The Mobile Phones for the Senior Market Conference is on October 26th at the Royal Institution of British Architects. Tickets cost £350.
The conference is all about phones for older people. Many of the current phones on the market are just too fiddly for older users and they don't want any of the features that modern phones come with.
There's a large (currently) untapped market and this conference will show how and why mobile phone companies should be addressing the older generation.
If you want to attend please enter "eurotechnews" as a discount code and you'll get a discount.
2009/10/05
Adobe CS5 support for iPhone
It seems Adobe's CS5 will support developing Flash programs using Actionscript for iPhone.
Though Apple are still refusing to allow the Flash player to run on the iPhone allowing Flash programs to be downloaded from the web, the CS5 version seems to combine the Flash player and the program into a standalone executable so it operates as a program suitable for use on the iPhone and iPod Touch.
The system will also allow existing Flash programs to be packaged into an executable.
Adobe are releasing beta versions of CS5 shortly.
Though Apple are still refusing to allow the Flash player to run on the iPhone allowing Flash programs to be downloaded from the web, the CS5 version seems to combine the Flash player and the program into a standalone executable so it operates as a program suitable for use on the iPhone and iPod Touch.
The system will also allow existing Flash programs to be packaged into an executable.
Adobe are releasing beta versions of CS5 shortly.
RIM to Flash soon
RIM has joined Adobe's Open Screen Project (along with Google and 50 others) and have announced they are jointly developing Flash for the Blackberry phones.
This is in-line with Adobe's push to get Flash player 10.1 onto most smart phones by the end of the year.
Apple is notably absent from the list and there are no (public) plans for Flash on the iPhone.
This is in-line with Adobe's push to get Flash player 10.1 onto most smart phones by the end of the year.
Apple is notably absent from the list and there are no (public) plans for Flash on the iPhone.
2009/10/01
RIM announce date for Blackberry Desktop Manager for Mac
It looks like Oct 2nd 2009 is the official release date for Blackberry Desktop Software for Mac.
There are beta versions out in the wild, but RIM have posted the date on their Blackberry website.
This will be welcomed by Blackberry/Mac users who've had to do with 3rd party software (which is generally paid for) or PocketMac which never worked properly (here anyway).
It's likely to be released when Canada wakes up, so sometime in the afternoon for us Europeans on the other side of the pond.
There are beta versions out in the wild, but RIM have posted the date on their Blackberry website.
This will be welcomed by Blackberry/Mac users who've had to do with 3rd party software (which is generally paid for) or PocketMac which never worked properly (here anyway).
It's likely to be released when Canada wakes up, so sometime in the afternoon for us Europeans on the other side of the pond.
2009/09/23
IEEE ratifies new Power over Ethernet standard
The IEEE has ratified the802.3at standard which is the Power over Ethernet group. This now allows power to be supplied at up to 30W over a standard Ethernet port, which is enough to power small computing devices such as netbooks.
This could mean the end of lugging around laptops which hefty brick power supplies, just plug them into your local PoE switch and bang (well hopefully not a bang) and you have both power and connectivity.
It could also simplify aero power for laptops.
This could mean the end of lugging around laptops which hefty brick power supplies, just plug them into your local PoE switch and bang (well hopefully not a bang) and you have both power and connectivity.
It could also simplify aero power for laptops.
2009/09/22
Starbucks offers free WiFi to card carriers
Starbucks through BT Openzone is now offering free WiFi to holders of registered Starbucks cards in any of their participating stores in the UK and Ireland.
Starbucks already offered this in a few flagship stores, but's now been rolled out the the rest of the stores.
Starbucks cards can be picked up from any store and then credit applied to them (up to £100). Drinks can then be purchased using the card. Once the card has been registered (via Starbucks.co.uk site), it can be topped up on-line too. Other benefits are free syrup or extra shots as well as the free WiFi offer.
This is a good thing for people who regularly frequent a store to do some work.
Starbucks already offered this in a few flagship stores, but's now been rolled out the the rest of the stores.
Starbucks cards can be picked up from any store and then credit applied to them (up to £100). Drinks can then be purchased using the card. Once the card has been registered (via Starbucks.co.uk site), it can be topped up on-line too. Other benefits are free syrup or extra shots as well as the free WiFi offer.
This is a good thing for people who regularly frequent a store to do some work.
2009/09/19
Google releases Chrome v3
Google released it's 3rd version of Chrome last week on the anniversary of its launch a year ago. That's not too exciting as you'd expect Google to update the browser every now and again.
Chrome's market share is now 3.5% of the browser market which is no where near competing browsers such as Firefox or IE, however it's now ahead of Opera and Safari which have both been out there much longer so isn't bad for a browser that's only been around for a year and Google haven't really yet pushed it.
When Google release their Chrome OS (designed for Netbooks) which also uses the Chrome browser (the browser is the main entry point on the the Internet) the installed base could increase dramatically, Chrome will also be optimised to work with Google apps (or is that the other way around) so for Chrome OS Netbooks, everything sits in the browser.
Chrome's market share is now 3.5% of the browser market which is no where near competing browsers such as Firefox or IE, however it's now ahead of Opera and Safari which have both been out there much longer so isn't bad for a browser that's only been around for a year and Google haven't really yet pushed it.
When Google release their Chrome OS (designed for Netbooks) which also uses the Chrome browser (the browser is the main entry point on the the Internet) the installed base could increase dramatically, Chrome will also be optimised to work with Google apps (or is that the other way around) so for Chrome OS Netbooks, everything sits in the browser.
2009/09/17
Orange and T-Mobile UK jike non-EU prices
Both Orange and T-Mobile in the UK have hiked their prices to countries outside Europe, some by as much as 100%. Both networks announced the price rises at similar times.
Looks like they're already in cahoots before any official joining of companies.
Looks like they're already in cahoots before any official joining of companies.
2009/09/14
Vodafone competition generates over 1,000 application ideas
Vodafone's Competition to get ideas for Android applications has now reached over 1,000 entries.
The winner of the best idea will get £1,000 and an HTC Magic. There's only 6 days to go as the competition closes on the 20th of September.
The winner of the best idea will get £1,000 and an HTC Magic. There's only 6 days to go as the competition closes on the 20th of September.
802.11n specification finally released
The 802.11n working have finally released the final specification for the wireless standard. There are only minor changes between this final version and Draft 2 which was released 3 years ago.
The WiFi Alliance have already been certifying products against the preN specification and will now start certifying to the 802.11n standard.
It is expected that vendors will release 802.11n products in 2010, which at some point in the future will support speeds of up to 300Mb/s.
The WiFi Alliance have already been certifying products against the preN specification and will now start certifying to the 802.11n standard.
It is expected that vendors will release 802.11n products in 2010, which at some point in the future will support speeds of up to 300Mb/s.
Proposals for the regulation of video on demand services | Ofcom
Proposals for the regulation of video on demand services | Ofcom
A European Directive 2007/65/EC Audio Visual Media Service ("AVMS") means that European countries have to now worry about Video On Demand (VOD) services and Ofcom has until Dec 19th 2009 to effect a number of requirements covering VOD services and all audiovisual media services in the digital age.
The AVMS Directive amends and renames the Television Without Frontiers (TVWF) Directive by providing less details and more flexible regulation.
Ofcom is proposing to carry out its statutory duties with respect to VOD Editorial and VOD Advertising and is consulting on: -
* How to decide which VOD services cone under the remit of the new VOD regulations.
* Issues on the practical implementation of the regulations.
Currently this will definitely affect services such as iPlayer, Sky Anytimes, etc, but will it also cover the plethora of small start-ups out there.
There are issues that could cause problems as advertising tobacco products is illegal and no VOD service should contain incitement to hatred based on race, sex, religion or nationality - these could effect niche sites which may be targeted at specific populations.
This could open a new can of worms for Internet broadcasters.
A European Directive 2007/65/EC Audio Visual Media Service ("AVMS") means that European countries have to now worry about Video On Demand (VOD) services and Ofcom has until Dec 19th 2009 to effect a number of requirements covering VOD services and all audiovisual media services in the digital age.
The AVMS Directive amends and renames the Television Without Frontiers (TVWF) Directive by providing less details and more flexible regulation.
Ofcom is proposing to carry out its statutory duties with respect to VOD Editorial and VOD Advertising and is consulting on: -
* How to decide which VOD services cone under the remit of the new VOD regulations.
* Issues on the practical implementation of the regulations.
Currently this will definitely affect services such as iPlayer, Sky Anytimes, etc, but will it also cover the plethora of small start-ups out there.
There are issues that could cause problems as advertising tobacco products is illegal and no VOD service should contain incitement to hatred based on race, sex, religion or nationality - these could effect niche sites which may be targeted at specific populations.
This could open a new can of worms for Internet broadcasters.
2009/09/08
T-Mobile joins forces with Orange
Deutsch Telekom and FranceTelecom have agreed to join forces in the UK and T-Mobile will join forces with Orange to create the largest (by users) network which will control 38% of the market.
Vodafone and O2 (Telefonica) both lost out with bids of around £3.5b. The new network (T-Morange, O-Mobile?) will be controlled by Orange and the brands will continue to be separate for 18 months, then everything will come under the new combined brand.
It can be assumed that Orange and T-Mobile will work to combine network assets which could cause problems for 3 who have a RAN sharing agreement with Orange.
The combined networks definitely have strength moving forward, but they'll have to maintain their lead and offer some innovative services so customers don't migrate away. Hopefully they'll combine the best aspects of both networks, rather than the worst or they'll just end-up another has been.
Vodafone and O2 (Telefonica) both lost out with bids of around £3.5b. The new network (T-Morange, O-Mobile?) will be controlled by Orange and the brands will continue to be separate for 18 months, then everything will come under the new combined brand.
It can be assumed that Orange and T-Mobile will work to combine network assets which could cause problems for 3 who have a RAN sharing agreement with Orange.
The combined networks definitely have strength moving forward, but they'll have to maintain their lead and offer some innovative services so customers don't migrate away. Hopefully they'll combine the best aspects of both networks, rather than the worst or they'll just end-up another has been.
2009/09/05
Blackberry Desktop Manager for Mac
It doesn't seem to be officially released by RIM yet, but it's in the wild and it works. It knows about different calendars and contact groups and it makes sensible decisions about what to do ye default and if it gets it wrong, no big deal as you just change it.
It will sync Calendars with iCal and Contacts with Address book, Notes can come from Apple Mail Note or Entourage (if it's installed) and Tasks from iCal. It will also sync music from iTunes (via playlists or all of it).
The software can be set-up for fast syncing (i.e. it will only be used with that computer) or multiple sync (where the Blackberry will be sync'ed with multiple Macs - which is slower). It also uses Apple's sync services which means it should play well with other sync programs (like Mobile Me).
Google Sync (on the Blackberry) confused things, but removing it and leaving syncing to Blackberry Desktop Manager cured that.
The Music Sync section even shows how much memory is available and what can be used for music/video etc. It's all very well put together.
Of course there's the obligatory Backup and Restore so the device memory can be saved on the Mac (well the application data anyway).
There's also a software update (for the Blackberry Desktop Manager itself) and for the software on the Blackberry including the system software. Applications can also be installed and removed via the app.
It might be a good idea to wait for RIM to officially release Blackberry Desktop Manager for Mac (the Blackberry site states September) but the one out in the wild seems to be the official thing.
It will sync Calendars with iCal and Contacts with Address book, Notes can come from Apple Mail Note or Entourage (if it's installed) and Tasks from iCal. It will also sync music from iTunes (via playlists or all of it).
The software can be set-up for fast syncing (i.e. it will only be used with that computer) or multiple sync (where the Blackberry will be sync'ed with multiple Macs - which is slower). It also uses Apple's sync services which means it should play well with other sync programs (like Mobile Me).
Google Sync (on the Blackberry) confused things, but removing it and leaving syncing to Blackberry Desktop Manager cured that.
The Music Sync section even shows how much memory is available and what can be used for music/video etc. It's all very well put together.
Of course there's the obligatory Backup and Restore so the device memory can be saved on the Mac (well the application data anyway).
There's also a software update (for the Blackberry Desktop Manager itself) and for the software on the Blackberry including the system software. Applications can also be installed and removed via the app.
It might be a good idea to wait for RIM to officially release Blackberry Desktop Manager for Mac (the Blackberry site states September) but the one out in the wild seems to be the official thing.
2009/09/03
Vonage iPhone app approved by Apple
Vonage runs a VoIP service and their aim is to replace the home's phone service and move it over to themselves.
They provide an ATA (or DECT systems) which plug into the IP connection and allows users to make calls. In the UK Vonage would really like to get hold of 'naked DSL' whereby BT (or other phone operator, but mainly BT) provide a 'wires only' service so a broadband provider can provide DSL, but there's no voice on the line. Currently this isn't possible. If it was, Vonage could bundle a DSL service with its phone offerings. Maybe when the UK has some kind of fiber offering they'll get a naked IP service.
Vonage have always offered a softphone so users can make and receive calls when away from home, an iPhone app would do the same. Though Vonage have quite a few users, they're not up there with Google and Google's Voice app still has not been approved.
It did take a while for Vonage to get approval, but Apple's reasoning was that Vonage needed to fix a few software issues. Apple have previous approved various other VoIP services (as long as they only work over WiFi and NOT 3G).
One reason Apple may not like Google Voice is that it allegedly hooks into the dialer, so when a call is made Google will try and route it over Google's network if possible.
They provide an ATA (or DECT systems) which plug into the IP connection and allows users to make calls. In the UK Vonage would really like to get hold of 'naked DSL' whereby BT (or other phone operator, but mainly BT) provide a 'wires only' service so a broadband provider can provide DSL, but there's no voice on the line. Currently this isn't possible. If it was, Vonage could bundle a DSL service with its phone offerings. Maybe when the UK has some kind of fiber offering they'll get a naked IP service.
Vonage have always offered a softphone so users can make and receive calls when away from home, an iPhone app would do the same. Though Vonage have quite a few users, they're not up there with Google and Google's Voice app still has not been approved.
It did take a while for Vonage to get approval, but Apple's reasoning was that Vonage needed to fix a few software issues. Apple have previous approved various other VoIP services (as long as they only work over WiFi and NOT 3G).
One reason Apple may not like Google Voice is that it allegedly hooks into the dialer, so when a call is made Google will try and route it over Google's network if possible.
Snow Leopard isn't the perfect upgrade
Snow Leopard is Apple's latest incarnation of their MacOS X. Though MacOS X has been 64bit for a while, now is the first time that it's really 64bit and most of Apple's applications are also 64bit.
In their wisdom Apple have disabled certain functionality in the 64bit versions of some applications, including running plug-ins in Mail and Address Book. This is annoying since things like Plaxo no longer work properly. Sync'ing does work, but the plug-ins for Mail allowing the user to see if the email comes from a Plaxo user and the ability to add to the Address book don't (Mail starts and warns about the plug-in and moves it to a "disabled" folder).
It is possible to restore the functionality by going in to finder and getting the "info" for Mail.app and making it run in 32bit and then it turns into the old Mail with the plug-in functionality.
Apple say the disabling of plug-ins is to maintain system integrity as plug-in can alter the Mail/etc behaviour. Surely it's up to the user whether they want to run a plug-in or not, and badly behaved plug-ins will quickly be reported to various Internet forums and users can then disable them themselves.
Running 32bit Mail is an annoyance, as it runs slower than its 64bit version. Please Apple find a supported solution.
In their wisdom Apple have disabled certain functionality in the 64bit versions of some applications, including running plug-ins in Mail and Address Book. This is annoying since things like Plaxo no longer work properly. Sync'ing does work, but the plug-ins for Mail allowing the user to see if the email comes from a Plaxo user and the ability to add to the Address book don't (Mail starts and warns about the plug-in and moves it to a "disabled" folder).
It is possible to restore the functionality by going in to finder and getting the "info" for Mail.app and making it run in 32bit and then it turns into the old Mail with the plug-in functionality.
Apple say the disabling of plug-ins is to maintain system integrity as plug-in can alter the Mail/etc behaviour. Surely it's up to the user whether they want to run a plug-in or not, and badly behaved plug-ins will quickly be reported to various Internet forums and users can then disable them themselves.
Running 32bit Mail is an annoyance, as it runs slower than its 64bit version. Please Apple find a supported solution.
2009/09/01
Apple 'iPod relaunch' event
On Sept 9th 2009 Apple will be holding a "special" event in San Francisco (maybe with a video link to London).
The invite shows a silhouette with an iPod in their hand and "It's only rock and roll, but we like it," which could be an homage to the Rolling Stones classic tune.
Rumours abound, it could be a new version of iTunes (expected anyway) a new iPod Touch (64GB also expected at some point). It may even be the new Apple Tablet (which is widely anticipated- but probably more than an iPod relaunch).
Apple are notorious for not pre-announcing anything, though recently have been sneaking some info out.
The invite shows a silhouette with an iPod in their hand and "It's only rock and roll, but we like it," which could be an homage to the Rolling Stones classic tune.
Rumours abound, it could be a new version of iTunes (expected anyway) a new iPod Touch (64GB also expected at some point). It may even be the new Apple Tablet (which is widely anticipated- but probably more than an iPod relaunch).
Apple are notorious for not pre-announcing anything, though recently have been sneaking some info out.
2009/08/28
Spotify goes iPhone and US (soon)
Spotify the Swedish music streaming company (which has players for Mac and Windows) has now launched an iPhone version.
It's been in the queue with Apple for about a month, but was finally given approval yesterday. Many feared it wouldn't make the app store as it competes with Apple's own iTunes service.
Spotify on iPhone will only be available to users who subscribe to their £9.99 per month service, though the application is a free download. Spotify expect the iPhone app to drive new customers to their premium services.
The app allows sync'ed playlists with the desktop version and other features.
US customers still have to wait until Spotify complete licensing deals with the stakeholders in the US, but a launch there is expected next year, though some lucky US people have had pre-launch invites.
Spotify is also rumored to be in talks with Facebook who have been lacking a music service so far, a FB/Spotify tie-up would seriously impinge MySpace's youth music market.
Whichever way you look at it, Spotify are a company to watch, hopefully they'll not get bought out by Facebook or other US giant and can be a genuine European success story.
It's been in the queue with Apple for about a month, but was finally given approval yesterday. Many feared it wouldn't make the app store as it competes with Apple's own iTunes service.
Spotify on iPhone will only be available to users who subscribe to their £9.99 per month service, though the application is a free download. Spotify expect the iPhone app to drive new customers to their premium services.
The app allows sync'ed playlists with the desktop version and other features.
US customers still have to wait until Spotify complete licensing deals with the stakeholders in the US, but a launch there is expected next year, though some lucky US people have had pre-launch invites.
Spotify is also rumored to be in talks with Facebook who have been lacking a music service so far, a FB/Spotify tie-up would seriously impinge MySpace's youth music market.
Whichever way you look at it, Spotify are a company to watch, hopefully they'll not get bought out by Facebook or other US giant and can be a genuine European success story.
2009/08/24
Google transports 600GB of data per day
Google's municipal WiFi network in Mountain View, CA is now transporting more than 600GB of data per day.
Tropos built and maintains the network for Google, which offers free WiFi in about 12 square miles around Mountain View.
The traffic volumes have doubled over the last 2 years and much of the increased traffic can be attributed to iPhones and other devices with built-in WiFi.
AT&T is also seeing increased device usage in its hotspots, but muni WiFi has not succeeded on the whole.
Tropos built and maintains the network for Google, which offers free WiFi in about 12 square miles around Mountain View.
The traffic volumes have doubled over the last 2 years and much of the increased traffic can be attributed to iPhones and other devices with built-in WiFi.
AT&T is also seeing increased device usage in its hotspots, but muni WiFi has not succeeded on the whole.
Apple haven't "rejected" Google Voice
Apple's response to the FCC investigation over allegations of Apple rejecting Google's Google Voice app are unfounded, maybe.
Apple is still considering whether it should allow the application into the app store. It has not consulted with the MNOs and it's still in internal discussions.
Of course Apple's indecision is pretty much equivalent to them rejecting it, at least until they make a decision as a non-decision means no entry into the app store.
If Google Voice is allowed in, it could mean a change in policy for other VoIP applications which "intercept" the dialer.
Apple is still considering whether it should allow the application into the app store. It has not consulted with the MNOs and it's still in internal discussions.
Of course Apple's indecision is pretty much equivalent to them rejecting it, at least until they make a decision as a non-decision means no entry into the app store.
If Google Voice is allowed in, it could mean a change in policy for other VoIP applications which "intercept" the dialer.
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