This article highlight the Motorola Droid, a new phone offered exclusively By Verizon wireless.  It was designed for people seeking an alternative to the iPhone and shows that while the iPhone has standard it is not immune to threat or rather “not untouchable” as stated by Straton (www.cnn.com).  The Droid offers many similar features and runs on the Android OS.  The Droid offers voice activated search feature for music photos and contacts, Google maps turn by turn GPS directions, it also offers a 5-megapixel camera, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. It has a Webkit HTML 5 browser, and it’s powered by a 550MHz processor and a removable lithium ion battery offering 6.4 hours talk time and up to 11 days of standby time.

This correlates with Chapter seven, Networks, Telecommunication, and mobile Technology, because it describes yet another gadget in the assistance of mobile technology.  The Droid would be classified as a Smartphone because it offers both PDA and phone function.  It also shows how we are integrating more and more mobile technology in that it also offers a GPS system, WI-FI and Bluetooth.  I am quite excited about this phone because it provides a powerful tool as great service.  While researching and reading some blogs comparing the droid I came to the conclusion that the Droid was more Business oriented, while the iPhone was more multi-media orientated.

By Marguerite Reardon

http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/10/29/cnet.verizon.motorola.droid/index.html?iref=allsearch

A new technology that is embarrassing the use of Global Positioning Systems is the GTX Corp who has invented a tracking device used in shoes. This technology is aimed at Alzheimer’s patients, as a way of finding them if they get lost. For a fee of $20 a month a subscriber to the tracking service can ask to be alerted when the tracker leaves a certain area. This technology is still in the beginning stages and still being tested. Aetrex is the shoe company that is partnering with the GPS Company. The companies expecting to launch their product by the end of the year (2010).
This technology is being debated weather or not it is beneficial or detrimental to users. Many people say that having a tracking devise in a shoe would take away the rights of individuals or patients. The article GPS Shoes to track Alzheimer’s patients on CNN.com is on the side of beneficial if the user is aware of the technology and approves of its use. The cost of these shoes will run about $200 to $300. This price is worth the security that it gives to the loved ones of Alzheimer’s patients, who are said to get lost at least once with this disease. This technology has been used before in wristbands and anklets, but the designs were bulky and cumbersome. The shoes will be a great way to solve this problem. This chip technology is said to bring in an estimated total of 5 billion dollars. This is just the start to many more inventions with this technology.

“PDA RFID reader with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPRS capabilities”

I choose this article because it seems to include most of the chapters high points all rolled into a phone. The article is very short so hopefully I can fill out this paragraph to meet the word requirement. The article claims that there will be two version of this PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) a low frequency as well as a high frequency version. These two PDA’s are designed to accommodate information management, information collection and wireless data transfer. I put two pictures of the PDA’s just to show what is mentioned in the article. The two phones come either witht the touch screen or the keyboard. They both feature what was written in the title, the Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and GPRS. What is really cool I think about these two pair phones is the fact that they feature the standard USB port and RS232 communication port which allows any user to plug in any USB implement. Such as a keyboard, mouse, flash drive, magnetic reader, or any other instrument that would work. It also includes an integrated 128 MB SDRAM and 64 MB Flash ROM that is extremely helpful in preserving data in the event of a random reset of the device or a complete loss of power. Next the article goes into where these PDAs would function and benefit the consumer the best. The PDAs are aimed for industrial and outdoor RFID applications, such as inventory control, logistics, garment processing, luggage handling, parcel-postal delivery and cashless payments. This article was very interesting to me and I’m sure that companies will find this extremely satisfying.

PDA RFID reader with WiFi, Bluetooth, and GPRS capabilities. 4 Dec 2009. RFID News. 14 Dec 2009. http://www.rfidnews.org/2009/12/04/pda-rfid-reader-with-wifi-bluetooth-and-gprs-capabilities

Thursday, October 8, 2009

On Tuesday Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer announced Windows Phone brand are ready to hit the market. AT&T has already announced two Windows Mobile 6.5-based phones — the Pure and the HTC Tilt 2. In all, Microsoft has said to expect more than 30 phones running the OS by year’s end.

The operating system provide Adobe Flash support and menus that are easier to navigate with a finger. Amazing thing is that Windows Mobile has more programs than the iPhone. Users can buy and download applications directly from developers. However ms want to mimic the apple’s app store. By the way, Windows phone provide “Find My Phone” service only $5 per use. (Comparatively Apple’s iPhone-finding service requires a $99-per-year).The service can be used to locate a missing phone, make it ring (even if it is set to vibrate) or even remotely lock or wipe the device.

 
I think this trial is the challenge to all of the smart phone market such as blackberry, i-phone. When I use my friend’s i-phone, It was very comfortable but It’s kind of similar as normal phone. I don’t have experience about using windows phone, but we really need new generation phone. I think using adobe through the phone is cool. And finding my phone fuction also exactly what i want. We can use smart phone only in private purpose. Because, there are three monopoly telecom company occupied mobile market in korea. I really pray that as soon as possible the day will come that all korean can use windows phone.

Microsoft’s Windows phones hit the market

http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/10/06/cnet.microsoft.windows.phone/index.html?iref=newssearch

Chap 7

I found an interesting article on iPod touch.  It is interesting because it tells what the latest technology is in regards to Wi-Fi and I also learn that there is an icon which is associated with it, a small dot with three half-moon bars. The article is interest to Chapter seven in Baltzan & Phillips in that it shows how wireless technologies can be used in business and school.  The iPod touch has built-in support for 802.1 1b/g wireless technology. Which means you can get online anywhere there’s Wi-Fi. You can send emails from a coffee shop, or you can surf the web at the airport. You can even shop for games from your living room. If you choose you can browse, buy, and download music and more from the iTunes Store. IPod touch locates nearby wireless hotspots, including protected networks. Say for example if you have never used the certain network before it will ask you to enter a password for the first time, thereafter the system will remember your password. The next time you’re within range the Wi-Fi will connect automatically. It really sounds like a great investment for anyone because the price of the iPod ranges from $199 to $299 and finally $399. You can store 1,750 songs on the lower price iPod and it can display 10 hours of video, 10,000 photos, up to 30 hours of music playback and it is equipped with Bluetooth. Bluetooth is a form of wireless technology that lets you use devices without the hassle of cables or wires. You can use iPod touch with Bluetooth headphones and listen to your music no matter where in the room your iPod touch is. The size of the small keyboard might be a challenge to me but it certainly is great technology. (http://www.apple.com/ipodtouch/features/technology.html p 1)

Beginning June 1, 2009,entry to the United States through neighboring borders by land and sea requires a passport, which includes a RFID chip in it.  Since January 2007, the law requires that re-entry to the United States through air travel must use a passport.  All new passport are chipped with RFID chips.

This new law is designed to strengthen homeland security.  Also it speeds up the process of reentering the country.  Officials are able to scan the passports from a distance and view the person’s information before the car pulls up to the booths.  With millions of people, that’s a lot of time saved.  The scanning of the RFID chip does not display any personally identifiable information, just a number.  It does not invade a person’s privacy.

Opposers to this law are the shops who depend on travelers and the travel industry.  They fear people would rather stay in their home country than to spend money on a passport.  People who don’t know about the new law change will still be able to reenter, but the process will be much longer and tedious.  In the past, you are able to use your drivers license to cross borders.  Now, besides a passport, there is only the option of enrolling in three “trusted travelers” program whose cards are acceptable or an enhanced drivers license equipped with a RFID chip to cross borders.

source: http://www.cnn.com/2009/TRAVEL/06/01/us.canada.border.rules/index.html

In the article, “AT&T approves VoIP for iPhone,” the discussion focuses on the capability of the iPhone to be able to use VoIP applications, most specifically Skype. Voice over Internet Protocol(VoIP) transmits voice calls over long distance phone lines using a data network. AT&T’s previous stand is to not allow VoIP apps over their 3G network, but allowing the use over any Wi-Fi network. Allowing customers the ability to now make phone calls over AT&T’s 3G network is huge, for now phone calls can be made without customer’s using their wireless minutes. Although AT&T’s reluctance to allow VoIP apps has merit, AT&T implemented the use of VoIP due to customer demand for the use of the application. The availability of VoIP apps will be available soon over a 3G network as apps begin to be implemented onto the iPhone.

The article directly relates to Ch. 7, “Networks, Telecommunications, and Mobile Technology,” as it discusses the use of VoIP over AT&T’s 3G network, a form of cellular technology. VoIP was previously criticized for the poor call quality and low call completion rates, but today VoIP is able to offer the same call quality of phone calls made of over landlines. Drawbacks to the use of VoIP include its susceptibility to the threats that occur over a data network. VoIP can be intercepted or captured so VoIP must me be secured in order to prevent such occurrences.

AT&T approves VoIP for iPhone. Retreived October 8, 2009 from http://scitech.blogs.cnn.com/2009/10/07/att-approves-voip-for-iphone/

This article’s subject is that AT&T Allows Internet Voice Calls on Apple’s iPhone. According to this article, it expresses that AT&T will open its third-generation wireless network to third-party Internet voice applications on iPhone, clearing the way for services such as Skype. Also, Apple praised AT&T’s action and said it would move rapidly to make voice over Internet protocol apps available on the iPhone.
One of the Skype director said that AT&T’s move the right direction and it is very good, but also, to maintain open Internet, administration procedures are also needed.
Apple spokeswoman expresses that they are so happy that AT&T is now supporting VoIP applications and they will be revising our developers’ agreement to get VoIP on the apple store and in customers’ hand as soon as possible.
First, we need to know what VoIP is, and it is voice over Internet Protocol. VoIP uses TCP/IP technology to send out voice calls over long-distance telephone lines.
Developing of telecommunication is very needed and useful for us. Between telecommunication companies, they amalgamate their software of technologies each other and it help technology to develop more. As we already know, a lot of people in the world use the Skype or iPod. I also use the Skype to call my family or my friends frequently, because I live apart from them now. Of course, as telecommunication technologies are developed, we can use this freely, but I sometimes feel very inconvenient when I use the Skype, because I must have the computer to call them. When I am outside or without the computer, I cannot call, especially abroad. Thus, I thought if I use to this service through my cellular, it is really good. Thus, I am very glad that I see this article.

Article resource – NY times.
http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2009/10/06/technology/tech-us-att-apple.html?scp=19&sq=skype&st=cse

On Tuesday, AT&T announced they will make available a application for the iphone and itouch that would allow them to use internet phone services. Before this AT&T banned the use of internet phone services to further their control over users phone use. Skype, an internet phone company owned by ebay, filed a formal complaint of the ban of AT&T. Finally two years after the complaint the Federal Communications Commission agreed to side with Skype to make it available to AT&T customers.

This is a huge deal for AT&T iphone and itouch users. This allows users to use free phone services instead of using minutes purchased in user packages. The only catch to the internet phone is users must be connected to a Wi-Fi network in order to use the phone. This is especially significant to itouch users since currently there is no phone for the touch. Now itouch users can use their itouches as free phones as long as there is a Wi-Fi network available. I understand why apple had banned the use of internet phones on their products for obvious reasons. Now that internet phones are available users can use Skype instead of their minutes. I know for me personally this is significant because I own an iphone and have a very basic plan. With the Skype application I can use the phone more freely without fear of going over my minutes. This is a good thing for users but a bad thing for AT&T and potentially the Apple company. With this ruling by the Federal Communication Commission the door has been opened for internet phone companies to step in and further the use of it’s products.

Hansell. Saul. AT&T Reverses Policy on iphone Internet Calls. New York Times. October 6, 2009. www.nytimes.com/2009/10/7/technology/companies/07phone.html

Chapter 7 introduces us to the concepts of network architecture and mobile technology and how these technologies can help employees better communicate within an organization and allow easier and faster responses to others outside the organization. Businesses must understand the new trends of technology to compete in today’s mobile world. Members in an organization must have easy access the largest network–the internet.

I found a product that makes it easier for organizations and individuals to keep in touch without spending hundreds of dollars. MagicJack is positioned to be the fastest growing telecom company in the world. It was founded by Dan Borislow, also founder of YMAX Communications Corporation. It was nominated as the Product of the Year 2008. MagicJack does require some kind of internet connection in order to function such as broadband, High-Speed Internet, cable internet, DSL, WiFi, WiMax, FiOs. However, MagicJack does not work over dial-up or satellite internet. Some of the features that MagicJack offers are: free local and long distance, free directory assistance, free phone number, free call waiting, free voicemail, free Caller ID, and now FREE MagicJack Conference Calling.

The magic about MagicJack is that it eliminates the expense of local and long distance phone charges, which saves the average customer around $1000 a year. In 2008, PC Magazine Editors-Choice said “MagicJack’s call quality is amazing—almost too good to be true. …for less than $40, everybody should try it.” If you go to MagicJack’s website it even gives you a 30-day FREE Trial, 100% Risk FREE! You can also buy a MagicJack at electronic stores such as RadioShack and Best Buy for about $45. You pay nothing for a whole year; however, an annual renewal fee will be due one year after you first register you MagicJack. A friendly e-mail reminder will be sent to the registered e-mail when your renewal fee is due.

I can say from personal experience that MagicJack really does work. I can make local and long distance calls without getting disconnected. All I can say is that people should try it!

MagicJack. (2009). Retrieved on Oct. 6, 2009 from http://www.magicjack.com/1/index.asp

4G Hype: Time for a reality check

Stephanie Mehta’s article entitled 4G Hype: Time for a reality check written for CNNMoney.com is about the hype of the new 4G networks being advertised. It starts out by talking about how Verizon Wireless has gotten back data on the development of a 4G network. It is a new generation of radio upgrades that will improve the throughput and capacity of wireless phone networks. It is supposed to “breathe new life into wireless internet”. It is supposed to bring peak downlink speeds of 10 Mbps.

The argument being made is that it is very little different than the 3G network. Other companies are touting the 4G network that they are coming up with as well. Like the 3G network, it will take a long time for the 4G network to take root and actually mean something for consumers. The argument is that companies now are just beginning to see revenue from the 3G networks that they were so excited about advertising. New technologies like the iPhone are not even using a 3G network yet.

Companies are still years away from fully developing 4G and even 3G networks. 3G coverage is even still spotty in the U.S. They are supposed help with data overload and improve download speed. The networks are mentioned in the textbook as being current when they really are far from it. In ‘reality’, the hyped networks are not near full and advertised use for businesses. If wireless companies expect a return on their investment, they need to finish what they started.

Mehta, S. (2009) 4G Hype: Time for a reality check, CNNMoney.com. Retrieved October 8, 2009, from http://brainstormtech.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2009/08/18/4g-hype-time-for-a-reality-check/

For this week’s chapter reading, I found a very interesting article in the Business Week Magazine regarding Window’s introduction of its newest development or “upgrade”: Windows Mobile 6.5. I must confess that I am very bias when it comes to computer and phone companies. I have been a true Apple fan for the longest time and use mainly only Apple products. I also understand that Apple has many competitors wanting to become as innovative as Apple has become, but many of those competitors do fall short of winning that competition. I find Windows to be one of Apple’s biggest competitions when it comes to the computer world and thus find it not so shocking to hear that Windows was not able to keep up with the innovative technology in the mobile industry.

Windows recently came out with its upgrade to its smartphone a couple of days ago and it did not live up to any other smartphones that are currently out on the market right now. It doesn’t even sit close to the iPhones status, thus moving Windows place on the top tier of the mobile industry to a low position. Critics say that, “Unfortunately the results fall far short of what Microsoft requires to get back into the top tier of mobile communications”. The next upgrade for the phone is not due until another year. By then, Windows would have lost a lot of its customers already. The phone features an almost like “App Store” like in the iPhone, but with Windows, they call it Marketplace. Each carrier company will get to choose between which apps they want to carry with their line and get a cut of the money that is earned, and those that are paid with credit cards will be split between the developers and Windows.

There is one positive thing about the new upgrade. The backing up of information from the phone to a computer will be done through Windows’ program called My Phone, which is based online. The program will freely back up all of your information from the phone. I find this as a positive point to the upgrade because Apple currently uses MobileMe, which they charge for $99 a year to use as an information backup program. I’d rather see free options as I am still a poor college student at this point.

Those who own a Windows smart phone will have to use the upgrade for now and give the company some time to develop it’s version 7 of an upgrade, or go my route and purchase an iPhone that is at the top of the tier in computer and mobile development.

If you’re interested in this article, please click here to see the article.

In this article, it talks about Microsoft wanting it’s share of competition in the smartphone market. Microsoft is launching its new phones in Europe with new softwares and competiting with the smartphone giants. There are trying to have a presence for the Christmas season. The company expects 30 phones in more than 20 countries to launch with the technology by the end of the year. They just revealed the new 6.5 operating systems that are being used on these various phones. Chief executive, Steve Ballmer said: “A Windows phone lets people take their entire world of digital information, communications, applications and entertainment with them wherever they go.” The operating systems is designed to be easy to use, quicker to access, it also includes windows live and the search engine Bing. Microsoft is the only company that has developed operating systems for mobile technology. Some say that Windows is a little too late to launch this operating system and now they are developing a newer version to be launch next year. They have hopes of appealing and attracting to business consumers of course and those that are technology gurus wanting the newest and latest. One of their biggest competitors, Apple has reported that over 2 billion applications have been downloaded over the year and there are over 85,000 applications available for download. Steve Jobs of Apple stated that this Christmas they would not be beaten by sales however, Microsoft is spiffying up the competition and laying the ground work. This Christmas sales on smartphones are expected to be the most competitive out of all the years but sales dominator, Apple is expected to remain on the top spot.
This article relates to the chapter this week, of course due to mobile technology. Smartphones are by no surprise a huge market today. It combines the function of cellular phone and a PDA in a single device. Re-inventing the wheel is not anything that can be done in my opinion about smartphones because they do exist now, all I feel company has to do is keep up with the latest wants of consumers. Apple got an edge on that through having applications, now that is the trend in smartphones and Microsoft has to match that just to compete or make it even better.

http://www.businessweek.com/globalbiz/content/oct2009/gb2009107_421005.htm

I chose an article about the M5 Connect. The M5Connect is an integrated VoIP. M5 has now joined with the JobDiva to come out with “M5Connect for JobDiva”. M5Connect for JobDiva connects the applications from JobDiva with the teleophony of M5Connect. According to the article I found for this its says that the M5 will help speed up call times which will eventually add to more call per day and the M5Connect system also tracks call statistics and metrics for effective performance.

The M5Connect for JobDiva appeared at the NAPS 2009 national conference in Las Vegas. NAPS is the National Association of Personnel Services.Many business people commented that there is no room for conversation delays during their calls which is one of the major issues. However M5Connect uses a CRM application which ultimately eliminates the whole having to install on your desktop which eliminates performance issues.

M5 provides many services for businesses and in doing so their VoIP is the top service. Brent Barbara the director of client solutions said, “Productivity, mobility, business intelligence and user responsiveness are key requirements in this market, and these are core benefits our VoIP solutions deliver. That’s why we chose the NAPS conference as the first place to showcase the M5Connect for JobDiva offering.”

I chose this article because it tied in with the chapter in the area of mobile technology. There was a section in the book where we learned about VoIP in Skype and all the features they used. I thought this was a good example of that.

(2009)”M5 Networks Showcases ‘M5Connect for JobDiva’ Integrated VoIP and CRM Software Solution at NAPS Conference”, 8 October 2009, Retrieved from: PR Newswire, United Busines Media. Website: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/m5-networks-showcases-m5connect-for-jobdiva-integrated-voip-and-crm-software-solution-at-naps-conference-62875242.html

With all the hype and exclusiveness of the iPhone, it was only a matter of time before someone figured out how to utilize the this extraordinary device with a service provider other than ATT. With the new iPod touch having almost all the features of an iPhone 3GS, this made the task of integrating the device into other service providers much easier. With the use of voice over IP applications, Skype and iCall, you can actually use voice over IP technology to turn your iPod into an iPhone. Although difficult to locate open and available wi-fi hot spot signals, by using something called a pocket router, you can actually turn the 3G signal of sprint and Verizon into wi-fi for the iPod touch. There are however, some issues with the openness of the device to function as a phone. For instance, unless one of the VoIP applications is running, calls can not be received, leaving you with the only option of letting your calls roll over to your voice mail.
With breakthroughs with the iPod touch as an iPhone, retailers are starting to take notice. The Verizon Wireless sales consultants even want to sell iPod touch along side their Novatel MiFi unit which is their version of a pocket router. Voice quality is somewhat reduced using the Skype or iCall interface, but with cheaper service than what ATT offers for even their cheapest iPhone plan, it may be worth it. On the sprint side of thing, their 4G network help to greatly improve voice quality on incoming and outgoing phone calls. Problem is, their Spring U300 USB modem attached to a Sprint Personal WiFi Hotspot is too large to pocket, as it is larger than a deck of cards, and the battery life is a short 90 minutes. It’s also a lot more expensive to use the 4G network services than the 3G.

Segan, Sascha. “IPhones Without AT&T.” PCmag.com. 08 Oct. 09. Web. 08 Oct. 09. .

Mobile phones have come a long way. Once upon a time mobile phones were just that, phones that did not need to have a wireless base station plugged into your wall. However as with all things time brought innovations. Now most people have smart phones or phones with many smartphone capabilities. However, with great features comes great power – consumption. Today a smart phone maybe be wifi, bluetooth, 3g capable, able to capture video and picture, and equipped with a CPU that would leave my Tandy 386 in the dust but these features come at the cost of battery life. A beefy 1500 mAh battery may last only 6 hours in a smart phone, and that time is solely dependent on which features are in use. Users are being force to trade off features for extended battery life. More often than not the convince of having wifi on all the time will be relinquished for longer talk time. The problem is features are being developed much faster than battery technology can keep up with. Because battery technology is based on chemical reactions its development time is much slower. My dad has an HTC smart phone that sports all of the standard features you would expect from a top of the line current generation of phones, but he complains all the time that he can’t go a whole day without plugging the blasted thing into the wall. What is being done then if a larger capacity battery is slow in coming? Makers of components and chips are finding ways to make things smaller and more energy efficient while phone makers are implimenting algorithms to switch on features only when they are needed. The business sector is drooling over smartphone capabilities but won’t be able to embrace them to their fullest until batteries can power all of their features for the long haul.

NetworkWorld. (2009). Growing “power gap” could force smartphone trade-offs. Retrieved October , 5 2009 From http://www.networkworld.com/news/2009/092809-smartphone-tradeoffs.html?hpg1=bn

“Voice Chat Coming to Facebook!” In the next few weeks Facebook users will be able to have high quality voice conversations on line. The new technology is being offered by Vivox not by Facebook; therefore the Facebook app. can be applied to almost any website and have conversations while shopping on line. Vivox voice service is already used by more than 15 million users around the world, making this service reliable even after the large volume of users begin using the technology on Facebook. All the user has to do is download a plug-in and you are set. Now businesses can use this to have business meetings or in schools as part of a project discussion. Another very interesting point is that you don’t have to have a Facebook account to use this voice chat, Vivox will have a free dial-in number that will allow you to join any conversation.
Soon almost any game or website will be able to have voice chat include. The companies don’t have to manually load the chat software; they will only have to add Facebook to their websites. As of for games, many games used within Facebook will be able to adapt the chat feature to it. Vivox is also applying this technology to other video games as well.
In the mean time Facebook is not promoting the voice chats and Vivox has no idea how many people will be using the feature, but it seems to be very promising. It will allow people form all over the world have real time voice conversations free (other than paying for internet connection). Personally I might use this new technology since my boyfriend moved out of town for College. It might not be Skype but it will be another way to keep in contact while he is gone.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/09/15/cnet.facebook.voice.chat/index.html

The article I read was about translating the internet. Both Google and Facebook are developing methods to translate different languages. This would allow someone who speaks only English, read a blog written in Japanese. Facebook is using people to translate the language. They have many volunteers as well as hired professionals to help translate certain words or phrases. These phrases are voted by volunteers to see which one would be best. Over time, the translations are designed to become better. The method Google is using is computerized. The program uses mathematical equations to translate the web content. Google has also made a widget that translates simply by pushing a button. When someone is looking at something written in another language, the reader pushes a button and it is then translated to be read in the language the person desires. This makes viewing any website, in any language possible. The benefit from using this Google translator over Facebook’s is the availability. It translates a lot faster, and is accessible in more websites.

This relates to the chapter because the chapter is about telecommunications. We are now able to talk to and read millions of opinions from people who do not even share the same language. The world is connecting in many new ways. Technology has made it possible to have friends in different countries who speak different languages. With cell phones becoming more and more sophisticated, I am sure they will have better technology. I am sure that in the near future, we will be able to speak a language and some sort of software will translate as we speak. I am sure this software will be available on cell phones as well.

Sutter, John D (2009) “Who’s the better translator: machines or humans?” October 8, 2009. From: cnn.com/tech Website:http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/10/07/language.facebook.google/index.html

“Is the iPhone hurting AT&T’s brand?”

AT&T has recently come out with the iPhone which has been a huge hit in the cell phone industry. It has completely changed the way cell phones are used. Before the iPhone text messaging was the most advanced thing you could do on the cell phone. Now an entire world of information and entertainment sits at the fingertips of millions of people who have the iPhone provided by AT&T service. However, in a recent poll the iPhone can be hurting AT&T’s name, or the other way around. AT&T scored the worst in a survey competition amongst all the cell phone providers in customer satisfaction with smart phones. It received a 69 out of 100 score behind Verizon Wireless and even Sprint. The iPhone has been building the reputation of having poor service quality and reliability. Many of the iPhone users who were surveyed said they would switch to a different provider if given the opportunity. If steps are not taken soon, this could potentially come back to haunt AT&T in the future. Over 40% of non AT&T users switched services just to get the iPhone and not because they wanted the service. These customers are the one that are most likely to leave the service.
AT&T has never been a good mobile service provider in my experience. I know so many people who have the iPhone and when I am talking to them on the phone they are always cutting out or getting disconnected. The reception always seems to be bad. I have been a faithful Verizon customer for years and I have never had any troubles with them. In fact, when I go to the mountains I am the only one who ever gets service out of everyone and I have an old type of phone that I have had for 3 years. AT&T is spiraling downhill and if they are unable to provide a quality service for a high demanded phone and that could be detrimental to their company’s future.

Reardon, M. 2009. Cnn News. “Is the iPhone hurting At&T’s brand?”.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/10/02/iphone.att.service/index.html