Rick Cooper, The PDA Pro

Complimentary Teleseminar - Drive Safe and Talk Safe – Mobile Headset Tips

 

Do you use a mobile phone while driving? How do you stay productive while driving, but avoid the risk of DRIVING DISTRACTED?!?

Join me for a complimentary teleseminar where I will interview Mobile Headset Expert John Waller on tips to use your phone safely (and legally).

Drive Safe and Talk Safe – Mobile Headset Tips
(And Learn about California’s new Hands Free Driving Laws)
(Complimentary Teleseminar)

Thursday, July 3rd
12pm Pacific / 2pm Central / 3pm Eastern

Special Guest: John Waller, Mobile Technology Consultant

Register Now!

Click Here to Register for Complimentary Teleseminar

John Waller

Owner of Mobile Connectivity

John has been involved in technology since 1987. He started out in alpha numeric pagers, cell phones and digital pagers. He has been selling headset for over 13 years. He is a technology consultant and helps people to be more productive with technology and is a sought after speaker and consultant. He is the Founder of the Silicon Valley Palm Users Group and has been hired by Palmsource to train their employees on their devices.  He is currently writing a book on "How to be More Productive in the New Millennium". For more information about Mobile Connectivity, visit http://www.mobileconnectivity.net/

CALIFORNIA HANDS FREE DRIVING LAWS ARE NOW IN EFFECT!

New cellular phone laws went into effect July 1, 2008 in California. The changes are intended to reduce accidents caused by distracted drivers.

VC §23123: Drivers 18 years of age or older are prohibited from driving a motor vehicle while using a wireless telephone unless a hands-free device is used.

SOURCE: California Department Of Motor Vehicles Web Site:
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/cellularphonelaws/

 

Google Acquires Feedburner

In another sign Google is taking over the world, they have acquired Feedburner. If you have a blog or a podcast, you should be using Feedburner to understand how many people are subscribing to your content. The fact that Google acquired them pretty much confirms the value they offer customers.

There will be More Opportunities
to Get Your Message Out There

It will be interesting to see how Google leverages the Feedburner platform. Needless to say, there will be more opportunities to get your message out there to a very targeted audience.

Amazon Launches a New Wireless Reading Device

Amazon has launched an intriguing new device called the Kindle. It's an ebook reader with wireless access. It not only allows you to read books though. You can also read newspapers and blogs. Given the huge trend toward going green, I think a device like this could catch on.

Free Wireless Access on a Mobile Device!

I'm curious to hear from anyone who has tried the device. What's amazing is that the wireless access seems to be free. They appear to be covering their costs through book sales. It will be interesting to see if this thing takes off. Could a device like this have the same kind of appeal as the iPod when it first came out? I suppose only time will tell!

Get Smart Phone

Are you a gadget freak? I love technology, but only it it makes my life easier and more productive. One of the concepts that has captured the imaginations of people for decades is the Dick Tracy-style wrist watch phone. This was followed by Maxwell Smart's crazy shoe phone. The fact is that we love the idea of technology that we can wear.

Well, life may be getting a little more convenient. According to Engadget, Samsung has applied for a patent for a cell phone that can be worn on the wrist and pulled out for hands access also. It could be years before a model actually shows up. But, the fact is that companies will continue to look for ways to make technology wearable. The day will come when you can integrate technology better into your lifestyle.

Engadget sees some problems with the concept:

"Granted, the idea could be problematic in a myriad ways -- leading to public humiliation and a lack of broad compatibility with mobiles for starters -- but we can't fault 'em for trying."

And that's the challenge. There are a lot of great technologies that appear and then disappear. If a product can't find a market, it will disappear, plain and simple. The market for wearable technologies is growing, but has not reached the mainstream. Costs are often too high and when it comes down to it, peer pressure often prevents people from actually wearing the technology. But, times are changing. And convenience will eventually trump social pressure. Apple has been extremely successfully at turning technology products into a fashion statement. That may be the key for creating products that create demand and generate buzz in the marketplace.

In the meantime, there are plenty of PDA/smartphone models out there which offer all of the capabilities you need. And the products are getting faster, the screens are getting crisper, the keyboards are getting easier to type on, and there is more mobile content worth accessing through the internet. Good luck and Get Smart Phone!

Entrepreneurs Capitalize on the Mobile Marketplace

Have you noticed that just about everyone these days is walking around with their face planted in a mobile device? This is especially true for younger generations. From wireless PDAs to smartphones, from turbo-charged cell phones to mini-tablets, people are addicted to their mobile devices. What does this mean for marketers? It means profits!

Entrepreneurs across the nation are beginning to ask themselves how they can capitalize on the growing trend toward mobility. And one expert has emerged to guide the way.

According to Mobile Marketing Guru, Kim Dushinski, from MobileMarketingProfits.com:

"The reality is that the rest of the world has been ahead of the U.S. in almost all aspects of cell phone use. Odd, isn’t it? We’re so used to being in front of the new trends. This time we’re not. But that is about to change."

Are you an entrepreneur who's interested in capitalizing on the mobile marketing trend? Then, take Kim's Mobile Ready Assessment.

The big companies have figured out a way to reach their target market through devices. Why not small businesses? The future is bright. You can't even imagine what's coming down the line. Imagine the day when you can walk into a retail store and instantly be notified of sales on products you want, based on your past buying patterns. Talk about big brother. Well, it's going to make your life more simple. And we could all use a little more simplicity. Why not make some money as well?

Is the iPhone an iWaste?

  Apple has scored a huge success with the iPhone. It is technically brilliant and easy to use. It is also the newest fashion accessory for anyone in the "in crowd". But, it leaves me wondering whether we are spawning a nation of media obsessed junkies.

As The PDA Pro, I have a passion for helping people improve their productivity. PDA stands for Productivity, Discipline and Action. I see too many people just getting by in life because they don't plan, set goals or take enough action to achieve their dreams. I think people spend too much time watching TV, listening to music and playing games. The iPhone makes it simple to waste a whole lot of time.

Of course, the iPhone can also be leveraged effectively as a productivity tool. But, get real! You know people are going to listen to their tunes, browse online news and download YouTube clips.

I'm not anti-iPhone. I think Apple stands as a shining example for creating user friendly and technically superior products. And they are savvy marketers when it comes to creating fashionable products that attract consumers and the media.

I'll leave it up to you to judge for yourself. I will say that I'm satisfied with the direction Apple has taken mobile web browsing. That's been one of my complaints from other devices. The iPhone make browsing easy and fun. I have heard that the speed is not all that great, but we can hope that will improve.

Long live the iPhone!

Photo Courtesy of Engadget

Is Foleo the Perfect Companion for your Smartphone?

Palm is launching a mobile companion device, the Foleo, designed to work with their smartphones. It looks like a laptop, but is much lighter and has a more focused purpose. It is designed to provide a larger graphical user interface for your smartphone, along with a larger keyboard.

It's probably one of the more exciting innovations in smartphones, responding to the increasing needs of mobile computing. I have my doubts whether Palm will be successful in finding a market for this device. There will be early adopters who will see improved productivity as an added benefit. But, I don't think it's a perfect solution for most people.

What are other people saying about the Foleo? Palm fanatic Russel Holliman states:

"I'm an early adopter, a Palm lover (I'm talking about the devices here people), and a mobile gadget freak. Seems like a 'no brainer' that I'd be out buying a Foleo right now. I'm not."

I applaud Palm for taking a chance and trying to address the needs of the marketplace. Only time will tell whether people see the value or whether the Foleo will end up on the technology junkheap.

Top Smartphone Picks from CNET

Bonnie Cha, Senior Associate Editor of CNET, recently shared their top smartphone picks. The RIM BlackBerry 7130c and Sony Ericsson P990i ranked the highest. The BlackBerry 7130c features two letters per key rather than a QWERTY style keyboard. It relies on SureType which predicts what words you want to type. It's not as easy to use and takes a little getting used to. I actually recommended the BlackBerry 7100i to a client which uses SureType. I recommended it for other reasons, but it did take her a little while to get used to it.

The only Palm Treo on the list is the Palm Treo 700P from Sprint, which comes in at #7 with a rating of 7.3. The Palm Treo 680 by comparison was rated at 7.0, but fell short of appearing in their top ten list.

I encourage clients not to get too caught up in what's rated highest. It's more important to understand how you are going to use the device in your day to day activities and then find one that meets your needs. You wouldn't buy a Ferrari to haul scrap metal to the junk yard, know what I mean?

You can find further information on PDA and smartphone models on The PDA Pro website.

Additional Information on Breaking your Phone Contract

On December 19th, I mentioned that Cingular is increasing rates on SMS. I quoted Gizmodo in indicating that customers of Cingular will have an opportunity to break their contracts.  I have my doubts that Cingular will actually let people break their contracts. As I indicated, I was unable to find details of the change on Cingular's website. The key question is how Cingular will interpret their policy. And it also depends on how much people scream.

Sprint made a similar change in October 2006. So, you may be able to find some information about how they responded to customer requests to break their contracts.

If you break your contract, I think that naturally implies you will go to another provider and not stick with Cingular. You should also consider whether you can keep your phone number. Phone number portability should allow your number to be transferred to another provider, but you will want to make absolutely sure before you make a change.

The other thing to remember is this change apparently only applies to people who are not already on a data plan that includes SMS text messages. So, be sure to contact Cingular to see if your plan already includes a certain number of text messages and ask whether the change impacts you. Otherwise it’s a moot point.

If you're dissatisfied with your existing phone, contact your carrier about upgrading to a new phone and see what charges would apply in doing so.

Good luck and happy messaging!

Cingular Increases Rate for SMS

According to Jason Chen at Gizmodo, Cingular is increasing its rate on SMS text messages from 10 cents to 15 cents.  Jason writes,

"Starting Jan 21, 2007, you'll have 30 days to give them a call and break your contract, provided you're not currently subscribed to an SMS package. Why the generosity? You can thank Cingular's own policy that allows customers to terminate their service if there's a change in the contract terms. Upgrading fees from 10 to 15 cents per SMS counts as a change. "

For most people, this probably will not make much difference. Most business professionals I talk with are not big users of SMS, but it does offer some advantages. For one, text messages will often get through when email won't when you're in remote areas. The Palm Treo (PDA/smartphone) offers a chat-like interface that uses SMS to send messages and logs the chats with date and time by person. And, it's a quick way to send a message to another person with a mobile phone.

This may be a sign that phone carriers are beginning to evaluate and adjust prices. Keep an eye out for further changes.

I searched the Cingular website but could not find details of the change, but I found the same information on GigaOM. The change does not appear to apply to customers with an SMS plan which bundles a certain number of outgoing text messages for one rate.

UPDATE: See additional information about how this change may affect you. Why it may be tough to actually break your contract.

Is email useless?

Web strategist Jeremiah Owyang asks whether email is useless. He prefers other social media tools to communicate, including blogs. From my perspective, I see people struggling with email today and wonder whether they will have any better luck with instant messaging, blogs and other online tools.

I do think there is a growing communication gap. On one hand, you have the new generation that has grown up with technology from a young age. They will quickly adapt to new technologies and learn how to leverage those tools to communicate effectively. On the other hand, you have everyone else, including the vast population of baby boomers. Some have adapted and adopted new communication tools. Others are in denial over emerging technologies and still prefer personal communication in person or by phone.

So, perhaps Jeremiah will be right in the long run. There are many things I do not like about email, but it serves a purpose. I like the fact that I can read and respond anytime I want. Instant messaging is more demanding and distracting. Blogging requires fast paced thinking, the ability to write to a larger audience and the skill to craft an interesting and relevant message. Read Jeremiah's blog for information on other social media tools. That's his realm.

In answer to Jeremiah's question, I would have to say that email is not useless. In the same way that people still use postal mail, people will continue to use email. However, I believe he is correct in foreseeing the trend toward toward other communication tools that are more appropriate based on the audience. The early adopters will move first and then slowly drag everyone else with them, kicking and screaming.

Life will be easier with the introduction of new and better mobile tools. I like what I see in the mini-tablet PC. I think too many people are tied to desktop computers and that limits their connectivity because it does not travel with them. The PDA offers increased mobility but leaves much to be desired. The screen is too small for any serious reading, websites often don't download well and many people don't like typing on a tiny keyboard. Of course, the mini-tablet PC lacks an integrated keyboard and thus people will have to use a stylus for input. And finally, laptop computers are great, but still too bulky for casual use. It just doesn't feel comfortable sitting on my couch with my laptop radiating heat on my legs, having to tilt the screen so I can view it. It's also a pain to pack and unpack it from it's case and then boot it up everytime I want to use it.

Just like it took the iPod to make music players soar in popularity, new tools will offer new ways for people to communicate effectively in real life. Things will look very different in 10 years, 20 years, 30 years, etc. Change is inevitable, change is good, and change is better when embraced.

The opportunity to connect with other people can only help you to grow socially, emotionally, spiritually, and financially. Look for opportunities to connect and be willing to try new tools to communicate.

Browsing the Mobile Web

The internet is great, right? So, that means accessing the internet on the go is a fantastic idea, right? Not quite!

The mobile internet is still not ready for prime time.  You still have to be very selective about what sites you access from a PDA or other mobile device.

Keep in mind though that phone carriers are moving rapidly to make audio and video content available. One example is Vcast offered by Verizon. These are simply attempts to turn your mobile device into an entertainment platform. For the most part, it doesn't do much to increase your productivity.

Here are some great examples of sites that are worth browsing on your mobile device.

ABC News:
http://wireless.go.com/wireless/abcnews/xhtml/index

Yahoo Weather:
http://wap.oa.yahoo.com/raw?dp=weather&ct=&st=&addr=&zip=

Google Local:
http://www.google.com/xhtml?site=local

Fox Sports:
http://fs.sorrent.com/fs/fe

Fandango:
http://mobile.fandango.com/

Orbitz:
http://mobile.orbitz.com/

Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/access

Want a shortcut? Just bookmark: http://mobile.palm.com

Each of these shortcuts will work on a Palm PDA and should also work on other mobile devices. The key is that these sites have developed mobile content, void of the extraneous information that clogs their main site.

You can still browse full websites. But most are not easy to read and a lot of the functionality may not work. If you find yourself frustrated with a site, skip it. If you find a site you like, bookmark it. That will boost your PDA Productivity.

Palm Treo 750v Debuts in Europe

The Palm Treo 750v is now available in Europe, offered through Vodafone. It's similar in many ways to the Palm 700w and 700wx, available in North America. All run on the Windows Mobile Platform, have a 1.3 megapixel camera and similar memory and features. There don't appear to be too many differences between the North American and European models.  Note that the 700w is available through Verizon and the 700wx through Sprint.

For more details, read the datasheet on each model: Palm Treo 700w, 700wx and 750v.

Thanks to my good friend, Andy Gray at Conselleo, for passing along the information.

HP on Mobile-Phone Computing

HP's website has an interesting perspective on trends in mobile-phone computing. The site indicates:

"The holy grail of mobile computing is a converged device that transcends the cell phone to deliver a myriad of communication, business, productivity, and entertainment applications. It brings together mobile phone, digital video camera, radio, MP3 player, TV, DVR, GPS, game system, PDA, PC, and more in a single, go-anywhere handset. "

For most people, that's overkill. But, the HP offers some compelling evidence that the technology has come a long way.

Mobile Email Lessons Learned

Isn't it great to be able to access your email from your PDA? Yes, it is.  But, it's not always fun and games. Spam continues to be a problem. And, your email inbox can quickly become flooded by messages you really don't want to read when you're out on the road.

I subscribe to a lot of ezines and in the past have received them at my business email address. This is not the best strategy. It can easily clog your email. It can also cause your email to get stuck when downloading messages from your website domain. So, save your time and boost your productivity by limiting your business email address to business. I have several other tips for you.

Instead, get an email address through Yahoo, MSN or Gmail to use for newsletters, ezines and ad related messages. These are usually lesser priority than your business. The messages also tend to be laden with graphics and you will be able to access them faster from a web based email service.

To comply with the CAN-SPAM Act, most newsletter and commercial email messages offer the option to unsubscribe, change your email address or change your interest categories. So each time a message arrives, simply follow the steps to change the email address and soon your email will be running smoothly again. And, your mobile email will be quick and easy to access.

Give Big Brother a Helping Hand with Mologogo

Smartphone and Pocket PC magazine shares details on a new service that allows you to share your location in real-time. They indicate,

"Mologogo is a free service that will track a friend's GPS-enabled cell phone from another phone or on the web. Mologogo also serves as a dirt-cheap tracking system, so go ahead and fauxjack something."

This has immediate appeal for younger consumers. Can you see a business use for it? Can you see any risks or potential abuses (i.e. stalkers)? Does this open you up to increased scrutiny from Big Brother (as in the movie Enemy of the State.) It's another indication that we are integrating further with our technology, for better or worse.

Check out Mologogo for further details on their service.

Helio is your "Portable MySpace"

CNET News.com has several videos from  CTIA 2006 in Las Vegas. It includes a video from Helio CEO Sky Dayton.

Wired's article Sky Dayton Gets Mobile offers additional insights into this entrepreneur and the direction of mobile technologies. Comparing American consumers to their South Korean counterparts, he says, "There's this massive group of young, tech-savvy consumers, and they're just living in the Dark Ages." The article continues,

"In addition to the handsets themselves, Helio will provide customized services. Thanks to an exclusive deal with MySpace, customers will be able to post photos and blog entries to the site directly from their handsets. Helio's music service will offer streaming as well as downloads and easy syncing with your PC. Eventually it will let you rate artists and songs so you hear what you like and not what you don't, and it will enable you to share music with friends who use Helio. Dynamic wallpaper will let you pick your interests - music, fashion, sports, financial news - and direct the handset to update itself hourly with new info. One click will take you to the Web for the full story."

It will be interesting to see how the corporate world reacts to this MySpace generation. Be forewarned.

Should Google Exclude Blogs from Searches?

It's interesting that Google added a Blogsearch, and yet does not allow an option to exclude blogs from an advanced Google Search. I hope it's not because they now own Blogger. Hmm.  It would certainly be nice to exclude blogs, especially when searching Google from a PDA browser. That would muffle some of the online pollution we currently encounter when searching the Internet.

Don't get me wrong, Google is my favorite search engine. Several years ago I used Yahoo exclusively, but now I prefer Google's clean interface. But, I've been less satisfied with search results since the volume of blogs exploded.

I may have to start using some of the tools Web Strategist Jeremiah Owyang recommends such as Digg, Delicious and Memetrackers. I'm currently trying out Google Reader as an alternative to Bloglines.

Global Conversations Cloud Creative Content

Jeremiah Owyang posts on the topic of Global Conversations in his blog Web Strategy by Jeremiah. It continues our discussion on free speech and the technology that will enable greater communication worldwide.

Jeremiah makes some good points. He says,

"I’ve been fascinated with the concept of mass empowerment for the global conversation. A few days ago, I discussed the anticipation of the 50 dollar laptop, and how it can benefit humanity. Where everyone has the opportunity to be online, communicate, grow and learn --That’s what healthy web geeks should think about."

I would agree that everyone has the right and should have the opportunity to be online, communicate, grow and learn. Technology may ultimately be an equalizer in reducing the racial divide by creating opportunities in poverty-stricken communities by giving hope, knowledge and access to resources. This is all good.

My concern is more-so that the proliferation of websites, blogs, and other online tools will increase the number of web pages to a point that it will be difficult to cut through the morass of chitchat, gossip and rumor-mongering. The quality of content is likely to plunge dramatically even as the enlightened online thoughts of intelligent thinkers emerge.

Don't get me wrong, the march of technology will continue. This is as inevitable as snow in winter. In referencing Seth Godin on Small is the New Big, Jeremiah ensures us that,

"Even with increased content, we’re not in the state of Information Overload, we’re approaching the era of Information Control. "

I honestly hope so,  but my personal experience has been that it is getting more difficult to find quality information, especially when using search engines like Google. There are tools like Squidoo that intend to offer avenues to locate quality content. And, of course, bloggers have become online guides purporting to hold your hand in exploring the online world. Even technology expert Dave Taylor grumbles about his dissatisfaction with RSS Readers.

I have no concerns for the tech-savvy as they have a greater knowledge of online tools and resources. My concern is for the untold millions that are trying to grasp the infinite possibilities available on the Internet and are often overwhelmed by the seemingly endless content. As an expert on PDAs and mobile technology, I know all too well how frustrating it can be to search for online information in a mobile browser. This will improve as high speed connections become more available for mobile users and people begin opting for tablet and mini-tablet PCs (such as Origami) which will offer a more satisfying online experience.

Younger generations are now born with the tools of technology placed in their hands. The tech-savvy will inherit the earth. However, the silent majority still struggle and will be left further behind as online content spirals out of control. Free speech is overrated, although it is our inherent right. Global conversatons will lift spirits and improve life, while at the same time fueling hatred and encouraging strife. This is the nature of things. Let us exercise responsibility and practice patience as we encounter people from other cultures. Let us appreciate the diversity that is mankind. And, let us pray that things will improve and let's make it happen!

So, the debate rages on. What do you think? Are we on the path to information overload or information control? Will the global conversation become a shouting match? Chime in and stay tuned!

More on PDA Enabled Sites

David Kopel shares a few details on PDA enabled blogs and websites. These are still few and far between. I'm not quite there myself either. It's on a long list of to do's (on my PDA of course.)

Mobile Web Browsers

Read/WriteWeb offers an interesting perspective on mobile web browsers and trends in that technology. I think we have along way to go to make the web function effectively on mobile devices, but it's good to know we're heading in that direction. The post is somewhat technical in nature.

The Kosher Phone...Coming to a Synagogue Near You

Gadgetopia notes that Orthodox Jews in Israel are opting for a simplified mobile phone that blocks access to "forbidden" content. The so-called "kosher phone" does not include text messaging, internet access, video or camera. So, that pretty much excludes most smartphones. USA Today reports that Arab cellphone providers are also looking into the same options. Could this be the beginning of peace in the Middle East?

The phone service also blocks access to over 10,000 phone numbers with questionable content. This list, supervised by a rabbinical team, is constantly updated.

Could this trend head to the West? I think it's possible. Perhaps Christian communities will begin demanding phone models and service which helps to protect their children from illicit content. At any rate, it shows that even though technology will deliver content, people don't necessarily want it and will take extra steps to limit access. No word on whether the same controls are being implemented on PDAs.

Happy 10th Birthday Palm!

It's been ten years since the first successful Palm PDA, The Palm Pilot 1000 was released. According to an article by Tom Krazit on CNET News.com, Rob Haitani quoted co-founder of Palm Jeff Hawkins as saying:

"Jeff said, 'It has to fit in your pocket, it has to be fast, and it has to be $299,'" Haitani recalled."

And the rest they say is history. Thanks to Dave Gussow and the St. Petersberg Times Tech Times blog for that reminder.

PayPal for your PDA

Judy Breck posted a message on the Smart Mobs blog indicating that PayPal plans to offer services available through mobile devices. Of course, the implications are massive, ushering in a new era of mobile commerce. That's another reason to own a PDA/smartphone or mobile phone. It will ultimately revolutionize the way we transact business.  If you don't already have a PayPal account, consider it.

New Video iPod

Perhaps the coolest and possibly the most profound new technology to come out this year is the new iPod from Apple that features video. Close on the heels of the success of Podcasting, popularized by iTunes this summer, this new video iPod will bring a whole new realm of content for mobile devices. This launch represents a shot across the bow of manufacturers of PDA's, smartphones, gaming and other handheld devices. They will now have to struggle to catch up. But, competition is good.

The cover of Time Mazagine for October 24, 2005 features a picture of Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple, holding the new video iPod and the caption: The Man Who Always Seems To Know...What's Next. Apple does seems to have a solid formula for success at this time and certainly seems to be as innovative as Sony in the Consumer Electronics realm. They also have a great model for generating revenues by selling audio content and now video content.

On his blog, Des Paroz wrote:

" I was one of the many who didn’t really see that a Video iPod would be launched - at least not yet. Apple has made the iPod cool, and a very personal experience. Adam Curry always asked where the headphone equivalent for the iPod would be. The Social Customer Manifesto has a good angle in this. Apple has possibly just changed the landscape for personal on demand video."

I believed a video iPod would be forthcoming next year. I didn't realize it would be here this quickly either. What's next? What's left?

This will have a substantial impact in time. Young people will definitely lead the trend in accessing video content, but there are many possibilities for business use. The greatest may be in the form of communication and e-learning. However, sales professionals could easily present a short video presentation hosted by an iPod and played on a TV. The sky's the limit. And it will only get better. It certainly would make a great stocking stuffer!

The Future of Wireless Networking

I've shared my opinion on the state of the wireless web, but Ed Hardy, Editor-in-Chief at Brighthand, has a more positive view. In an editorial, Ed states:

"In the coming years, you'll pay just one company that will let you wirelessly access the Internet -- and make phone calls -- wherever you go.  Unlike today's wireless networking standards, this will be so fast you won't feel a need for a wired connection to the Net, even on your home PC. And it will work whether you are in your back yard or Peoria. "

I would agree that simplifying and consolidating payment for internet access across devices will encourage further usage. And clearly, faster access on handheld devices is needed. Wi-Fi access on PDA's is nice, but is not available on a smartphone except in some instances where you can buy a card to insert in the memory slot.

My experience has been primarily through using a browser on my Palm Treo 600 and it's pathetically slow. I often select a web page, put my PDA back in its holster, and then check it a few minutes later to see if it finished downloading. Some text based sites, such as for news, will load quickly. But, the average website can take over a minute to load. So much for productivity.

I am hopeful that wireless networking will improve. Only then will we experience the wireless revolution that has been promised for years.

Making Your Car Wireless

If you've wondered how to get high speed internet access in your car, be sure to read Arne Hess's post on the::unwired. He says,

"Ok, there is nothing more boring than sitting in the car while in a traffic jam without a high-speed connection, that's wasted time. Sure you can have your Notebook with a 3G/UMTS PC-card with you or (if you are lucky) your HTC Universal, also with inbuilt 3G or - if you are not that lucky (but lucky enough) - you have your GPRS connected Pocket PC with you but why not making the whole vehicle truly wireless? I did - with O2's Surf@home box I'm calling from now "Surf@Autobahn". "

This isn't for everyone, but it gives you an idea where mobility is taking us. Let's hope for a more simple and cost effective option in the future.

Podcasts on your Treo

Russell from mobilepodcast.org reports that Podcatcher on a Stick allows you to download podcasts onto a Treo PDA/smartphone. Keep in mind the software is new. But, if you can't wait, then go ahead and try it out. I actually found his site from a podcast available on iTunes.

Why is podcasting relevant for business and sales? Soon, you'll have access to unlimited audio on sales topics, motivational quotes and other business information. It will revolutionize how you motivate and inform yourself!!!

No More Smartphones?

Microsoft is moving away from the term smartphone, prefering instead to use their brand name, Windows Mobile, according to Smallbiztechnology.com. This is really just a matter of branding. Technology companies continue to look for ways to establish their brands. Microsoft is the 800 pound gorilla for most software markets. However, it still wants a bigger piece of the pie for handhelds.

So, don't get too concerned. Integrated PDA smartphones have a killer combination of features that offer incredible productivity enhancement. They save you time and money.

the::unwired is now wireless

Congratulations to Arne Hess of the::unwired for developing a mobile/wireless version of their website. This site provides news on Pocket PCs and other Windows Mobile devices. Too few websites are optimized for mobile devices. Hopefully, more sites will follow this trend. Web surfing is still a pian in most cases. You have to be very selective about what sites to access.

Just the Beginning of the Internet!

If you thought the Internet was big now, just wait! Seth Godin gives ten reasons why Internet companies and other businesses will flourish. Here is #6,

"Multimedia. The web is still stuck in ASCII world, but not for long. Add a few million video cameras, fifty million cell phone cameras, every song ever recorded, every TV show and movie ever made and the contents of most any scholarly book and it gets interesting fast. Sure, the lunkheads at the RIAA and MPAA will make up lies to try to stop it, but the cosmic jukebox meets the realtime surveillance camera is going to happen."

I think Seth has understated the importance of mobile technologies in driving the development and growth of the web. The proliferation of connected PDAs and smartphones means that people can access the Internet 24/7. They don't need to wait until they return home or get to the office. The nature of the Internet will change as it seeps into all sorts of mobile devices. There is no reason your car radio won't be able to stream audio updates of news, traffic, weather or even your favorite blogs. We're talking about on demand content anytime, anywhere. The Internet will be ubiquitous in a way that we will no longer even recognize that it is the Internet.

I'm not going to make any recommendations about what companies to invest in, but I strongly believe tech companies will make a strong comeback in the coming years. But that's just my opinion, I could be wrong!

Mobile Bloglines

I've mentioned before that the Wireless Web is limited in value. However, one great site I have to recommend is Bloglines. It offers a site optimized for mobile use. Bloglines is an RSS News Aggregator. It essentially acts like an inbox for news feeds from news media and blogs. It's simply the most effective way to read the news.

William Hungerford from About.com said,

"It looks like Bloglines is becoming the Web based RSS Aggregator of choice for many users. The great thing is Bloglines also has a PDA friendly address."

William's right. Companies that offer a PDA optimized website are demonstrating their understanding that many people want internet access on the go. They want productivity anytime, anywhere.

To access their mobile site, simply enter the following address in your PDA browser:

http://bloglines.com/mobile