Now that people have got their hands on an iPhone the hacking has started.
Using recovery images people have already found the CPU type, built-in users (and cracked the passwords).
The activation process has also been broken, so it doesn't need to go through the iTunes/AT&T services. This doesn't allow the phone to be used with a SIM though, however the PDA and Internet functions work using WiFi.
There's now intense activity on unlocking the SIM so it can be used with other GSM services. Time will tell if it's actually possible.
Of course when people do break things, Apple are bound to release a software update to implement new security measures which will render these cracks unusable and they'll add more functionality so people want to upgrade (iChat and ringtones are already rumoured).
2007/07/04
2007/06/20
Programme-making and special events: future spectrum access | Ofcom
Programme-making and special events: future spectrum access | Ofcom
Ofcom is holding a consultation on the spectrum used by Program-making and special events users - they currently have access to about 2.5GHz of spectrum (compared say to 3G which has about 140MHz).
Some of the frequencies will clash when the digital switchover occurs, and though PMSE generally has second use of the frequencies, there are likely to be issues as the analogue spectrum will be auctioned off.
Ofcom want opinions on how the transition should take place.
Ofcom is holding a consultation on the spectrum used by Program-making and special events users - they currently have access to about 2.5GHz of spectrum (compared say to 3G which has about 140MHz).
Some of the frequencies will clash when the digital switchover occurs, and though PMSE generally has second use of the frequencies, there are likely to be issues as the analogue spectrum will be auctioned off.
Ofcom want opinions on how the transition should take place.
2007/06/18
UK Broadband application for licence variation | Ofcom
UK Broadband application for licence variation | Ofcom
UK Broadband has applied to Ofcom to modify their 3.5GHz license to allow them
* technology and application neutrality.
* to increase the permitted power limits.
The first would put them in-line with existing policy which has come about since the Communications Act came into force, and Ofcom would like to move forward with this. What this really means is that UK Broadband can offer mobile WiMAX services as the existing license is only for FWA (fixed wireless access) services.
Ofcom would also like to allow UK Broadband to increase the power limits on fixed sites to +29 dBW/MHz and -5 dBW/MHz for mobile stations.
Whether UK Broadband has the resources necessary to roll-out a national network is debatable, however having the ability to offer fixed and mobile WiMAX services will increase the value of their license substationaly.
BT have indicated they are looking to purchase spectrum (2.5GHz when Ofcom hold an auction), but if it's cheaper to buy an existing network that's a commercially sensible route.
UK Broadband has applied to Ofcom to modify their 3.5GHz license to allow them
* technology and application neutrality.
* to increase the permitted power limits.
The first would put them in-line with existing policy which has come about since the Communications Act came into force, and Ofcom would like to move forward with this. What this really means is that UK Broadband can offer mobile WiMAX services as the existing license is only for FWA (fixed wireless access) services.
Ofcom would also like to allow UK Broadband to increase the power limits on fixed sites to +29 dBW/MHz and -5 dBW/MHz for mobile stations.
Whether UK Broadband has the resources necessary to roll-out a national network is debatable, however having the ability to offer fixed and mobile WiMAX services will increase the value of their license substationaly.
BT have indicated they are looking to purchase spectrum (2.5GHz when Ofcom hold an auction), but if it's cheaper to buy an existing network that's a commercially sensible route.
2007/06/15
SonyEricsson debut new phones
Yesterday SonyEricsson announced several new phones, including the W960 which is a walkman phone with 8GB of memory. It seems to improve on the W950 as it also has a camera.
The P1 is now also available on the SonyEricsson store which is their P990 replacement (it's actually phone sized rather than brick sized).
SonyEricsson are definately giving Nokia a run for their money and are up there with good styling and functionality.
The P1 is now also available on the SonyEricsson store which is their P990 replacement (it's actually phone sized rather than brick sized).
SonyEricsson are definately giving Nokia a run for their money and are up there with good styling and functionality.
2007/06/13
Sonos BU130 bundle
I should have written about this a long time ago, but now is the time for the Sonos kit to go.
The bundle consists of two ZP80 players and a controller, Sonos also threw in a controller cradle. The kit is very well built and feels very solid. Power supplies are built into the units, but are not auto-sensing, so ensure they're set to the right voltage or smoke will follow.
The Sonos software is relatively easy to install (it's a shame they don't support other streaming software like iTunes or Slimdevices Slimserver as they were already installed), however the software will pick-up iTunes playlists that have been created under iTunes.
The players work well, though they're not as good as the Slimdevices Transporter (but then they cost a lot less), however saying that, the Sonos controller is fantastic with a lovely display (that displays cover art) and "feels" like using an iPod.
The ZP80's need to be connected to amplifiers (they have analogue and digital outs - both optical and co-ax), there's also an analogue in that converts to digital formats (compressed and uncompressed).
Sonos also sent a ZP100 which has a built-in amplifier, it's very heavy!!! Again it feels like a quality unit and has four solid speaker posts to connect to speakers (Sonos supplied their SP100's which are very solid bookshelf type speakers). They are a bit on the high end and could do with a sub-woofer if heavy bass is required (the ZP100 has a sub-woofer output).
Various music services are directly supported by the controller (Rhapsody, Emusic and others) and it can also mount music stored on a NAS (network attached storage) using Microsoft file sharing (CIFS). Again it's a shame it doesn't directly support other streaming formats such as Slimserver, iTunes, UPaP etc as the NAS could directly output these and as the NAS was in a MS domain, mounting shares wasn't as easy as it could have been.
Altogether though the Sonos kit is recommended (though I still prefer the Slimdevices kit), though the controller beats the pants off the Slimdevices stuff. The BU130 bundle now retails for £699 (or $999 in the US) and would make a nice edition to any home.
The bundle consists of two ZP80 players and a controller, Sonos also threw in a controller cradle. The kit is very well built and feels very solid. Power supplies are built into the units, but are not auto-sensing, so ensure they're set to the right voltage or smoke will follow.
The Sonos software is relatively easy to install (it's a shame they don't support other streaming software like iTunes or Slimdevices Slimserver as they were already installed), however the software will pick-up iTunes playlists that have been created under iTunes.
The players work well, though they're not as good as the Slimdevices Transporter (but then they cost a lot less), however saying that, the Sonos controller is fantastic with a lovely display (that displays cover art) and "feels" like using an iPod.
The ZP80's need to be connected to amplifiers (they have analogue and digital outs - both optical and co-ax), there's also an analogue in that converts to digital formats (compressed and uncompressed).
Sonos also sent a ZP100 which has a built-in amplifier, it's very heavy!!! Again it feels like a quality unit and has four solid speaker posts to connect to speakers (Sonos supplied their SP100's which are very solid bookshelf type speakers). They are a bit on the high end and could do with a sub-woofer if heavy bass is required (the ZP100 has a sub-woofer output).
Various music services are directly supported by the controller (Rhapsody, Emusic and others) and it can also mount music stored on a NAS (network attached storage) using Microsoft file sharing (CIFS). Again it's a shame it doesn't directly support other streaming formats such as Slimserver, iTunes, UPaP etc as the NAS could directly output these and as the NAS was in a MS domain, mounting shares wasn't as easy as it could have been.
Altogether though the Sonos kit is recommended (though I still prefer the Slimdevices kit), though the controller beats the pants off the Slimdevices stuff. The BU130 bundle now retails for £699 (or $999 in the US) and would make a nice edition to any home.
2007/06/12
iPhone supports Web 2.0
Though Apple is not allowing 3rd party developers (yet) to install applications directly on the iPhone, they are fully supporting Web 2.0 so application developers can write server based systems.
This will mean there is interaction over air, but with US carrier pricing adopting unlimited data plans, this will allow highly interactive applications.
If the iPhone really is running MacOS X and the full set of application libraries it should allow developers to relatively easily port Mac application over to it, if Apple then allow them to be stored on the phone itself.
This will mean there is interaction over air, but with US carrier pricing adopting unlimited data plans, this will allow highly interactive applications.
If the iPhone really is running MacOS X and the full set of application libraries it should allow developers to relatively easily port Mac application over to it, if Apple then allow them to be stored on the phone itself.
Apple to release Safari for Windows
Safari 3 has been released as a public beta for MacOS X and Windows. Safari 3 will come with Apple's MacOS X 10.5 known as Leopard.
Apple state Safari is siginificantly faster than other browsers on the Windows platform (2x IE7 and 1.6x Firefox v2), however Windows users may be slow to adopt Safari most people will use IE by default.
It does give developers (who don't use Macs) the opportunity to test their web pages on multiple browsers on Windows though, although that's a tiny market.
This seems more a dig at Microsoft than a real browser competitor.
Apple state Safari is siginificantly faster than other browsers on the Windows platform (2x IE7 and 1.6x Firefox v2), however Windows users may be slow to adopt Safari most people will use IE by default.
It does give developers (who don't use Macs) the opportunity to test their web pages on multiple browsers on Windows though, although that's a tiny market.
This seems more a dig at Microsoft than a real browser competitor.
2007/06/11
Sun hints at MacOS X Leopard file system
Sun have hinted that zfs (zettabyte file system) will be part of Leopard. Initially they commented that it would be the default file system, but later changed that to being a file system in Leopard.
ZFS was developed by Sun in 2004 and has been part of Solaris and OpenSolaris. However Solaris has only very recently been able to boot off a zfs disk system. MacOS may also be able to boot off a zfs disk system by the time it launches in October.
ZFS is an extremely flexible system using a 128bit pointers (compared to most file systems 64bit), it supports dynamic pools and journaling.
Steve Jobs may well announce something at the worldwide developers conference that opens today in San Francisco.
ZFS was developed by Sun in 2004 and has been part of Solaris and OpenSolaris. However Solaris has only very recently been able to boot off a zfs disk system. MacOS may also be able to boot off a zfs disk system by the time it launches in October.
ZFS is an extremely flexible system using a 128bit pointers (compared to most file systems 64bit), it supports dynamic pools and journaling.
Steve Jobs may well announce something at the worldwide developers conference that opens today in San Francisco.
2007/06/08
Notice of Ofcom’s proposal to make (Ultra-Wideband Equipment) (Exemption) Regulations | Ofcom
Notice of Ofcom’s proposal to make (Ultra-Wideband Equipment) (Exemption) Regulations | Ofcom
In line with EU direction, Ofcom is planning on allowing UWB (Ultra-Wideband) Equipment license excempt (as are other bands such as 2.4GHz used for WiFi).
UWB works by spreading data across a very wide section of spectrum, the data is error corrected by duplication and other means. This allows very high data rates to be achieved. As UWB is very low power, it doesn't really cause interference and if another (non UWB) devices "hears" the UWB transmission it can generally be thought of as background noise.
As UWB operators across a large range, if other devices interfere with it, the data can be retrieved from another part of the transmission.
Unfortunately the EU's variant of UWB has slightly different characteristics from the US's already working version so US equipment can not be used in Europe. It will be a while for silicon to become available that meets the EU specification.
Ofcom are consulting on the proposal to make UWB use license excempt.
In line with EU direction, Ofcom is planning on allowing UWB (Ultra-Wideband) Equipment license excempt (as are other bands such as 2.4GHz used for WiFi).
UWB works by spreading data across a very wide section of spectrum, the data is error corrected by duplication and other means. This allows very high data rates to be achieved. As UWB is very low power, it doesn't really cause interference and if another (non UWB) devices "hears" the UWB transmission it can generally be thought of as background noise.
As UWB operators across a large range, if other devices interfere with it, the data can be retrieved from another part of the transmission.
Unfortunately the EU's variant of UWB has slightly different characteristics from the US's already working version so US equipment can not be used in Europe. It will be a while for silicon to become available that meets the EU specification.
Ofcom are consulting on the proposal to make UWB use license excempt.
2007/06/04
EMI follows Apple's YouTube lead
EMI is putting up videos of artists on YouTube. This now means there are 4 labels supplying content.
Apple (who seem to be good friends with EMI with the recent announcement of high quality DRM free songs on iTunes) are making YouTube content available through Apple TV.
Viacom is still suing Google (YouTube's owners) for alleged copyright infringment.
Apple (who seem to be good friends with EMI with the recent announcement of high quality DRM free songs on iTunes) are making YouTube content available through Apple TV.
Viacom is still suing Google (YouTube's owners) for alleged copyright infringment.
Adobe supports Google 3D Warehouse
Adobe has launched a plugin for CS3 that allows users to access Google's 3D Warehouse which is the on-line model gallery for Google's Sketchup system.
Though there are limitations, it will allow users to directly utilise a model within CS3 using its 3D capabilities.
Goggle's 3D Warehouse is all about user generated content and there's a lot of it there, not all good ...
Though there are limitations, it will allow users to directly utilise a model within CS3 using its 3D capabilities.
Goggle's 3D Warehouse is all about user generated content and there's a lot of it there, not all good ...
iPhone to go on sale June 29th
Apple's long awaited iPhone is to go on sale on the 29th of June 2007, though demand is likely to be high, there's a good chance that there wont be enough to go around with only around 200,000 expected for launch.
Currently it's not possible to install applications on the iPhone but Steve Jobs has stated it may be possible in the future, though he's not saying when.
AT&T have a 5 year exclusive on the iPhone, so other networks are looking for alternatives and the LG Prada is such an example.
The iPhone isn't expected in Europe until next year, when hopefully there'll be 3G support - though Steve Jobs doesn't expect content (like music downloads) to take place over air, they'll still require syncing with iTunes on a PC or Mac.
Maybe it's worth a trip to the US to buy one.
Currently it's not possible to install applications on the iPhone but Steve Jobs has stated it may be possible in the future, though he's not saying when.
AT&T have a 5 year exclusive on the iPhone, so other networks are looking for alternatives and the LG Prada is such an example.
The iPhone isn't expected in Europe until next year, when hopefully there'll be 3G support - though Steve Jobs doesn't expect content (like music downloads) to take place over air, they'll still require syncing with iTunes on a PC or Mac.
Maybe it's worth a trip to the US to buy one.
Public Call Boxes - Consent for non-uniform charging for geographic tariffing trials | Ofcom
Public Call Boxes - Consent for non-uniform charging for geographic tariffing trials | Ofcom
Ofcom are allowing BT to conduct trials of non-uniform pricing tariffs from BT call boxes (outside of Hull). There will be periodic trials over the next 3 years (until 2010).
BT have a universal service obligation (USO) to provide call boxes, though many of these are unprofitable. This would allow BT to charge more for calls to distant geographic locations (in the UK).
BT would prefer not to run remote call boxes at all and this is a comprimise from Ofcom.
Ofcom are allowing BT to conduct trials of non-uniform pricing tariffs from BT call boxes (outside of Hull). There will be periodic trials over the next 3 years (until 2010).
BT have a universal service obligation (USO) to provide call boxes, though many of these are unprofitable. This would allow BT to charge more for calls to distant geographic locations (in the UK).
BT would prefer not to run remote call boxes at all and this is a comprimise from Ofcom.
2007/06/01
Raising confidence in telephone numbers: Amending General Condition 17 | Ofcom
Raising confidence in telephone numbers: Amending General Condition 17 | Ofcom
This document covers the new 03 range and ammends the 070 (personal numbering) range.
From 1st Sept 2007 all 070 calls that are over 20p per minute must provide a pre-answer (and pre-billed) announcement to indicate the rate.
03 numbers will be introduced which are considered local numbers. There will be no revenue sharing allowed on these numbers (to the number provider or end-user service). The main advantage to consumers is that they will be treated as geographic numbers and can be included in call plans (on both fixed and mobile networks) and are subjected to the same discounts too.
Various 03 numbers are reserved for public bodies and not for profit organisations (mainly memorable numbers), though the range will be offered to anyone at a later date.
This is good news for consumers. The 070 pre-announcement will also reduce the chance of the numbers being used fraudulantly (as they look like mobile numbers). Eventually all 070 numbers will be phased away from 070 to a PRS range.
This document covers the new 03 range and ammends the 070 (personal numbering) range.
From 1st Sept 2007 all 070 calls that are over 20p per minute must provide a pre-answer (and pre-billed) announcement to indicate the rate.
03 numbers will be introduced which are considered local numbers. There will be no revenue sharing allowed on these numbers (to the number provider or end-user service). The main advantage to consumers is that they will be treated as geographic numbers and can be included in call plans (on both fixed and mobile networks) and are subjected to the same discounts too.
Various 03 numbers are reserved for public bodies and not for profit organisations (mainly memorable numbers), though the range will be offered to anyone at a later date.
This is good news for consumers. The 070 pre-announcement will also reduce the chance of the numbers being used fraudulantly (as they look like mobile numbers). Eventually all 070 numbers will be phased away from 070 to a PRS range.
Statement on power increase for 5.8 GHz FWA | Ofcom
Statement on power increase for 5.8 GHz FWA | Ofcom
Ofcom has increased the power limits from 2W EIRP to 4W EIRP for Band C in the 5GHz band (5725 - 5850 MHz) in all geographic areas. This doubling of power allowance should significantly increase the distance between radios i.e. users and basestations, which is potentially very good for rural areas.
Ofcom also looked at also increasing power in the 2.4GHz band, but this was rejected.
Ofcom have made changes to IR2007 which covers the 5GHz band to reflect the changes.
Ofcom has increased the power limits from 2W EIRP to 4W EIRP for Band C in the 5GHz band (5725 - 5850 MHz) in all geographic areas. This doubling of power allowance should significantly increase the distance between radios i.e. users and basestations, which is potentially very good for rural areas.
Ofcom also looked at also increasing power in the 2.4GHz band, but this was rejected.
Ofcom have made changes to IR2007 which covers the 5GHz band to reflect the changes.
2007/05/22
Rumours of UK Google MVNO
There are rumours that Google is setting up an MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) in the UK. Most MVNOs have been spectacular failures, apart from Virgin Mobile which as over 4m customers.
Google aren't going to have any physical presence and everything will be done on-line. They will sell Nokia phones with Google apps embedded.
Google has got the brand, but unless they can come out with some feature that stands out against all the other MNO offerings, they'll struggle. Some kind of unlimited data plan so users can make the most of Google's on-line apps might be the USP (unique selling point) that does it.
Google aren't going to have any physical presence and everything will be done on-line. They will sell Nokia phones with Google apps embedded.
Google has got the brand, but unless they can come out with some feature that stands out against all the other MNO offerings, they'll struggle. Some kind of unlimited data plan so users can make the most of Google's on-line apps might be the USP (unique selling point) that does it.
2007/05/21
Sky and Tiscali in talks?
It's rumoured that Sky is persuing Tiscali and they are in talks.
Tiscali have "on the market" for a while and though they purchased Home Choice for their video delivery capability, competition in broadband is constantly increasing and margins are decreasing.
Sky have always wanted to deliver video over their infrastructure, so Sky buying Tiscali could be a good deal for them.
If the deal goes through it's likely Easynet will take-over Tiscali's infrastructure which may not be good news for Tiscali staff.
Unfortunately this trend is going to continue in the UK and there are only going to be a few big telco/broadband players left in the market.
Tiscali have "on the market" for a while and though they purchased Home Choice for their video delivery capability, competition in broadband is constantly increasing and margins are decreasing.
Sky have always wanted to deliver video over their infrastructure, so Sky buying Tiscali could be a good deal for them.
If the deal goes through it's likely Easynet will take-over Tiscali's infrastructure which may not be good news for Tiscali staff.
Unfortunately this trend is going to continue in the UK and there are only going to be a few big telco/broadband players left in the market.
2007/05/18
Consumer protection test for telephone number allocation | Ofcom
Consumer protection test for telephone number allocation | Ofcom
Ofcom is consulting on ways to prevent numbers being allocated to businesses or individuals who have in the past abused their allocations in some way. This mainly concerns premium rate service (PRS) are personal numbers (070).
Ofcom wish to maintain a list and once on that list they cant have numbers allocated directly or indirectly.
The consultation closes on June 22nd 2007.
Ofcom is consulting on ways to prevent numbers being allocated to businesses or individuals who have in the past abused their allocations in some way. This mainly concerns premium rate service (PRS) are personal numbers (070).
Ofcom wish to maintain a list and once on that list they cant have numbers allocated directly or indirectly.
The consultation closes on June 22nd 2007.
2007/05/17
Update on the award of the spectrum band 2500-2690 MHz and associated spectrum bands | Ofcom
Update on the award of the spectrum band 2500-2690 MHz and associated spectrum bands | Ofcom
Ofcom received 35 responses to the consultation and therefore is conducting further analysis and consultation before taking further action.
This needs to take into account SE42 working group of the CEPT which wull be mandated by the European Commission on July 29th 2007.
There are also recommendations from COCOM.
RSC will take into account the CEPT and COCOM decisions and come out with policies in October and December.
Therefore the auctions wont take place before early 2008.
Ofcom received 35 responses to the consultation and therefore is conducting further analysis and consultation before taking further action.
This needs to take into account SE42 working group of the CEPT which wull be mandated by the European Commission on July 29th 2007.
There are also recommendations from COCOM.
RSC will take into account the CEPT and COCOM decisions and come out with policies in October and December.
Therefore the auctions wont take place before early 2008.
SonyEricsson contribute to Sony's revenues
SonyEricsson profits have increased by 47% will revenue has increased by over 100%. This is due to their Walkman and Cybershot range of phones.
Sony must welcome the added revenues.
Sony must welcome the added revenues.
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