outside the vox

This blog has moved to a new location!

2011-07-20T13:07:00.000-07:00

This blog was started on September 22, 2005.

1505 posts later, and we're moving to a new location.

Please visit our new home, here:

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Hope to see you there!

Microsoft Aims At Samsung To Continue Milking Android Cash Cow.

2011-07-06T11:34:00.000-07:00

Jordan Crook writes: "What’s more, Microsoft has upped the ante, asking for $15 for every Samsung-built Android device sold. That’s quite a price hike from the deal Microsoft has in place with HTC, but I guess it’s only smart to aim high and negotiate later. Samsung will likely enter into a stronger alliance with Microsoft and its Windows Phone 7 platform in order to lower that licensing fee to about $10 per phone, according to unnamed industry officials."

Smartphone Costs Eating Carrier Profits, Says Moody’s.

2011-07-06T11:32:00.000-07:00

"The cost of supplying handsets to the masses at lower prices has risen 78% in the past three years, to $139 per unit, on average, writes Moody’s Investors Service analyst Denni Saputo today, and the rising subsidies pose a threat to carriers’ profit margins, he argues."

Android device activations explode to more than 500,000 a day.

2011-06-28T15:29:00.001-07:00

"Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) now activates more than 500,000 new Android devices every day according to senior vice president Andy Rubin, who adds that activations are growing at a pace of 4.4 percent every week. Rubin tweeted the latest Android milestone early Tuesday morning."

Now iOS 5 Can Update Over 3G.

2011-06-27T12:09:00.000-07:00

"Good news for those who travel a lot, iOS 5′s over-the-air update feature will work over your carrier’s 3G network, not just Wi-Fi. That means easy and PC-free updates, wherever you are.

Hopefully, for users on capped data plans, these over-the-air updates won’t be too huge. Especially considering Apple is making all iOS 5 updates 'delta updates,' which means you only download what’s new, and not an entirely new iOS like we’ve done up until now."

Lookout Expands Mobile Security App To Browsing; Lands Marketing Deal With Sprint.

2011-06-15T11:00:00.000-07:00

"Lookout, a company that offers security services for a number of smartphones, is launching a new feature today that will protect users from online threats while browsing on a mobile phone."

Mformation Delivers Production 100-Million-Device Management Platform.

2011-06-14T11:37:00.000-07:00

"Benchmark testing simulated a live customer deployment with more than 100 million active devices and users under management on a single instance of the Mformation platform. The scale of the benchmarking demonstrates the capability of the multi-tenant platform to support deployments at the largest tier-1 mobile operators, as well as service providers who need to support smaller tier-1 and tier-2 operators or many enterprise customers with a cloud-based mobile device management service offering."

IDC thinks WP7 will soar to No. 2 by 2015. Really?

2011-06-10T11:33:00.000-07:00

"Windows Phone 7 and Nokia have a lot of believers at market research firms. How else to explain the latest IDC smartphone forecast, which puts WP7 ahead of iOS in the number two spot by 2015, where it will trail behind Android? The research firm reiterated that it expects WP7 to soar in the coming years, something rival Gartner has also predicted."

iOS 5: The Top 10 New Features.

2011-06-06T12:05:00.000-07:00

"At long last, the most important feature of them all: You will not need iTunes and PC anymore to use your iPhone, iPod touch or iPad. Apple has caught up with Android and Windows Phone 7. The new iOS 5 will allow you to set up your new device easily: Turn your new gadget on and a Welcome screen will appear. All software updates will happen over the air."

also see: Apple's iOS 5: all the details -- Engadget

"Headline feature: PC Free! No more cables required for syncing. Now we're talking. Setting up and activating a new iOS device can be done right on the device itself, and syncing will be wireless too -- there'll be no need to tether to a computer anymore. Over-the-air updates are also part of the new deal, and in better news still, they'll contain only the data that's changed, meaning you won't have to re-download the entire OS every time Apple opts to make a minor tweak."

Red Bend’s OTA Software Updating Capability Ported to QNX Neutrino Operating System.

2011-06-06T11:30:00.000-07:00

"Red Bend Software... and QNX Software Systems Limited, a global leader in operating systems and middleware for the in-car telematics and infotainment market, today announced that Red Bend’s vRapid Mobile® solution for over-the-air software updating has been ported to the QNX® Neutrino® Realtime Operating System (RTOS).

QNX Software Systems, a subsidiary of Research In Motion Limited (RIM), has licensed its software technology for use in more than 20 million automotive systems worldwide."

Motorola's Jha: Bad Android apps drive 70% of smartphone returns.

2011-06-03T14:11:00.000-07:00

"Motorola Mobility CEO Sanjay Jha said that 70 percent of smartphones that are returned to the company are returned because of applications that have affected device performance."

Android Phone Makers Push the Edge in Drive to Differentiate.

2011-06-03T14:10:00.000-07:00

"Android handset makers HTC and Motorola are extending their user interface skins in new directions to help differentiate their hardware. But in some cases, the extension could exacerbate Android’s already sticky problem of fragmentation. UI skins show how competitive it is for Android hardware makers, and how they’re looking to any edge to help their products stand out from the crowd."

Sprint latest to anger users with stealthy updates.

2011-05-27T11:30:00.000-07:00

"[CNet reporter Elinor Mills] noticed an unwanted app - a demo version of a game called NOVA - on her HTC EVO smartphone, which had not been preinstalled and could not be uninstalled...

Sprint's official response was: 'Sprint does offer a variety of partner applications that are optimized for use on our wireless phones. From time to time, we will provide new apps to our customers in conjunction with a software maintenance release.' It claimed it is working with Google on a tool to allow users to remove such apps. The programs do not collect or share personal data without the customer opening them up, it insisted."

Rumor Mill: HTC pays Microsoft $5 for every Android phone it sells.

2011-05-27T11:27:00.000-07:00

"HTC pays Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) $5 for every phone it sells running Google's (NASDAQ:GOOG) Android platform, according to a research note from a Citi analyst.

The report, authored by Citi analyst Walter Pritchard, said the fee is a result of the patent licensing deal HTC signed with Microsoft in April 2010. The research note also said Microsoft is looking to receive between $7.50 and $12.50 per device from other Android handset makers in similar arrangements...

One reason for the litigation strategy, Citi analysts argue, is that the legal settlements resulting from such battles crimp the margins of Android handset makers, making Microsoft's Windows Phone 7 software more attractive by comparison. However, the research note does not discuss how much Microsoft gets per Windows Phone device sold. However, research firm asymco points out that, depending upon that variable, Microsoft could potentially be making more money from Android patent royalties than it has received from sales of Windows Phone devices. HTC sold 9.7 million smartphones in the first quarter, the large majority of which were likely Android phones."

Microsoft and Nokia Are Buddies in Mediocrity.

2011-05-19T13:04:00.000-07:00

Ryan Kim writes: "The latest smartphone figures from Gartner are in and they highlight just how much Microsoft and Nokia are in desperate need for each other. But with the way both are giving up large amounts of market share, it shows that the new partnership might not be enough for either.

While Android continues to run away with the smartphone market, Windows Phone 7 mustered just 1.6 million in estimated sales to end users in the first quarter, according to research firm Gartner. Microsoft overall sold 3.6 million smartphones in the first quarter, with 2 million of them being older Windows Mobile devices...

Android is seeing 400,000 device activations daily compared to about 17,800 WP7 units sold each day."

Google rolls out silent fix for Android security vulnerability.

2011-05-19T11:17:00.000-07:00

"Google has started to implement a server-side patch that addresses the issue for all versions of the Android OS. The great news is that it doesn't require a software update on the Android devices themselves - meaning the fix is automatic and worldwide. Effectively this is a silent fix...

So, it's a very good thing that this problem is being fixed. Of course, concerns still remain as to how easy it would be to fix a serious security vulnerability on the Android devices themselves, given that Google is so reliant on manufacturers and carriers to push out OS updates."

Why a Microsoft Takeover of Nokia Could Pay Off.

2011-05-18T12:18:00.000-07:00

Colin Gibbs writes: "It’s true that Microsoft has seen little success in mobile data in recent years, and a botched takeover would likely mean the end of the company’s hopes to become a major player in the space. But it might be the only way for Microsoft to truly compete with Apple and Google in the era of the superphone."

Mformation expands into enterprise market.

2011-05-17T11:55:00.000-07:00

"Mformation Technologies... today announced its cloud-based solution for the enterprise — Mformation Enterprise Manager.

The solution has been tailored to fit the IT service management framework of Managed Service Providers (MSPs), with benefits of the cloud-based solution including easier implementation, reduced cost of ownership, and ensured support for the latest devices and operating systems."

Android Data Vulnerability: How to Protect Yourself.

2011-05-17T11:40:00.000-07:00

"An Android personal data leakage epidemic has just been revealed. The vulnerability affects 99% of Android phones and may allow hackers to steal your Facebook, Google Calendar, or other personal data if you use a rogue open Wi-Fi network. Here's how to protect yourself. [link]"

also see: 99% of Android handsets vulnerable to account credential theft

Infected Android apps can hijack your texts.

2011-05-16T12:54:00.000-07:00

"At least 11 Android apps contain malware that is rigged to automatically send text messages from your Google Android smartphone to phone numbers in China.

The apps, which include iBook, iCartoon, iGuide, iCalendar, LoveBaby and Sea Ball, are embedded with malicious code that covertly sends text messages to three different premium-rate numbers without their knowledge or approval.

The texts then sign the victims up for paid subscription services, according to AegisLab, the Taiwanese security firm that discovered the corrupt apps."

Sprint claims high margins from its growing M2M business.

2011-05-11T11:07:00.000-07:00

"Lack of device subsidies and customer care makes for healthy margins, though ARPU can be as low as $1 a month...

Nearly all cellcos are talking about new revenue streams based on machine-to-machine (M2M) services, but few are certain of how the charging and ARPU will work out. Sprint has shone some light on that issue, claiming its M2M unit is generating ARPU of between $5 and $10 a month, and a very high profit margin."

Ice Cream Sandwich To Bring New UI, Framework To Android.

2011-05-10T12:14:00.000-07:00

"Google says they wanted to create an OS that runs everywhere. Enter: Ice Cream Sandwich. Nevermind Honeycomb, Google says this is the OS that will power tablets, convertible slates, smartphones and more. With it, comes a refreshed UI that leans heavily on a new application framework that Google has yet to detail, besides stating it will solve the issue of coding for different hardware profiles."

400 Percent Increase In Android Malware; Mobile Security Threats At Record High.

2011-05-10T12:12:00.000-07:00

"Juniper Networks today released a study concerned with potential threats to mobile technology, revealing a 400 percent increase in Android malware. The study also found that both enterprise and consumer mobile devices are being exposed to a record number of security threats, including highly targeted Wi-Fi attacks.

One of the most unsettling findings of the study was the fact that the greatest distribution point for mobile malware is the application download. With the 400-percent increase of Android malware, now would be as good a time as any to choose an antivirus app."

Google, Carriers 'Commit' to Android Updates.

2011-05-10T11:54:00.000-07:00

"At the Google I/O conference today, Google, all the national U.S. wireless carriers, and several hardware manufacturers announced that they are forming an initiative to guarantee Android software updates to phones. But the devil's in the details, and nobody seems to have the details yet.

The new group includes the four U.S. national carriers [Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile, AT&T], Google, Samsung, LG, HTC, and Motorola, which covers most of the Android phones sold in the USA. Sony Ericsson and Vodafone are also members. The group is committing that 'new devices from participating partners will receive the latest Android platform upgrades for 18 months after the device is first released, as long as the hardware allows,' according to the official Google blog."

also see: Google’s New Partner Android Update Initiative: Very Promising — Maybe; We’ll See

Skype to give Microsoft an answer to Google Voice, Apple FaceTime.

2011-05-10T10:40:00.000-07:00

"The questions sticking to the Microsoft-Skype deal are weighty, but the opportunity the companies are eying is too. Already, video calling is 40 percent of Skype's traffic, and the advent of LTE and WiMAX networks creates a foundation to foster ubiquitous mobile video calling. Microsoft's purchase of Skype--one of the software giant's few major acquisitions of the past 10 years--indicates the company wants to play a role in the future of IP communications, both wired and wireless. After all, imagine a future where a user could start a video call on their Xbox in their living room, move it to their LTE phone as they travel outside, and pay either nothing or very little thanks to Microsoft's insertion of video ads. (Skype's CEO said the company expects 45 percent growth in video-based ads over the next few years.)"

also see: Why Microsoft Is Buying Skype for $8.5 Billion

comScore: Android Continues To Top RIM And Apple’s iOS For U.S. Smartphone Share.

2011-05-06T00:15:00.000-07:00

"comScore’s mobile subscriber stats are in for the month and Android continues to top U.S. smartphone share over Apple and RIM."

iOS 5 may bring OTA updates to iPhone.

2011-05-05T14:44:00.000-07:00

"9to5 Mac claims to have confirmed with multiple anonymous sources that updates delivered following Apple’s iOS 5 release could take advantage of a new OTA update mechanism that will deliver incremental updates directly to devices rather than to iTunes. The report specifically notes that Apple has been in talks with Verizon Wireless regarding OTA updates, though the feature would obviously be available to any carriers that agree to deliver the updates over their networks. OTA updates would certainly be a welcome addition to iOS."

Why Microsoft and Research In Motion Are New BFFs.

2011-05-03T11:46:00.000-07:00

"Bing will now be integrated into the BlackBerry operating system as the default engine for maps and search. Can you say BingBerry?...

And today we have two of the biggest competitors in the mobile enterprise space forming a loose alliance. Bing fends off BlackBerry’s need for Google’s search and map features, while Microsoft gains a greater number of eyeballs on its mobile Bing property since BlackBerry phones handily outsell those that use Microsoft’s mobile operating system."

RIM Acquires Smartphone Security Software Developer Ubitexx.

2011-05-02T12:56:00.000-07:00

"BlackBerry developer Research In Motion is definitely on a shopping spree. A week after announcing the acquisition of social calendering application Tungle.me, the company is buying smartphone software security developer Ubitexx...

Smartphone security is a hot space. Mobile security company Trust Digital was acquired by McAfee last year and Lookout just raised $20 million for its smartphone security platform."

also see: RIM looks to expand BES services to Android, iOS devices

Nokia cuts 4,000 jobs, outsources Symbian work to Accenture.

2011-04-27T10:50:00.000-07:00

"Nokia (NYSE:NOK) said it will slash 4,000 jobs and outsource its Symbian software activities to Accenture as part of its transition to using Microsoft's (NASDAQ:MSFT) Windows Phone 7 as its primary smartphone platform. The Symbian outsourcing deal also includes the transfer of about 3,000 additional employees to Accenture.

The job cuts, while expected, represent around 12 percent of Nokia's devices and services workforce. Nokia previewed the cuts last week when it reported first-quarter earnings and said it will cut $1.46 billion in operating expenses from its devices and services business for 2013, compared to 2010 levels."

New Nokia app store to leverage Windows Phone Marketplace infrastructure.

2011-04-26T11:08:00.000-07:00

"A little over two months following the bombshell announcement that Nokia (NYSE:NOK) will embrace Microsoft's (NASDAQ:MSFT) Windows Phone 7 mobile operating system as its primary smartphone platform, the two companies officially signed a definitive agreement finalizing the details of their partnership, stating they've already begun joint outreach efforts targeting third-party application developers. Microsoft and Nokia said they will work together to support the creation of new applications tailored for both local and global markets, rolling out a new Nokia-branded global app store that leverages the existing Windows Phone Marketplace infrastructure--the store will offer developers a single portal to publish and distribute applications available for Windows Phone, Symbian and Series 40 devices.

The new Nokia-branded app store also will incorporate the handset maker's worldwide operator billing partnerships: Nokia boasts agreements with 112 carriers in 36 markets. To further sweeten the deal, Nokia and Microsoft will make Windows Phone developer registration free to all Nokia developer partners."

Putting Android to work for your business.

2011-04-13T12:19:00.000-07:00

"With the new version of the Google Apps Device Policy app, employees can quickly secure a lost or stolen Android 2.2+ device by locating it on a map, ringing the device, and resetting the device PIN or password remotely via the new My Devices website."

Webroot Introduces Smartphone and Tablet Security.

2011-04-06T12:27:00.000-07:00

"Key Features of Webroot Mobile Security for Android:

Protects your identity and personal information if your mobile device is lost or stolen

Remotely locks your mobile device so it can't be used by anyone but you
Remotely wipes your contacts, text messages, and other personal information
Sends a temporary access code to a trusted friend in case you forget your password
Sends you a map showing exactly where your device is located
Sounds a loud alert to help you locate your phone or tablet nearby

Blocks mobile threats before they can infect your mobile device, without affecting performance

Scans apps before they are installed to ensure they are safe
Scans web links and URLs to block phishing and other harmful content before you connect
Runs quietly in the background and requires no prompting or interaction from you
Checks for security updates every day to ensure you have the latest protection
Will not slow down your device or mobile browser
Light on memory and battery usage

Automatically safeguards your privacy

Blocks unwanted calls and text messages
Scans your device to ensure key settings are secure
Informs you which apps have access to your personal information

An annual subscription for Webroot Mobile Security for Android also includes free 24/7 customer support."

AT&T focusing on enterprise M2M apps.

2011-04-06T12:24:00.000-07:00

"In a new report from Yankee Group, analyst John Keough said 'the M2M market has matured from a fledgling industry into a force to be reckoned with in the wireless space. The number of cellular connections in the U.S. dedicated to M2M applications will nearly triple over the next five years, creating substantial growth opportunities in well-established verticals such as fleet telematics and industrial applications, as well as emerging opportunities including digital signage and pay-as-you-drive insurance.'

The report said that M2M connections are forecast to more than double from their 2011 level of 19.6 million to 50.2 million in 2015. The good news for enterprises is the fact that hardware pricing is dropping, use cases are becoming established and operators are quite serious about the space as they want to bolster growth beyond subscribers and phones in a highly-saturated market."

Has Android grown too big for Google to control?

2011-04-05T11:32:00.000-07:00

"Sources say that in recent months, Google has demanded that Android licensees adhere to 'non-fragmentation clauses' that award the company final approval over new user interface tweaks and service additions. Although Rubin said Google has always included these clauses in its Android license, Bloomberg Businessweek states that the firm has dramatically cracked down on its policies, adding that friction between Google and its Android partners has grown to the point where some companies have filed complaints with the U.S. Department of Justice."

AT&T reverses course, will support third-party Android app stores.

2011-04-05T11:31:00.000-07:00

"AT&T (NYSE:T) will soften its stance against non-market Android applications, confirming plans to support the new Amazon Appstore for Android as well as other third-party storefronts."

Wellington Financial Provide US$8 Million Growth Capital Financing For Mformation Technologies.

2011-04-04T12:04:00.000-07:00

"Wellington Financial LP, a privately-held specialty finance firm, today [March 29] announced a US$8 million venture debt financing for Mformation Technologies Inc., of Edison, New Jersey."

America Develops Cell Phone Panic Button for Pro-Democracy Activists.

2011-03-30T13:53:00.001-07:00

"One of America's newest tools in the war against tyranny could be a cell phone 'panic' button. According to Reuters, the U.S. State Department wants to equip pro-democracy activists in the Middle East with technology that could wipe phones of sensitive data in the event that they are arrested or their cell phones are confiscated. Initiating the panic sequence would erase the phone book, call history and messages, while also broadcasting an alert to other protesters."

White-Label App Marketplace Platform Appia Raises $10M At $100M Valuation.

2011-03-30T13:53:00.000-07:00

"Until February, PocketGear wss an independent marketplace that billed itself as the World’s Largest Mobile App Store which sold apps for Blackberry, Android, Windows Mobile, Palm, Symbian, and Java phones. The company rebranded and shifted focus as Appia, powering a white-label content and commerce platform for everyone and anyone who needs an app store. The company now powers mobile app storefronts for more than 40 partners, including four of the world’s top five handset manufacturers (Samsung, T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon Wireless)...

The bonus of using Appia’s white-label offering is that it enables its partners to deliver apps to more than 3,200 different mobile device makes and models. Via its partnerships, Appia currently powers more than 500,000 downloads a day from a catalog of 140,000 apps with projections to double by mid-2011."

Android partners furious at Honeycomb delays.

2011-03-28T10:32:00.000-07:00

"The danger of open source is that a platform becomes fragmented and the implementations can be of varying quality. This dilemma is highlighted in Google's decision to delay broad release of the tablet optimized version of Android, Honeycomb, a move that has reawakened fury over a 'two-tier approach'. Developers and OEMs claim that, in a truly open source environment, they should get equal access to new releases, but in fact, Google is restricting Honeycomb, for now, to its primary partners, such as Motorola, HTC and Samsung."

Microsoft’s ‘NoDo’ Windows Phone update still days, even weeks away.

2011-03-25T10:48:00.000-07:00

Andrew Munchbach writes: "Microsoft’s CEO, Steve Ballmer, at one point championed the fact that updates to the Windows Phone operating system would be delivered by his company, not wireless carriers. While Microsoft may be the one delivering the bits, it looks like U.S. mobile operators are still finding ways to slow things down. The waiting continues…"

RIM opens up BlackBerry PlayBook to support Android apps.

2011-03-24T15:22:00.000-07:00

"[RIM] will indeed support Google Android apps on its BlackBerry PlayBook tablet and on new QNX-based BlackBerry smartphones moving forward. RIM is also offering a suite of tools for Android developers that will allow them to easily port their existing apps to the PlayBook for distribution through BlackBerry App World."

In The Cards: Why Amazon Has To Make An Android Device Now.

2011-03-23T11:35:00.000-07:00

"While the installation process of Appstore itself is humorously long, almost as bad is the process after you buy an app from Amazon’s Appstore. Once the purchase and download are complete, you still have to manually install it by clicking a few buttons. Again, it’s not hard, but it’s ridiculously cumbersome."

also see: 8 Easy Steps « carpeaqua by Justin Williams

"Previously I posted a snarky one liner about Amazon’s new Android app store being available. As I think about it, however, it becomes even more absurd. In essence, Amazon is asking Android users to go through an eight step process."

Amazon’s Android App Store Launches: Test Drive Apps Directly From Your Browser.

2011-03-22T10:59:00.000-07:00

"This morning Amazon is officially launching its Android App Store — a storefront for apps that will compete directly with Google’s official Android Market... And while there were leaks abound about this morning’s launch, there are still a few details that Amazon managed to keep quiet.

The biggest one: Amazon will let you ‘Test Drive’ nearly any Android application in the App Store directly from your browser using some very interesting technology...

The other big revelation is Amazon’s free app-of-the-day. Every day, Amazon will be choosing a premium application and making it free to consumers, giving people a reason to check in on the store on a frequent basis...

The App Store is a bold move on Amazon’s part because it’s going head-to-head with Google’s official Android Marketplace — and it may actually provide some serious competition. Unlike Android Market, which has a very open submission process, Amazon will be screening every application to ensure that it meets a certain standard of quality (it isn’t a high bar, but at least you’ll be assured the app won’t crash at launch). Amazon will also be undercutting Google’s marketplace on pricing. And it’s going to be recommending applications to users."

Welcome To The Post-Carrier Future.

2011-03-21T12:51:00.001-07:00

John Biggs writes: "Carriers that once not only named the players but called the plays are now diminished in authority. Verizon is beholden to manufacturers to continue their Droid hegemony (and, most recently, their access to the iPhone) and T-Mobile is no more, swallowed up by the only GSM carrier in the US to sell the iPhone. Why? Because without a blockbuster phone, T-Mo was stuck and without bargaining power they’ll never get a blockbuster. The result, then, is a merging of the only two GSM carriers in the US, a major step for the technology and both companies.

Then Sprint and Google teamed up to supply Google Voice service to all Sprint customers. That’s right – instead of trying to jam home service down our throats, Sprint has given up. They’ve offloaded most of the calling features to Google and instead act as a carrier to Google’s traffic and assume that you’ll reorganize your life along Google’s terms rather than their own. How’s that for rolling up into a corner and whimpering for mercy?

The carriers are on the run."

What AT&T and T-Mobile Merger Means for Innovation.

2011-03-21T12:51:00.000-07:00

Om Malik writes: "Because we have a near-duopoly in the market place, it’s pretty likely both wireless companies will look to maximize profits on their networks, and as a result, push the prices higher and offer lower data caps.

What that means is that as an app developer, you would have to develop apps for a metered world, where data is expensive for consumers. In other words, the freewheeling culture of downloading apps that helps spawn the new mobile Internet revolution would come to an end. Bluntly put, AT&T is carbon monoxide for this blossoming ecosystem."

Sprint to support Google Voice for no extra charge, announces Nexus S 4G.

2011-03-21T12:46:00.000-07:00

"Sprint's move to support Google Voice is a first in the wireless world and is remarkable because it cedes to Google the call-management functions that were once the sole domain of operators. Through the deal, Google will further strengthen its grip on the customer experience through the combination of its Android smartphone operating system and its Google Voice call management service...

Interestingly, Sprint will essentially forgo revenues from international calling via the deal: 'International calls placed from your handset will be placed and billed through Google Voice at Google Voice's low rates. You will need Google Voice calling credit to place those calls,' Sprint explained on its website."

No Microsoft takeover on horizon, says Nokia CEO.

2011-03-21T12:41:00.000-07:00

"Nokia CEO Stephen Elop is seeking to calm investor nerves now that the dust has settled on the firm's alliance with Microsoft. He is insisting that the WP7 smartphone program will suffer none of the tardiness that afflicted the Symbian high end devices, and that there are no more big shocks to come - especially not a Microsoft merger."

RIM in war with operators over m-payments data.

2011-03-21T12:40:00.000-07:00

"The WSJ says that large cellcos - the biggest distribution channel for handsets in western markets - are already telling RIM and other vendors that they will only sell phones with credentials in the SIM card. However, some operators are saying privately that they expect vendors with closed platforms, notably Apple and RIM, to try to build the m-payments security and identity features into the handset."

AT&T buys T-Mobile USA in shock $39bn deal.

2011-03-21T12:39:00.000-07:00

"AT&T is to buy T-Mobile USA for $39bn in a shock deal. In all the whirl of speculation about TMo's future over the past months, it was assumed it would tie up with Sprint, Clearwire, LightSquared or any combination of those. Instead, all those potential partners will be left disappointed as the two main GSM/HSPA carriers join forces.

If the deal is cleared, it will hardly be a victory for the FCC's aim of increasing competition in the US mobile broadband world, instead reinforcing the risks of the market becoming a virtual duopoly."

Microsoft delays Windows Phone 7 copy-and-paste update.

2011-03-11T12:50:00.000-08:00

"Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) will delay a planned Windows Phone 7 operating system update slated to introduce features like copy-and-paste, citing lessons learned from snafus that plagued the previous update."

Berg: Smartphone shipments grew 74% in 2010.

2011-03-10T15:25:00.000-08:00

"According to new data issued by wireless market intelligence firm Berg Insight on Thursday, the global smartphone market grew by nearly three-quarters in 2010. Global smartphone shipments hit 295 million units for the year, a 74% increase over 2009 totals. The firm anticipates that shipments will hit a staggering 1.2 billion units in 2015, at which time there will be an estimated 2.8 billion smartphone users scattered across the globe. Berg sees the bulk of the growth coming from mid and low-end smartphone sales, which will continue to become more capable moving forward."

The Android OS Update Problem.

2011-03-09T12:54:00.000-08:00

Alex King writes: "The lack of OS updates to active devices is creating a huge burden on the Android app ecosystem.

Developers have to support too many OS versions and devices. The testing matrix involved in supporting multiple OS versions, multiple vendor-specific extensions, multiple hardware configurations (differences in physical screen size and resolution, with or without a hardware keyboard, BlackBerry style keyboard vs. slide-out landscape keyboard, etc.). How do you optimize for user experience across that many variants? How do you effectively test your apps across them all?

This burden is heavy on the entire ecosystem. As it increases, it hinders the ecosystem’s ability to move forward until it eventually grinds to a halt. Stuck, unable to move under it’s own bloat. That is when it becomes a problem for consumers."

RIM launches free data security app.

2011-03-09T11:32:00.000-08:00

"Research In Motion (NASDAQ: RIMM) has launched a free application that enables consumers to wirelessly back up, restore and locate their BlackBerry smartphone in the event of theft or loss...

RIM said BlackBerry Protect integrates a web-based end user portal as well as call center access and is available for download via the BlackBerry App World Test Center as well as the BlackBerry Protect website."

Samsung phones still having problems with first Windows Phone 7 update.

2011-03-07T12:31:00.000-08:00

"It’s not the update you’ve been waiting for, rather it’s the update the will allow you to get the update you’ve been waiting for. Of course we’re talking about Windows Phone 7, and the small, quirky code bundle Microsoft has been attempting to rollout for the past two weeks. After halting the update to Samsung handsets back on February 23rd, the company resumed sending the software to users’ devices this week. And unfortunately, it looks like Windows Phone users with Samsung handsets are continuing to have issues."

Google Responds To Android Malware, Will Fix Infected Devices And ‘Remote Kill’ Malicious Apps.

2011-03-07T12:27:00.000-08:00

"Unfortunately, while Google can remotely fix affected devices, it can’t automatically patch the security hole that made the exploit possible in the first place. That’s because the hole exists on the system level, so it requires a system upgrade to resolve — and it’s up to the carriers and hardware manufacturers to deploy the fix. Google is issuing a patch and informing its partners that it is urgent, but who knows how long it will take the carriers to push it to users.

As if to underscore this problem, Google says that the exploit was actually already fixed in recent versions of Android, and that it only affects version 2.2.1 and lower. Unfortunately the vast majority of Android devices are still running older versions of the OS because of the aforementioned sluggish carrier updates...

The whole situation is pretty alarming for Android users (and I’m sure the email alerts Google will be issuing are going to spur even more user angst). Google wins some points for removing the affected applications within minutes of being informed of their malicious intent. But the fact that it is unable to distribute system security updates is unnerving — Google can downplay Android’s fragmentation issue all it wants, but when user security is at stake, we shouldn’t have to rely on the carriers."

Google uses Android kill switch to eliminate malicious apps on phones.

2011-03-07T12:12:00.000-08:00

"Google has started using a remote kill switch feature in Android to wirelessly nuke those installed apps on user’s handsets. That’s not the entire story, though, as Google is actually installing new code in the process. The new code undoes the exploit and prevents your data from being shared, and it’s kind of creepy to plainly see how much control Google has over your Android phone from afar."

Google's new API addresses Android fragmentation.

2011-03-07T11:57:00.000-08:00

"Google is in a current battle to avoid fragmentation of Android, while preserving at least some of the openness that attracts many supporters. Its latest step is to extend its Fragments API (application programming interface) to older OS releases, allowing developers to modify their existing programs for newer devices."

Beijing to Track Citizens' Cell Phones 'To Ease Traffic Congestion.'

2011-03-03T13:01:00.000-08:00

"According to the website of the Central People's Government, Beijing's cell phone-owning population (about 70-percent) will be tracked in real time as part of the project, which is called 'Platform for Citizen Movement Information.'"

Mobile Patches and Updates: Windows Update Comes to your Phone.

2011-03-03T12:10:00.000-08:00

Jason Lackey of Cisco provides a very nice explanation of FOTA. Read it here: Mobile Patches and Updates: Windows Update Comes to your Phone

Symantec: Rogue Android app runs up SMS bills.

2011-03-02T10:47:00.000-08:00

"McAfee's most recent threat report, announced last month, revealed a steady increase in threats to mobile platforms as the number of new pieces of mobile malware grew by 46 percent in 2010.

The report also revealed 20 million new pieces of malware last year, which equates to almost 55,000 new malware threats each day. Of the nearly 55 million total pieces of malware McAfee Labs has identified, 36 percent were created in 2010."

Federal CIO: Government IT should decentralize employee mobile device ownership.

2011-03-02T10:45:00.000-08:00

"[Federal Chief Information Officer Vivek Kundra] said mobile advancement has been stifled by CIO strategies that are overly concerned about security. If government employees could virtualize a mobile operating environment for work on their personal mobile device, security concerns would shift. CIOs would be less focused on inventory and device management and more focused on the HTTPS environment, a scalable approach, said Kundra."

Google nukes dozens of Android apps after malware scare.

2011-03-02T10:30:00.000-08:00

"Google has pulled a host of free applications from its Android Market storefront following reports that the apps were infected with malware. More than 50 Android apps -- credited to developers Kingmall2010, we20090202 and Myournet -- are said to contain the DroidDream malware, which seeks to gain root access to the user's device, collecting a range of available data and downloading more malicious code to the smartphone without the consumer's knowledge or consent."

Enterproid Brings Work/Life Balance to Smartphones.

2011-02-28T13:43:00.000-08:00

"The result is a secure encrypted environment called Divide that mimics virtualization but is not tied to the hardware. Instead, it’s a partitioned area within the interface that comes with its own applications for web browsing, e-mail, SMS, calendar and contacts. The first version, which will launch on Android, can be accessed by a tap of the app icon or through a double tap of the home screen button. Divide then launches into a distinctive profile that is secure from the rest of the phone...

Enterproid steps into a market that is increasingly getting hotter, and crowded, as companies deal with an influx of employee-bought smartphones and tablets. IDC projects that by 2014, there will be more than a billion smartphones in users’ hands, with 75 percent of employees in large companies using them for business. Good Technology, which has been one of the leaders in securing smart devices, said last year that monthly growth of enterprise iOS and Android deployments was meteoric. VMware finally unveiled its plans for mobile devices by partnering with LG to bring virtualization to Android devices. Motorola, which actually sold off Good Technology, showed its intentions to get back in the space by buying up 3LM earlier this month. And Sprint this morning just announced a Total Equipment Protection app to allow consumers secure, locate and remotely wipe their BlackBerry and Android devices."

After iPhone, Connected Devices Emerge as AT&T’s Savior.

2011-02-28T13:33:00.000-08:00

"AT&T is going to start selling Kindles in its stores, it said today. Verizon sells iPads at its retail locations. T-Mobile and Sprint are hawking tablets in their stores, and it is only a matter of time until operators no longer just sell cell phones but also a wider range of connected devices, as they chase what has become the savior of wireless business: wireless data plans. In the process, your local AT&T or a Sprint store may soon look more like a Best Buy than a phone store."

Sprint pulls Samsung Epic 4G Android 2.2 (Froyo) update; data connectivity, SD card issues reported.

2011-02-24T11:07:00.000-08:00

"Not a ton of good news this week for Samsung handset owners awaiting software updates. Just three days after a highly-anticipated, Android 2.2 update began flowing to Epic 4G handsets, the code has pulled from update servers. Citing increased support calls, Sprint is looking to find the root cause of several, pesky problems."

Microsoft stops pushing Windows Phone update to Samsung devices; cites ‘technical issue.'

2011-02-23T14:11:00.000-08:00

"The update that is currently wreaking havoc on Sammy hardware is, ironically, designed to improve Windows Phone’s update mechanism — which is being updated in advance of a major over-the-air code push next month. Microsoft hopes to release a revised update to the Windows Phone community soon."

also see this blog post from Microsoft: More answers about our first software update

First Windows Phone 7 update hits snags.

2011-02-23T10:40:00.000-08:00

"Now Microsoft said it is looking into reports that the update is causing phones to stop working, and that it is aware of the problem. Interestingly enough, Windows Phone 7 users have to update their phones either via Zune software for Windows OSes or the Windows Phone 7 Connector for Mac using a USB cable. But these two programs may need updating themselves before users can install the new update for the phone."

The Not so obvious and Mobile World Congress.

2011-02-23T10:37:00.000-08:00

Antonio Rodriguez writes: "With my first MWC in Barcelona behind me, I thought I'd write some quick observations in a new format: the easy (obvious) conclusion from walking around and meeting with folks, followed by the more nuanced interpretation after having caught up on sleep and thought a little bit harder about things."

The entire post is worth reading -- find it here.

Mformation Signs Go-to-Market Agreement with HP to Promote Mobile Device Management Solutions Worldwide.

2011-02-22T13:58:00.000-08:00

"Mformation... today announced that it has expanded its relationship with HP. Mformation is now HP’s preferred MDM solution provider.

The expanded cooperation between Mformation and HP covers the complete end-to-end needs of mobile operators and enterprises for the management of mobile devices and services."

Connected device sales will grow 77% to 39 million in 2011, Berg Insight says.

2011-02-17T12:17:00.000-08:00

"In a report titled Emerging Wireless Consumer Devices published this month by Berg Insight, the firm claims that sales of connected consumer devices will grow 77% in 2011. Berg estimates that 22 million consumer devices with embedded cellular connectivity were sold in 2010, and that number will nearly double in 2011 to 39 million. In 2015, Berg thinks over 270 million connected consumer devices will be sold globally, representing a compound annual growth rate of 65%. The category, as defined by Berg, includes devices with integrated cellular connectivity such as tablets and eReaders, and it excludes cell phones."

Smart and Red Bend Unveil the Netphone.

2011-02-16T13:38:00.000-08:00

"Using Red Bend’s standards-based vRapid MSM solution, SMART [the leading Philippines’ wireless services provider, with 44.1m subscribers] can manage its suite of SMART-branded embedded software and apps, including WAC-compliant widgets, individually and independently from the OEM’s firmware, using the OMA-DM SCOMO standard. It can also push new, revenue-generating mobile services that use WAC widgets to Netphone subscribers over the air, rather than relying on consumers to discover new apps on the WAC-based SMART Shop or Android Market. And it can offer the same software-managed user experience across different device price points and mobile platforms, including Android and Brew MP."

related: Red Bend to show first OTA-managed WAC widgets, wherein Red Bend also announced:

"$100 Smartphones Are a Reality with Red Bend Mobile Virtualization... [enable] Android to run on low-cost, single-core hardware platforms, creating a new market of sub-$100 smartphones...
Reducing the Risks and Costs of Introducing a New Mobile Application... Red Bend’s vRapid Mobile® Software Management and Application Analytics solution analyzes consumers’ actual usage of mobile applications...
Protecting the Network by Identifying Rogue Applications... Red Bend’s Mobile Software Management solution identifies rogue apps according to predefined thresholds, and generates actionable alerts and reports."

Motorola, Good Technology and Sprint take aim at Android security, device management.

2011-02-16T13:27:00.000-08:00

"Sprint and Good Technology announced partnership to provide what they call business-grade security and full device management features on Sprint's lineup of Android devices, including the HTC EVO 4G, Samsung Epic 4G and the Samsung Galaxy Tab. The solution includes two key components: Good Mobile Control, which provides mobile security and device management, and Good Mobile Messaging, which delivers enterprise-class mobile email. "

Motorola Buys 3LM, Chases Corporate Buyers of Android Phones.

2011-02-16T13:23:00.000-08:00

"In its first acquisition since its spin-off, Motorola Mobility announced it has bought Three Laws Mobility (3LM), a stealthy startup by ex-Google employees that builds security software for Android devices. The acquisition will help Motorola as it looks to expand the presence of Android into corporate settings."

IBM, in mobile security drive, teams with Juniper on smartphone protection services.

2011-02-11T09:56:00.000-08:00

"IBM Security Services said it would team with Juniper Networks to offer managed services for Apple iOS, Android, Symbian, Blackberry OS and Windows through the Juniper Networks Junos Pulse Mobile Security Suite. The service, IBM says integrates policy-based enforcement that prevents smartphones from accessing key corporate resources unless required security policies and applications are in place...

Meanwhile IBM said it is researching and prototyping technologies to manage security and compliance challenges involving mobile smart phones, such as Android-based devices. With one such prototype system, using a single management platform, organizations will be able to extend management across any mobile device on their network, IBM stated. Customers will quickly be able to remotely set policies, monitor employees' devices to identify potential data compromise and wipe data off the devices if they are lost or stolen, IBM stated.

IBM added that researchers are also looking for ways to help customers secure instrumented endpoints for smart electrical meters. By 2015, it is expected that more than 300 million smart meters will be deployed worldwide and IBM expects work from this research project to let customers manage and secure a meter remotely, while helping to ensure they are also tamper proof."

Nokia's survival rests with Microsoft, Windows Phone 7.

2011-02-11T09:48:00.000-08:00

Phil Goldstein writes: "On paper, the partnership seems to make perfect sense. Nokia can bring its global supply chain to bear, and in return gets a flashy new operating system to use that has received a lot of praise. Microsoft effectively eliminates Symbian and MeeGo as competition, consolidates and removes confusion in the market and gets a gifted hardware partner that is committed to the partnership like no other licensee, since Nokia is hinging its future on Windows Phone.

However, there are a lot more questions than answers at this point, and the questions reveal troubling gaps in the overall strategy."

Ramping Up: Mary Meeker’s Latest Mobile Trend Slides.

2011-02-10T16:39:00.000-08:00

Could Apple Be Your Next Phone Company?

2011-02-10T16:22:00.000-08:00

Stacey Higginbotham writes: "Apple’s plans to once again change the dynamics of the mobile world are becoming clearer. Bloomberg reported today that the device maker has plans for a universal SIM card that I first reported on in October, and Apple is seeking a way to make it possible for consumers to pay for mobile access from multiple carriers via iTunes. The result of that hardware shift and business model change turns Apple into its own mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) and puts Apple, instead of the carrier, in control of the customer relationship."

Verizon confirms VoLTE plans for next generation voice network, video calling.

2011-02-09T12:48:00.000-08:00

"Verizon has confirmed to CNN that it will utilize Voice Over LTE (VoLTE) for its next generation voice network. The company is expected to make a public announcement, and host demonstrations, at next week’s Mobile World Congress. In the future, Verizon hopes to route all voice and video calls, text messages, and data packets over its LTE network...

The report also notes that VoLTE will allow simultaneous voice and data usage — a capability currently unavailable to most CDMA handsets."

Mformation secures mobile PCs over cellular networks.

2011-02-09T12:30:00.000-08:00

"Mobile device management firm Mformation has added support for Intel's Anti-Theft technology to its platform, giving IT administrators the ability to manage or disable laptops via the cellular network...

The added support for Intel's Anti-Theft technology, a feature of the updated Core vPro platform, means that administrators can now reach a lost or stolen laptop and disable it, so long as the device is anywhere within mobile network coverage.

Because the Mformation platform is hosted by the carrier or service provider, the customer's IT department just needs to flag a laptop or tablet as missing using a web-based console, and a lockdown command will be sent to the system if it is active...

The Anti-theft technology resides at the chipset and firmware level, and it is possible to send commands direct to it via the 3G modem and secure the laptop, even if the OS has not booted or is disabled, according to Mformation.

However, the downside is that this will only work with new systems that have Intel's technology and are configured with a cellular connection.

The Intel Anti-Theft support is actually part of a more general management solution, and Mformation now provides a Windows version of its OMA DM client, allowing administrators to manage and enforce policies on laptops via the mobile network."

Rumor Mill: Nokia CEO paints picture of 'burning platform' in memo.

2011-02-09T11:05:00.000-08:00

"Elop compares Nokia to a man standing on a burning oil platform who has to jump into the frigid waters of the North Sea to save himself. In the blunt memo, which was obtained by the blog Engadget, Elop depicts Nokia as being attacked at the high end of the market by Apple, in the mid-range by smartphones running Google's Android platform and at the low end of the market by Chinese companies like Huawei and ZTE, backed by MediaTek."

Major cellcos urge Nokia not to adopt Android.

2011-02-09T10:23:00.000-08:00

"According to the Financial Times, major cellcos such as Vodafone, Telefonica and Orange have stated that they hope Nokia will rule out adopting Android, when CEO Stephen Elop outlines his new strategy this week. Instead, they are urging him to build up MeeGo as an alternative to Android and iOS.

The three cited carriers are also leading lights, along with T-Mobile and Telecom Italia, in a shadowy group of European mobile players, which have reportedly created an informal group to 'keep an eye on' Google and Apple, their business practices and their ability to shift the mobile model. These carriers have expressed the view that Android and iOS are 'Trojan horses' to make Google and Apple the direct point of contact for mobile users, relegating the cellcos to dumb pipes."

For first time ever, smartphones outsell PCs in Q4 of 2010.

2011-02-08T14:01:00.000-08:00

"Analytics firm IDC provides the data, and indicates that smartphone OEMs sold 100.9 million units worldwide — an 87.2% jump year-over-year — while PC OEMs sold 92.1 million units worldwide — a 5.5% increase year-over-year. The report lists the top five smartphone vendors of 2010 (by units shipped and market share) as: Nokia, Research In Motion, Apple, Samsung, and HTC."

Mformation First to Launch Integrated Mobile Broadband Management Solution.

2011-02-01T14:08:00.000-08:00

"Rowan Scranage, SVP Global Business Development and Corporate Strategy at Mformation commented: 'We see the connected computing segment exploding, highlighted by devices like the iPad and Android tablets. This is [a] key area for mobile device and security management, and we are bringing a similar level of manageability to computing devices as we already bring to mobile devices. Another Mformation selling point will be delivering a one-stop shop for connectivity management for computing devices and mobile phones. This will be [a] compelling combination for both enterprises and mobile operators.'"

Android Wrests Smartphone OS Title From Symbian.

2011-01-31T16:13:00.000-08:00

"All the focus on operating systems obscures the fact that Nokia still remains the largest manufacturer of smartphones. IDC also confirms that Nokia remains the largest cell phone manufacturer overall, with a 30.8 percent market share in the fourth quarter. But as smartphones account for a larger piece of the cell phone pie, manufacturers using Android appear to be benefiting."

RIM looking to balance work and personal info on BlackBerry phones.

2011-01-26T12:48:00.000-08:00

"Looking to address the consumerization of the enterprise, Research In Motion (NASDAQ: RIMM) said it plans to introduce new software, in the next two months, called BlackBerry Balance. The software will allow IT departments to separate an employee's business-related email on the BlackBerry Enterprise Server, from the employee's personal social networking information in a secure manner."

Android and the Big Mobile Revolution.

2011-01-21T14:32:00.000-08:00

"The Harvard Business Review has a small article by Eric Schmidt (of Google), explaining Google’s priorities for ‘Preparing for the Big Mobile Revolution’.

They are…

Developing the underlying fast networks
Development of mobile money
Availability of inexpensive smartphones in the poorest parts of the world"

Class Action Lawsuit Filed Against T-Mobile & Samsung Over Delayed Android Updates.

2011-01-21T11:09:00.000-08:00

"The class action lawsuit says T-Mobile is engaging in deceptive business practices by delaying a Samsung Galaxy S Vibrant upgrade to Android 2.2 so that users will opt to buy newer (and possibly more expensive) hadsets, instead, such as the planned Samsung Galaxy S Vibrant Plus.

The class action lawsuit has accused Samsung and T-Mobile of violating the Uniform Deceptive Trade Practices Act, in promising an upgrade, but not delivering. The Vibrant also suffers from a known glitch in its GPS, which was supposed to have been fixed by a minor upgrade, but is still plaguing the handset.

If the case makes it to court as a class-action suit, then the issue over Android’s fragmentation will be highlighted, particularly with different manufacturers and carriers rolling out upgrades at different times."

Slow Android updates become burning issue for users.

2011-01-21T11:08:00.000-08:00

"Google needs to assert a little more of the control it professes to hate, to avoid alienating consumers and giving credence to reports that carriers or OEMs are deliberately hobbling devices.

For instance, Samsung was this week forced to deny rumors that it was blocking carriers such as T-Mobile from releasing over-the-air updates to Android 2.2, to bring Gingerbread to its Galaxy S family. This was supposedly because it wanted users to buy a new phone, perhaps the second generation S, to be unveiled next month at Mobile World Congress. Even when such tales are untrue, they sound all too believable to users who are unable to get the latest Android release, sometimes for months after first hearing about its charms."

European cellcos unite against Apple/Google "duopoly."

2011-01-21T11:06:00.000-08:00

"... this is an issue of the 'utmost importance' to European mobile users, the carriers said, and they are now creating a more permanent alliance to try to clip the wings of what one insider called the Google/Apple 'duopoly'.

According to the report, though, the group has so far found no concrete evidence of 'unfair practises' to submit to the EC, and of course it will not gain real attention from the European executive authority without clear suspicions of antitrust."

Nokia's US woes continue as it cancels AT&T launch [of the X7].

2011-01-21T11:04:00.000-08:00

"However, the change of plan is significant for Nokia, and there is a flood of speculation as to reasons. Most sources say the decision was made by the OEM, not by AT&T, and that the carrier is still interested in the phone - though not sufficiently interested to persuade its partner to change its mind, apparently. This probably indicates a sidelining of Symbian in the AT&T strategy, as it sees the almost unstoppable rise of Android. It is also giving Windows a higher profile than before since the launch of WP7, boasting of being the premier carrier for Microsoft's OS.

The WSJ reports that Nokia was dissatisfied with the level of subsidy and marketing support AT&T would give the X7 - and indeed, an unsuccessful launch, marred by operator indifference, would be worse than no launch at all. Many sources believe that Nokia has pulled back because it thinks the X7 would be lost in the crowd at AT&T, and it wants to make a far bigger impact by keeping its big AT&T announcement for a truly radical device. This would most likely run MeeGo - a higher end, more web-oriented OS, which is seen as more US friendly - and would aim to be a game changer rather than an also-ran. The question, of course, is whether Nokia can deliver that, given the low profile of its brand in the US, and whether AT&T would give it the kind of marketing support that would be necessary to raise its visibility."

Customer Care in the LTE World.

2011-01-18T13:09:00.000-08:00

"In fact, the impact these new [LTE] devices and services will have on customer care operations is expected to be substantial. Customer care performance metrics already show that each improvement in service capability comes with greater customer care needs. The average handle time (AHT) that a help desk representative spends with consumers to solve problems, for example, has jumped from approximately 10 minutes for feature phone customers to more than 15 minutes for smart phone customers. The AHT can be as much as 30 minutes for USB modem users.

The help desk's ability to solve a customer's problem the first time the customer calls, called first call resolution (FCR), also worsens as products and services become more complex. Of all the requests that come in for mobile broadband support, for example, 40-45% require two or more calls to reach resolution, and these calls are commonly referred from the front-line to higher skill-level personnel, which increases the cost of customer care.

Mobile operators have of course made significant investments in mobile device management, network management and OSS and BSS systems to address these needs. Even so, when a consumer calls a help desk for support, the company representative must look separately into multiple systems to identify the root cause of the consumer's problem. It is inconvenient, takes time, frustrates the customer and increases operational costs."

The Samsung Secret - Why U.S. Galaxy S Phones run Android 2.1 Still.

2011-01-17T12:19:00.000-08:00

An anonymous poster at the XDA-Developers forum writes: "Now, here’s where the politics come in: most U.S. carriers aren’t very happy with Samsung’s decision to charge for Android updates as feature updates, especially since they are essentially charging for the Android Open Source Project’s efforts, and the effort on Samsung’s end is rather minimal. As a result of perhaps, corporate collusion, all U.S. carriers have decided to refuse to pay for the Android 2.2 update, in hopes that the devaluation of the Galaxy S line will cause Samsung to drop their fees and give the update to the carriers. The situation has panned out differently in other parts of the world, but this is the situation in the United States.

Some of you might have noticed Verion’s Fascinate updated, but without 2.2 : This is a result of a maintenance agreement Samsung must honor combined with Verizon’s unwillingness to pay the update fees. In short, Android 2.2 is on hold for Galaxy S phones until the U.S. carriers and Samsung reach a consensus.

Some might wonder why I didn’t deliver this over a more legitimate news channel – the short answer: I don’t want to lose my job. I do, however, appreciate transparency, which is why I'm here."

Jobs Built an Organization.

2011-01-17T12:16:00.000-08:00

Kyle Baxter writes: "Jobs didn’t build Apple to orbit around him; he built it as an organization that embodies his values—small, start-up teams; relentlessly making something as good as it possibly can be; focus on the company’s competencies; and only enter new markets that provide an opportunity for Apple to define them.

Whether this is when Jobs will retire or not, Apple will go on, and we’ll see what I think is his greatest achievement: building an organization that can succeed without one man."

Asmyco: Each iOS Device Has Downloaded More Than 60 Apps.

2011-01-17T12:14:00.000-08:00

"Asmyco, the Helsinki-based app developer / industry analysis advisory firm founded and led by a longtime Nokia manager, has just published a new report on its blog with noteworthy data on the increase in iOS downloads by device.

The company reports that more than 60 apps have been downloaded for every iOS device sold. That’s up from 10 apps downloaded for every iPhone/iPod touch in 2008, says Asmyco."

Verizon holding media event January 11th in New York City; iPhone announcement imminent?

2011-01-07T13:27:00.000-08:00

"What do you think? Is Tuesday, January 11th the day when all the speculation can end? Or is this just an oddly — and cruelly – timed press event on 1/11/11 at 11:00AM ET?"

Android Isn’t About Building a Mobile Platform.

2011-01-05T12:20:00.000-08:00

Kyle Baxter writes: "Android isn’t an attempt to build the best mobile platform and sell it on its merits; it’s a play to control the vast majority of the mobile market, secure eyeballs for Google advertising and eliminate any threat to Google."

Read the entire analysis here: link

Amazon Aims for Quality in Its Android App Store.

2011-01-05T11:28:00.000-08:00

"Amazon is officially taking the wraps off its long-awaited Amazon App Store for Android, with the formal launch of a developer program. The Amazon store — which won’t arrive until sometime later this year — is aimed at creating a high-quality destination for Android app buyers and will give Android users a trusted place to pick up apps."

Qualcomm’s Atheros Buy and the Importance of Wi-Fi.

2011-01-05T11:21:00.000-08:00

"Qualcomm has agreed to buy chipmaker Atheros in a deal valued at $3.1 billion, which will create a networking powerhouse that spans the cellular, home, smart grid and sensor networks. As I wrote yesterday, this is an unusual and important deal for Qualcomm that helps it expand from the cellular world to myriad other networks. It’s also an indication the Wi-Fi has won, and in doing so has changed the game for device makers, carriers and even consumers."

also see: Qualcomm to acquire chip maker Atheros for $3.1 billion

"Atheros develops and builds the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chipsets found in a wide variety of popular devices, including the Amazon Kindle and Apple notebooks. The implications of this deal are tremendous, and could ultimately result in the inclusion of cellular radios in countless popular consumer electronics products moving forward."

Nielsen: Android now 40 percent of U.S. smartphone sales.

2011-01-04T11:45:00.000-08:00

"Devices running Google's (NASDAQ:GOOG) Android mobile operating system accounted for more than two fifths of all smartphones sold in the U.S. between June 2010 and November 2010, according to new Nielsen Company data. Android sales accounted for 40.8 percent of U.S. smartphone purchases at the end of November, up from 27.5 percent at midyear--Apple's (NASDAQ:AAPL) iOS increased from 20.9 percent in June to 26.9 percent in November, while Research In Motion's (NASDAQ:RIMM) BlackBerry plummeted from 35.0 percent to 19.2 percent during the same timeframe."