talkingdigital.org

What is it going to take to compete with the iPad and killer mobile devices like the 4G EVO?

What will it take to propel mobile computing to the next level?

It will take more than a sleek operating system, multi-touch and a nice app store to convince non-ipad users to get the most out of the mobile web.

There is a good possibility that there is no significant increase in the number of people willing to pay $30 per month for mobile web built-in  iPad or netbook from those willing to pay $60 per month using a MiFi.

However, if HP or Google were to buy Sprint – they could possible take the ubiquitous mobile WiFi game to the next level. Imagine buying a device with a slick OS, capable of running flash and thousands of mobile apps with unlimited (or 5GB capped) 3G or 4G access built into the price of the device.

Would most consumers be willing to pay $500 for a netbook or tablet that includes 2 years of free 3G

or 4G access in the price? Would such a device knock Apple and iPad off their game?

Perhaps the next logical hypothetical is to ask, what if Apple bought Sprint or T-mobile? If the purchase of a cell phone were a flat, subscription-less fee would more people buy in at a higher price?

Nobody expects these two industries to converge, but it is interesting to think about what would happen to the market if they did. We think it’s only a matter of time.

Podcast: Play in new window

Every month Rick Castellini and Adam Cochran do a technology information show that airs live on KAFM 88.1 in Grand Junction, Co.

In this month’s episode we discuss cell phone operating systems, antivirus software, digital camera news, technology news and more.

Podcast: Play in new window

photo credit: Colleen AF Venable

While we did wander off topic a couple of times, no podcast has ever done a better job of summarizing everything Google does in under an hour.

This week we proclaim ourselves to be the “Good Enough” Leo Laportes of tech radio and podcasting.

As always, you can hear all of our previous podcasts at HelpMeRick.com.

Anyone who follows tech news knows that today, Facebook announced that they have acquired FriendFeed. Not a big deal to most people.

What does FriendFeed do?

FriendFeed is a social media service that tracks “friends” across all of the other social media services – Twitter, Facebook, Netflix, Tumblr, etc. etc.

FriendFeed allows users to watch what their friends are doing everywhere – but it also allows users to post everywhere more easily.

Like Twitter, Facebook is searchable. However, FriendFeed also aggregates Twitter feeds. This means that a FriendFeed search could yield what everyone is talking about everywhere. Read the rest of this entry →

If Chrome can achieve these 10 feats, Google will not only defeat Microsoft, but Apple and Ubuntu will fall as the OS of the common man.

1. Instant on – Please power up in well under 30 seconds. There is no reason for an OS build around a browser to do anything less (or more).

2. 512 MB of RAM and 1Ghz processor – Give XP users a reason to skip Vista, Windows 7, etc. and give their old machine new life.

3. Make it USB bootable – Chrome OS could be a truly portable OS. Not only will your information be in the cloud, but a 2GB flash drive could turn all computers into dumb terminals. Find an computer, plug in your flash drive, POOF! your home computer is running in the motel lobby or public library.

4. Market Chrome OS as a 90 percent computer – The worst thing Google could do is  try to make Chrome OS a “do everything” OS. Don’t build it for gaming, video editing, etc. Just make it do what 90 percent of people use their computer for 100 percent of the time.

5. Function over fashion – The beauty of  the Chrome browser is its minimalism. RIM has proved to geeks and non-geeks everywhere that technology that works is better than technology that’s pretty.

6. Don’t try to put it all in the box – The world needs to learn how to download and install drivers. Ethernet drivers are the only hardware drivers that Chrome needs to support during the initial install. All other drivers could be posted in an easily searchable database. A nice side effect of this, might be a desire from companies to create more standardized drivers.

7. Off-site backup – I hate the idea of subscribing to Microsoft Office online, but I would gladly pay $10/month if I had 100 gigs of off-site backup where my entire system could be backed up regularly. Read the rest of this entry →