LinkedIn has hit 1m UK users. This is a pretty astounding achievement for a business networking site, it also means they must be running out of UK customers too.
Though other social networking sites are growing at a much faster rate (think Facebook), they are targetting a more generic audience.
LinkedIn is very good for connecting to business colleagues and keeping track of what they are doing, who's hiring etc.
2007/10/10
2007/10/04
Bootcamp to expire
Apple's Bootcamp system (which allows Windows or MacOS X to run on Apple hardware) will expire when the next version of MacOS X 10.5 (Leopard) is launched.
Bootcamp is currently offered as a beta download.
Bootcamp differs from Parallels or VMWare's offering in that it encapsulates a Windows partition on the hard disk and allows a Windows operating system to boot or MacOS X. Parallels is a virtual machine which runs inside MacOS X, allowing a Windows OS to run in parallel with MacOS X (there's a reason why they called it Parallels).
Bootcamp is currently offered as a beta download.
Bootcamp differs from Parallels or VMWare's offering in that it encapsulates a Windows partition on the hard disk and allows a Windows operating system to boot or MacOS X. Parallels is a virtual machine which runs inside MacOS X, allowing a Windows OS to run in parallel with MacOS X (there's a reason why they called it Parallels).
BT invests in FON
BT has invested in the Spanish company FON. BT state this is to increase wireless coverage, but it could also be a way to increase use of their Fusion packages which haven't really taken off in a big way (Fusion is BT's converged mobile service which allows a mobile phone to roam on to a [Bluetooth in a home environment] WiFi gateway).
FON sells or gives away WiFi access points preconfigured to work with FON and these allow the user to set-up whether they'll give free or charged access to their broadband services.
FON sells or gives away WiFi access points preconfigured to work with FON and these allow the user to set-up whether they'll give free or charged access to their broadband services.
O2 to allow "free" access to social networking sites
During October and November O2 is going to allow free mobile data access to social networking sites MySpace and Facebook, after which it will encourage users to sign-up to it's unlimited data plans (which aren't really unlimited at all, but nothing new there).
It's the old system of getting users hooked and then charging them for the service, but they'll probably attract quite a few users to their data plans this way.
O2 are also going to launch their broadband services soon (they bought Be a while back), some of which will be free if the monthly mobile spend is high enough.
It's the old system of getting users hooked and then charging them for the service, but they'll probably attract quite a few users to their data plans this way.
O2 are also going to launch their broadband services soon (they bought Be a while back), some of which will be free if the monthly mobile spend is high enough.
3Com launches Asterisk based SMB IP PBX
3Com has launched a $1,600 30-user Asterisk appliance based IP PBX.
It's essentially just a resale of the Asterisk appliance by 3Com, but it's sold and supported by 3Com.
The Asterisk IP PBX is a great piece of software (it's available for download from the Asterisk website), but it's not for the feint hearted. It runs on Linux and is reasonably complex to set-up. Unfortunately documentation is severely lacking (though there are some good books out there from publishers like O'Reilly and various websites like VoIP Info) and often a response is "look in the code".
Having "real" vendors support Asterisk means it will get into the mainstream markets and that's likely to produce some good documentation.
As the 3Com unit is a pre-installed system, configuration is a lot simper and newer versions of Asterisk come with a web based configuration system. Though that takes some of the fun out of hand writing dial-plans - which may change the definition of fun.
It's essentially just a resale of the Asterisk appliance by 3Com, but it's sold and supported by 3Com.
The Asterisk IP PBX is a great piece of software (it's available for download from the Asterisk website), but it's not for the feint hearted. It runs on Linux and is reasonably complex to set-up. Unfortunately documentation is severely lacking (though there are some good books out there from publishers like O'Reilly and various websites like VoIP Info) and often a response is "look in the code".
Having "real" vendors support Asterisk means it will get into the mainstream markets and that's likely to produce some good documentation.
As the 3Com unit is a pre-installed system, configuration is a lot simper and newer versions of Asterisk come with a web based configuration system. Though that takes some of the fun out of hand writing dial-plans - which may change the definition of fun.
Talklets, making the web speak
The world of cinema changed when silent movies became talkies, now the same is (slowly) happening with the web. A UK company Textics has developed Talklets accessibility enabling technology.
Talklets is actually a web based service that can perform text-to-speech and a website owner only needs to put Javascript tags on the site which enables a Talklets toolbar which controls the text-to-speech system. It also allows for other functionality such as "right-click" floating toolbars which can be configured per site, the standard toolbar will allow offer the user a dictionary or theasurus look-up on the word the mouse is over. In future it will also allow per site lexicons which can allow for local "buzzwords" to be explained.
Talkets can also take RSS feeds and convert them to MP3s, which is like having a local newsreader.
Textics is part of the Hidden Differences Group which is a company that is trying to make the web accessible, in the UK 20% of the population at least have reading difficulties. Developing countries have an even higher percentage that cant read but almost everyone can speak.
Talklets is actually a web based service that can perform text-to-speech and a website owner only needs to put Javascript tags on the site which enables a Talklets toolbar which controls the text-to-speech system. It also allows for other functionality such as "right-click" floating toolbars which can be configured per site, the standard toolbar will allow offer the user a dictionary or theasurus look-up on the word the mouse is over. In future it will also allow per site lexicons which can allow for local "buzzwords" to be explained.
Talkets can also take RSS feeds and convert them to MP3s, which is like having a local newsreader.
Textics is part of the Hidden Differences Group which is a company that is trying to make the web accessible, in the UK 20% of the population at least have reading difficulties. Developing countries have an even higher percentage that cant read but almost everyone can speak.
2007/10/02
RIPA goes live
The Regulation of Investigatory Powers (RIP) Act has actually been live for a while, but from today all telecoms companies must store records of all phone calls (and mobile networks SMS messages) for a year.
Though the actual conversation are not recorded (and SMS messages are not saved), but the caller and called numbers (and how long they talked) must be stored, for SMS the origination and destination number are stored.
Telcos have always stored the data (they use it for billing), but it's now who has access to it which comes into force. Around 650 organisations will be able to request records under the RIP Act, from normal agencies such as government, police, security forces to councils and even the charity commission and various quangos.
It's been slipped through as "helping to fight terrorism" ...
Though the actual conversation are not recorded (and SMS messages are not saved), but the caller and called numbers (and how long they talked) must be stored, for SMS the origination and destination number are stored.
Telcos have always stored the data (they use it for billing), but it's now who has access to it which comes into force. Around 650 organisations will be able to request records under the RIP Act, from normal agencies such as government, police, security forces to councils and even the charity commission and various quangos.
It's been slipped through as "helping to fight terrorism" ...
Ofcom tries to ensure the future of Sitefinder
Sitefinder is Ofcom's database of mobile cell sites. The mobile network operators (MNOs) used to supply data on a voluntary basis which contained the location of cells.
Ofcom was forced to make extra data available that showed cell sectors and transmitter power etc. after a freedom of information request, though Ofcom resisted it went to the Information Tribunal and Ofcom lost.
Since Sitefinder is populated voluntarily, the MNOs felt they were giving away competetively sensitive information and have stopped providing new information.
Ofcom is urging the MNOs to continue populating Sitefinder and is also appealing the Information Tribunal’s decision so that in future sensitive information does not need to be released.
Sitefinder is an important database as it helps Ofcom conduct its duties as a regulator, having stale data reduces that usefulness.
Ofcom was forced to make extra data available that showed cell sectors and transmitter power etc. after a freedom of information request, though Ofcom resisted it went to the Information Tribunal and Ofcom lost.
Since Sitefinder is populated voluntarily, the MNOs felt they were giving away competetively sensitive information and have stopped providing new information.
Ofcom is urging the MNOs to continue populating Sitefinder and is also appealing the Information Tribunal’s decision so that in future sensitive information does not need to be released.
Sitefinder is an important database as it helps Ofcom conduct its duties as a regulator, having stale data reduces that usefulness.
2007/09/27
Ofcom fines GMTV £2m
Ofcom has today fined GMTV £2,000,000 for misconduct in viewer competitions between August 2003 and February 2007. This is the largest financial penalty to be imposed against a broadcaster by Ofcom.
GMTV was found in breach of the following rules:
Rule 2.11 of the Ofcom Broadcasting Code, which came into effect on 25 July
2005, “Competitions should be conducted fairly…”; and
Rule 8.2(b) of the ITC (Independent Television Commission) Code 2002 "Use of Premium Rate
Telephone Services in Programmes: The licensee must retain control of and responsibility
for the service arrangements....".
This is the highest fine ever imposed on a broadcaster in the UK.
Opal Telecom (the operator who actually ran the telecoms operation) were also fined £250,000.
Ofcom considers fast broadband outlook and pledges clarity for investors | Ofcom
Ofcom considers fast broadband outlook and pledges clarity for investors | Ofcom
Ofcom is holding a consultation into Next Generation Access (NGA). This is the ability to deliver high speed services into the home.
Though: -
- over ninety-nine per cent of the UK is connected to a broadband enabled exchange;
- over half of UK households have taken up broadband;
- almost three quarters have a choice of at least two broadband (ADSL and/or cable)
network providers;
- the average headline speed has doubled in a year to reach 4.6mb/s and broadband prices
have fallen by 9% in the last twelve months.
Ofcom want to continue to ensure that there is competetion in the market etc.
The consultation closes on Dec 5th 2007.
Ofcom is holding a consultation into Next Generation Access (NGA). This is the ability to deliver high speed services into the home.
Though: -
- over ninety-nine per cent of the UK is connected to a broadband enabled exchange;
- over half of UK households have taken up broadband;
- almost three quarters have a choice of at least two broadband (ADSL and/or cable)
network providers;
- the average headline speed has doubled in a year to reach 4.6mb/s and broadband prices
have fallen by 9% in the last twelve months.
Ofcom want to continue to ensure that there is competetion in the market etc.
The consultation closes on Dec 5th 2007.
Stephen Fry
Stephen Fry
If you're a fan of Stephen Fry, here's his blog - or more the rantings of of a very educated technogeek. It's not what you'd think. He appraises the current tranch of smartphones including Apple's iPhone.
As a dedicated Mac fan, he's not ashamed to blast its deficiencies as well as those from virtually every other smartphone vendor.
It's only his first post, so hopefully lots more to come.
If you're a fan of Stephen Fry, here's his blog - or more the rantings of of a very educated technogeek. It's not what you'd think. He appraises the current tranch of smartphones including Apple's iPhone.
As a dedicated Mac fan, he's not ashamed to blast its deficiencies as well as those from virtually every other smartphone vendor.
It's only his first post, so hopefully lots more to come.
2007/09/25
Application of spectrum liberalisation and trading to the mobile sector | Ofcom
Application of spectrum liberalisation and trading to the mobile sector | Ofcom
Ofcom, following a decision by the RSC (which sets radio spectrum policy in the EU and other areas) is consulting on what should be done with spectrum in the 900MHz and 1800MHz bands.
900MHz is currently used by O2 and Vodafone, while 1800MHz is utilised by T-Mobile, Orange, O2 and Vodafone (though T-Mobile and Orange utilise the bulk of it).
Ofcom could re-allocate the spectrum in several ways (and have come out with 4 options, 1 through D where A is just re-use and D is complete re-allocation).
Since the characteristics of the 1800MHz band are similar to that of the 2.1GHz (2100MHz) and even 2.5/2.6GHz bands, the economic case for re-allocation (including disruption to existing operators) doesn't seem the best way forwards and Ofcom is proposing just to allow spectrum re-use (i.e. currently only 2G services can be utilised in this spectrum, but Ofcom is proposing that 3G services will also be allowed, but by the existing operators).
900MHz is much more valuable spectrum as it has very good propogation characteristics (especially in built-up areas). Ofcom are therefore proposing to revoke some spectrum from O2 and Vodafone's allocations. It is likely that O2 and Vodafone will complain bitterly, especially O2 as they are rolling-out an E.D.G.E. network (which is GSM based) to support Apple's iPhone and other terminals - so they are upgrading their existing network, only to be mandated to release spectrum.
By releasing two blocks of spectrum in the 900MHz band, Ofcom would allow 2 new entrants into the market who could offer 3G or wireless broadband services. This would increase competition and allow new services to be offered. There are already 3G networks running on 900MHz so equipment is readily available.
O2 and Vodafone will not be allowed to bid on the revoked spectrum.
Anyone wishing to respond to the consultation has until the 29th of November to do so.
Ofcom, following a decision by the RSC (which sets radio spectrum policy in the EU and other areas) is consulting on what should be done with spectrum in the 900MHz and 1800MHz bands.
900MHz is currently used by O2 and Vodafone, while 1800MHz is utilised by T-Mobile, Orange, O2 and Vodafone (though T-Mobile and Orange utilise the bulk of it).
Ofcom could re-allocate the spectrum in several ways (and have come out with 4 options, 1 through D where A is just re-use and D is complete re-allocation).
Since the characteristics of the 1800MHz band are similar to that of the 2.1GHz (2100MHz) and even 2.5/2.6GHz bands, the economic case for re-allocation (including disruption to existing operators) doesn't seem the best way forwards and Ofcom is proposing just to allow spectrum re-use (i.e. currently only 2G services can be utilised in this spectrum, but Ofcom is proposing that 3G services will also be allowed, but by the existing operators).
900MHz is much more valuable spectrum as it has very good propogation characteristics (especially in built-up areas). Ofcom are therefore proposing to revoke some spectrum from O2 and Vodafone's allocations. It is likely that O2 and Vodafone will complain bitterly, especially O2 as they are rolling-out an E.D.G.E. network (which is GSM based) to support Apple's iPhone and other terminals - so they are upgrading their existing network, only to be mandated to release spectrum.
By releasing two blocks of spectrum in the 900MHz band, Ofcom would allow 2 new entrants into the market who could offer 3G or wireless broadband services. This would increase competition and allow new services to be offered. There are already 3G networks running on 900MHz so equipment is readily available.
O2 and Vodafone will not be allowed to bid on the revoked spectrum.
Anyone wishing to respond to the consultation has until the 29th of November to do so.
2007/09/18
SCO files for Chapter 11
After losing its long-running battle for ownership of Unix copyrights last month, SCO has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
Though SCO say their business isn't affected, their long standing argument over ownership of UNIX code and whether various Linux compenents have UNIX code in them, has made them unpopular very unpopular.
Many people wont be sad if they go under, though it will be a shame as they were pioneers when UNIX was originally being developed.
Though SCO say their business isn't affected, their long standing argument over ownership of UNIX code and whether various Linux compenents have UNIX code in them, has made them unpopular very unpopular.
Many people wont be sad if they go under, though it will be a shame as they were pioneers when UNIX was originally being developed.
Sprint announced FemtoCell Airwave service
Sprint has announced its long awaited Airwave service using FemtoCells from Samsung (CDMA).
These are used in the home and utilise broadband for backhaul to Sprints network. When a user's Sprint mobile is in the vicinity of the cell it will use that instead of Sprint's main cell sites. Calls will be heavily discounted or free when in range of the femto cell.
More networks will adopt femto cells as they allow cheaper calls to be offered and high data rate services. The main issue with femto cells is they need licensed spectrum which is scarce in lots of countries.
These are used in the home and utilise broadband for backhaul to Sprints network. When a user's Sprint mobile is in the vicinity of the cell it will use that instead of Sprint's main cell sites. Calls will be heavily discounted or free when in range of the femto cell.
More networks will adopt femto cells as they allow cheaper calls to be offered and high data rate services. The main issue with femto cells is they need licensed spectrum which is scarce in lots of countries.
Zimbra purchased by Yahoo
Zimbra who make the Zimbra Collaboration Suite (or ZCS) have announced they've been purchased by Yahoo.
ZCS is an Email/calendaring/etc suite with support for standard mail protocols and also plug-ins for Outlook etc. It also supports Microsoft's ActiveSync for over the air push Email.
ZCS comes in various flavours including an open source edition and they've stated this will continue to be the case even after the Yahoo purchase.
ZCS is a reasonable UN*X based competitor to Microsoft's Exchange, maybe Yahoo will give it the market distribution it deserves.
ZCS is an Email/calendaring/etc suite with support for standard mail protocols and also plug-ins for Outlook etc. It also supports Microsoft's ActiveSync for over the air push Email.
ZCS comes in various flavours including an open source edition and they've stated this will continue to be the case even after the Yahoo purchase.
ZCS is a reasonable UN*X based competitor to Microsoft's Exchange, maybe Yahoo will give it the market distribution it deserves.
UK Apple iPhone deal announced
Steve Jobs was in Apple's UK Regent Street store to announce the deal with O2 for the iPhone which is going to be available on November 9th.
Suprisingly it's not a 3G phone, it will still only support E.D.G.E. as does the US variant. This will mean O2 have a lot of work to do to upgrade all their basestations to support E.D.G.E, though customers have reported that some cells are already showing E.D.G.E capability.
Pricing plans start at £35 per month for 200 minutes and 200 texts with unlimited data, this also gives unlimited WiFi access (via the Cloud). Higher rates give more voice minutes and texts.
Maybe the 16GB version will support 3G, which must be due soon ... giving Apple the ability to sell to the next generation of iPhone users and getting everyone who'se going to buy one at launch the opportunity to upgrade.
Suprisingly it's not a 3G phone, it will still only support E.D.G.E. as does the US variant. This will mean O2 have a lot of work to do to upgrade all their basestations to support E.D.G.E, though customers have reported that some cells are already showing E.D.G.E capability.
Pricing plans start at £35 per month for 200 minutes and 200 texts with unlimited data, this also gives unlimited WiFi access (via the Cloud). Higher rates give more voice minutes and texts.
Maybe the 16GB version will support 3G, which must be due soon ... giving Apple the ability to sell to the next generation of iPhone users and getting everyone who'se going to buy one at launch the opportunity to upgrade.
2007/09/14
Apple special event Sept 18th
Apple are inviting journalists to a special event on September the 18th.
Speculation is the announcement of the new European 3G iPhone and the EU partners (O2 in UK?).
Speculation is the announcement of the new European 3G iPhone and the EU partners (O2 in UK?).
2007/09/13
P2P GSM
A Swedish company TerraNet has developed a peer to peer GSM technology that can be built in to a standard handset.
This means that calls between TerraNet enabled handsets don't go through the normal GSM operators' networks, but directly between handsets.
Though range is limited between handsets (around 1Km), the system can mesh handsets and hop calls through multiple handsets. This is also true for connection to a standard GSM network, so if handset A is within range of a basestation it can relay calls through it and extend the distance.
Most countries are likely to prohibit P2P GSM as the operators' license covers the handsets as well (they transmit and receive radio communication, therefore each handset requires a license - under the UK regime anyway) and most operators aren't likely to support the technology as it's a very quick way to reduce their call revenue.
However in countries that have limited coverage, operators might encourage this use.
In the UK there is potentially a way forward as the low power GSM Guard Band licensees might well be able to offer this technology within their license which would be completely disruptive to the MNOs.
This means that calls between TerraNet enabled handsets don't go through the normal GSM operators' networks, but directly between handsets.
Though range is limited between handsets (around 1Km), the system can mesh handsets and hop calls through multiple handsets. This is also true for connection to a standard GSM network, so if handset A is within range of a basestation it can relay calls through it and extend the distance.
Most countries are likely to prohibit P2P GSM as the operators' license covers the handsets as well (they transmit and receive radio communication, therefore each handset requires a license - under the UK regime anyway) and most operators aren't likely to support the technology as it's a very quick way to reduce their call revenue.
However in countries that have limited coverage, operators might encourage this use.
In the UK there is potentially a way forward as the low power GSM Guard Band licensees might well be able to offer this technology within their license which would be completely disruptive to the MNOs.
2007/09/05
Apple releases new iPods
As expected Apple announced updated and new iPods.
The Shuffle gains new colours.
The Nano's are now fully metal and support video as well as things like CoverFlow.
iPod Classic is now all metal in 80GB and 160GB (and thinner than current models and with longer battery life), also with CoverFlow.
The new iPod Touch comes in 8GB and 16GB models and includes WiFi (basically an iPhone without the phone).
The 4GB iPhone has been dropped and the 8GB version reduced by $200 to $399.
Apple have also done a deal with Starbucks which allows buying of the last 10 played songs via in-store WiFi. It's not clear whether the iPod/Phone will be able to use WiFi for anything else though (without paying for it).
As the iPod Touch comes in a 16GB version, it's likely the iPhone will too at some point.
The Shuffle gains new colours.
The Nano's are now fully metal and support video as well as things like CoverFlow.
iPod Classic is now all metal in 80GB and 160GB (and thinner than current models and with longer battery life), also with CoverFlow.
The new iPod Touch comes in 8GB and 16GB models and includes WiFi (basically an iPhone without the phone).
The 4GB iPhone has been dropped and the 8GB version reduced by $200 to $399.
Apple have also done a deal with Starbucks which allows buying of the last 10 played songs via in-store WiFi. It's not clear whether the iPod/Phone will be able to use WiFi for anything else though (without paying for it).
As the iPod Touch comes in a 16GB version, it's likely the iPhone will too at some point.
2007/08/28
iPhone hacked
It looks like the iPhone can now work on non-ATandT SIMs.
However it also looks like Apple/ATandT may be getting their legal guns aimed and ready to fire on anyone offering software that will completely unlock the iPhone.
A UK company was going to sell software to unlock the iPhone, but a now rethinking after a call from ATandT lawayers at 3am UK time.
Though it would be fun to use an iPhone with a UK SIM, unless data rates drop considerably (though do-able on T-Mobile and 3) using an iPhone in the UK could prove a very costly business.
Better wait until O2 officially announce their deal with Apple for the UK and see what their pricing is.
However it also looks like Apple/ATandT may be getting their legal guns aimed and ready to fire on anyone offering software that will completely unlock the iPhone.
A UK company was going to sell software to unlock the iPhone, but a now rethinking after a call from ATandT lawayers at 3am UK time.
Though it would be fun to use an iPhone with a UK SIM, unless data rates drop considerably (though do-able on T-Mobile and 3) using an iPhone in the UK could prove a very costly business.
Better wait until O2 officially announce their deal with Apple for the UK and see what their pricing is.
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