starbucks

ALSO NOTED: HP 2133 Mini-Note gets delayed; Minneapolis give Muni-WiFi hope;

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 06:59:50 -0400

> HP 2133 Mini-Note gets delayed. Article
> Google on Android: open ecosystems lead to innovation. Article
> AT&T/Starbucks WiFi rollout begins. Article
> Unlimited voice and data plans force carriers to upgrade. Article
> Minneapolis give Muni-WiFi hope. Article

And Finally... Samsung announces water-powered phone. Article

New Blackberry details

Mon, 15 Oct 2007 06:59:58 -0400

The newest WiFi Blackberry devices--the 8820 and 8320--are similar in having dual-network cellular and WiFi capabilities, but there are significant differences in the networks and the way that the hand-held machines move between them. The AT&T 8820 is an enterprise-ready platform, with few of the consumer-ready add-ons seen in many recent smartphones. For this reason, the 8820's WiFi is ideal for enterprise-specific applications or for simple web browsing. The 8320 Curve from T-Mobile, on the other hand, is full of features like a 2 megapixel camera and stereo audio jack. It's also designed to link with T-Mobile hotspots found at Starbucks and thousands of other locations. Two approaches, two sets of features, but one platform. It's the Blackberry way.

For more on the new Blackberries:
- read the new product analysis at CIO-Today

Sky-high WiFi from American Airlines

Mon, 06 Aug 2007 06:59:57 -0400

The FCC has said "yes" to in-flight WiFi and now American Airlines is ready to start testing mobile broadband in the air. The trial, on transcontinental 767 airplanes, will allow travelers to surf the web and work through email while jetting across oceans for a price, which, while not set, is described as being "just a little more" than the neighborhood Starbucks. One application that won't work is VoIP--the provider will block any IP-based attempts to get around the cell-phone ban. Whether that's a bummer or a blessing is up to you.

For more on the coming high-altitude WiFi:
- see this press release
- read the report at CIO-Today

Editor's Corner

Sun, 19 Nov 2006 19:01:39 -0500

Is all this tracking really needed?
It's being termed a "social mapping service," but this new fangled wireless mobility technology, detailed in an article over at TechWeb, that can tell you where your friends are, and vice versa, seems a bit intrusive to me. Call me old fashioned, but I don't think the emerging technology that uses maps to locate friends, family, coworkers and maybe even the boss, is necessary. The new service from Loopt, can even alert you when friends are near. What happened to old fashion trust and communication? While there are privacy controls and security features so you can remain 'invisible' to certain people on the service, I just don't really see the necessity for such people-tracking technology. Maybe it's more for the 14-year-old crowd trying to find each other in the mall on Saturday so they can meet up at the Starbucks kiosk. What do you think? Do you see such value in location and tracking applications tied to mobile devices?

On a more positive note, I would like to wish all our readers a warm, wonderful and joyous Thanksgiving. -Judy

Editor's Corner

Sun, 29 Oct 2006 19:01:39 -0500

How wireless is reframing the Golden Arches
Ever come across a news item that you can't believe? It happened to me last week when I read the story of how McDonald's plans to deploy a wireless network, ala Starbucks' approach. I was initially dubious--how long does a person want to hang out at the nearby McDonald's...I can barely make it through the drive-through line. And after reading the first few graphs I realized I might be the only one who didn't know of the fast food vendor's strategy to morph into a "social destination" as it's into year-three of the project. By the end of the article my attitude has changed from disbelief to one of being quite impressed with the branding strategy, customer service and business transformation that will very likely happen thanks to wireless networking. It's an amazing business story to read. -Judy

Editor's Corner

Sun, 08 Jan 2006 19:01:40 -0500

What's most interesting to me is the demand for such services during food break time. I mean, aren't we connected enough at this point? The daily commute is now work time thanks to phones and car PCs, while home networks let us catch up or get ahead at night or on weekends. Now grabbing a cup of coffee and chatting with a colleague is quickly changing into just another work space, and what was once considered a break from the work grind is going away.

I'm not a sociologist, but I think we all need to take a break during the workday. I used to enjoy sitting and actually talking to another person for 15 minutes, hopefully about something other than work. Now I fear I'll soon be sitting among others who are either talking into headsets, typing onto keyboards or accessing email on handhelds during the walk to the nearest Starbucks. Sure wireless technologies are clearly a big boon for business, but there's cause to wonder about the impact to social human development and interaction. - Judy