TekTidbits

Google's Android: Where Truth Outstrips Rumors

For the past several years, the blogosphere has been full of rumors of a new "Gphone" - or Google WiFi or mobile phone.  This week's announcement goes beyond this rumor, as Google doesn't just want to make a phone, they want to revolutionize the entire mobile phone business!

Android is a new open source platform developed in conjunction with 34 mobile technology and industry leaders that includes T-Mobile, Motorola, China Mobile, SiRF, and Qualcomm.   HTC expects to announce its first phone built on the Android platform next year as well.

This platform is Linux based, and is expected to unify mobile phones and OSs just as the advent of the PC did in the computer industry during the early years. 

Those who aren't so happy about this are going to be Microsoft and Symbian - leaders of the proprietary mobile OS efforts.  Carriers also will lose some differentiation between other carriers, which hopefully will translate into less protectionism and more "unlocked" phones between carriers.

It will be very interesting to see if Google wins in this new space.  My bet is on them!

My New Social Network on the Ning Platform: Gadget Geeks

Being naturally curious about the Ning platform, this weekend I created a new social network totally focused on gadgets such as iPhones, iPods, digital cameras and the like.  Called Gadget Geeks, it is now live on Ning.  I am going to promote it and see how it goes.  If I get lots of interest, I will get source code and customize it further.

Now, it is the free site and does have the Ning logo on top. 

This was great fun, especially finding some cool videos to post - such as the You Tube "iPhone in a blender" video! 

I also have a few (very few, as this is all that is available now) Open Social gadgets such as a Sudoku puzzle and a Garfield cartoon on my profile page.   

The badge HAS to be more customizable, I plan to look into this during the week.

In the meantime, I invite ALL of you to visit my new site - and give any and all feedback.

Web 2.0 is very cool, very cool indeed!

The New UMPC Revolution - For When A Cell Phone Just Isn't Big Enough!

[Photo Credit:  CNN Money]

At the recent Intel IDF show in September, UMPCs or "Ultra Mobile PCs" were center stage.  Larger than a smart phone yet smaller than a laptop, this new class of devices feature full browsers, great graphics, and keyboards that don't require a child's fingers to use.

This model pictured is the new Sony Vaio VGN-UX390N - a 1.2 lb wonder with two cameras, WiFi and EVDO connectivity for when WiFi isn't available, a fingerprint scanner, and a 32G flash memory drive.  The use of flash drives makes the UMPCs less vulnerable to vibration and shock induced failures, making them a better choice for outdoor workers such as surveyors and estimators. 

Another good choice is the Samsung Q1P - which was shown at IDF in a case near our booth.  This model has the biggest and most readable screen, and offers Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity.  It has a touch screen, handwriting recognition that actually works, and a portable USB keyboard. 

The upcoming UWB or wireless USB connectivity will take these devices to the next level - and make them a good choice for road warriors like myself. 

The current consensus on this market is that it is in infant stages, but will take off in mid to late 2008.

AT&T - Anti-Customer Service

During my morning web prowl, I came across this post on Geek News Central:

Your home burns to the ground, you call to cancel service and the service agent told they would have to pay for the receiver. This is what you call a corporate relations nightmare.

This is another reason why I refuse to give AT&T a penny of my money. AT&T should have had a policy in place long ago for fire victims. A little good will goes a long long way in keeping fire victims happy after such a significant event.

Call that one customer lost forever and 1000’s more informed on how rotten they are. dslreports.com

This is just unbelievable!  AT&T should be working with the victims of the fire, not charging them for new receivers during this crisis.  At least these poor people should be able to watch TV while they rebuild! 

Yes, I concur.  AT&T will definitely not get a dime of my money either, not as long as they treat our fellow Californians this way in the aftermath of such a crisis. 

Not cool!

A Review of TopUSAOnlineCasinos.com

Another site that reviews casinos that accept US players is TopUSAOnlineCasinos.com. This site features reviews by top players that are all easily accessible on the home page of the site.

The top United States online casinos are listed in rank order (for the first ten), with links to the full review and a link to each casino in a list format. The table featured on this page includes the pay out percentage, rank, and bonus given - all useful information if you are looking for the best and most trustworthy online casino!  Download links are also given if a casino requires you to download additional software. 

The site design itself is rather simplistic, with a typical photo banner at the top in patriotic colors.  However, the site navigation is very clearcut, and it is easy to find the information you need to choose the casino that is right for you.

The reviews themselves are well done, and include a trust factor, information on the security certificate, a ranking for their customer service, and any other key features that may make the casino more attractive.

There is a separate page for online sports book sites - at present, they only recommend two.  There is also a separate page for online poker rooms that doesn't quite seem to be working yet - but I am sure they will address this soon.

This looks like a great site to use when selecting a trustworthy online casino with good odds and quick payouts!

[Paid post for Smorty.com]