Posted by Jonathan Pentecost on Tue, Sep 11, 2012
According to the http://news.yahoo.com/t-mobile-launches-campaign-lure-iphone-users-160628339--finance.html?_esi=1 article, T-Mobile is the only one of the “Big 4” wireless carriers that currently does not offer the iPhone for new subscribers. The other three (AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint) all offer the iPhone for sale.
T-Mobile is hoping to be able to obtain older iPhone 4 models and begin selling them in stores once the new iPhone 5 is available (no official release date yet from Apple, but it is rumored to be Wednesday at an event in San Francisco). The company has already purchased a number of devices to place in stores for demonstration purposes but it hopes to be able to draw customers away from the other carriers once they are able to begin selling the devices.
As of now, the data transmission speeds, according to the article, will be much less than those available with AT&T but T-Mobile is hoping to change that once they complete their transition of frequency changes with the exception of only a few areas. Once the changes are completed, T-Mobile hopes that the data speeds might even exceed those available on the AT&T network.
I still am in love with my Android device, so I probably will not be switching to an iPhone. I enjoy the ability to find free applications on the Play Store rather than needing to pay for most of those available from the AppStore. So I can’t get all the fun apps that other friends of mine with an iPhone can, but I am OK with that. Almost all the time, there is a comparable free app on my Android.
What about you? Would you switch carriers with an existing iPhone or purchase a refurbished iPhone (once they are available) to be on the T-Mobile network? I am quite happy on the Verizon network with my Android, so I know I won’t be switching.
Would you like to know more about our Mobile IT Solutions for Philadelphia? Contact us and we can provide the solution that is right for you and your SMB using our Small Business Solutions for Philadelphia.
Posted by Jonathan Pentecost on Wed, Jul 11, 2012
A number of my past blog articles have been about smartphones. Mostly I talk about iPhones and Android devices, sometimes throwing in the occasional reference to Windows phones. Rarely do I talk about BlackBerry devices, mostly because it seems they are falling by the wayside quicker and quicker. After reviewing this article, http://news.yahoo.com/rim-seeks-patience-until-blackberry-10-ready-190644211--finance.html, it appears I am not alone.
Many of today’s devices allow the ability to do things that only a few years ago were unthinkable in a device you could easily carry around with you. It can play music, either from onboard flash memory or stream from the Internet, it can send and receive E-mail, it can make or receive phone calls, as well as the ability to play games and watch movies. Some of the more recent releases of devices allow you to do multiple things at once, such as talk on the phone and receive E-mail.
According to the article, the BlackBerry 10 will also have this capability. The issue that the article talks about is if it is a “too little, too late” type scenario for the company. Years ago, many executives used the devices because of the ability to send and receive E-mail, as well as use the device as a phone. More devices that have come out can do this and more, which make the devices “old school”.
The new device, however, should increase the profitability of RIM – once it comes out, that is. Due to changes in top management, as well as a number of technical setbacks, the company now is planning on releasing the new device in 2013. This poses another problem for RIM because a new iPhone is due out this year, along with countless Android devices. There is also talk of another Windows phone, as well, that will be coming out sometime in the next year.
What do you think? Will the BlackBerry 10 be able to pull Research In Motion Ltd. out of its slump? Will the company need to sell out to another company before it is able to get the devices to market? Maybe they will join with another smartphone maker and make the best device of all?
If you also would like more information about the Trigon Mobility Solutions we have to offer, drop us a note and we can help you decide what makes sense for your SMB. We also can review with you our PC and Server Solutions for the Philadelphia Area. Let us know how we can help you.
Posted by Aaron Pastor on Mon, Jun 25, 2012
HTC has arguably taken the Android phone to new heights and it looks like they are shooting for gold with the new Windows Phone 8. The 3 models in prototype look to be very impressive and the windows 8 platform seems almost geared for use on a touchscreen. The Windows phone 8 will use the same kernel as the desktop version of Windows 8, lending truth to Microsoft’s claims of a truly universal OS. As I’ve said before the sweeping changes to the Windows GUI make it look, even on a desktop, as if you are navigating one of the current generation smartphones. To me the best part of the release of the HTC Windows phone 8 is the entry level unit. Admittedly I go for the top of the line but giving consumers a lower end choice that, while it may not have ALL the bells and whistles certainly gives you more options than a $100 price change based on internal storage capacity. The entry level prototype sports a dual core Qualcomm processor with a 4 inch 720p display which is great for a handheld device and will let you watch your favorite streaming movies. In contrast the flagship design will rock a 4.7 inch 720p display and a quad core Qualcomm processor. While I haven’t seen the final specs on these new phones, HTC may just have the stuff to pull me away from the iPhone.
Posted by Jonathan Pentecost on Thu, Dec 15, 2011
The last few blogs that I have written, as well as a few in the past, have been about the Apple iPhone. I had been using a Windows Mobile 6.2 device myself for the last few years and only had the pleasure of using friends’ and family’s iPhones. My phone was dying and I was going to see about upgrading to an iPhone (the only reason I hadn’t got one before was Verizon didn’t offer them until this year). After talking with a friend, he suggested I go with an Android.
I was thinking about getting an Android, but because of all the friends and family that have the iPhone, I was going to get an iPhone myself. I liked a lot of the apps that they have and wanted to be able to “play” with some of the features and things I have been writing about for the past few months. So, after seeing the Android first-hand, I knew it was going to be for me. For starters, it had the ability to have Adobe Flash Player installed on it, which the iPhone does not (why can’t Apple and Adobe come to some agreement?????). Next, it had an appealing interface to it. While I was used to going to the “Apple Store” for apps on friends’ iPhones, I was new to the Android “Market”. It was very easy to search and find exactly what I was looking for.
The only down-side to the Android that I have found so far is that my favorite app, Magic Piano, on the iPhone has not been written for the Android. Most of the other apps and other things that I had on my previous Windows Mobile 6.2 device, as well as a few additions I wanted, I was easily able to get for free on the new Android. For the first time, I am able to check my auto insurance coverage anywhere I want, see where I am by using Maps (including directions that rival the TomTom and Garmin) with appropriate GPS, and be able to listen to music using the Pandora app. As these are all free, it is like an early Christmas present.
So, what mobile device do you have? An iPhone, Android, Windows-based, Blackberry (perish the thought!!)? Or do you still have a device that is not a SmartPhone that can do all these fun things? What are your likes and dislikes about your device? Is it easy to use and have all the things on it you wanted? Are you able to do what you thought you could or are you disappointed that you got it and think you would have been happier with another device?
Are you in need of some assistance with the purchase of a new device that could help your business grow by increasing your productivity? Please contact us to discuss our Philadelphia IT Mobility Solutions. Or let us know how we can help you with our many Philadelphia IT Strategy Solutions. We would be happy to help you do what you do best – make your life easier while at the same time advancing your business however you think best.
Posted by Jonathan Pentecost on Mon, Nov 21, 2011
According to the http://www.bgr.com/2011/11/14/a-month-with-the-iphone-4s/ website, there is a lot to talk about concerning the iPhone 4S now that it has been out for a month. The sales of the iPhone 4S have been larger than expected, users have been able to use the new Siri app (see my previous article about the launch of the iPhone 4S), and speculation of what the “S” in “4S” stands for has diminished.
Initially, according to the article, many people were a bit disappointed that the iPhone 4S looks exactly like its iPhone 4 predecessor when most were hoping for a revamp of the look and feel. This is similar to the release of the iPhone 3GS, which was the same as the iPhone 3G release. Mostly it is thought that the disappointment stems from the idea that the iPhone 5 was to be released with a vastly different look and feel, including a larger screen display that most were hoping for.
There were two main audiences that the new iPhone 4S is targeting, as indicated in the article. The first main group of people were those that have contracts expiring on the iPhone 3GS. The iPhone 4 has been out for a while but with all the new features, Apple is hoping that those that do need to renew will go straight to the 4S. The design since the 3GS is vastly different, there is a much better display on the phone, an upgraded 8-megapixel camera is installed, and the speed of the 4S from the 3GS is much more than that from the 3G to the 3S.
The second targeted audience for the iPhone 4S is those that have never owned an iPhone before. A wide selection of smartphones is on the market, ranging from Windows-based devices to Android platforms. Apple is hoping with all of the items packed into its latest model, more users will “jump ship” to come over to the iPhone product line.
Those that most likely will not be ecstatic about a change are those that have the iPhone 4. Only minor items have been upgraded and updated, a few apps added to the 4S, and speed marginally increased. The iPhone 4S does not have the same issue that its predecessor had with the so called “death grip” (when held in a certain manner, wireless signal would decrease to the point of disconnection from the network on the iPhone 4), but that and all the changes to the 4S may not be worth updating.
What are your plans regarding the iPhone 4S? Are you going to upgrade from a previous model iPhone? Do you want to try out what all the fuss is about with Apple devices because you don’t have one? Contact our Trigon Mobility Solutions to see what we can do to assist advancing your business. Interested in seeing other solutions we have available? Just ask about our Philadelphia Area Managed IT Services Program to see what we can do for you.
Posted by Jonathan Pentecost on Wed, Nov 09, 2011
According to the http://news.consumerreports.org/electronics/2011/11/consumer-reports-recommends-the-iphone-4s.html website, Consumer Reports is now recommending the iPhone 4S in its recommended SmartPhone list.
In a previous blog post (http://www.trigonit.com/tech-blog/bid/34539/IT-Mobility-Should-Apple-Recall-its-iPhone-4), it was mentioned that Consumer Reports is not recommending the iPhone 4 due to the issues with the antenna if the iPhone was held in a certain manner. This still is true – Consumer Reports is still not recommending the iPhone 4 even with all of the updates and changes made to the original release. They are, however, recommending the latest iPhone to hit the market – the 4S.
A number of tests were completed on the new iPhone 4S that were previously performed and failed on the iPhone 4. They all passed the “death grip” test and there were no issues discovered with the antenna on the 4S that new iPhone 4 models still are experiencing. This is the only item, according to the article, that is keeping Consumer Reports from recommending the iPhone 4. Obviously, they corrected the issue in the iPhone 4S and have not issued a recall of the iPhone 4, so if you want to make sure that the position you hold your iPhone will not affect the signal strength connecting to the network of your wireless carrier, the iPhone 4S may be for you.
Along with the modified internals that now allow you to hold your iPhone 4S any way you desire, it also comes with a few new features, such as the upgraded camera, the “dual-core” processor, as well as the ever-popular (and very commercialized) “Siri” that allows you to ask a question and it responds with related information in a conversation-style format. The battery life on the iPhone 4S still performs “Very Good”, similar to the iPhone 4, in the tests run on the models. Reports have come out that indicate there are issues with the battery life but Apple indicates that it is a “bug” in the latest OS release and an update to resolve the issue is due towards the end of November.
Even with all of these features and enhancements, the iPhone 4S still did not take top honors amongst all SmartPhones currently available. Two that are higher on the charts are the Motorola Droid Bionic and the LG Thrill, which each have a larger screen and other features that allow them to beat out the iPhone 4S. What about you – are you going to switch to another SmartPhone or upgrade to a 4S? Maybe you are OK with the current one you have and will wait until the iPhone 5 comes out?
In any case, be sure to check out our IT Mobility Solutions for Philadelphia to see what we have to offer. You also may be interested in one of our many IT Solutions for Small Businesses in the Philadelphia Area, as well. Take a look to see how we can help grow your business with a solution customized to your business needs.
Posted by The Blogging Desk on Mon, Aug 01, 2011
The Star:
Analysts pointed to Research In Motion's sluggish response to Apple and Android technology as the BlackBerry maker announced it will lay off 2,000 people, or 11 per cent of its workforce.
“For a long time, it stuck to its guns. It had a magic bullet — encryption,” said Partha Mohanram, the CGA Ontario professor at the Rotman School of Business.
That made RIM late to the game for everything from touch screens on phones to creating apps, allowing third-party apps and two-way video talk, Mohanram said.
“Its strength has weakened with time, because everybody else has gotten better at what BlackBerry does really well. BlackBerry hasn't gotten that much better at what everyone else does well,” he said.
“It's always a danger with any one-trick pony strategy, what you consider to be a distinctive feature, which is going to keep you apart from everybody else, but you ignore everything else people might want.”
I personally have never owned a BlackBerry, so that allows me to poke fun at current ones. That's just the rules.
There was a time where I liked that one before the Pearl. What was that one called? I don't even know anymore. I'll be honest, I didn't even know RIM was still a company until this article.
When you think about it, outside of that awful touchscreen phone they did to combat the iPhone, they really just thought the market would always have demand for their regular old BlackBerry phones. Boy was that a mistake. Don't get me started on the Torch. That things was a mess. I've also been hearing that they may stop production on the Playbook already. Oof!
Maybe it's time to embrace the iPhone, enterprise users. We can help with that.
Posted by The Blogging Desk on Wed, Jul 27, 2011
Ars Technica:
Windows Phone "Mango", the first major update to Microsoft's smartphone platform, has reached the Release To Manufacturing (RTM) milestone. Development has been completed, and the finished software has been sent to handset manufacturers and mobile operators for configuration and testing. Public release remains scheduled for fall.
Mango is a substantial upgrade, offering a wealth of features both for users—including Twitter and LinkedIn integration, Facebook and Windows Live Messenger chat, a hugely improved Web browser, turn-by-turn navigation, and rich Bing integration—and developers—a far more complete, capable API, limited multitasking, greater integration with built-in phone features—alike. The improvements all add up to make Mango a much more well-rounded and feature-rich platform than the original release, and do a good job of building on the foundations that the first release laid down: strong visual design, the aggregation of data, and the emphasis on making cloud services like Bing and Facebook an integral part of the platform.
We do have one employee here at Trigon with a Windows Phone as his personal phone, and we don't hold it against him. Why would we? He's been in the military and it would seem like an unwise situation. That and he just grew a mean mustache.
Point being, Windows Phone is in the same situation that the iPhone was in several years ago. Not many folks had them, but they could be considered a better phone than what everyone else was using. It was only a matter of time before the iPhone became the norm accross the planet Earth, so I wonder if that will happen with Windows Phone.
It certainly has some interesting new features, such as chat integration with Windows Live Messenger, Twitter and LinkedIn integration as well as new turn-by-turn navigation. Look for a full enterprise overview from Trigon very soon.
Posted by The Blogging Desk on Fri, Jul 15, 2011
Press Release via MacRumors:
Streamline your purchasing process and put more power and productivity in the hands of your workforce. Every paid app in the App Store is available for businesses to buy in volume through the program website. Simply search for the apps you need, enter the quantity you want to buy, and complete the transaction with your corporate credit card. Apps are available for purchase at the same price listed in the App Store.
A few years ago, I would have been slapped in the face if I had brought up the possible enterprise implications of the iPhone. Have you ever had a frappé slapped out of your hands sending the sweet, delicious drink onto your khakis? It's not enjoyable. Or financially wise, for that matter.
However, this volume licensing does matter financially for companies that need to sort out many hundred, thousands...or even tens of apps for their employees. It can get hairy passing around an iTunes account for users and keeping tracks of apps. That should get easier with iCloud but now the big bosses can buy apps in massive quantities and keep track of their items that way. Boom!
I'd like to see if Windows Phone 7 can make things like that happen. They're a little slow to the draw on many features but they seems to be catching up slowly but surely. At this point, I wonder if Ballmer now considers the iPhone a threat in the enterprise market?
Posted by The Blogging Desk on Mon, Jun 20, 2011
Many folks are indeed curious about whether or not Apple will finally cause a stir in the Enterprise scene with regards to Microsoft and possibly even Google. Microsoft as of now essentially owns the Enterprise game. No question about it. Google is starting to make a push with their Google Chrome OS, but has already made a dent thanks to their Google Apps suite. Even if you don't go all-in with Google Apps, you can still utilize the Office suite of apps to make sure your files mingle with others.
As a user, I'm excited with regards to iCloud in that I won't have to sync my iOS devices in order to backup or even to get certain songs or apps onto both my iPhone and iPad. Right now, when creating and editing documents, I don't use Pages, which is Apple's version of Microsoft Word. I use a third-party app called PlainText and even then, I use another third-party service to sync those Text files - Dropbox. For the casual user, that option is quite complicated. That's where I see iCloud making a difference.
Pages would then allow a user to create a document and have that file match all of your other devices inside of the cloud. You wouldn't need to worry about signing up for Dropbox and tracking the file down on the web or otherwise, it will just show up inside of your apps and on your Mac. It's likely that Apple will release this API for similar apps to use iCloud when storing this date, but that last part is really where Apple's vision is separate from Microsoft. At least for now.
Apple's iCloud really banks on your using an iOS device or a Mac. Recent reports are muddy that their web-interface version will even show up in September. Let's say you create a new Pages document on your iPad and would like to edit that on your work desktop which is Windows 7. Right now, that may not even be possible unless you email that file to yourself. That's not so futuristic. Apple wants you in their eco-system entirely to get all of their goodies they offer. iCloud is free, sure. But how much did you pay for that Mac mini, or iPad? That's where their profit comes in.
Apple would love to make money from the Enterprise, but for now, they're happy with getting individual users locked into their eco-system. If you work at a company that has Windows everything - iCloud won't matter to you. Even if you work at a company that has started to phase in iPads for some light remote usage, iCloud won't matter to you.
I really think Apple is happy with Windows and possibly even Google figuring out the Enterprise market. Once their hands are firmly around small to mid-sized businesses, Apple will probably step in and show just how easy it could be if those same businesses went all-in with Apple hardware and services.
Plus, have you ever tried to talk about Apple products with a guy that lives in Microsoft OneNote? It makes you want to jump out of the nearest window. I suppose we're still a few years out from having Steve Jobs prevent me from jumping out of that window.
