winindthedust

Verizon's Droid Is the Real Deal

This brings up something that you actually may want to watch:

Google.

Even though Google has open sourced this Android project and it's "free", Google still owns it.

If they choose to create their own semi-closed API developer model, as Apple has done, then Google would be master over a competing App store. This WOULD be something that could compete with Apple, as well as create demand for Android phones to compete with the iPhone. If they can specify a minimum requirement API model, then having Apps work on differing phones and being able to keep your Apps when changing phones or networks.... well, this might actually do the trick.

For now, Google hasn't shown it wants to or will do this. That means each company is left to it's own devices, which means Android Apps will be fragmented to networks, handset vendors, with specific hardware specs & requirements.

Verizon's Droid Is the Real Deal

As I actually have and use an iPhone, I can directly comment to this:

The iPhone is an excellent Phone & texting device, & an excellent email device.

Further, from an investment point of view: it's global. I can on the fly, choose whatever language or keyboard I want (43 languages). I've been able to loan my phone when in another country to colleagues, and set it in their language to use. Besides the fact that I can place & receive calls in all of these countries.

From someone that actually owns & uses an iPhone.


On Oct 19 09:39 AM robinjoe wrote:

> Not sure why people are sure no one can beat the iPhone. The iPhone
> isn't a very good phone or texting device. So if someone can equal
> it in internet and surpass it in the other two, then they win. They
> will be playing catch up in Apps for a good while, but if there are
> eyeballs the coders will port the iPhone Apps.

Verizon's Droid Is the Real Deal

Also, from an investing point of view:

VZ is still a local player, not global.

This phone is a local player, not global, since it's ties to VZ.

They will need to make different keyboard localizations for other countries, when and if they do go global... I large undertaking in software & hardware... so probably won't go global.

RIM has most to fear from this, as it competes directly with it on VZ's network.

Any left overs of WinMo will be killed off by Android & RIM offerings on VZ's network.

To sum up: This will create internal competition only on VZ's network between phone manufacturers. This will not create the intended exodus from At&t or Sprint to VZ.

Verizon's Droid Is the Real Deal

I'm not defending anyone here- just giving my first hand experience:

Using the iPhone on the AT&T network in NY State, I have never had a problem with call quality & dropped calls. As I am a business world traveler, being able to Roam the world over and have cellular signal is invaluable to me. Even in China, no problems with Roaming on At&t.

Verizon, unfortunately, doesn't work oversees. So your call & connection argument is based on a lack of knowledge & the whole picture.

To be fair, the ONLY place I've had trouble, is VERY slow 3G while traveling in Long Island going to the Airport. Calls no problem though.

Also, to be fair, traveling through the mountains, yes, there are spots I know I won't have reception for a click or two. But isn't that the case with ALL networks? When I was a VZ customer, I had the exact same experiences. They all have some holes, just in different spots.

To sum up: I depend on my phone always letting a call come through. I would not tolerate it if the service was poor on At&t, but it's not, and hasn't been. In fact, overall, it's been excellent.

I've been able to hold 4 way conference calls for over an hour with no call quality issues or dropping.

Again, not taking sides, just reporting my real experience.


On Oct 18 07:01 PM BertNo! wrote:

> As cool as the iPhone is or may be, with the advertising compaign
> Verizon is running, it seems to assure that the iPhone will remain
> with AT&T, which may be the beginning of the end once iPhone
> owners and potential iPhone owners realize they are stuck with the
> AT&T network. Apps on maps of Venice are cool and all, but at
> some point I'm going to need to make a phone call that has to go
> through.

Why Android Is Gaining Ground on Apple

Good for you Ed. Unfortunately, this article in no way helps investors.

If your beef is that Apple didn't accept Google Voice, I'm with you... however, you are ignoring the fact that you over 15,000 other Apps to CHOOSE from. No other platform even comes close. Once Android has the Apps, then we'll see.

My recommendation to you: iPhone like your wife and be happy. Once Android gets established, then check it out.

As far as Apple's real reason for "holding" Google Voice in purgatory... they will eventually approve it. However, they are and will be introducing the same features within Apple's MobileMe service. Apple would be foolish to allow GV siphon off people from MobileMe enhancements soon to be introduced.

Last, GV works fine as a Web App. Sure, no local data stored on the phone, but it still works nonetheless. And since GV depends on an internet connection- whether or not it's a native App or a Web App makes little difference to me at this point.

That brings me to another point: BESIDES the tens of thousands of native Apps out there for iPhone... how about the burgeoning WebApps, which are completely un-policed, that are becoming available?


On Oct 15 09:44 AM Edward Harrison wrote:

> LOL. That's hilarious. Those reports were NOT fantasy. Don't ask
> me why I stuck with Windows Mobile for so long. I have escaped the
> imprisonment now!

Why Android Is Gaining Ground on Apple

Too much emotion in this article. More like a rant from a spurned lover.

Investors that invest on emotion go broke... so buyer beware, don't follow this guy in investing.

There is a reason Apple has (in a down economy) continued to be a company (and stock) that continues to skyrocket.

From an investor perspective, Android makes no short term money for Google... maybe long term, if it somehow ties adds to the platform. They may, in the future, if the OS gets established, introduce an Ad version that is free, and a paid version... I doubt it though. This will tick off too many people. What Google is really doing, is attempting to take down Microsoft, for daring to come at them in search and advertising. Again I ask, how does Android, under this present model directly affect Google's stock or bottom line? The simple answer, it doesn't. Indirectly- maybe, but only time will tell.

Why Android Is Gaining Ground on Apple

Competition is good. However, Android will only help Apple but on the other hand, will give the death blow to the Windows Mobile platform.

Two completely different business models. Google is taking on M$ for trying to compete in search, by offering a free Mobile OS alternative to manufacturers. They will succeed. Good for consumers.

Apple iPhone is a managed device, which simply means, everything about it will continue to work as well as the company manages & implements it. Since Apple has a great track record in putting out excellent products, this also is a good for consumers.

RIM BB, Palm Pre & Windows Mobile is managed source as well, however, Windows Mobile has not been managed well, and Palm Pre, we have yet to see, while the BB is the only solid competitor to Apple in this segment.

The point is, people vote with their wallets. The fact that Apple has sold more phone in two years then Windows Mobile has in ten years, makes me a bullish investor for Apple.

If you don't get it, think of it in real terms: RIM HAS a successful platform with the BB. Apple HAS a successful platform with the iPhone. Palm is attempting a successful platform with the Pre. All of the above make BOTH the hardware & the OS. They are successful because the entire user experience is managed well. People vote with their wallets. All other handset manufactures only own half the nut, and previously had to depend on M$ for the other half. Nokia, HTC, and other the other handset manufacturers desperately need a competitive OS. Google Android to the rescue. If Android is successful, this actually HELPS Apple, RIM, and Palm. However, it kills Windows Mobile, Linux, & Symbian for this platform segment.

Cheers!


On Oct 14 12:17 PM harney22 wrote:

> Wow, Ed. Looks like you sure pissed off the AAPL folk. It truly is
> amazing how angry/defensive they become when you attack their precious
> Iphone. I like the argument for the android and really think that
> open source software keeps its opportunities many. Idk about other
> people, but I myself have become ADD with phones. I seem to switch
> at least once every year.

Can Blackberry Maintain Its Rise in Popularity Among Teens?

Sorry, couldn't disagree more. If you are talking about business, then you must wast your employers time, as 'long' email is a waste of time on anything but a full keyboard on your laptop or desktop. Mobile texting & email is certainly not 'useless' on the iphone, and actually quite good. For the world wide market, it's adaptability is priceless. I agree, the curve is excellent for it's 'mobile' keyboard... but not something I'll use for more then 15 words if I have the choice.

Where mobile makes money for business, is in adding labor efficiency and adding the ability to perform functions that can be performed in the field, that formally could only be performed in the office. This means true mobile computing with sky's the limit applications tailored to individual business needs.

In the future, I do not see typing as the 'choice' for mobile communication. Rather, speaking is. You want to give a quick response? Then sure, text it. You want to give a detailed explanation, with a picture and attachments to multiple parties... sure, it's email. In the future, however, written emails will not be composed by typing, but by speaking. This is fast, efficient, and accurate. Proofread, and send.

if you do ALL of your email on a mobile device & spend 8 hours a day doing it, then get a Curve or a Bold. If you want mobile computing, get an iPhone.


On Jun 21 11:00 AM aja8888 wrote:

> The two biggest drawbacks to the iPhone are the small touch sensitive
> keyboard and the limited e-mail capabilities. While Apple can overcome
> the e-mail deficiency, the almost useless keyboard will continue
> to haunt it. Several of us tried iPhones for work use and before
> long, they were handed off to our children, traded in for a Blackberry,
> or sold on eBay. I'm keeping my Curve, even though it is 2.5 years
> old.

Can Blackberry Maintain Its Rise in Popularity Among Teens?

"Stickiness" otherwise known as "brand loyalty" is the name of the game.

Reminds me of Apple's 1984 commercial, which has the same application today for the mobile computing market, as it did back then. The only difference, is that Apple is wiser and less naive to the potential backstabbing of partner companies.

With phones, people bought what was fed to them (status quo). IPhone changed this. Expectations are high, failures and success will be huge & catastrophic.

New Sirius Revenue Sources

All true- but they would do well to provide some competition to "ubiquitous wifi" first, by providing "ubiquitous satellite internet" first. This is in their best interests. Make a mobile sat internet device that connects to the iPhone. Allow it to tether. Allow it broadcast a personal wifi hotspot.

In the end, you are correct, but providing this service will help get us/them get there faster, and make use of those satellites while they have them. And who knows, maybe it will be profitable and win out as part of the global wifi initiative?

Sirius Becomes a Global Growth Story

This is only a small part of what is in Sirius's plans. Remember that the iPhone connector is now 'open' for use as well. Many possibilities for Sirius to take advantage of.

Sirius and the Apple Effect

A new buzzword called the 'Apple' effect will now have to be coined.

Sirius iPhone Application Soars in Popularity

One other Sirius suggestion: if they are serious about offering satellite internet data, they should now allow all future satellite transceivers & radios be configured to broadcast personal wifi.

Personal satellite wifi on the go. This would put them in true competition with all other provider sources.

Sirius iPhone Application Soars in Popularity

Hmmm- if Sirius can now create an iPhone, self-powered dongle, that connects directly to their satellites... it could even be an iPhone battery pack/Sirius satellite transceiver.

That would be a hot seller, and people might subscribe just for the internet data. Added to this, that iPhone can tether over bluetooth to your laptop, this would be a quality offering.

Research In Motion vs. Nokia

I believe all of these companies to be good for short term 'watched' investment.

It's not the mobile phone space, but rather the mobile computing space, that has the serious growth ahead. (When I say 'computing' that encompasses everything non-phone: web, email, games, business, apps, etc.)

Yes, there is room for competition within this growth, but it does get complex, as it's affected by telecoms. The handset manufactures that can best commoditize the telecoms, and offer the best overall 'computing' experience will do better.

Last, how well does the handset manufacturer make their product 'sticky'?

The BB used to be 'sticky'. iPhone out innovated, and is the new champ. Satisfaction studies show that it is very unlikely for iPhone users to switch.

Nokia mainly produces commodity phones, and there is nothing wrong with that. RIM may want to increase their share by also making commodity phones, though they would do well NOT to use the Black Berry monogram, and create something else, so as not to dilute the brand. BB should strictly cater to high end, period. If Nokia wants to seriously enter the computing space, they will need to invest in making a consistent new 'brand' for that top end space. Their current phone nomenclature is all over the board.

Further- "smart Phone" used to be 'just' web & email. Rim did well with this, but it wasn't really all that complicated for other commodity phones to bolt this on. Camera's for picture & video later came to the scene, though most of them were unusable toys, and simply sales gimmicks.

Undisputedly, the 'new' "smart Phone" space is defined by the iPhone. Web & email is no longer good enough to qualify. A real OS that behaves like your computer, along with integrated services, and limitless possibilities are what now define this space. Real mobile computing.

Brand loyalty- that will be the name of the game to true profits. Apple excels at this, Rim & Nokia do well to learn from this.