping for websites and applications
iPlotz: wireframing, mockups and prototyping for websites and applications
iPlotz seems to be the answer to many a web designer's prayer or should that be dream. It's an on-line system allowing wire-framing of sites so they can be viewed by other developers or even customers to ensure they have the right look and feel before any major coding is done. There's also some basic project management functionality so different wire-frames can be assigned as different tasks.
The combination of tools allows complex designs to be simulated while allowing the designer complete flexibility. Wire-framed items can perform actions such as jumping between pages, loading graphics etc so some site functionality is even available.
There's an on-line version at iPlotz and there's a downloadable version available as well. The downloadable version requires Adobe AIR.
Though some knowledge of how a site is put together, this is even useful for pre-design stages so that technical users could mock-up the functionality of a system then pass the mock-up to a designer to prettify. There's also scope for use in pitches before a site has even got to the drawing board (well iPlotz is the drawing board).
Having been on the thought stages of several sites where various Powerpoint or other static pages have been built, iPlotz would have given the extra flexibility to show how things fitted together and would have saved several days worth of re-jigging buttons or inter-page actions.
iPlotz uses the Freemium model whereby it's free to sign-up and that gives access to 1 project which is limited to 5 pages. There's a $15/m plan (on-line access to unlimited projects and 1GB storage). The downloadable version costs $75 (again there's a free trial), but the downloadable version is included in the $99/yr package (so you get 12 months which would normally be $180 and the $75 downloadable version). There are also 5 and 10 multi user versions for $295 and $495 per year respectively.
Definitely worth a look if you're building websites or a business based on a future website.
Get me Credit
iPlotz seems to be the answer to many a web designer's prayer or should that be dream. It's an on-line system allowing wire-framing of sites so they can be viewed by other developers or even customers to ensure they have the right look and feel before any major coding is done. There's also some basic project management functionality so different wire-frames can be assigned as different tasks.
The combination of tools allows complex designs to be simulated while allowing the designer complete flexibility. Wire-framed items can perform actions such as jumping between pages, loading graphics etc so some site functionality is even available.
There's an on-line version at iPlotz and there's a downloadable version available as well. The downloadable version requires Adobe AIR.
Though some knowledge of how a site is put together, this is even useful for pre-design stages so that technical users could mock-up the functionality of a system then pass the mock-up to a designer to prettify. There's also scope for use in pitches before a site has even got to the drawing board (well iPlotz is the drawing board).
Having been on the thought stages of several sites where various Powerpoint or other static pages have been built, iPlotz would have given the extra flexibility to show how things fitted together and would have saved several days worth of re-jigging buttons or inter-page actions.
iPlotz uses the Freemium model whereby it's free to sign-up and that gives access to 1 project which is limited to 5 pages. There's a $15/m plan (on-line access to unlimited projects and 1GB storage). The downloadable version costs $75 (again there's a free trial), but the downloadable version is included in the $99/yr package (so you get 12 months which would normally be $180 and the $75 downloadable version). There are also 5 and 10 multi user versions for $295 and $495 per year respectively.
Definitely worth a look if you're building websites or a business based on a future website.
Get me Credit
2009/04/25
3 UK attacks churn with disruptive free Skype offer - Rethink Wireless
3 UK attacks churn with disruptive free Skype offer - Rethink Wireless
Skype is offering any of its customers free Skype to Skype calls (and instant messaging), this works for pay as you go and contract phones.
Currently phones must be bought from Skype, but in summer they'll also allow any unlocked phones with a 3 SIM.
This may not make 3 any money, but it's likely to attract new customers who 3 can then hopefully sell more services to later.
Skype is offering any of its customers free Skype to Skype calls (and instant messaging), this works for pay as you go and contract phones.
Currently phones must be bought from Skype, but in summer they'll also allow any unlocked phones with a 3 SIM.
This may not make 3 any money, but it's likely to attract new customers who 3 can then hopefully sell more services to later.
2009/04/20
Oracle and MySQL further thoughts
Oracle produce a high-end database, they already have an open source database Berkeley DB which they obtained by purchasing Sleepycat Software.
Oracle also owns Innobase Oy who develop InnoDB which is the transactional database used by MySQL.
It's unlikely Oracle would kill MySQL which is the main user of Innobase's products, therefore it's more likely that Innobase and MySQL will be combined in some way and both sit under the Oracle banner.
Sun are already optimising MySQL for Solaris, Oracle are likely to promote efforts in these areas so Solaris is THE OS for databases.
This can only be a good tbing for MySQL.
Oracle also owns Innobase Oy who develop InnoDB which is the transactional database used by MySQL.
It's unlikely Oracle would kill MySQL which is the main user of Innobase's products, therefore it's more likely that Innobase and MySQL will be combined in some way and both sit under the Oracle banner.
Sun are already optimising MySQL for Solaris, Oracle are likely to promote efforts in these areas so Solaris is THE OS for databases.
This can only be a good tbing for MySQL.
Oracle to Buy Sun - Yahoo! Finance
Oracle to Buy Sun - Yahoo! Finance
Sun and Oracle have entered into a definative agreement for Oracle to purchase Sun.
Oracle will acquire Sun common stock for $9.50 per share in cash. This values Sun at about $7.4bn.
Oracle can utilise Sun's Solaris and Java platforms (and may even keep the hardware business going so they have an optimised hardware base which will allow Oracle appliances etc.). However the future of MySQL has not been mentioned and may not be so rosy.
Oracle may well drop MySQL and leave it to the community to keep going.
Sun and Oracle have entered into a definative agreement for Oracle to purchase Sun.
Oracle will acquire Sun common stock for $9.50 per share in cash. This values Sun at about $7.4bn.
Oracle can utilise Sun's Solaris and Java platforms (and may even keep the hardware business going so they have an optimised hardware base which will allow Oracle appliances etc.). However the future of MySQL has not been mentioned and may not be so rosy.
Oracle may well drop MySQL and leave it to the community to keep going.
2009/04/14
Continuing the Meeja exposure
TechFluffTV reports on start-up news in Europe and low and behold I'm performing an escalator pitch for Textic.
It's only 30secs and here's the YouTube direct link.
It's only 30secs and here's the YouTube direct link.
2009/04/13
Channel 4 - News - Amazon website censorship row
Channel 4 - News - Amazon website censorship row
Amazon US are allegedly censoring goods that have a gay or lesbian theme. If searches are made on the front page, items wont show up at all though they will search up in the sub categories such as books etc, but without seller ratings.
Obviously people are quite upset about this if Amazon are censoring items, though they claim it's a glitch.
There has been a big Twitter backlash against Amazon (using the hashtag #amazonfail) urging people to complain.
Channel 4 News did a piece about it. I was interviewed about the Twitter part which is just before the end of the clip.
Amazon US are allegedly censoring goods that have a gay or lesbian theme. If searches are made on the front page, items wont show up at all though they will search up in the sub categories such as books etc, but without seller ratings.
Obviously people are quite upset about this if Amazon are censoring items, though they claim it's a glitch.
There has been a big Twitter backlash against Amazon (using the hashtag #amazonfail) urging people to complain.
Channel 4 News did a piece about it. I was interviewed about the Twitter part which is just before the end of the clip.
Another kick in the teeth for troubled Tiscali as IPTV subscribers dwindle - Broadband Genie
Another kick in the teeth for troubled Tiscali as IPTV subscribers dwindle - Broadband Genie
It seems Tiscali's IPTV service had reached 100,000 users by the end of 2008, which all sounds pretty good. Unfortunately they were expecting to have 200,000 users which means they only achieved 50% of their target which isn't such a good figure. They may also have lost 64,000'ish broadband customers.
Tiscali UK have been up for sale for a while and this may reduce their chance of a quick sale (or increase their chance of being sold off as a firesale).
It seems Tiscali's IPTV service had reached 100,000 users by the end of 2008, which all sounds pretty good. Unfortunately they were expecting to have 200,000 users which means they only achieved 50% of their target which isn't such a good figure. They may also have lost 64,000'ish broadband customers.
Tiscali UK have been up for sale for a while and this may reduce their chance of a quick sale (or increase their chance of being sold off as a firesale).
2009/04/08
2009/04/06
Netgear releases ReadyNAS NVX
Netgear's ReadyNAS products are really nice home/office shared network resources. The NV+ has been around for a while, then the PRO came out which increased the bay count to 6 (from 4) offered dual network interfaces and faster processors based on Intel chips.
Netgear have now introduced the NVX which is a four bay design but (I guess) also Intel processors. As well as NFS, CIFS, AFS, FTP, http and other network sharing protocols the NVX now supports iSCSI as well.
Mac users have recently had improvements and a ReadyNAS can act as a Time Machine server for network back-ups and restore directly integrating with the Apple Time Machine client which is integrated into MacOS 10.5.
NetVault is a new service introduced by Netgear where ReadyNAS users can back-up their NAS's over the Internet and pay a monthly fee. The pricing seems to be based on whether the back-up is performed by a home user or business.
Currently in beta is Remote, a client which will allow remote users to natively access a ReadyNAS even if it's behind a firewall etc. It sits on Windows or MacOS and the ReadyNAS appears as a local disk.
Retail pricing is about $1,500 for a ReadyNAS NVX including 2TB of disk.
Netgear have now introduced the NVX which is a four bay design but (I guess) also Intel processors. As well as NFS, CIFS, AFS, FTP, http and other network sharing protocols the NVX now supports iSCSI as well.
Mac users have recently had improvements and a ReadyNAS can act as a Time Machine server for network back-ups and restore directly integrating with the Apple Time Machine client which is integrated into MacOS 10.5.
NetVault is a new service introduced by Netgear where ReadyNAS users can back-up their NAS's over the Internet and pay a monthly fee. The pricing seems to be based on whether the back-up is performed by a home user or business.
Currently in beta is Remote, a client which will allow remote users to natively access a ReadyNAS even if it's behind a firewall etc. It sits on Windows or MacOS and the ReadyNAS appears as a local disk.
Retail pricing is about $1,500 for a ReadyNAS NVX including 2TB of disk.
Today is data logging day
The UK law comes into force today (based on an EU directive) that means ISPs and telcos have to keep records of emails and phone calls for up to a year.
Well telcos have already been keeping records of telephone calls because they have to bill calls and billing records have to be kept for seven years anyway.
The story for ISPs is slightly different (and potentially unworkable). If a customer uses their ISPs mail server to send out Email then the ISP has to record the time, the originator and the recipients of the Email. They don't have to log the contents (which would mean huge storage costs).
If a customer sends out their own Email without going through the ISP mail server, it obviously wont be logged. ISPs can force Email traffic to go through their servers (though this can be circumvented too if the customer tries hard enough).
Since most large ISPs (in the UK) are implementing what was known as Cleanfeed (the system that allows ISPs to block content based on an IWF blacklist), they can also use that system to log web requests.
Logging data can be a huge burden for ISPs as the volumes get very large very quickly.
Well telcos have already been keeping records of telephone calls because they have to bill calls and billing records have to be kept for seven years anyway.
The story for ISPs is slightly different (and potentially unworkable). If a customer uses their ISPs mail server to send out Email then the ISP has to record the time, the originator and the recipients of the Email. They don't have to log the contents (which would mean huge storage costs).
If a customer sends out their own Email without going through the ISP mail server, it obviously wont be logged. ISPs can force Email traffic to go through their servers (though this can be circumvented too if the customer tries hard enough).
Since most large ISPs (in the UK) are implementing what was known as Cleanfeed (the system that allows ISPs to block content based on an IWF blacklist), they can also use that system to log web requests.
Logging data can be a huge burden for ISPs as the volumes get very large very quickly.
2009/04/05
iPodRip - Giveaway
iPodRip - Giveaway
iPodRip are giving away some nice iPod prizes.
It's actually a nice program that allows you to get the music off your iPod (i.e. it does the opposite of iTunes).
iPodRip are giving away some nice iPod prizes.
It's actually a nice program that allows you to get the music off your iPod (i.e. it does the opposite of iTunes).
2009/04/03
NVidia releases new graphics card
NVidia has introduced new high end graphics cards, the top end Quadro FX5800 has 240 CUDA parallel processing cores and 4GB of high speed shader RAM it has Displayport and dual-DVI outputs.
This isn't a cheap solution the FX5800 costs around $3,300. The lower end cards start at at £300.
NVidia offer drivers for a variety of operating systems including most varieties of Windows, 32 and 64 bit Linux, Solaris x86/64. Unfortunately no MacOS drivers, so unless Apple do something they wont go into a MacPro (which would seem a logical choice for high end cards).
This isn't a cheap solution the FX5800 costs around $3,300. The lower end cards start at at £300.
NVidia offer drivers for a variety of operating systems including most varieties of Windows, 32 and 64 bit Linux, Solaris x86/64. Unfortunately no MacOS drivers, so unless Apple do something they wont go into a MacPro (which would seem a logical choice for high end cards).
Virgin announce Addict tariff
Virgin's addict tariff is aimed at the mobile Internet user who needs to get their daily fix of social media sites.
£20 gives the user unlimited texts and unlimited data and 10p per minute for phone calls.
It's not quite as good as it sounds though as unlimited of course isn't unlimited as it's 1GB per month for data and 3,000 texts per month - though ignoring the data that means an SMS cost of 1.5p per text (though that's sending 100 texts per day - could be cheap for sending bulk SMS via lots of SIMs).
If a cheaper top-up tariff is chosen i.e. £15/m then there's 600 free texts and for £10/m it's 300 free texts with Internet costing 30p per day limited to 25MB.
It's also worth noting that file sharing and video or voice over Internet calls are not allowed.
Though £20 per month isn't bad for 3,000 text messages and 1GB Internet per month though there are better data deals on other networks.
£20 gives the user unlimited texts and unlimited data and 10p per minute for phone calls.
It's not quite as good as it sounds though as unlimited of course isn't unlimited as it's 1GB per month for data and 3,000 texts per month - though ignoring the data that means an SMS cost of 1.5p per text (though that's sending 100 texts per day - could be cheap for sending bulk SMS via lots of SIMs).
If a cheaper top-up tariff is chosen i.e. £15/m then there's 600 free texts and for £10/m it's 300 free texts with Internet costing 30p per day limited to 25MB.
It's also worth noting that file sharing and video or voice over Internet calls are not allowed.
Though £20 per month isn't bad for 3,000 text messages and 1GB Internet per month though there are better data deals on other networks.
Fonera v2 coming out 29th April
FON is a service that allows broadband users to share their Internet connection with other FON users (or with the general public). Registered FON users then also get access through any other FON device when they're away from their own premise.
The new Fonera v2 WiFi router has 2 LAN ports and a USB port that may be connected to any USB2.0 device or several through a hub.
The system will then share various USB devices like cameras and scanners and act a print server for connected printers. If disks are connected then these can also be shared, but there's also a bittorrent client built-in to the Fonera so that downloads can be left overnight and be ready in the morning. Disks can be traditional USB hard disks or even pen drives. If the disk contains photos these can automatically be uploaded to Flickr and other sites and videos automatically sent to YouTube.
The Fonera 2 unit will cost 49 Euros.
The new Fonera v2 WiFi router has 2 LAN ports and a USB port that may be connected to any USB2.0 device or several through a hub.
The system will then share various USB devices like cameras and scanners and act a print server for connected printers. If disks are connected then these can also be shared, but there's also a bittorrent client built-in to the Fonera so that downloads can be left overnight and be ready in the morning. Disks can be traditional USB hard disks or even pen drives. If the disk contains photos these can automatically be uploaded to Flickr and other sites and videos automatically sent to YouTube.
The Fonera 2 unit will cost 49 Euros.
Ofcom sets mobile termination rates
Ofcom has published mobile termination rates for the mobile networks
The rates below are for Year 1, Year 2, Year 3 and Year 4
Vodafone and O2 5.40 5.09 4.71 TBC
T-Mobile and Orange 5.90 5.39 4.84 TBC
H3G 9.10 7.29 5.83 TBC
The mobile networks are having there revenues reduces severely (but this is in-line with a recent dispute with UK01 a new mobile entrant who also have a rate set which was 3.3p) but it's good for the consumer. Mobile rates have reduced significantly from a few years ago when they were charging 33p per minute.
The rates below are for Year 1, Year 2, Year 3 and Year 4
Vodafone and O2 5.40 5.09 4.71 TBC
T-Mobile and Orange 5.90 5.39 4.84 TBC
H3G 9.10 7.29 5.83 TBC
The mobile networks are having there revenues reduces severely (but this is in-line with a recent dispute with UK01 a new mobile entrant who also have a rate set which was 3.3p) but it's good for the consumer. Mobile rates have reduced significantly from a few years ago when they were charging 33p per minute.
2009/04/02
Breakfasst with Jeff Pulver and Paul Walsh
This morning's breakfast with Jeff Pulver and Paul Walsh was a lively affair with lots of social networking taking place.
The bacon sandwiches may not have been the best idea, but overall a good event.
The bacon sandwiches may not have been the best idea, but overall a good event.
Thunderbird - actually a reasonable email client
Reading email can be a pain. Mutt is my preferred Email client, it's text based runs on UN*X/Linux, is fast and just works and is also available from anywhere by ssh'ing into the bix where the mail is stored.
Being text based, it's really good for scanning Email and deleting the rubbish. Emails can also be read and actioned, however being text based it's not good when people send pure HTML Email or Emails with nice attachments.
Being a Linux user (Fedora Core 10 at the moment) which also acts as a mail server (and file server as well as various other things), it means the system is on all the time. Outlook is a fine Email program as is Mail.app, but they mean booting a Windows or Apple machine.
So though the Linux box was on all the time, it was only really used for reading text Email through Mutt.
Then Thunderbird was suggested, it's an Email client from the Mozilla folks and it works. It''s actually quite similar to Outlook in the way it does certain things and if you're used to Outlook it will be relatively painless to use (though setting up Email accounts may not be so easy).
Now attachments are there and can be viewed as can HTML Email (rendered through Firefox or at least its libraries).
Thunderbird is a pretty good Email client for POP3/IMAP Email accounts.
Being text based, it's really good for scanning Email and deleting the rubbish. Emails can also be read and actioned, however being text based it's not good when people send pure HTML Email or Emails with nice attachments.
Being a Linux user (Fedora Core 10 at the moment) which also acts as a mail server (and file server as well as various other things), it means the system is on all the time. Outlook is a fine Email program as is Mail.app, but they mean booting a Windows or Apple machine.
So though the Linux box was on all the time, it was only really used for reading text Email through Mutt.
Then Thunderbird was suggested, it's an Email client from the Mozilla folks and it works. It''s actually quite similar to Outlook in the way it does certain things and if you're used to Outlook it will be relatively painless to use (though setting up Email accounts may not be so easy).
Now attachments are there and can be viewed as can HTML Email (rendered through Firefox or at least its libraries).
Thunderbird is a pretty good Email client for POP3/IMAP Email accounts.
2009/04/01
IBM to buy Sun
IBM's potential purchase of Sun has been speculated recently, however it also seems various large company's procurement departments have been told to hold of making any Sun purchases and speak to IBM.
If the purchase does go ahead what will remain of Sun? Sparc will likely die (or just go over to Fujitsu completely), MySQL will drop to the wayside (or at least dropped off IBM's portfolio - they have enough of their own databases), Solaris will just go Open with little involvement from IBM if any at all.
The only thing that IBM definitely want is Java.
$6.5bn is cheap considering the prices paid for Compaq and others in recent times, but manufacturing chips - however good they are is expensive. This could be the end of an era and Sun may be disappearing over the IBM horizon.
If the purchase does go ahead what will remain of Sun? Sparc will likely die (or just go over to Fujitsu completely), MySQL will drop to the wayside (or at least dropped off IBM's portfolio - they have enough of their own databases), Solaris will just go Open with little involvement from IBM if any at all.
The only thing that IBM definitely want is Java.
$6.5bn is cheap considering the prices paid for Compaq and others in recent times, but manufacturing chips - however good they are is expensive. This could be the end of an era and Sun may be disappearing over the IBM horizon.
2009/03/26
UK01 the 6th UK network
UK01 are a new mobile operator in the UK offering localised GSM hotzones. Currently you buy a UK01 SIM (or get one for free) and buy minutes - on-line through the UK01 site or via local outlets (Pazone or epay).
The UK01 rates are very competitive, especially to non UK numbers - though UK rates are too bad, 1p per minute to a landline, 8p to a mobile and text messages cost 3p (though bundle deals are available).
UK01 are planning to offer a SIMless service soon, whereby users have to manually select the UK01 network on the phone. Normally the network doesn't recognise the EMEI and so rejects the connection, however UK01 welcome the EMEI and immediately register it. The phone then receives an SMS with the UK01 phone number (which can immediately receive calls) and tells the user how they can buy credit to make outgoing calls.
Coverage is currently limited to areas within Newham, but UK01 is planning to expand into neighbouring boroughs and even across the whole of London.
UK01 has already sold thousands of SIMs and is generating hundreds of thousands of call minutes per month, which isn't bad for a new operator - especially one that's operating in such a small area.
UK01 are definitely a network to watch, they could be extremely disruptive to the MNOs.
The UK01 rates are very competitive, especially to non UK numbers - though UK rates are too bad, 1p per minute to a landline, 8p to a mobile and text messages cost 3p (though bundle deals are available).
UK01 are planning to offer a SIMless service soon, whereby users have to manually select the UK01 network on the phone. Normally the network doesn't recognise the EMEI and so rejects the connection, however UK01 welcome the EMEI and immediately register it. The phone then receives an SMS with the UK01 phone number (which can immediately receive calls) and tells the user how they can buy credit to make outgoing calls.
Coverage is currently limited to areas within Newham, but UK01 is planning to expand into neighbouring boroughs and even across the whole of London.
UK01 has already sold thousands of SIMs and is generating hundreds of thousands of call minutes per month, which isn't bad for a new operator - especially one that's operating in such a small area.
UK01 are definitely a network to watch, they could be extremely disruptive to the MNOs.
Twitter via SMS in the UK
Vodafone have opened up their network to Twitter users, but only for Vodafone customers.
Twitter users set-up their accounts within the Devices section of their profile, then add their mobile number.
While mobile, send a tweet to 86444 and it will go to your feed.
Messages from Twitter don't cost you anything? While SMS messages to Twitter are charged at standard network rates and included in any bundles and message allowance (though the first few messages don't seem to be counted).
It's likely other UK MNOs will follow suit just to keep the status quo - though maybe this a pre-emptive strike by Vodafone to block other networks or even purchase Twitter.
Twitter users set-up their accounts within the Devices section of their profile, then add their mobile number.
While mobile, send a tweet to 86444 and it will go to your feed.
Messages from Twitter don't cost you anything? While SMS messages to Twitter are charged at standard network rates and included in any bundles and message allowance (though the first few messages don't seem to be counted).
It's likely other UK MNOs will follow suit just to keep the status quo - though maybe this a pre-emptive strike by Vodafone to block other networks or even purchase Twitter.
Ofcom 2.6GHz spectrum Auction
Though T-Mobile has dropped their intention to take Ofcom to Judicial Review, O2 have now taken Ofcom to Judicial review and are attempting to include T-Mobile's intention even though T-Mobile pulled out. This will occur in April.
It has now also been ported that there is the potential for interference to radars operating in the 2.7GHz band which include airport radar. Therefore at least initially there will need to be coordination between 2.6GHz licensees and radar operators (such as the CAA and some ship types operated by the MoD and others).
At some point in the future the radar systems will be adjusted such that interference from 2.6GHz will be minimised.
Ofcom is still intending to launch the auction as soon as the judicial review has taken place (assuming it goes there way).
It has now also been ported that there is the potential for interference to radars operating in the 2.7GHz band which include airport radar. Therefore at least initially there will need to be coordination between 2.6GHz licensees and radar operators (such as the CAA and some ship types operated by the MoD and others).
At some point in the future the radar systems will be adjusted such that interference from 2.6GHz will be minimised.
Ofcom is still intending to launch the auction as soon as the judicial review has taken place (assuming it goes there way).
2009/03/25
Economist Blames Twitter for Down Economy - Twitter Moratorium
Economist Blames Twitter for Down Economy - Twitter Moratorium
Twitter blamed for global economic downturn, stranger things have happened ...
Twitter blamed for global economic downturn, stranger things have happened ...
2009/03/23
Inkd | Our dashboard for managing your Inkd account.
Inkd | The World's First Market for Original Print Design.
Today Inkd have launched, another creation of Curios Office.
Inkd was originally known as Pressplane who have been very secretive about what they've been doing, now all is revealed.
Inkd is all about designers creating office stationary templates and being able to sell this to companies wanting their own designs, but not being able to afford (or have the resources available) of doing it by themselves. Designers upload their templates and customers download and customise them.
Customers are charged for the templates and designers get a cut of the fee. The more designers that sign-up and upload templates, the more customers will be attracted to the site. All uploaded work is checked by Inkd staff to ensure its quality and meets Inkd's guidelines.
Curious Office launched a successful site for artists/photographers called ImageKind which was sold to Cafe Press.
Kelly Smith is the brains behind Curious Office/ImageKind and Pressplane/Inkd.
Hopefully Inkd will be another successful venture.
Today Inkd have launched, another creation of Curios Office.
Inkd was originally known as Pressplane who have been very secretive about what they've been doing, now all is revealed.
Inkd is all about designers creating office stationary templates and being able to sell this to companies wanting their own designs, but not being able to afford (or have the resources available) of doing it by themselves. Designers upload their templates and customers download and customise them.
Customers are charged for the templates and designers get a cut of the fee. The more designers that sign-up and upload templates, the more customers will be attracted to the site. All uploaded work is checked by Inkd staff to ensure its quality and meets Inkd's guidelines.
Curious Office launched a successful site for artists/photographers called ImageKind which was sold to Cafe Press.
Kelly Smith is the brains behind Curious Office/ImageKind and Pressplane/Inkd.
Hopefully Inkd will be another successful venture.
2009/03/21
The OpenBTS Project
The OpenBTS Project
Great project for an open source GSM basestation.
There's a few legal issues (and lack of spectrum, well usable spectrum anyway) but this could be the solution for rural areas or networks in non 1st world countries. There could also be an interest for some of the low power guard band operators who won licenses in the UK.
It currently uses Asterisk as intelligence for the "back-end".
This project should be supported.
Great project for an open source GSM basestation.
There's a few legal issues (and lack of spectrum, well usable spectrum anyway) but this could be the solution for rural areas or networks in non 1st world countries. There could also be an interest for some of the low power guard band operators who won licenses in the UK.
It currently uses Asterisk as intelligence for the "back-end".
This project should be supported.
2009/03/09
Proposed variation to BT’s Undertakings under the Enterprise Act 2002 related to Fibre-to-the-Cabinet | Ofcom
Proposed variation to BT’s Undertakings under the Enterprise Act 2002 related to Fibre-to-the-Cabinet | Ofcom
Ofcom is holding a consultation (which closes on the 17th of Apr 2009) on changing BT's Undertakings such that they can provide Fibre-to-the=Street Cabinet (FTTC). They are proposing to allow BT Openreach to run the infrastructure.
FTTC will require a massive investment (somewhere around £15bn) to fibre the whole of the UK and BT need to ensure they get a return on investment so Ofcom are allowing them certain monopolistic practices such that BT can start the roll-out. Ofcom will monitor the situation.
Ofcom is holding a consultation (which closes on the 17th of Apr 2009) on changing BT's Undertakings such that they can provide Fibre-to-the=Street Cabinet (FTTC). They are proposing to allow BT Openreach to run the infrastructure.
FTTC will require a massive investment (somewhere around £15bn) to fibre the whole of the UK and BT need to ensure they get a return on investment so Ofcom are allowing them certain monopolistic practices such that BT can start the roll-out. Ofcom will monitor the situation.
2009/03/06
2009/03/03
Twitter news - not always good
It was with great sadness that I learnt about the death of Rob Williams of Dolphin Music. I did not know the man himself, but knew he was part of a skiing party in Verbier. It seems he got separated from his group and died overnight.
His colleagues had tried to locate him using Twitter, iPhone GPS and other technologies to no avail. His colleague Jason Tavaria was rescued by Verbier's Mountain Rescue patrol (though it is not known if the any Web 2.0 technology helped save him).
What is surprising is how quickly the story came to light as members of the group Tweeted their concerns.
Again condolences to the family/friends and colleagues of Rob.
His colleagues had tried to locate him using Twitter, iPhone GPS and other technologies to no avail. His colleague Jason Tavaria was rescued by Verbier's Mountain Rescue patrol (though it is not known if the any Web 2.0 technology helped save him).
What is surprising is how quickly the story came to light as members of the group Tweeted their concerns.
Again condolences to the family/friends and colleagues of Rob.
Rudy Kennedy: Holocaust survivor, scientist and campaigner | Times Online Obituary
Rudy Kennedy: Holocaust survivor, scientist and campaigner | Times Online Obituary
My father's obituary in The Times, he was a fantastic person and is missed.
My father's obituary in The Times, he was a fantastic person and is missed.
2009/02/28
Review of the 070 personal numbering range | Ofcom
Review of the 070 personal numbering range | Ofcom
Ofcom has published a review on the 070 numbering range known as Personal Numbering Services (PNS).
In 2005 there were a large number of complaints about PNS due to abuse by number holders (mainly scams to mobile numbers). Ofcom originally wanted to migrate 070 numbers to an 06 range, but this was decided again due to confusing and that systems such as alarm systems utilised 070 numbers.
070 were put under regulatory control from PhonepayPlus (formally ICSTIS) and measures such as delayed payments to number holders has significantly reduced the number of consumer complaints.
Ofcom will support and monitor the enforcement program by PhonepayPlus (who have made 10 adjudications and fines totalling £625,000 since May 2008.
Communications providers will have to publish their 070 tariffs prominently and make them easy to understand for consumers.
PNS providers who sub-allocated numbers to other operators will have to carry out due diligence of the sub-allocation operator.
Though this is a step in the right direction, it would have been beneficial to end-users to move the number range so 07 was only used by mobile operators - but it would have been a logistical nightmare to move alarm systems and other services out of the 070 number range.
Ofcom has published a review on the 070 numbering range known as Personal Numbering Services (PNS).
In 2005 there were a large number of complaints about PNS due to abuse by number holders (mainly scams to mobile numbers). Ofcom originally wanted to migrate 070 numbers to an 06 range, but this was decided again due to confusing and that systems such as alarm systems utilised 070 numbers.
070 were put under regulatory control from PhonepayPlus (formally ICSTIS) and measures such as delayed payments to number holders has significantly reduced the number of consumer complaints.
Ofcom will support and monitor the enforcement program by PhonepayPlus (who have made 10 adjudications and fines totalling £625,000 since May 2008.
Communications providers will have to publish their 070 tariffs prominently and make them easy to understand for consumers.
PNS providers who sub-allocated numbers to other operators will have to carry out due diligence of the sub-allocation operator.
Though this is a step in the right direction, it would have been beneficial to end-users to move the number range so 07 was only used by mobile operators - but it would have been a logistical nightmare to move alarm systems and other services out of the 070 number range.
2009/02/27
Fund it Frog - Go shopping in a good cause!
Fund it Frog - Go shopping in a good cause!
Fund it frog are referral site, they have affiliate deals with various shopping sites and by shopping with those sites, they pass on a fee back to Fund it Frog who then pass on half to the charities involved.
This way the user isn't paying anything extra, the affiliate shopping site is just paying a referral fee which helps a good cause.
Anyone Internet shopping should have a look at Fund it Frog, it doesn't cost them anything - but just by shopping (which they'd do anyway) they give money to charity.
It's all so simple that it should work, good luck to the Fund it Frog team!!!
Fund it frog are referral site, they have affiliate deals with various shopping sites and by shopping with those sites, they pass on a fee back to Fund it Frog who then pass on half to the charities involved.
This way the user isn't paying anything extra, the affiliate shopping site is just paying a referral fee which helps a good cause.
Anyone Internet shopping should have a look at Fund it Frog, it doesn't cost them anything - but just by shopping (which they'd do anyway) they give money to charity.
It's all so simple that it should work, good luck to the Fund it Frog team!!!
2009/02/21
Harmonised European numbers for services of social value: Allocation and charging arrangements for 116 numbers in the UK | Ofcom
Harmonised European numbers for services of social value: Allocation and charging arrangements for 116 numbers in the UK | Ofcom
Ofcom under direction from the European Commission is planning to allocate he number range starting 116 followed by 3 digits.
The first 116 numbers to be reserved by the Commission are 116000 for hotlines for missing children, 116111 for child helplines and 116123 for emotional support helplines.
Ofcom has to amend the national numbering plan and hopes to make them available in Sep 2009.
Ofcom under direction from the European Commission is planning to allocate he number range starting 116 followed by 3 digits.
The first 116 numbers to be reserved by the Commission are 116000 for hotlines for missing children, 116111 for child helplines and 116123 for emotional support helplines.
Ofcom has to amend the national numbering plan and hopes to make them available in Sep 2009.
2009/02/19
Nortel cant die
Nortel will still be here in 10 years - or at least some incarnation of Nortel. It's extremely unlikely that they'll die.
Nortel are so ingrained in the large telcos that they cant die. They manufacture switches, not the kind you sit on your desk that have a few Ethernet cables plugged in, but telephony switches - the kind that have thousands of customers plugged into. There are thousands (if not tens of thousands) of these telephony switches in lots of networks and they're not the kind of thing you can replace easily.
As a telecoms provider with Nortel switches that you've paid millions of dollars for, you need them to be there. You also want to ensure they'll be supported for the next 10 years or so. When a CPU board fails, you want to know it's going to be replaced and someone needs to ensure any software bugs are fixed.
So though Nortel might be going through a bit of a bad patch, even if the company per se goes under, Nortel will still be there and their spirit at least will live on, just maybe consumed by another company - Nortel's systems are alive and well and will be for the for a while - if they aren't then don't try making a telephone call for a while.
Nortel are so ingrained in the large telcos that they cant die. They manufacture switches, not the kind you sit on your desk that have a few Ethernet cables plugged in, but telephony switches - the kind that have thousands of customers plugged into. There are thousands (if not tens of thousands) of these telephony switches in lots of networks and they're not the kind of thing you can replace easily.
As a telecoms provider with Nortel switches that you've paid millions of dollars for, you need them to be there. You also want to ensure they'll be supported for the next 10 years or so. When a CPU board fails, you want to know it's going to be replaced and someone needs to ensure any software bugs are fixed.
So though Nortel might be going through a bit of a bad patch, even if the company per se goes under, Nortel will still be there and their spirit at least will live on, just maybe consumed by another company - Nortel's systems are alive and well and will be for the for a while - if they aren't then don't try making a telephone call for a while.
2009/02/18
Why Android is scary
Android is an open source operating system based on Linux that runs on phones, mobile internet devices etc. It comes under the auspices of the Open Handset Alliance, but it's really Google.
Android of course isn't completely open source, it cant be (more on that later). Lots of Android is open source including the application layer bits and a lot of the core too. Google do try and make the open bits easily available and those bits can be accessed via source code.
The bits that will not be open sourced are the low level drivers, the bits that "talk" GSM (or CDMA or 3G), the baseband bits. They cant be. In order for a phone to be certified it has to go through an approval process (which in the US means going through FCC approval). Part of the approval is ensuring the network bits are certified and that means users cant play with them. It's amazing what a handset can do to a basestation or network if you know what stuff to send it. Mobile Network Operators don't want users being able to reconfigure bits of the network.
The big issue for operators and Android is people hacking it and accessing the bits they shouldn't. Most of the low level stuff is protected, but if a user can become "root" or the superuser they have access to most of the operating system and potentially have the ability to modify parts of the OS they normally wouldn't be able to. The G1 has already been hacked giving people a root shell.
Having access to the low level parts of the OS is scary, not for the users but for the operators. They don't want you messing with the network or playing with the network protocols. It's really a big issue for them.
Most phone operating systems offer the same control, Symbian only exposes the upper layers as does Windows Mobile. This is even more apparent in the iPhone where the SDK just lets you develop application on top of the OS.
Android's open sourceness may actually be it's downfall in terms of slow adoption by MNOs.
Android of course isn't completely open source, it cant be (more on that later). Lots of Android is open source including the application layer bits and a lot of the core too. Google do try and make the open bits easily available and those bits can be accessed via source code.
The bits that will not be open sourced are the low level drivers, the bits that "talk" GSM (or CDMA or 3G), the baseband bits. They cant be. In order for a phone to be certified it has to go through an approval process (which in the US means going through FCC approval). Part of the approval is ensuring the network bits are certified and that means users cant play with them. It's amazing what a handset can do to a basestation or network if you know what stuff to send it. Mobile Network Operators don't want users being able to reconfigure bits of the network.
The big issue for operators and Android is people hacking it and accessing the bits they shouldn't. Most of the low level stuff is protected, but if a user can become "root" or the superuser they have access to most of the operating system and potentially have the ability to modify parts of the OS they normally wouldn't be able to. The G1 has already been hacked giving people a root shell.
Having access to the low level parts of the OS is scary, not for the users but for the operators. They don't want you messing with the network or playing with the network protocols. It's really a big issue for them.
Most phone operating systems offer the same control, Symbian only exposes the upper layers as does Windows Mobile. This is even more apparent in the iPhone where the SDK just lets you develop application on top of the OS.
Android's open sourceness may actually be it's downfall in terms of slow adoption by MNOs.
2009/02/16
3G Rollout obligations | Ofcom
3G Rollout obligations | Ofcom
Ofcom is satisfied that the 3G Mobile Network Operators have met their obligations of reaching 80% population coverage by December 2008.
Ofcom is expecting that the networks will maintain their coverage. If the networks combine infrastructure they may actually exceed their obligations.
Ofcom is satisfied that the 3G Mobile Network Operators have met their obligations of reaching 80% population coverage by December 2008.
Ofcom is expecting that the networks will maintain their coverage. If the networks combine infrastructure they may actually exceed their obligations.
Digital dividend: cognitive access | Ofcom
Digital dividend: cognitive access | Ofcom
Ofcom are holding a consultation on the use of cognitive devices which can be used on a license exempt basis.
There are two forms of cognitive devices, one that "scans" the spectrum and looks for unused channels which the device will then pick and use, while scanning for interference. The second type use geolocation and pick channels based on their location - devices must be accurate to 100m.
The consultation closes on 1st may 2009.
Ofcom are holding a consultation on the use of cognitive devices which can be used on a license exempt basis.
There are two forms of cognitive devices, one that "scans" the spectrum and looks for unused channels which the device will then pick and use, while scanning for interference. The second type use geolocation and pick channels based on their location - devices must be accurate to 100m.
The consultation closes on 1st may 2009.
Hay Systems Ltd :: HSL 2.75G Femtocell
Hay Systems Ltd :: HSL 2.75G Femtocell
Hayes Systems have announced a femtocell which connects to a LAN and provides 2.75G services (GSM/GPRS/E.D.G.E) and supports data rates up to 414Kb/s.
No prices have been announced but this can be used for in-building data and voice services (assuming spectrum is available).
A developers version is available, now someone just needs to port the GSM stack on to Asterisk and there's a real threat to the MNOs.
Hayes Systems have announced a femtocell which connects to a LAN and provides 2.75G services (GSM/GPRS/E.D.G.E) and supports data rates up to 414Kb/s.
No prices have been announced but this can be used for in-building data and voice services (assuming spectrum is available).
A developers version is available, now someone just needs to port the GSM stack on to Asterisk and there's a real threat to the MNOs.
Barcelona - not crowded for MWC
It seems that people are reporting that the number of attendees is down this year and the usually crowded Mobile World Congress isn't.
Ian Wood reports that vendors are saying that stand crew are also down (cut to half what they were last year).
Though MWC does have a reputation of stands mainly selling to other stands ... this year it seems there's opportunities for the general public to get a look in.
Ian Wood reports that vendors are saying that stand crew are also down (cut to half what they were last year).
Though MWC does have a reputation of stands mainly selling to other stands ... this year it seems there's opportunities for the general public to get a look in.
2009/02/15
Dispute between Mapesbury Communications and T-Mobile about mobile termination rates | Ofcom
Dispute between Mapesbury Communications and T-Mobile about mobile termination rates | Ofcom
MCom wanted 7.2ppm termination rates and T-Mobile wanted to pay 1.2ppm.
Ofcom have determined that MCom should be paid 4.4ppm termination rate. As MCom and T-Mobile utilise BT as a transit provider, BT will terminate to 4.4ppm to MCom and charge a transit charge to T-Mobile on top of the 4.4ppm.
MCom may have to change various pricing structures to make the new payments work.
MCom are offering low power localised GSM services, initially in Newham.
MCom wanted 7.2ppm termination rates and T-Mobile wanted to pay 1.2ppm.
Ofcom have determined that MCom should be paid 4.4ppm termination rate. As MCom and T-Mobile utilise BT as a transit provider, BT will terminate to 4.4ppm to MCom and charge a transit charge to T-Mobile on top of the 4.4ppm.
MCom may have to change various pricing structures to make the new payments work.
MCom are offering low power localised GSM services, initially in Newham.
Application of spectrum liberalisation and trading to the mobile sector | Ofcom
Application of spectrum liberalisation and trading to the mobile sector | Ofcom
Ofcom wishes to liberalise the spectrum in the 900, 1800 and 2100MHz bands.
Currently O2 and Vodafone license the 900MHz band for 2G GSM services, 1800MHz is used by PCN GSM service and 2100MHz for 3G services.
Under the new regime, Ofcom will allow the bands for any purpose, but it's expected the operators will use the GSM bands for 3G use, the spectrum will also be tradable.
As part of the re-organisation Ofcom want O2 and Vodafone to release 2 x 5MHz of spectrum that will be re-auctioned, O2 and Vodafone will be given at least a year's notice to move out of the bands.
Any interested parties should comment to Ofcom by 1st 2009.
Ofcom wishes to liberalise the spectrum in the 900, 1800 and 2100MHz bands.
Currently O2 and Vodafone license the 900MHz band for 2G GSM services, 1800MHz is used by PCN GSM service and 2100MHz for 3G services.
Under the new regime, Ofcom will allow the bands for any purpose, but it's expected the operators will use the GSM bands for 3G use, the spectrum will also be tradable.
As part of the re-organisation Ofcom want O2 and Vodafone to release 2 x 5MHz of spectrum that will be re-auctioned, O2 and Vodafone will be given at least a year's notice to move out of the bands.
Any interested parties should comment to Ofcom by 1st 2009.
2009/02/08
Stephen Fry tops Twitter (well almost) | Mobile Industry Review
Stephen Fry tops Twitter (well almost) | Mobile Industry Review
This article was written (by my good self) on Saturday 7th Feb and Stephen Fry @stephenfry had somewhat over 100,00 users. As of Sunday 9th of Feb 2009 at 4pm he has 152,375 followers. Obama has 246,262. 3rd place goes to CNN with 144,643 and poor Kevin Rose (of Digg/Rev3/etc) only has 102,051.
OK so Stephen Fry is now 2nd in the Twitter ranks, but it's the speed at which he's got there which is surprising.
Obama has been going for 1.9 years (i.e. about 693 days) which is about 355 new followers per day. Kevin Rose (and the publicity machine of Diggnation etc) has achieved his following in about 766 days which is 133 followers per day.
Mr Fry has achieved an average of 733 new followers every day since joining Twitter. His stats are completely skewed of course since he gained at least 50,000 during the weekend following his appearance on Jonathan Ross @wossy a few weeks ago (who is now on 69,871 followers which means he's getting 998 new followers per day). Philip Schofield @schofe) is also climbing up the ranks fast (though only with 42,542 followers).
Since Stephen Fry, Jonathan Ross and Philip Schofield are pretty much British institutions, does this mean that UK Twitter use is increasing as dramatically?
The other side of this is how does Twitter hope to make any kind of money? They have raised VC, the number of users is increasing dramatically, but so are the costs. Just delivering Stephen Fry's tweets must require lots of infrastructure and hardware. Are they gearing up for a sale? Who could buy them? Personally I'd guess the only possible suitor is Vodafone who could bring back SMS for tweets and roll the system out to Asia where everyone is used to sending stuff by SMS and would pay for it. Vodafone are probably big and ugly enough to pull it off.
This article was written (by my good self) on Saturday 7th Feb and Stephen Fry @stephenfry had somewhat over 100,00 users. As of Sunday 9th of Feb 2009 at 4pm he has 152,375 followers. Obama has 246,262. 3rd place goes to CNN with 144,643 and poor Kevin Rose (of Digg/Rev3/etc) only has 102,051.
OK so Stephen Fry is now 2nd in the Twitter ranks, but it's the speed at which he's got there which is surprising.
Obama has been going for 1.9 years (i.e. about 693 days) which is about 355 new followers per day. Kevin Rose (and the publicity machine of Diggnation etc) has achieved his following in about 766 days which is 133 followers per day.
Mr Fry has achieved an average of 733 new followers every day since joining Twitter. His stats are completely skewed of course since he gained at least 50,000 during the weekend following his appearance on Jonathan Ross @wossy a few weeks ago (who is now on 69,871 followers which means he's getting 998 new followers per day). Philip Schofield @schofe) is also climbing up the ranks fast (though only with 42,542 followers).
Since Stephen Fry, Jonathan Ross and Philip Schofield are pretty much British institutions, does this mean that UK Twitter use is increasing as dramatically?
The other side of this is how does Twitter hope to make any kind of money? They have raised VC, the number of users is increasing dramatically, but so are the costs. Just delivering Stephen Fry's tweets must require lots of infrastructure and hardware. Are they gearing up for a sale? Who could buy them? Personally I'd guess the only possible suitor is Vodafone who could bring back SMS for tweets and roll the system out to Asia where everyone is used to sending stuff by SMS and would pay for it. Vodafone are probably big and ugly enough to pull it off.
Extending Premium Rate Services Regulation to 087 Numbers | Ofcom
Extending Premium Rate Services Regulation to 087 Numbers | Ofcom
Ofcom has confirmed that PhonePayPlus will regulate calls to 0871 and 0872 numbers that are charged above 5p per minute up to 10p per minute, 09 numbers from 5 through 10p per minute will also come uder PhonePayPlus regulation.
This will come into force on August 1st 2009. Consumers using these numbers should: -
* be better informed about the price of calls.
* be able to complain about excessively long call waiting times.
* be better protected from scams.
Ofcom has confirmed that PhonePayPlus will regulate calls to 0871 and 0872 numbers that are charged above 5p per minute up to 10p per minute, 09 numbers from 5 through 10p per minute will also come uder PhonePayPlus regulation.
This will come into force on August 1st 2009. Consumers using these numbers should: -
* be better informed about the price of calls.
* be able to complain about excessively long call waiting times.
* be better protected from scams.
Digital dividend: clearing the 800 MHz band | Ofcom
Digital dividend: clearing the 800 MHz band | Ofcom
Ofcom is holding a consultation on what's being called the 800MHz band. Some parts of the band are expected to become free after Digital Switch Over (DSO) in 2012.
Ofcom were planning to release 112MHz of spectrum after DSO comprising of: -
* a smaller, upper band of 48 MHz at 806-854 MHz (channels 63-68)
* a larger, lower band of 64 MHz between 550 MHz and 630 MHz (channels 31-35, 37 and 39-40)
This has subsequently been increased to 128MHz by clearing out channel 36 used by aeronautical radar and channel 38 by radioastronomy.
Many countries in Eurpoe have followed the UK's lead and are making spectrum available, but they are proposing to open up more spectrum in the 800MHz band comprising of 72 MHz at 790 - 862 MHz – channels 61 - 69.
After DSO channels 61 and 62 were expected to be used by DTT (digital terrestrial television) and channel 69 for programme-making and special events (PMSE), mainly wireless microphones. However Ofcom has valued the released spectrum at around £2 - 3bn and wants to move DDT and PMSE to channels 38 - 40).
Ofcom believes that the costs of clearing channels 61, 62 and 69 will be modest compared to the benefits. They estimate it will cost around £90-200m. These costs could be met by new licensees in the 800 MHz band and/or the Government.
By moving DDT from those bands, users will have to retune their digital set-top boxes (or they may lose EPG information), however that should only take a few minutes and shouldn't cause a major impact.
By making the spectrum available, innovative new services could run in the 800MHz band such as wireless broadband or new mobile services. It is in the best interests of the UK that Ofcom are allowed to proceed with this plan (800MHz has very good building penetration so blanket wireless coverage of an area is possible as per current TV coverage).
The consultation closes on April 20th 2009.
Ofcom is holding a consultation on what's being called the 800MHz band. Some parts of the band are expected to become free after Digital Switch Over (DSO) in 2012.
Ofcom were planning to release 112MHz of spectrum after DSO comprising of: -
* a smaller, upper band of 48 MHz at 806-854 MHz (channels 63-68)
* a larger, lower band of 64 MHz between 550 MHz and 630 MHz (channels 31-35, 37 and 39-40)
This has subsequently been increased to 128MHz by clearing out channel 36 used by aeronautical radar and channel 38 by radioastronomy.
Many countries in Eurpoe have followed the UK's lead and are making spectrum available, but they are proposing to open up more spectrum in the 800MHz band comprising of 72 MHz at 790 - 862 MHz – channels 61 - 69.
After DSO channels 61 and 62 were expected to be used by DTT (digital terrestrial television) and channel 69 for programme-making and special events (PMSE), mainly wireless microphones. However Ofcom has valued the released spectrum at around £2 - 3bn and wants to move DDT and PMSE to channels 38 - 40).
Ofcom believes that the costs of clearing channels 61, 62 and 69 will be modest compared to the benefits. They estimate it will cost around £90-200m. These costs could be met by new licensees in the 800 MHz band and/or the Government.
By moving DDT from those bands, users will have to retune their digital set-top boxes (or they may lose EPG information), however that should only take a few minutes and shouldn't cause a major impact.
By making the spectrum available, innovative new services could run in the 800MHz band such as wireless broadband or new mobile services. It is in the best interests of the UK that Ofcom are allowed to proceed with this plan (800MHz has very good building penetration so blanket wireless coverage of an area is possible as per current TV coverage).
The consultation closes on April 20th 2009.
2009/01/31
TwitterFone: Send Messages to Twitter with Voice
TwitterFone: Send Messages to Twitter with Voice
Well so far so bad, signed-up and it sent an access number. Dial the access number and "Sorry the service is unavailable at the moment". Not a good start.
Dialing in to Tweet seems somewhat a long winded way of doing things, but if it all starts working more comments to follow.
Well so far so bad, signed-up and it sent an access number. Dial the access number and "Sorry the service is unavailable at the moment". Not a good start.
Dialing in to Tweet seems somewhat a long winded way of doing things, but if it all starts working more comments to follow.
2009/01/28
Ofcom publishes list number misusers
Ofcom has published a list of companies and/or individuals who they have determined that have misused telephone numbers.
The list currently contains the following entries: -
28/01/09 Company Jack Barnard Telecom Services
no 05445012 Limited
28/01/09 Individual Jack Barnard
28/01/09 Company Telconline Inc
28/01/09 Company Stealthnet Limited
no. 04515234
Ofcom will not allocated numbers in the range 070, 087 (except 0870) and 09 Premium rate numbers. All telecoms providers are advised to check the list periodically and not supply telecoms services on those number ranges to those companies.
The list currently contains the following entries: -
28/01/09 Company Jack Barnard Telecom Services
no 05445012 Limited
28/01/09 Individual Jack Barnard
28/01/09 Company Telconline Inc
28/01/09 Company Stealthnet Limited
no. 04515234
Ofcom will not allocated numbers in the range 070, 087 (except 0870) and 09 Premium rate numbers. All telecoms providers are advised to check the list periodically and not supply telecoms services on those number ranges to those companies.
2009/01/23
Lingerie by Agent Provocateur - Love me Tender, or else!
Lingerie by Agent Provocateur - Love me Tender, or else!
This is NOT safe for work, but Agent Provocateur have done a great valentines video.
This is NOT safe for work, but Agent Provocateur have done a great valentines video.
2009/01/19
Peer Awards Homepage
Peer Awards Homepage
The Mobile Peer Awards will be announced at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona on February 16th.
There's some interesting companies on the mobile space.
Also I'm on the jury ...
The Mobile Peer Awards will be announced at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona on February 16th.
There's some interesting companies on the mobile space.
Also I'm on the jury ...
Main Page - Scavenger
Main Page - Scavenger
A new cure for SPAM? It's a system that ISPs install on their network and it monitors mail looking for odd patterns. It does not read the body of the email, it just looks at the sender, recipient, source and destination machines.
It's based on work done by Richard Clayton and his spamHINTS website.
Currently the software is not ready for production use, but EXA Networks are developing it and maintain an archive which is freely accessible.
A new cure for SPAM? It's a system that ISPs install on their network and it monitors mail looking for odd patterns. It does not read the body of the email, it just looks at the sender, recipient, source and destination machines.
It's based on work done by Richard Clayton and his spamHINTS website.
Currently the software is not ready for production use, but EXA Networks are developing it and maintain an archive which is freely accessible.
2009/01/16
Google cuts services and fires 100
Google has culled some services it doesn't feel are core to it's operation these include Dodgeball (the mobile social media company), Jaiku (though it will remain in service and ported over to Google's app engine and then released under an Apache open source license), Google Notebook wont be accepting new users, Google Catalog search and Mashup Editor are being closed and Google Video wont accept any new content (push to YouTube).
100 staff are also being got rid of (mainly in recruitment).
It's surprising Google os closing Dodgeball which it acquired in 2005, it had the promise of competing with social media sites like Facebook, but was never developed and the directors left a while ago stating they didn't like the direction Google was taking it. That direction seems to be nowhere.
Google is concentrating on it's search and mobile applications.
100 staff are also being got rid of (mainly in recruitment).
It's surprising Google os closing Dodgeball which it acquired in 2005, it had the promise of competing with social media sites like Facebook, but was never developed and the directors left a while ago stating they didn't like the direction Google was taking it. That direction seems to be nowhere.
Google is concentrating on it's search and mobile applications.
2009/01/15
Steve Jobs steps down as CEO
It's only temporary (currently until the end of June) while he sorts out his health problems - that's what Mr Jobs stated in a memo to Apple employees.
Analysts are saying the departure may be longer.
Most companies wouldn't really care if the CEO departed (or had a break), but Jobs is seen as the thing that makes Apple what it is and it cant work without him. Jobs does take an active interest in what goes on in Apple, but as any company it can go on without him.
Most of what Apple is regarded for is based on the design of the products and that's mainly down to Jonathon Ives who is their Product Design guru (and of course a Brit).
It's sad that Jobs is ill, but it shouldn't affect how Apple works - hopefully shareholders will take that view too.
Analysts are saying the departure may be longer.
Most companies wouldn't really care if the CEO departed (or had a break), but Jobs is seen as the thing that makes Apple what it is and it cant work without him. Jobs does take an active interest in what goes on in Apple, but as any company it can go on without him.
Most of what Apple is regarded for is based on the design of the products and that's mainly down to Jonathon Ives who is their Product Design guru (and of course a Brit).
It's sad that Jobs is ill, but it shouldn't affect how Apple works - hopefully shareholders will take that view too.
Nortel files for bankruptcy
Nortel has filed for Chapter 11 and 15 bankruptcy protection in Delaware. It has also filed for protection in Canada and it's assumed European and other areas will also file for protection.
Nortel was one of the telco giants and it's unlikely it will disappear as so many telcos (both old school and new wave) depend on Nortel for core network equipment such as telephony exchanges etc.
Even if they do go under, they'll emerge under the wing of someone like Alcatel-Lucent or another huge operator.
Nortel have been struggling for a while and the credit crunch is the last straw that broke the camel's back.
Nortel was one of the telco giants and it's unlikely it will disappear as so many telcos (both old school and new wave) depend on Nortel for core network equipment such as telephony exchanges etc.
Even if they do go under, they'll emerge under the wing of someone like Alcatel-Lucent or another huge operator.
Nortel have been struggling for a while and the credit crunch is the last straw that broke the camel's back.
2009/01/13
Google releases Picasa for Mac
There's two Mac versions Picasa for Mac which is the full application which allows basic editing and touch-up features for images.
Picasa web albums upload is a small utility that allows iPhoto galleries or photos that the user selects to be uploaded to Picasa on-line.
Though most Mac users will be used to iPhoto, Windows users who've migrated to a Mac and are used to using Picasa will welcome the new addition, it's pretty similar to the Windows version.
Google are starting to produce Mac software, but they're still lagging compared to what's available for Windows.
Picasa web albums upload is a small utility that allows iPhoto galleries or photos that the user selects to be uploaded to Picasa on-line.
Though most Mac users will be used to iPhoto, Windows users who've migrated to a Mac and are used to using Picasa will welcome the new addition, it's pretty similar to the Windows version.
Google are starting to produce Mac software, but they're still lagging compared to what's available for Windows.
2009/01/09
UK broadband speeds 2008 | Ofcom
UK broadband speeds 2008 | Ofcom
Ofcom perfomed a survey on UK broadband speeds, to gather information on consumer perception and to measure actual broadband speed and quality.
Ofcon found that the average measured speed was 3.6Mb/s (45% of the rated maximum of 8Mb/s) and that the average maximum speed was 4.5Mb/s (56% of the rated 8Mb/s maximum).
Speeds vary considerably between consumers, with one in five getting less than 2Mb/s (on an 8Mb/s rated line).
83% of consumers are happy overally with their broadband service.
Speeds vary significantly by times of day, getting slower in the evening and 5 - 6pm Saturday was the slowest. On an 8Mb/s line, the speed degraded by 30% during evening peaks.
The full report also measures further parameters such as upload speeds, latency, packet loss, DNS and jitter; we find a similar pattern of poorer performance during the evening peak time. The summary only analyses download speeds.
Ofcom perfomed a survey on UK broadband speeds, to gather information on consumer perception and to measure actual broadband speed and quality.
Ofcon found that the average measured speed was 3.6Mb/s (45% of the rated maximum of 8Mb/s) and that the average maximum speed was 4.5Mb/s (56% of the rated 8Mb/s maximum).
Speeds vary considerably between consumers, with one in five getting less than 2Mb/s (on an 8Mb/s rated line).
83% of consumers are happy overally with their broadband service.
Speeds vary significantly by times of day, getting slower in the evening and 5 - 6pm Saturday was the slowest. On an 8Mb/s line, the speed degraded by 30% during evening peaks.
The full report also measures further parameters such as upload speeds, latency, packet loss, DNS and jitter; we find a similar pattern of poorer performance during the evening peak time. The summary only analyses download speeds.
2009/01/07
Craigsphone puts craigslist classifieds on your phone | iPhone Central | Macworld
Craigsphone puts craigslist classifieds on your phone | iPhone Central | Macworld
Craigslist is hugely popular in the US and is a classified listing service. Now the listings are available on the iPhone.
The app has been developed by Next Mobile Web.
It is possible to browse for listings in your local vicinity, but this feature only works in the San Francisco Bay Area and Manhattan.
Craigslist is hugely popular in the US and is a classified listing service. Now the listings are available on the iPhone.
The app has been developed by Next Mobile Web.
It is possible to browse for listings in your local vicinity, but this feature only works in the San Francisco Bay Area and Manhattan.
2008/12/22
iPlayer on MacOS X and Linux
The BBC's iPlayer is at last available for MacOS X and Linux users as it has now been released as iPlayer Desktop which runs under Adobe's AIR technology.
Adobe AIR has been available for Windows and MacOS X for some time, but it's just been released for Linux.
This should satisfy some of the critics of the BBC as iPlayer has been available for Windows XP since 2007.
Adobe AIR has been available for Windows and MacOS X for some time, but it's just been released for Linux.
This should satisfy some of the critics of the BBC as iPlayer has been available for Windows XP since 2007.
UK Frequency Allocation Table 2008 | Ofcom
UK Frequency Allocation Table 2008 | Ofcom
Ofcom has published the UK Frequency Allocation Table for 2008 covering spectrum from 9 kHz to 275 GHz.
There's also a link to Roke's nice PDF which shows who's using them and what they are for.
Quite a useful resource for any wireless/radio heads.
Ofcom has published the UK Frequency Allocation Table for 2008 covering spectrum from 9 kHz to 275 GHz.
There's also a link to Roke's nice PDF which shows who's using them and what they are for.
Quite a useful resource for any wireless/radio heads.
2008/12/10
Devices for Developers - Android
Devices for Developers - Android
Google has released an unlocked version of the T-Mobile G1 for developers costing $399. Shipping to the UK is expensive at around $170 (but this includes import duty).
The phone is both SIM unlocked and the bootloaded is also unlocked so developers can load any version of Android their want i.e. they can build a custom version of Android and use that (T-Mobile's G1's have a locked bootloader that will only run T-Mobile's signed versions of Android).
Google make most of the source to Android available here. Some parts can not be open sourced as they interact with the hardware and as such could effect the GSM networking itself, which means the phone would never get FCC or other approvals.
Google point out that this is a developers' platform and not and end-user phone. Currently they are limited sales to single device to developers registered on their app platform.
Google has released an unlocked version of the T-Mobile G1 for developers costing $399. Shipping to the UK is expensive at around $170 (but this includes import duty).
The phone is both SIM unlocked and the bootloaded is also unlocked so developers can load any version of Android their want i.e. they can build a custom version of Android and use that (T-Mobile's G1's have a locked bootloader that will only run T-Mobile's signed versions of Android).
Google make most of the source to Android available here. Some parts can not be open sourced as they interact with the hardware and as such could effect the GSM networking itself, which means the phone would never get FCC or other approvals.
Google point out that this is a developers' platform and not and end-user phone. Currently they are limited sales to single device to developers registered on their app platform.
2008/12/09
IWF statement regarding Wikipedia webpage
IWF statement regarding Wikipedia webpage
As expected the IWF has backed down on the blacklisting of the Virgin Killer album cover on Wikipedia.
It is highly likely that the image is in fact illegal according to UK legislation, unfortunately it's also available in lots of other places like Amazon and Google images.
The IWF didn't really have an option but to back down, or blacklist all the other sites too which would have caused the transparent proxies run by the ISPs to fall-over or at least respond incredibly slowly.
The way the blacklisting works is for the site IP address to be checked first and if there's a match, then redirect the web request through a transparent proxy which will then URL match.
If something like Amazon or Google get on to the IP list, then EVERY request made to those sites will go through the proxy and they are designed for that level of traffic.
As expected the IWF has backed down on the blacklisting of the Virgin Killer album cover on Wikipedia.
It is highly likely that the image is in fact illegal according to UK legislation, unfortunately it's also available in lots of other places like Amazon and Google images.
The IWF didn't really have an option but to back down, or blacklist all the other sites too which would have caused the transparent proxies run by the ISPs to fall-over or at least respond incredibly slowly.
The way the blacklisting works is for the site IP address to be checked first and if there's a match, then redirect the web request through a transparent proxy which will then URL match.
If something like Amazon or Google get on to the IP list, then EVERY request made to those sites will go through the proxy and they are designed for that level of traffic.
2008/12/08
Virgin Killer - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Virgin Killer - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
It seems that the album cover (which features a naked "child") has been blocked by the IWF (or Internet Watch Foundation).
The IWF maintains black-lists of URLs which relate to child pornography, terrorism and other "unsuitable" material for the general populace.
If the material is hosted in the UK, the IWF will warn the ISP or hosting company and then report them to the Police, if it's outside the UK, it goes on the blacklist.
ISPs have implemented a system that was based on what was BT's Cleenfeed. When a URL is posted by the IWF, the ISP's system will initially check the IP of EVERY http request and pass see if it matches the site referrenced in the offending URL. If so the request is passed to a transparent proxy where URL checking is performed. If the URL matches the ISP then blocks the content (and the error returned differs from ISP to ISP, Virgin seem to respond with a 404 Content not found, while Demon respond with a 403 saying administrivally blocked).
Wikipedia noticed the block when suddenly a lot of requests from the UK started coming from a few transparent proxies located on various ISP networks (as the initial check is IP based, every Wikipedia request would go through the proxy).
Now Virgin Killer has become one of the most searched requests on Wikipedia !!! Of course the album art is available on several other sites which haven't yet been blocked.
It seems that the album cover (which features a naked "child") has been blocked by the IWF (or Internet Watch Foundation).
The IWF maintains black-lists of URLs which relate to child pornography, terrorism and other "unsuitable" material for the general populace.
If the material is hosted in the UK, the IWF will warn the ISP or hosting company and then report them to the Police, if it's outside the UK, it goes on the blacklist.
ISPs have implemented a system that was based on what was BT's Cleenfeed. When a URL is posted by the IWF, the ISP's system will initially check the IP of EVERY http request and pass see if it matches the site referrenced in the offending URL. If so the request is passed to a transparent proxy where URL checking is performed. If the URL matches the ISP then blocks the content (and the error returned differs from ISP to ISP, Virgin seem to respond with a 404 Content not found, while Demon respond with a 403 saying administrivally blocked).
Wikipedia noticed the block when suddenly a lot of requests from the UK started coming from a few transparent proxies located on various ISP networks (as the initial check is IP based, every Wikipedia request would go through the proxy).
Now Virgin Killer has become one of the most searched requests on Wikipedia !!! Of course the album art is available on several other sites which haven't yet been blocked.
2008/12/04
Shazam Amplifies Music Database by a Third - FierceWireless
Shazam Amplifies Music Database by a Third - FierceWireless
Shazam is a service that identifies music. Initially a user would dial a Shazam number, hold the phone to the radio or other source and the system would then identify the track. Now Shazam have an iPhone and other clients.
Shazam have added an additional 2 million tracks to their database covering more diverse North American, Asian and European music.
Shazam uses very clever algorithms to compare the music playing with segments in their database.
As Shazam have to have all the music in digital format, they're also a very good source for licensing a digital music collection for download sites and on-line digital jukeboxes.
Shazam is a service that identifies music. Initially a user would dial a Shazam number, hold the phone to the radio or other source and the system would then identify the track. Now Shazam have an iPhone and other clients.
Shazam have added an additional 2 million tracks to their database covering more diverse North American, Asian and European music.
Shazam uses very clever algorithms to compare the music playing with segments in their database.
As Shazam have to have all the music in digital format, they're also a very good source for licensing a digital music collection for download sites and on-line digital jukeboxes.
Carsonified sheds jobs
Another company to be hit by the economic downturn is Carsonified who have just made several of their staff redundant. Carsonified run the popular Future of Web Apps/Design, Future of Mobile, etc. They also develop applications and are a design house.
FOWA which took place in October was packed and there was a really positive buzz, FOM (though targeting a different crowd) was less of a wow.
Carsonified follow Trutap and others who've already announced job cuts.
The future of Web 2.0 may now be consolidation so companies can pool technology and resources and concentrate on making sure the business can support itself.
FOWA which took place in October was packed and there was a really positive buzz, FOM (though targeting a different crowd) was less of a wow.
Carsonified follow Trutap and others who've already announced job cuts.
The future of Web 2.0 may now be consolidation so companies can pool technology and resources and concentrate on making sure the business can support itself.
2008/12/01
Digg - Six Apart Welcomes Pownce
Digg - Six Apart Welcomes Pownce
Every one is putting a brave face on this i.e. Six Apart has acquired the technology and technology team of Pownce (including Kevin rose as an advisor), but what it means is that Pownce is closing down. Revision3 (another Kevin Rose venture), though still going lost a lot of staff earlier this year.
The credit crunch is hitting start-ups hard and though there's a lot of enthusiasm and hype showing that the start-up scene is still going strong, reality is slowly surfacing showing that the market is worse than people would like to think.
There still are great opportunities for start-ups and tech companies, but they need to have a business model that holds water and isn't technology for technology's sake or they'll start showing leaks and start sinking.
Companies are still beholden to their shareholders and when it comes down to it, that's what counts.
Every one is putting a brave face on this i.e. Six Apart has acquired the technology and technology team of Pownce (including Kevin rose as an advisor), but what it means is that Pownce is closing down. Revision3 (another Kevin Rose venture), though still going lost a lot of staff earlier this year.
The credit crunch is hitting start-ups hard and though there's a lot of enthusiasm and hype showing that the start-up scene is still going strong, reality is slowly surfacing showing that the market is worse than people would like to think.
There still are great opportunities for start-ups and tech companies, but they need to have a business model that holds water and isn't technology for technology's sake or they'll start showing leaks and start sinking.
Companies are still beholden to their shareholders and when it comes down to it, that's what counts.
Trutap - mobile instant messaging, texting and social networking
Trutap - mobile instant messaging, texting and social networking
Trutap is shedding 80% of their staff (from 31 down to 4 or 5) so they can keep the service going while they look for new finance or sell.
Rumours of change we already being whispered at Mobile Geeks of London last week. Like many start-ups Trutap have a great technology, but they hadn't sorted out a clear revenue model (well they had developed an advertising platform, but it hadn't launched yet).
There's still too much great tech out there, with no clear revenue streams and whatever people say, business is all about generating revenue for shareholders and in these economic times shareholders get nervous.
Trutap is shedding 80% of their staff (from 31 down to 4 or 5) so they can keep the service going while they look for new finance or sell.
Rumours of change we already being whispered at Mobile Geeks of London last week. Like many start-ups Trutap have a great technology, but they hadn't sorted out a clear revenue model (well they had developed an advertising platform, but it hadn't launched yet).
There's still too much great tech out there, with no clear revenue streams and whatever people say, business is all about generating revenue for shareholders and in these economic times shareholders get nervous.
2008/11/29
In Car Entertainment
The very nice guys at Sound Gurus in East Finchley just did a very nice job of replacing a wired car kit with a Bluetooth one.
The place closed for a while and it seems the old owners might have gone into administration, but it's now run by Kookie who is a very nice and helpful person.
Worth a visit if any ICE work is needed.
The place closed for a while and it seems the old owners might have gone into administration, but it's now run by Kookie who is a very nice and helpful person.
Worth a visit if any ICE work is needed.
2008/11/28
SPAM levels
The drop in SPAM was short-lived and daily attempted mail deliveries have once again risen. Yesterday they peaked at over 2.5m, but today it's just over 1m.
Of the 1m attempted messages 2,000 were "clean" and passed through the appliance.
Of the 1m attempted messages 2,000 were "clean" and passed through the appliance.
YouTube - wearesocial's Channel
YouTube - wearesocial's Channel
OK it's a PR stunt, but the technology is pretty cool.
You get a 3D bar code and stick it on something, install some software for your Nokia phone and point the phone at the 3D code.
The phone will then show the background, but where the 3D code is a Ford Ka is super-imposed in 3D floating in space.
The system was demo'ed at Mobile Geeks of London (organised by James Whatley which was a loose collection of people with an interest in mobile but mainly an excuse to drink beer.
The PR company is We Are Social
OK it's a PR stunt, but the technology is pretty cool.
You get a 3D bar code and stick it on something, install some software for your Nokia phone and point the phone at the 3D code.
The phone will then show the background, but where the 3D code is a Ford Ka is super-imposed in 3D floating in space.
The system was demo'ed at Mobile Geeks of London (organised by James Whatley which was a loose collection of people with an interest in mobile but mainly an excuse to drink beer.
The PR company is We Are Social
2008/11/26
Britglyph Sign Up
Britglyph Sign Up
A new site has been set-up by Moblog and Shozu to document art.
The site goes live on Dec 1st, but users can register their mobile number and email address now to be notified when things start,
A new site has been set-up by Moblog and Shozu to document art.
The site goes live on Dec 1st, but users can register their mobile number and email address now to be notified when things start,
2008/11/22
SPAM volumes drop
It seems McColo were cut-off from their ISP and SPAM levels have dropped since.
GBNET utilises Ironport SPAM appliances and the attempted number of connections/SPAM email has dropped from nearly 4 million per day (Summer peak) to around 900,000 per day (though in recent months it dropped to around 2.5m per day).
It dropped to around a low of around 800K per day but has risen to the 900K per day since.
Around 99.5% of all email through GBNET mail servers is SPAM.
GBNET utilises Ironport SPAM appliances and the attempted number of connections/SPAM email has dropped from nearly 4 million per day (Summer peak) to around 900,000 per day (though in recent months it dropped to around 2.5m per day).
It dropped to around a low of around 800K per day but has risen to the 900K per day since.
Around 99.5% of all email through GBNET mail servers is SPAM.
2008/11/21
Dispute between Mapesbury Communications and T-Mobile about mobile termination rates | Ofcom
Dispute between Mapesbury Communications and T-Mobile about mobile termination rates | Ofcom
MCOM won a low power GSM license a couple of years ago and have been slowly rolling out a network since.
They interconnect to the UK operators via a transit network.
It seems they cant reach agreement with T-Mobile on termination fees and so Ofcom are getting involved.
MCOM are what is called "disruptive" in the mobile arena.
MCOM won a low power GSM license a couple of years ago and have been slowly rolling out a network since.
They interconnect to the UK operators via a transit network.
It seems they cant reach agreement with T-Mobile on termination fees and so Ofcom are getting involved.
MCOM are what is called "disruptive" in the mobile arena.
2008/11/18
USB 3.0 specified
The USB 3.0 specification has at last been ratified (last Monday).
This promises speeds 10x greater than USB 2.0. Chipsets are likely to be available next year (2009) while consumer devices will follow in 2010.
Microsoft has said that USB 3.0 is unlikely to be in Windows 7 when it's released (and may not be included in Vista at all).
This promises speeds 10x greater than USB 2.0. Chipsets are likely to be available next year (2009) while consumer devices will follow in 2010.
Microsoft has said that USB 3.0 is unlikely to be in Windows 7 when it's released (and may not be included in Vista at all).
Future of Mobile 2008 | London 17›18 November 2008
Future of Mobile 2008 | London 17›18 November 2008
FOM took place on the 17th and 18th of Nov 2008. The first day was made up of talks and panels and took place at Kensington Town Hall, the 2nd day was detailed workshops at Olympia Hilton.
There were some good speakers and the first day was an interesting one.
Worth putting in your diaries for next year if you do anything with mobile.
FOM took place on the 17th and 18th of Nov 2008. The first day was made up of talks and panels and took place at Kensington Town Hall, the 2nd day was detailed workshops at Olympia Hilton.
There were some good speakers and the first day was an interesting one.
Worth putting in your diaries for next year if you do anything with mobile.
2008/11/03
Unstrung - Handhelds - Moto Ditches Symbian for Android & Windows - Wireless News Analysis
Unstrung - Handhelds - Moto Ditches Symbian for Android & Windows - Wireless News Analysis
Motorola is dumping Symbian UIQ and it's own Linux-Java platform. It will now only use Windows Mobile and Android for high end phones.
Motorola is also cutting down on the chip sets it uses, concentrating on Qualcomm and Texas Instruments.
Motorola is dumping Symbian UIQ and it's own Linux-Java platform. It will now only use Windows Mobile and Android for high end phones.
Motorola is also cutting down on the chip sets it uses, concentrating on Qualcomm and Texas Instruments.
2008/10/31
Ofcom Website | Update on the progress of the litigation in relation to the 2.6GHz award and the timing implications for the auction
Ofcom Website | Update on the progress of the litigation in relation to the 2.6GHz award and the timing implications for the auction
Due to the continuing legal process, Ofcom is expecting the spectrum award to take place in March 2009 at the latest. Ofcom still believes it is in the public's best interest to award the spectrum as soon as possible.
O2 and T-Mobile have taken Ofcom to court about their decision to award this spectrum which is why the delay is there.
Due to the continuing legal process, Ofcom is expecting the spectrum award to take place in March 2009 at the latest. Ofcom still believes it is in the public's best interest to award the spectrum as soon as possible.
O2 and T-Mobile have taken Ofcom to court about their decision to award this spectrum which is why the delay is there.
2008/10/29
Future of Mobile 2008 | London 17›18 November 2008
Future of Mobile 2008 | London 17›18 November 2008
The Future of Mobile is being held at Kensington Town Hall. This is another Carsonified event so should be good, the Future of Web Apps (FOWA) was buzzing which took place at Excel in Docklands earlier this month. At least Kensington is easier to get too if you get "stuck" at the party after ...
There's some interesting speakers and should be a good couple of days.
If anyone wants a 20% discount, use the following code "DIGLIFE" when registering (no quotes).
The Future of Mobile is being held at Kensington Town Hall. This is another Carsonified event so should be good, the Future of Web Apps (FOWA) was buzzing which took place at Excel in Docklands earlier this month. At least Kensington is easier to get too if you get "stuck" at the party after ...
There's some interesting speakers and should be a good couple of days.
If anyone wants a 20% discount, use the following code "DIGLIFE" when registering (no quotes).
2008/10/28
this is my website | Kevin Rose - blogg
this is my website | Kevin Rose - blogg
It's an interesting paradigm ... last from latest entry is all about "Why to start a new startup in a bad economy" which is all positive and nice.
Unfortunately latest entry is "Changes at Revision3" which is all about laying off people at Reveision3 ... how the world changes between blog posts :(
Though it probably is a good time to start a startup (services are cheap), it's still a difficult market and the economy is going to get worse before it gets better. Technology for technology's sake wont cut it and a sensible business proposition needs to be the basis of any successful company going forward - of course there's some guesswork, but without sound business models which works, there's no point even going there.
It's an interesting paradigm ... last from latest entry is all about "Why to start a new startup in a bad economy" which is all positive and nice.
Unfortunately latest entry is "Changes at Revision3" which is all about laying off people at Reveision3 ... how the world changes between blog posts :(
Though it probably is a good time to start a startup (services are cheap), it's still a difficult market and the economy is going to get worse before it gets better. Technology for technology's sake wont cut it and a sensible business proposition needs to be the basis of any successful company going forward - of course there's some guesswork, but without sound business models which works, there's no point even going there.
2008/10/27
Sun Startup Essentials
Sun Startup Essentials
Sun are a hardware company (and a software company too, but mostly they give that away for "free" [as in beer]), but with Sun Startup Essentials Sun are (almost) giving hardware away too as well as hosting/training and other services.
The program has been introduced into the UK and Ireland so is available this side of the pond.
It's easy to join (web sign-up) and once approved (which can take a couple of days) customers get access to the discounted hardware/etc.
It's probably a very good move for Sun as though they're taking a risk in supplying hardware on the cheap, if the startup succeeds they're likely to continue using Sun hardware and software.
Many people are used to using a LAMP environment which consists of Linux, Apache, MySQL and PHP/Perl/Python and Sun are trying to convert people to use SAMP which is the same stack based on Solaris instead of Linux. There are good reason to do this as MySQL is now owned by Sun so there's likely to be some Solaris optimisation on versions that come with Solaris (though MySQL's main development is still on Linux).
If x86 hardware is purchased the customer can still elect to run Linux rather than Solaris and even Windows.
It's a very cool program and Sun should be applauded for making it easy to join and use.
Sun are a hardware company (and a software company too, but mostly they give that away for "free" [as in beer]), but with Sun Startup Essentials Sun are (almost) giving hardware away too as well as hosting/training and other services.
The program has been introduced into the UK and Ireland so is available this side of the pond.
It's easy to join (web sign-up) and once approved (which can take a couple of days) customers get access to the discounted hardware/etc.
It's probably a very good move for Sun as though they're taking a risk in supplying hardware on the cheap, if the startup succeeds they're likely to continue using Sun hardware and software.
Many people are used to using a LAMP environment which consists of Linux, Apache, MySQL and PHP/Perl/Python and Sun are trying to convert people to use SAMP which is the same stack based on Solaris instead of Linux. There are good reason to do this as MySQL is now owned by Sun so there's likely to be some Solaris optimisation on versions that come with Solaris (though MySQL's main development is still on Linux).
If x86 hardware is purchased the customer can still elect to run Linux rather than Solaris and even Windows.
It's a very cool program and Sun should be applauded for making it easy to join and use.
2008/10/22
Thoughts on European Start Ups
Thoughts on European Start Ups
Really nice presentation on "Thoughts on European Start Ups", though the financial world might be in turmoil, there's still hopes for start-ups - easpecially in Europe.
Don't know who wrote it (cape), but worth viewing.
Really nice presentation on "Thoughts on European Start Ups", though the financial world might be in turmoil, there's still hopes for start-ups - easpecially in Europe.
Don't know who wrote it (cape), but worth viewing.
2008/10/21
Sony E-Reader
A quick initial review of Sony PRS-505. It actually works really well. Download a book, sync the library and off you go.
Even on the smallest font it's quite readable and the E-Ink has a very high contrast that's easy on the eye. The black-on-white works, it's just a bit weird when changing pages as the screen seems to invert and then flip to the new page, but it's all relatively smooth and quick.
The reader came with an optional LED light casing (that has a plastic flap that lies over the screen) which makes it usable in dark environments.
Unfortunately it only works on a PC (no Mac support) and it requires downloading of Adobe Digital Editions.
Waterstones in the UK have a limited selection of Ebooks, though that's bound to increase and there's a lot of other stuff out there that will also work (it reads PDF docs).
However don't buy one !!! Sony have announced the next version (PRS-700) which has a slightly bigger screen, LED lighting built in and it's touch screen so no buttons to navigate with. It's out in the US in November (though no UK timescales announced).
Even on the smallest font it's quite readable and the E-Ink has a very high contrast that's easy on the eye. The black-on-white works, it's just a bit weird when changing pages as the screen seems to invert and then flip to the new page, but it's all relatively smooth and quick.
The reader came with an optional LED light casing (that has a plastic flap that lies over the screen) which makes it usable in dark environments.
Unfortunately it only works on a PC (no Mac support) and it requires downloading of Adobe Digital Editions.
Waterstones in the UK have a limited selection of Ebooks, though that's bound to increase and there's a lot of other stuff out there that will also work (it reads PDF docs).
However don't buy one !!! Sony have announced the next version (PRS-700) which has a slightly bigger screen, LED lighting built in and it's touch screen so no buttons to navigate with. It's out in the US in November (though no UK timescales announced).
2008/10/17
Twitter seems to have started out as an SMS service allowing people to send messages to each other. Now it's been linked in to Instant Messaging systems and Twitter apps.
Having a Blackberry led to installing Blackbird which works, though was a bit clunky.
TwitterBerry is a bit more polished, but also slightly more quirky (using it on a Curve on the 4.2 OS which seems to work ok, though people are complaining it's doing odd things on 4.5 which is on the Bold).
It quite fun "following" people (such like Stephen Fry - who seems to be quite taken by his Twitterific client and uses it regularly) though it's also a bit voyeuristic (is that a word?).
Do people really want to know you're enjoying a glass of wine with a friend, or off to the pub? It does seem so...
Having a Blackberry led to installing Blackbird which works, though was a bit clunky.
TwitterBerry is a bit more polished, but also slightly more quirky (using it on a Curve on the 4.2 OS which seems to work ok, though people are complaining it's doing odd things on 4.5 which is on the Bold).
It quite fun "following" people (such like Stephen Fry - who seems to be quite taken by his Twitterific client and uses it regularly) though it's also a bit voyeuristic (is that a word?).
Do people really want to know you're enjoying a glass of wine with a friend, or off to the pub? It does seem so...
2008/10/16
EETimes.com - Startup claims Gbit version of Wi-Fi
EETimes.com - Startup claims Gbit version of Wi-Fi:
Quantenna Communications has anounced a chipset capable of delivering 1Gb/s using modified 802.11n protocols. They use up to 8 aerials in a MIMO configuration to steer the beams up to 50m and through walls.
The system used both 2.4 and 5GHz.
The chipset is also small (2.5 x 2 inches) so it can be incorporated into consumer devices.
The chip consumes 10W and should cost around $20 when available next year.
If the technology really works and becomes readily available, it would allow for the distribution of HD video through the home and compete with systems based on 60GHz (which don't penetrate anything - including air for any distances).
Quantenna Communications has anounced a chipset capable of delivering 1Gb/s using modified 802.11n protocols. They use up to 8 aerials in a MIMO configuration to steer the beams up to 50m and through walls.
The system used both 2.4 and 5GHz.
The chipset is also small (2.5 x 2 inches) so it can be incorporated into consumer devices.
The chip consumes 10W and should cost around $20 when available next year.
If the technology really works and becomes readily available, it would allow for the distribution of HD video through the home and compete with systems based on 60GHz (which don't penetrate anything - including air for any distances).
New MacBooks
Apple has released a new 13" MacBook and new 15" MacBook Pros. They are all hewn from solid aluminium and use a mini-displayport connection for connection to an external monitor.
They look very pretty.
Apple's also released a new 24" Displayport monitor to go with them (though not available yet).
The Macbook has USB interfaces, while the Pro has USB/Firewire and an ExpressCard/34 slot. Both have DL-DVD writers.
They look very pretty.
Apple's also released a new 24" Displayport monitor to go with them (though not available yet).
The Macbook has USB interfaces, while the Pro has USB/Firewire and an ExpressCard/34 slot. Both have DL-DVD writers.
Review of the 070 personal numbering range | Ofcom
Review of the 070 personal numbering range | Ofcom: "07|01|2009"
Ofcom is holding a consultation that closes on 07|01|2009 about 070 personal numbers.
Initially Ofcom wanted to move these to an 06 range, but this has now been dropped as it would not be economic.
There are also issues as alarm system utilise 070 numbers so pre-announcements indicating pricing is also not workable.
Phonepayplus and Ofcom are still receiving complaints about misuse of 070 numbers, but these have significantly reduced since Ofcom initially announced plans to change 070 services.
Ofcom are proposing a number of measures: -
* supporting and monitoring current enforcement action being carried out by PhonepayPlus in relation to scams on the 070 range.
* requiring originating communications providers to publish their tariffs for calls to 070 numbers more prominently and to make them easier to understand for consumers.
* amending guidance on the acceptable use of numbers in relation to compliance with General Condition 17 by ensuring Personal Numbering Service providers who provide 070 numbers to end users to carry out due diligence of sub-allocatees of personal numbers.
The consultation also covers Ofcom's plans to remove the requirements for pre-call announcements.
Ofcom is holding a consultation that closes on 07|01|2009 about 070 personal numbers.
Initially Ofcom wanted to move these to an 06 range, but this has now been dropped as it would not be economic.
There are also issues as alarm system utilise 070 numbers so pre-announcements indicating pricing is also not workable.
Phonepayplus and Ofcom are still receiving complaints about misuse of 070 numbers, but these have significantly reduced since Ofcom initially announced plans to change 070 services.
Ofcom are proposing a number of measures: -
* supporting and monitoring current enforcement action being carried out by PhonepayPlus in relation to scams on the 070 range.
* requiring originating communications providers to publish their tariffs for calls to 070 numbers more prominently and to make them easier to understand for consumers.
* amending guidance on the acceptable use of numbers in relation to compliance with General Condition 17 by ensuring Personal Numbering Service providers who provide 070 numbers to end users to carry out due diligence of sub-allocatees of personal numbers.
The consultation also covers Ofcom's plans to remove the requirements for pre-call announcements.
2008/10/13
Update - October 2008 | Ofcom
Update - October 2008 | Ofcom
Ofcom amended General Condition 18 such that “Telephone number portability for consumers switching suppliers” would be achieved in under 2 hours. This has now been dropped as Ofcom lost a tribunal initiated by Vodafone (and joined in by the other big 3 GSM operators) which ruled Ofcom was acting unfairly.
This is a real shame as UKporting has now ceased too and the mobile operators can maintain their sluggish porting arrangements.
Ofcom amended General Condition 18 such that “Telephone number portability for consumers switching suppliers” would be achieved in under 2 hours. This has now been dropped as Ofcom lost a tribunal initiated by Vodafone (and joined in by the other big 3 GSM operators) which ruled Ofcom was acting unfairly.
This is a real shame as UKporting has now ceased too and the mobile operators can maintain their sluggish porting arrangements.
Ofcom statement on Channel 4 and DAB radio | Ofcom
Ofcom statement on Channel 4 and DAB radio | Ofcom
Channel 4 has pulled out of 4 Digital Group the national DAB multiplex that is made up of Bauer Digital Radio Limited, Carphone Warehouse Group plc, Sky News Radio Limited, Global Radio Ltd, UTV Radio (GB) Limited and UBC Media Group plc.
Ofcom recognises that in these economic difficult times companies have to make commercial decisions, but this must be a blow for them.
Ofcom are in discussion with 4 Digital and other multiplexes owners and the BBC to discuss options.
Channel 4 has pulled out of 4 Digital Group the national DAB multiplex that is made up of Bauer Digital Radio Limited, Carphone Warehouse Group plc, Sky News Radio Limited, Global Radio Ltd, UTV Radio (GB) Limited and UBC Media Group plc.
Ofcom recognises that in these economic difficult times companies have to make commercial decisions, but this must be a blow for them.
Ofcom are in discussion with 4 Digital and other multiplexes owners and the BBC to discuss options.
2008/10/09
Innovative uses of spectrum | Ofcom
Innovative uses of spectrum | Ofcom
Ofcom is consulting on a new license for radio spectrum, the Innovative Use Of Spectrum license which will cost £2,000 pa.
This license will be introduced to foster innovative spectrum use (as the name implies) where existing license regimes don't fit or are too cumbersome.
It is expected that spectrum will come from areas managed by public bodies such as the MOD.
The licenses will be issued on a first-come-first-served and a non-interference, non-protected basis.
They will cover the UK or smaller areas within the UK.
The consultation closes on 18/12/08
Ofcom is consulting on a new license for radio spectrum, the Innovative Use Of Spectrum license which will cost £2,000 pa.
This license will be introduced to foster innovative spectrum use (as the name implies) where existing license regimes don't fit or are too cumbersome.
It is expected that spectrum will come from areas managed by public bodies such as the MOD.
The licenses will be issued on a first-come-first-served and a non-interference, non-protected basis.
They will cover the UK or smaller areas within the UK.
The consultation closes on 18/12/08
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