Mobile Payment Is Coming In A Big Way

The mainstream media has not caught on to it yet and I've talked about it here from time to time. But be prepared to be bombarded with tons of media reports, blogs, tweets, and e-mails about it in the coming weeks or months.

At week at the Mobile World Congress, near field communication, NFC, was being talked about as if it is the next holy grail of mobile. And to a follower of mobile happenings like myself, this is a big thing. In as few words as possible, NFC allows payments be made through mobile devices.

Think of this as what you can already do at Starbucks. You can order and pay through the app. Well, this will happen in a much much better way. There are a couple of devices on the market with NFC capability, specifically, Google's Nexus S. But as with some technology, being first doesn't mean much.

However, it is largely expected that Apple's next iOS hardware updates, including the next iPhone, will support mobile payment. And I expect an explosion of next generation Android devices to support this as well.

I really recommend reading up on it because just about everyone from your bank, credit card, wireless providers, and hardware companies will be getting in on this lucrative new business. Oh, and retailers would love this as well.

Also, there are also security concerns you'll need to be aware of.

So get ready media and ad blitz coming our way. I'll be devoting much much more attention than I have in the past. I started talking about almost two years ago, pointing the ease that the Japanese users have been able to enjoy with paying through their cell phones for years.

It'll be our turn soon.

Samsung Galaxy Player - Android For The Rest Of Us

Over at Onxo, I have blogged about my experience using and iSpot, basically a mifi dedicated to Apple's iOS device. In my case, I've been using the iSpot with the iPod touch and not the iPhone. Why? Because I don't think I like to pay the wireless providers, gatekeepers who only want to hand-cuff its users without innovation, and I believe the future of mobile computing and communication is through VOIP and video and telephony will go the way of the dodo.

For Android fans, there is finally an answer. Samsung will be unveiling a version of the Galaxy S without the telephone function and 3G antenna and rely exclusively on WiFi for wireless Internet access.

At CES next week, Samsung will introduce the Galaxy Player.

And of all the Android device makers, we really should have seen Samsung as the one to provide provide this mobile solution. Like Apple, Samsung with the Galaxy has a brand that is respected and known.

Maybe one day, we'll see a Droid without the 3G antenna and just a Wi-Fi only version but we don't know when that day will come or if it will come. Until then, there will be the Player.

I really like to see what Samsung has to offer and how it will be marketed to the end-users. I gather that many kids will snatch it up just like they do the iPod touch. And the timing is brilliant since the iPod touch will be out on the market for 4-6 months already and folks looking for something new will definitely consider the Player as their mobile device.

What's not to like? Near identical specs as the Galaxy S, great screen, 3MP rear camera and VGA frontal camera for video chats, 4" screen coming with 800x480 resolution, and comes in 8 to 32 GB of internal storage.

Source: Samsung Hub

Note: I spoke at length last last night with a friend about just such a device and I e-mailed him about it this morning when I learned about Samsung's plans for the Player. He's looking for something with a physical keyboard. And I'm looking for one with today's tech like Nvidia's Tegra 2. Hey, Motorola or LG, listen up. We're waiting for you to wow us with your own WiFi-only Android device.

A Droid that sells for $200 without 3G or Verizon will sell itself. A LG Optimus 2X san two-year contracts is just as enticing.

Internet Withdrawal

Yesterday, I altered my T-Mobile wireless data plan: now, I am without data on my G1, iPhone, or my upcoming Sony Equinox. I have done away with wireless data completely. Why?

I find that I am too connected. At work, home, Stabucks, and bookstores. Not to mentioned between stops at intersections and anywhere that doesn't readily offer free wireless broadband. However, today, it was different. This afternoon, I went to a supermarket deli area for continuing work on my iPhone development. There was no Internet access there. But that was fine as I was able to get considerable amount if work done.

But then I went to my cousin's house for dinner. While he has wifi access, I didn't want to ask (he would have seen it as begging since he detests anything Apple), I held off on it.

It was problematic, not because I could not check my emails or tweet my about my withdrawal but I had a few missed calls that went directly to my Google Voice voicemail. The only solution was to call the missing numbers back but a couple of them I wanted to screen possible voice messages first.

And truly, there was discomfort. It was not so bad that I was going mad but it was like a really bad itch that I couldn't get rid of.

When I finally arrived home, within the range of my wifi network, the chime of mail beeped from my iDevices and I instantly fired up the mail app as soon as I put my car into park on the driveway.

You know what it felt like? Like I was coming up for air after holding my breath for along time underwater.

Okay, you might think me pathetic or exaggerating this ordeal. Okay, perhaps a bit. But the feeling of disconnect certainly was there.

Hoe long can I last with this experiment? I don't know. I am very good at adapting. And the reason I wanted to do this was I was afraid the constant connectivity was preventing from stopping now and then to "smell the flowers". I saw my nephew appreciate his new Wii. Had I had Internet access, I might have missed much of it.

I think this is for the best. Should a greater need require that I have wireless Internet access at all time, I can always get it back.

I'll continue to update my wireless-less experiment as well as my iPhone development experience. Hopefully, both endeavors will turn out well and fruitful.

Note: I was offered an option to being back my data at a considerable discount. But even with this enticement, I will try to hold out longer. Not only that, I was even offered for free a brand new Android device for being such a long and loyal customer. Yeah, I passed on that too.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPod touch

One, Two Punch of Apple And Google To Decimate Telecoms And Wireless Providers

It's rare to see Apple and Google working together in any meaningful way like they used to. Well, the combination of Apple's Facetime for the iOS devices and VOIP calling integration into Gmail/Gtalk, though accidental, means we can start the countdown clock to the demise of landlines, telecoms, and wireless providers.

Facetime for the iPhone and iPod Touch has the likelihood to transform communication and Internet calling just makes expensive wireless plans unnecessary once it becomes available on Android.

Of course, the telecoms and wireless providers can transform and innovate. But I'm not optimistic. Personally, I'm okay with them being dump pipes.

More on how Apple and Google are working, again not necessarily together, to end the era of draconian telecoms at Greenjava.

How Microsoft, Nintendo, And Sony Will Bring Portable Gaming to Mobile Computing Market

Some quick thoughts about mobile gaming in the age of app stores, casual gaming, and diminished support for portable gaming consoles, is it time to give thought to how Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo will go on. I see a merger of platforms, birth of new ones, and a salad of old tech mixed with the new.

Which is better?

More at Onxo.

Android Apps: Free Today. But For How Much Longer?

As you know by now, Google is taking apps for sale on the Android Marketplace.

For months since October, G1's T-Mobile debut, we have had a free run in the marketplace while Google works through the kinks of Android's OS.  I'm sure by now, no one is surprised G1 users paid to be beta users.

However, as iPhone's iTunes app store took off during this time with 600 million downloads and 15,000 apps, we G1 users have had to virtually the same apps to download over and over again.  But don't get me wrong.  I appreciate the fact that all the apps were free and that even some were quite good.

Off the top, I can say that I would have thrown my G1 out the window to be crushed by some truck if not for excellent apps like Twidroid (twitter app), DoggCatch (podcast downloader and search engine), Streamfurious, textonphone (ebook reader), just to name a few.

However, once the market is truly opened for commerce, how many of these excellent apps are going to remain free?  Like Google, some of these developers also used us as beta testers for months.  Is the payback for our inputs these months the honor of paying for these apps?

On the other hand, I welcome the arrival of the wealth of paid apps.  This is not a slight against current free app developers but I sure would like to see some of those apps that iPhone and iPod Touch users have access to for close to a year now.

I mean, seriously, the fact that Pac-Man is the top download in the games section really speaks volume about the state of the Android Marketplace.

Android Update

Word on th blogs is that an Android update is coming.  There's a name for it.  There are even screen shots.  Just as on Onxo and On Apple, we don't traffic in anything but concrete data though we certain have no qualm about wild speculations and such.

Where am I coming from on Android and my beloved but subpar G1?  Let me first say that I'm one of the first mobile warriors to have a G1.  3G.  Sure, love it!  But at the time I went from an iPhone to a G1.  Folks, Android shows promise but is not the iPhone.  Let's be honest.  But I've got a lot of hope for what Google and company will be able to develop and improve on what we're getting currently from T-Mobile.

In the next few months, Android will not only be going up against the iPhone 3G and Storm as has been in the last quarter but it'll have to go up again resurging Palm's Pre (assuming Apple doesn't sue them out of oblivion). 

From what I've seen, the Palm Pre could be going after the same folks G1 has been going after.  Pre will be debuting on a fledgling network, Sprint, just as G1 did on T-Mobile (not as in bad a shape as Sprint).  Just as the G1 was a stopgap against the iPhone, the Pre will be preforming the same role for Sprint, against everyone else.

However, Pre feels new, fresh, and fast.  And the form looks pretty cool.  G1, well, is a bit beta-ish.  And this is why I'm hoping with the new Android update, we'll finally get out of beta and see promises of Android fulfilled.

Once we get the update and have had a chance to play with it, then I think I'll finally write my G1 review.  But I hope there are a few features I like to see coming out of this update:

• Background apps.  Right now, not all the apps run in the background as it should.  Since Android's native IM doesn't stay logged in, I tried with Meebo.  No luck there.  Strangely, other apps like Twidroid and DoggCatcher had no problems running in the background. 
  
• Fix IM - my gTalk account is able to stay connected.  I'm sure everyone else would like to see their Yahoo, MSN, or AOL Messenger accounts stay connected as well.  Not everyone use gTalk.  Not everyone who has a Google account use gTalk.
• Leaner OS.  More optimization.  My G1 runs out of memory from time to time and it takes more time to go from task to task, app to app.
• Ability to use more than one Google account.
• Better e-mail implementation.  
• Somehow, squeeze more out of the battery or greater efficiency.  I'm charging the G1 twice a day and, luckily, I am always near an outlet.  
• On screen in put.  A keyboard.  
• Better calculator.  It's not something I should have to download a 3rd party app for an adequate calculator.
• Not really Android related but here's hoping future G1 or other Android phones will have more than just 1GB of memory.
• More crisp touch implementation.  Multi-touch would be nice (to be implemented without being sued by Apple).  More and more games are coming that may require touch and variety of gestures.
  

 We'll know soon how much improvement my G1 will offer.

Note:  Anyone interested in an Android-based phone, it's my opinion that you wait a bit and see what the new update offers.  We might be surprised with a new Android phone. 

Another note:  Some good news.  App development on the Android seems to be picking up steam.

Looking Forward to Amazon's Music Store on G1

I'll be getting my G1 tomorrow.  Hopefully.

The one thing that look most forward, among the other stuff that we ready know about Android, 3G, and the apps, I'm looking forward to using the Amazon MP3 store.

Here's why.

I've been so addicted to iTunes that it's difficult to break away from it.  It's a habit.  And the truth of the matter?  Apple has made it so freakin' easy to use.  Open up iTunes.  Look for what you want.  Download.  Listen to the music or upload to my iPhone or iPod.

I don't like that some of the music I bought has DRM and with Amazon, that won't be an issue.  Nevertheless, it remains to be seen how easy Amazon and Google has made this.

I'll have my review tomorrow.  And for better or worse, it'll be a review of an owner.

T-Mobile G1 Profile -You Can Move it Around

By my count, all the folks, including myself, who pre-ordered the G1 device, the first Android phone, have just 19 days until we see it at our front doors across America.

So far, we know this much.  Or rather, we think we know.  T-Mobile sold out of its first batch of G1 pre-orders by last Saturday.  Then they offered additional units for those who sat on the sideline a bit too long for delivery at a later date.

Meanwhile, some sites are reporting T-Mobile is asking HTC to ramp up G1 units because of overwhelming demand.  Reports range from 400-500,000 units sold through 2008 and may reach another 2 million by the end of 2009.

However, I believe Android phones may sell that many units, I don't think G1 will.  I maintain that the G1 is sort of Google's beta version of a truly finished Android phone, just like those of us who adopted Apple's first iPhone were really their beta testers.

I'll provide an update on Android news this week later this weekend.  But first, go to T-Mobile's G1 site (via Android Community ) for a 3D look at the Android and an emulator.  You can test out the device even before you get your G1 or if you just want to play with it a bit before jumping it.

I've captured a variety of screen shots here for you.  Enjoy!

email (not gmail)

calendar

IM

map

calls

music

browser

gmail

EA Games Coming To Android

I'm a big iPhone/iPod Touch game fan.  I've bought over $200 worth of games (not including non-game apps) for my i-devices since the app store went life.

So, I was heartened to learn that EA will be bring its games over to the Android platform.  However, that won't happen until Android's main overlord, Google, implements the ability for vendors to charge for the app.

Regardless, it is good to see there is tier one support for the platform.

However, I find gaming on the iPhone to be much more unique and the jury is still out for me on whether I will be buying games for my G1 since I view it mainly as a "work" device than a fun device like my iPhone.  I'll decide when the time comes.

Free games, that's another story.  Still looking for a good Pokemon-like or other DS-like RPG games though.  I haven't seen anything like that on the iPhone yet.

Via Gizmodo and Pocket Gamer

Note:  Fact that the payment system for Android isn't ready confirms what I've thought all along.  Those of us who bought into G1 are beta testers.

Post-Android News (Updated September 24, 2008)

The prudent thing is to wait a few days or even a week after an event we had this week with the introduction of G1 by Google and, really, T-Mobile to the world.

There was a lot of excitement.  But as the details came out, we feel less and less thrilled about what we see.  To begin with, the comparison to the iPhone was missing but there were subtle jabs at Apple's walled garden.  And Apple doesn't deny that.

However, to say that Android is open is not true at all.  There's spin so I don't want to call anyone a liar.  Let's face it.  It's Google OS for all intent and purposes.  Not all apps will be allowed on G1.  T-Mobile made sure VOIP, for one, does not make it onto the G1.

Then T-Mobile went ahead to cap the 3G access at 1GB.  It was only furor over such fine print that T-Mobile removed the statement and vague warned potential customers that we are still subject to speed bumps if we get in the way of them running a smooth 3G experience.

After some musing, I've decided to give the G1 another look.  I really want to see one in person and feel it in my hand before going ahead and order one.  I love the fact that Google has developed an OS and looks to change how mobile users work, play, and communicate.

Plus, Google is a formidable competitor in any arena they enter because they are young, hungry, and with deep pockets.  Google has been laying the ground work for Android to do well.  Look for multiple devices based on Android to hit the market.  G1 is just the first step.  We've mentioned before whoever makes apps work outside of mobile handhelds will have the potential gain customers outside of the customary smartphone market.

So, those are my thoughts.  Now, here are some from others across the political spectrum on mobility.

Thoughts in specs, features, and plans:

• jkontherun on T-Mobile's 3G backtrack.  They are also suspicious.
• Onxo on why T-Mobile was less evil today.
• CNet's side-by-side comparison between the iPhone and G1. Some info already dated like the 1GB cap.
• GigaOM thinks there's more to this T-Mobile spin about the 1GB cap.  This is like when Google tried to pull a fast one over us with the Chrome statement.
• Silicon Alley Insider offers another perspective on T-Mobile's attempt to handicap Android.

Comparison with iPhone (it's funny, really.  Nokia, RIM, Palm, and Blackberry seem so irrelevant):

• Gizmodo on comparing developing for our two favorite companies.
• Onxo wants more than specs comparisons.  
• TechNewsWorld says there are factors to consider in choosing.  
• Engadget offers video comparison between iPhone and G1 and other G1 videos.
• Gizmodo's post of all their posts.
• iPhone Matters linked to InfoWorld to discuss SDK.

Those who think Android is subpar:

• Former Google manager can't understand Android.
• Marketwatch does not see a market changer in G1.
  
• Wired on how Google can save Android.  Fragmentation is the word of the day.
• jkOnTheRun on G1's limitations and how developers can fill the gap.
• Silicon Alley calls G1 "safe".  
• Mossblog lukewarm on G1.  MacDailyNews' commentaries.
• Seeking Alpha on Jonathan Ives but also talked about Android.  MacDailyNews' commentaries.
• Roughly Drafted on Android challenges.  It's as if we have to choose between the iPhone or G1 for President.  
• Appleinsider believes there is nothing similar that warrants comparison.
• iPhone Matters - 10 things iPhone has to do to catch up to G1? (updated Thusday noon)
• Business Week - Don't underestimate Apple either.
• iSmash Phone analyzes where G1 falls short. (updated Thusday afternoon)
• Mainstream media now realizes G1 shortcomings.

Those who think Android hit it out of the park:

• SF Gate asks if Google is evil.  
• Google's word on Android.
• CNet doesn't think Apple, RIM, and Microsoft should  underestimate Android.
• Android Guys compare G1 to Amiga.  
• Phandroid offered a view and video from the perspective of an Android fan.
• TmoNews on G1 unlocking and new data issues.
• Engadget offers what they like or don't like about G1.
• Symbian Freak asks if Android will put Symbian to rest.  Guys, this is Nokia with a lot of deep pocket too.  Oh, but it's Nokia.
• Time believes Jobs is in danger of repeating history with Android.  Macdaily's pro-Apple rebuttal.

Those who think Google will have to work hard but are in the middle and news:

• FT thinks there are a lot of players who will give Android a lot of competition.
• LA Times thinks this will be a long long duel.  I agree.
• Electronista reports Sony mulling Android.  This was not unexpected.  Android powered PSP, anyone?
• Kotaku reports Gameloft will make games for Android.
• Crunchgear reports Google offered final Android SDK to everyone, not just folks they like.  If you recall, they secretly gave certain developers a version of SDK not available to everyone.  I think Google did apologize for getting caught, not for the deed itself.
• Wired on programmers who got rejected by Apple.  Not all are going to Android.
• Android Guys on G1 shortcomings.  Good and honest.  Very fair.

Detailed Explanation of Diff Between G1 And the iPhone

I posted a few key differences between the iPhone and the G1 over at Onxo .

I found some explanations explaining the difference at Network World that warrants reading and I highlighted some important ones.

At the same time, it's only been a day or so since the unveiling of the G1.  It's worth noting that things can change between now and October 22nd.

Particularly, I'm hoping T-Mobile will realize the 1GB cap on 3G access is pretty stupid.

The Party's Over

The clean up crew has moved in and started putting away the decoration, the chairs, and get it ready for the Boggle club tomorrow.


So, what a day for Google, THC, and T-Mobile, eh?


Now that the party's over, it's time to look a closer look at G1.  The design.  The software and interface.  The partners.  And finally, the reception.






Right now, there are few who are taking a way-and-see position.  Not surprised.  Google really played up our expectation since last year.  So, either G1 met expectations or fell short.  As far as falling short, I'm not talking about the phone itself but the entire pack.


Either way, Android's influence has rippled across the mobile market.  And make no mistakes, they are mere ripples as far as I can tell at the moment.


I'll be honest.  I'm an iPhone user and I love most things about Apple products (not so cool with their cult status, secrecy, and draconian practices).  After spending over an hour trying to back through the throng of early adopters, I finally was able to log into my T-Mobile account and get G1 product page and was all set to check out when certain started showing up on the blogs covering the G1 launch.


And I had already promised my iPhone to my brother.  So, what are some of these things that bug me?

• 3G access.  1GB limit per month and then they throttle you down to 50kbps after that for the rest of the month.  T-Mobile and Google has said that won't happen.  Fine, then take it off the contract.  Why hide it in fine print?  
• No regular headjack.  Let's see.  $180 for G1 plus $25 for the adapter.  No longer cheaper than the iPhone.  Oh, let's not forget, I'll have to get a 8GB memory card to do anything with the phone.
• No multi-touch.  Not an issue since the iPhone is the only device available with multi-touch as far as I can tell.  What's the big deal then, right?  Well, when you're used to navigating on the iPhone's screen with multiple fingers it's hard to adjust to not having that feature.

And this is the problem I have with Android.  It's "open".  It's what they kept bring up over and over again during the conference this morning.  And something about that bugged me a bit.  

In recent day, Apple has been chastised by developers regarding its NDA regarding iPhone development and app rejections.  In fact, just today, Apple extended its NDA reach to cover the rejection letters.

So, Apple horrible,  Google good, right?  Not so fast.  Wired confirmed some of my misgivings at this point.

• No VOIP.  Even Apple didn't make that restriction.  T-Mobile "had 'worked with Google' to make sure Android couldn't run VOIP".  No VOIP.  Are you kidding me?  VOIP potential is why Apple added a small speakers and "voice recording" function to the iPod Touch.  
• Reliance on Google and all things Google.  If you want an Android, you will have to submit to the fact that you'll need a Google account (of which I have four) in order to appreciate all G1's functions.  Well, you don't have a choice.  You have to have one when you get G1.  Apple does not require a MobileMe account before using the iPhone.  
• Rough finishes.  Gizmodo pointed it out.  Look I love Google services for the most part.  I think I will eventually get an Android device if G1 is not what I get later this month.  But I also get the feeling that somehow, I'm being pressed into a beta program, you know, like other Google beta programs.  
• It's not open, guys.  We're going to learn over the days and weeks what we can or cannot do.  We shouldn't have to do that if it's a truly open system.  Wired:  "We want to be open in a way that consumers can rely on," T-Mobile CTO Cole Brodman told Wired's Daniel Roth. Translation: We don't really want to be open.

You may be thinking, "hey, your post seems pretty negative".  Well, that's not the point of this post.  Rather, if I'm going to get locked in for two years, I want to make sure I am using a truly mobile device that has the ability hold me over for the duration of my contract.  

I am still holding onto dear hope that some of my concerns such as 3G usage will be changed before G1 is available for purchase.  

Note:  I'll be posting a summary of opinions and links of the days event and hope to update my initial analysis of G1 and associated services.  Google has been known to stop on a dime and go in a different direction.  I don't know how they can do that with a wireless provider as a liability.  If anyone can do it, it's Google.