Small and feature packed. It works with Googletalk out the box and also now supports Skype (with the latest software upgrade).
It has a virtual keyboard that works pretty well, and web browsing seems to support most sites.
There are apps that can be downloaded to make it pretty useful like an ssh client (and server), VNC client etc.
It's just small enough to carry around, but not as small as a mobile phone.
It also has sensible settings for Email (like supporting different smtp servers for different connection profiles.
2007/07/23
Google invests in Ubiquisys
Ubiquisys an Oxford based company have developed a 3G femtocell (known as Zonegate) using Picochip technology.
Google have invested around $10m of their $25m B round financing.
Google have also said they are looking at investing $4.6bn in the 700MHz wireless auction in the US (if the FCC holds the auction in a manner they consider fair).
It wouldn't be suprising if Google put money into the UK 2.5GHz auction that will happen next year, they may well also invest in a UK GSM Guard band license holder.
It seems Google believe licensed spectrum is the way forwards and are implementing that strategy.
Google have invested around $10m of their $25m B round financing.
Google have also said they are looking at investing $4.6bn in the 700MHz wireless auction in the US (if the FCC holds the auction in a manner they consider fair).
It wouldn't be suprising if Google put money into the UK 2.5GHz auction that will happen next year, they may well also invest in a UK GSM Guard band license holder.
It seems Google believe licensed spectrum is the way forwards and are implementing that strategy.
2007/07/20
Facebook | Login
Facebook | Login
First time I've seen Facebook errors: -
"Hey, your account is temporarily unavailable due to site maintenance. It should be available again within a few hours. We apologize for the inconvenience."
My photo albums disappeared and the homepage after login wasn't displaying the right info.
Looks like Facebook broke something badly, maybe they had to do an upgrade and it didn't work? Well it could be anything but coping with the growing number of users must be extremely difficult.
First time I've seen Facebook errors: -
"Hey, your account is temporarily unavailable due to site maintenance. It should be available again within a few hours. We apologize for the inconvenience."
My photo albums disappeared and the homepage after login wasn't displaying the right info.
Looks like Facebook broke something badly, maybe they had to do an upgrade and it didn't work? Well it could be anything but coping with the growing number of users must be extremely difficult.
2007/07/19
BT feels the need for 50Mb speed | The Register
BT feels the need for 50Mb speed | The Register
BT have said they are considering putting equipment in the street cabinets, though it will be a costly business.
There will also be huge problems as then it's likely BT will have to unbundle the sub-loops (as the copper is known between the street cabinet and the home) as well as already having to unbundle the local loop (allowing 3rd parties to put kit in the exchange).
The unbundling stems from an EU directive which mandates unbundling of the local or sub loops.
If BT has to allow 3rd parties to put kit in their street cabinets it will open a huge can of worms. Maybe they'll be allowed to run the infrastructure, but open it to 3rd parties.
Though speeds of 50Mb/s are quoted, VDSL2/2+ actually allows speeds of up to 100Mb/s which is common in various Asian countries.
BT have said they are considering putting equipment in the street cabinets, though it will be a costly business.
There will also be huge problems as then it's likely BT will have to unbundle the sub-loops (as the copper is known between the street cabinet and the home) as well as already having to unbundle the local loop (allowing 3rd parties to put kit in the exchange).
The unbundling stems from an EU directive which mandates unbundling of the local or sub loops.
If BT has to allow 3rd parties to put kit in their street cabinets it will open a huge can of worms. Maybe they'll be allowed to run the infrastructure, but open it to 3rd parties.
Though speeds of 50Mb/s are quoted, VDSL2/2+ actually allows speeds of up to 100Mb/s which is common in various Asian countries.
Disputes between T-Mobile and BT, O2 and BT, Hutchison 3G and BT and BT and each of Hutchison 3G, Orange Personal Communications Services and Vodafone relating to call termination rates | Ofcom
Disputes between T-Mobile and BT, O2 and BT, Hutchison 3G and BT and BT and each of Hutchison 3G, Orange Personal Communications Services and Vodafone relating to call termination rates | Ofcom
Ofcom has now closed this case and BT will have to pay termination charges to the various operators for the periods in dispute up to 27th March 2007.
On 27 March 2007, Ofcom published a statement concluding a market review into mobile call termination charges.
Ofcom determined that there would be no distinction to voice call termination whether on 2G or 3G networks for 4 years from 1 April 2007 (i.e. until 2011 when a further review may take place).
So the operators will gain some fees, but not as much as they'd hoped for.
Ofcom has now closed this case and BT will have to pay termination charges to the various operators for the periods in dispute up to 27th March 2007.
On 27 March 2007, Ofcom published a statement concluding a market review into mobile call termination charges.
Ofcom determined that there would be no distinction to voice call termination whether on 2G or 3G networks for 4 years from 1 April 2007 (i.e. until 2011 when a further review may take place).
So the operators will gain some fees, but not as much as they'd hoped for.
2007/07/18
PC Pro: News: Facebook facing shutdown over 'stolen code' claim
PC Pro: News: Facebook facing shutdown over 'stolen code' claim
Whether the claim is true or not, it's unlikely Facebook could be shut down, their users would bitterly complain (including myself) and there's enough of them to make themselves heard.
Facebook seems to be gaining popularity at an increasing rate.
If you haven't used Facebook, try it. Though a social networking site, they are also gaining serious business networking professionals and their photo upload too is a joy to use.
Whether the claim is true or not, it's unlikely Facebook could be shut down, their users would bitterly complain (including myself) and there's enough of them to make themselves heard.
Facebook seems to be gaining popularity at an increasing rate.
If you haven't used Facebook, try it. Though a social networking site, they are also gaining serious business networking professionals and their photo upload too is a joy to use.
2007/07/17
Arrangements for porting phone numbers when customers switch supplier | Ofcom
Arrangements for porting phone numbers when customers switch supplier | Ofcom
Ofcom wants mobile operators to speed up the porting process between operators.
Currently they are allowed 5 days which is seen as a barrier to changing operators, Ofcom want to reduce this to two days and then 2 hours.
Eventually this would rely on a central common porting database which all networks could query, this is known as All Calls Query/ Common Database (ACQ/CBD) and is being implemented for Next Generation Networks.
Ofcom has allowed 26 months for this to happen, but the UK 3G operator 3 has said it could be done in less than 12 months.
Some operators will be resistant to this as making it easy for customers to move away from their network is not in their best interest. It will also effect the new tranch of low power GSM (Guard Band entrants) who are already at looking how best to implement a porting mechanism with the 5 existing MNOs.
Ofcom would like to see a database implemented and populated by 31st Dec 2008, then direct routing and near instant porting by 1st Sep 2009 and achieve Direct Routing by ALL networks (including fixed line networks) by 31st Dec 2012. There are also other options, but this is Ofcoms preferred one.
If this can be implemented quickly it will make a huge difference to the mobile world enabling users to move networks easily, it will also help the low power operators who are currently battling the MNO's (in a nice way) to make their life easier.
Ofcom wants mobile operators to speed up the porting process between operators.
Currently they are allowed 5 days which is seen as a barrier to changing operators, Ofcom want to reduce this to two days and then 2 hours.
Eventually this would rely on a central common porting database which all networks could query, this is known as All Calls Query/ Common Database (ACQ/CBD) and is being implemented for Next Generation Networks.
Ofcom has allowed 26 months for this to happen, but the UK 3G operator 3 has said it could be done in less than 12 months.
Some operators will be resistant to this as making it easy for customers to move away from their network is not in their best interest. It will also effect the new tranch of low power GSM (Guard Band entrants) who are already at looking how best to implement a porting mechanism with the 5 existing MNOs.
Ofcom would like to see a database implemented and populated by 31st Dec 2008, then direct routing and near instant porting by 1st Sep 2009 and achieve Direct Routing by ALL networks (including fixed line networks) by 31st Dec 2012. There are also other options, but this is Ofcoms preferred one.
If this can be implemented quickly it will make a huge difference to the mobile world enabling users to move networks easily, it will also help the low power operators who are currently battling the MNO's (in a nice way) to make their life easier.
Tiscali to buy Pipex
UK broadband consilidation continues with the acquisition of Pipex's fixed voice and broadband assets going to Tiscali (assuming it gains the approval of Pipex's shareholders and the UK OFT). This will add around 570,000 consumers and 100,000 business broadband customers. Tiscali will pay around £210m.
It looks like Pipex will maintain their hosting business (though it's a good guess they'll sell that off too) and Pipex Wireless who are starting to offer WiMAX based services (with a £21m injection from Intel).
Though Pipex Wireless are rolling out wireless services, they are ripe for a take-over and they may fetch as much as the fixed line assets of Pipex. Wireless is seen as the only real contender to fight BT's last mile hold. Pipex initially zero rated their wireless license on their books when they acquired Firstnet who also acquired the license from another operator. They must now be laughing all the way to the bank.
It looks like Pipex will maintain their hosting business (though it's a good guess they'll sell that off too) and Pipex Wireless who are starting to offer WiMAX based services (with a £21m injection from Intel).
Though Pipex Wireless are rolling out wireless services, they are ripe for a take-over and they may fetch as much as the fixed line assets of Pipex. Wireless is seen as the only real contender to fight BT's last mile hold. Pipex initially zero rated their wireless license on their books when they acquired Firstnet who also acquired the license from another operator. They must now be laughing all the way to the bank.
2007/07/12
Virgin loses 40,000 customers, Sky gains
Sky has reported better pay tv results this quarter, 90,000 new subs instead of the 50,000 expected.
VirginMedia has admitted it has lost 40,000 customers to Sky over the loss of basic Sky channels on its service.
Sky is not saying if the increased customer base is due to Virgin's loss, however they have also increased their broadband and voice customers.
If the loss continues VirginMedia will suffer greatly, which cant hurt Sky.
VirginMedia has admitted it has lost 40,000 customers to Sky over the loss of basic Sky channels on its service.
Sky is not saying if the increased customer base is due to Virgin's loss, however they have also increased their broadband and voice customers.
If the loss continues VirginMedia will suffer greatly, which cant hurt Sky.
Quicktime 7.2
It seems Apple have added 2 new features to Quicktime 7.2, export to iPhone and export to iPhone (cellular) as well as fixing various security vulnerabilities.
The iPhone export supports .m4v (an MPEG 4 variant), while iPhone (cellular) supports the standardised .3gp format which produces smaller files.
Though the features are there, they're not mentioned in the release notes.
Quicktime 7.2 is available as a standalone download or part of the iTunes 7.3.1 download (which is a minor upgrade from iTunes 7.3 to 7.3.1 and fixes some iTunes library issues).
The iPhone export supports .m4v (an MPEG 4 variant), while iPhone (cellular) supports the standardised .3gp format which produces smaller files.
Though the features are there, they're not mentioned in the release notes.
Quicktime 7.2 is available as a standalone download or part of the iTunes 7.3.1 download (which is a minor upgrade from iTunes 7.3 to 7.3.1 and fixes some iTunes library issues).
Spectrum Framework Review: the Public Sector | Ofcom
Spectrum Framework Review: the Public Sector | Ofcom
Ofcom is holding a consultation to make more spectrum available, either by directly licensing spectrum, by spectrum trading and other means.
Much of the spectrum below 15GHz is held by the MOD and public sector, the MOD is already conducting a review of its required spectrum and will make spectrum available after 2008. Ofcom is trying to make it easier for the public sector to do the same.
The Wireless Telegraphy Act is a very draconian piece of legislation which covers most spectrum allocations, however under the Communications Act some licenses have been transferred and allow more flexible use.
Ofcom is proposing that more spectrum be licensed under the Communications Act regime, which would allow spectrum trading.
Ofcom is holding a consultation to make more spectrum available, either by directly licensing spectrum, by spectrum trading and other means.
Much of the spectrum below 15GHz is held by the MOD and public sector, the MOD is already conducting a review of its required spectrum and will make spectrum available after 2008. Ofcom is trying to make it easier for the public sector to do the same.
The Wireless Telegraphy Act is a very draconian piece of legislation which covers most spectrum allocations, however under the Communications Act some licenses have been transferred and allow more flexible use.
Ofcom is proposing that more spectrum be licensed under the Communications Act regime, which would allow spectrum trading.
2007/07/11
Disputes between T-Mobile and BT, O2 and BT, Hutchison 3G and BT and BT and each of Hutchison 3G, Orange Personal Communications Services and Vodafone relating to call termination rates | Ofcom
Disputes between T-Mobile and BT, O2 and BT, Hutchison 3G and BT and BT and each of Hutchison 3G, Orange Personal Communications Services and Vodafone relating to call termination rates | Ofcom
The mobile networks are saying it costs more to terminate calls on their 3G networks compared to the 2G (or GSM) networks and have either raised charges, or want to raise charges. BT has complained about the new charges.
Ofcom have received new information and are therefore extending the dispute.
The mobile networks are saying it costs more to terminate calls on their 3G networks compared to the 2G (or GSM) networks and have either raised charges, or want to raise charges. BT has complained about the new charges.
Ofcom have received new information and are therefore extending the dispute.
Facebook is growing fast
Facebook is definately the new craze and is growing like mad. Everyone seems to be joining, the same faces from other social networking sites, interestingly business users and consumers alike.
The interface is much more organised than say MySpace and much easier to read/navigate around. It seems "more friendly" too.
Google's Orkut gained a huge popularity when they launched (invite only - which made it geeky cool), but it rapidly seemed to lose it's steam.
While MySpace is huge, Facebook must be catching up. Facebook also rarely has errors while accessing areas etc, so they've obviously thought hard and long about scalability from the beginning.
A major plus for Facebook is that they've opened it up so developers can access the gubbins below and build applications - techy heaven - but it also means stuff gets developed that users want (and that Facebook might not have resources to do themselves).
It looks like it's here to stay.
The interface is much more organised than say MySpace and much easier to read/navigate around. It seems "more friendly" too.
Google's Orkut gained a huge popularity when they launched (invite only - which made it geeky cool), but it rapidly seemed to lose it's steam.
While MySpace is huge, Facebook must be catching up. Facebook also rarely has errors while accessing areas etc, so they've obviously thought hard and long about scalability from the beginning.
A major plus for Facebook is that they've opened it up so developers can access the gubbins below and build applications - techy heaven - but it also means stuff gets developed that users want (and that Facebook might not have resources to do themselves).
It looks like it's here to stay.
Nokia adds Skype to N800 Internet device
Nokia and Skype have added the Skype VoIP application to the N800 WiFi tablet. This will allow users to utilise the Skype application when connected through a nome or public WiFi hotspot.
The tablet seems more a techie toy rather than a useful Internet device.
The tablet seems more a techie toy rather than a useful Internet device.
2007/07/04
Apple iPhone soon to be hacked
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).
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).
2007/06/20
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.
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