By Mitchell Seholm - 10 March, 2010, 3:47 pm
Stanford University has released a new study that reveals a rather expected fact, the iPhone is addictive. The 200 student survey showed that 20 out of the 200 students found themselves to be completely addicted to the iPhone while a modest 6 percent stating they had absolutely no addiction to the iPhone at all. The addiction suffered by the students seem to be more of a dependence or severe reliance on the abundance of functions and applications that the iPhone offers. 85 percent of the 200 students use their iPhones as an alarm clock, 15 percent were afraid the phone was turning them into media addicts, 85% use it as a clock, and 75 percent said they fall asleep with their iPhones in bed with them. The previous statistics do not seem to be alarming as the iPhone is simply replacing the functions of multiple devices and compacting them into a singular device almost forcing an addiction or dependence on the iPhone. LiveScience has further information on the study, as well as statements from the professors that performed the survey and research.
By Mitchell Seholm - 10 March, 2010, 2:56 pm
A recent study by the company Strategy Analytics suggests that owners of the Apple iPhone rank highly in terms of likeliness to return to Apple for repeat business when looking for their next mobile device. The report,”iPhone Owners Most Satisfied and Likely to Repeat Purchase,” added that mobile users of QWERTY based phones were significantly more satisfied than 12-key phone owners. This data isn’t surprising as the general public knowledge of cell phones and interfacing grows and an appreciation for added functionality comes with the new generation of smart-phones. I believe this loyalty will only continue to grow as fewer individuals stick to basic functionality and desire the vast array of applications and assistance current mobile technology offers and may perhaps even become required in some scenarios (Such as the KDDI tracking technology).
By Mitchell Seholm - 10 March, 2010, 2:22 pm
Some technology such as wireless charging for cellphones has been around for quite some time, but has yet to be refined or as near to perfection as the Case-mate’s Hug. The Hug has become a quick favorite among iPhone users as it is one of the best charging pad’s on the market over the past 12 months. At a reasonable price of $100 dollars the Hug is nearly perfect. Aesthetically pleasing wireless charging is a rather recent change as it’s predecessors have typically been comprised of both a hideous case and charger. ‘Tis not the case with the hug as it may actually make your iPhone look better! The case has two pieces that are plastic and interlock and seem sturdy enough to withstand being dropped. The charging pad is fashionable and compact is most certainly not a desk-sore. The entire apparatus is rather light, durable enough to offer protection, is surprisingly efficient, and it charges nearly as quickly as it’s wired brethren. The case-mate pad will also be compatible with future wireless charging devices as to ease your transition into wireless charging as simply as possible. Very few products are all perfection and no criticism though, and the case-mate hug is no exception despite being an all around sensational case. While the case is on your iPhone it cannot be docked or synced with your computer unless you remove it, as well as the small nuisance of a sound it emits when charging. It may not be total perfection, but until a better alternative is offered through Apple (perhaps including wireless syncing as well) the Case-mate Hug seems to be top notch.
By Jon Dychko - 10 March, 2010, 2:20 pm
As the mobile phone industry becoming more and more crowed, the competition keeps upping the bar on each other. With all the big manufacturers spending boat loads of money on R&D trying to develop the next trendy smartphone, everyone is after that golden ticket device. A leader in measuring the digital world comScore, has release today data reflecting trends in the U.S. mobile device industry during the time between October 2009 through January 2010. In this detailed report it ranked the leading mobile original equipment manufactures, and smartphone operating system platforms for the U.S. The report found Motorola at the top of the chart for manufacturers with a overall market share of 22.9, and RIM was labeled most common smartphone platform at 43 percent of the market share….
By Jon Dychko - 10 March, 2010, 1:58 pm
Today Target works its self into the cell phone news arena by announcing a scannable mobile coupon program today. Target is launching this new venture nationwide at all of their retail stores. As consumers will find there will be several different avenues to opt into this new program which are PC browsing, mobile browsing, and short code. From there they will distribute the coupons to mobile phones via text message. In the text message you will see a link to a web page where the coupon is located. After the consumer picks from the list of coupons, and selects the one they want to use. After selected the page will display a single-use barcode on the users handsets. Target says at check-out the coupon can be scanned, and the customer can redeem their savings. This program is free to register for and to use, however the cost of the text will apply.
By Jon Dychko - 10 March, 2010, 1:28 pm
With a growing population, and with the baby boomers getting to a older age, it seems like IBM seems to be on the ball, teaming up with Universities to try and create user friendly cell phones for the elderly. It seems ever since the start of the technology boom in the late 90’s and into the turn of the centurary, tech has always focused on trends, and for the most part young individuals. It seems right with the elderly more concrete in their ways, not being open to change their lifestyles. However as more of this people that have grown up with cell phones and computers, it only seems right to offer them devices and interfaces that are easy to use even at an old age.
IBM is currently working with The Research Center for Advanced Science and Tech, and also the National Institute of Design that resides in India to research programs that will help create and implement cell phones that will be easier to use for the elderly and people who are illiterate. It will be interesting to see how these great tech companies can “dumb” down sophisticated devices for those who’s learning curve is to great. However if they can achieve this goal, and create something for this market, it seems like they will be industry leaders and there for could turn some heavy profits. More after the JUMP!
By Mitchell Seholm - 10 March, 2010, 1:24 pm
Productivity managers are jumping for joy as their omnipotence over their underlings continues to grow and evolve. With an ever changing world that is accepting privacy loss as an acceptable sacrifice in exchange for safety, general well-being, and increased control over the public KDDI take things one step further with mobile phones that can surveil [...]
By Mitchell Seholm - 10 March, 2010, 11:45 am
Apple’s relentless assault against HTC could possibly have more a more vast reach than originally assumed. The patent lawsuit against HTC has several other Android manufacturers preparing for the worst via acquiring legal consultation, revising strategies for their OS pending the outcome of Apple’s lawsuit, returning hardware back to engineering, and altering development road-maps out of the public spotlight. Early in 2009 the Apple COO Tim Cook started the war by stating “we will not stand for having our IP ripped off and we’ll use whatever weapons we have at our disposal. I don’t know that I can be more clear than that.” While Apple took a more passive stance during the rest of the year, Palm launched the Pre and several other manufacturers dispatched a multitude of non-multi-touch smart-phones that were otherwise nonthreatening to Apple’s iphone market. However with Google, HTC, and Motorola making a fashionable entrance into the world of smart-phones with the Droid Eris, Nexus One, and Droid with glistening sleekness, practical functionality, and extensive multi-touch capability which did in fact threaten Apple and provoke the malice against HTC as their first victim in the upcoming legal battle and the other manufacturers concerned they may be next. In comes Microsoft to the rescue! With their comprehensive patent library and assuring smart-phone manufacturers refuge against Apple’s upcoming scornful rage with their Windows Phone7 Series. Microsoft just may come out on top in this face-off. I feel as if we’ve witnessed this conflict before with Apple and Microsoft, but then again no-one appreciates their monopoly being jeopardized. I think we would all be better off with some healthy competition for Apple as to continue leaps forward in the mobile industry. We’ll bring you more information on this Cell Phone News as it develops.
By Jon Dychko - 10 March, 2010, 11:41 am
In regards to cell phone news it doesn’t seem like Palm is turning their ship around and heading down the right path. As more ugly news comes out of the Retailers that sell the Palm Pre Plus and Pixi Plus, that the prices on these devices will be slashed. It started looking bad when Verizon, one of the biggest wireless providers started offering buy one get one on both of the Palm products. With online retailers not making it any easier selling these handsets for sub $40, it seems like for people to want these Palm’s they will have to give them away. It seemed like Palm had its turn around plan in place and they were going to do the right things to start gaining market share and creating revenues, but are they? More after the JUMP!
By Jon Dychko - 10 March, 2010, 11:21 am
This new location sharing is all the buzz with these social networking sites of today. With all the hype being produced by Google’s Buzz, it seems like everyone is trying to get their share of location sharing. With Facebook owning a fair share of the social networking industry, they are trying to stay on top of the game, and integrating location sharing into their business model. Basically this new experience will allow users to share their location to friends and family. With the wall Google ran into because they rushed out Buzz, Facebook is taking their time, and trying to implement the location sharing slowly but surely. At this time, Facebook is not releasing to much info about the situation, however in due time more information will surface and we will bring you it fast and accurate.More after the JUMP!
By Jon Dychko - 10 March, 2010, 10:46 am
If you are not to familiar with ARM, they are a microprocessor manufacturer that supplies these processors to the makers of these tablets. ARM anticipates there will be over 50 new devices that will emulate the iPad in 2010, with the first tablet to be ready for consumers in the second quarter. ARM expects these new tablet like devices to have a huge impact on a wide consumer base, and open up a new avenue of revenue for technology and mobile companies alike. More after the JUMP!
By Mitchell Seholm - 10 March, 2010, 10:42 am
The recent leak of the low-resolution promotional flyer confirms once again what we’ve known from the pictures. The Dell Mini 5 ‘Streak’ is a smooth unique powerhouse that utilizes the Android OS and boasts a 5 megapixel camera, 5-inch 800×480 screen, a VGA for video calling, and comes in a plethora of colors and personal designs that will prove satisfactory for anyone’s needs. Furthermore the addition of the Kindle book reader application looks to be coming with the Streak or perhaps the eagerly awaited Android update. As more Cell Phone News comes in on this highly anticipated Dell Mini 5 ‘Streak’ cellphonetrek.com will keep you up to date, hopefully with a price sooner rather than later.
By Jon Dychko - 10 March, 2010, 10:21 am
Verizon and Skype are back in the cell phone news spot light as they announced their exclusive partnership in the U.S., with the plan to bring the popular VoIP calls and messages service provided by Skype, to one of the biggest telecoms in the US Verizon. They are trying to spread the word of this new partnership by developing a marketing scheme that involves animation sequence. This sequence is showing how Skype will be integrated into the cell phones on Verizon’s network. Although this video displays pretty much on the surface of things, and does not get to in depth, however you do get some interesting info from it. More after the break…
By Mitchell Seholm - 10 March, 2010, 9:49 am
Rogers may have lagged behind for a short while, but the Dream and Magic launch have helped put them ahead in the Android race. Their most recent addition to the team is the Samsung’s affordable yet sleek i5700 Galaxy Spica. The Galaxy isn’t revolutionary by any means with a modest 3.2 megapixel camera that doesn’t have a flash, but it’s certainly an alternative to some of the more expensive models such as the Magic. With an almost certain release of Androids 2.x software upgrade in the near future, a mere CAD $79.99 (around US $78) and a 3 year commitment don’t seem like too much to get your hands on the Galaxy Spica. There is also the CAD $399.99 (US $390) non-commitment route should you not want to be tied into a contract.
By Jon Dychko - 10 March, 2010, 9:41 am
With the release of the iPad coming closer every day, this new piece of hardware is going to open up new business for a lot of different industries. As you may already know the iPad exclusive with At&t’s wireless network, however this won’t stop telecom giant Verizon Wireless to pursue a deal with Apple to open up the exlusitivity on the iPad, and bring it to a wider consumer base. With the release of MiFi from Verizon it makes sense for Verizon to try and get their hands on an iPad deal.
If you are not familiar with MiFi, basically what you do is push a button, and it instantly creates a hotspot for wireless devices. This would be great for a mobile media device such as the iPad, and would bring a fast, reliable internet connection to our wireless devices. The problem is iPad customers are going to get use to the At&t deals which are half the amount of the Verizon deals. More after the JUMP!
