Thursday, December 31, 2009
Just because it says "Lovely" in the title doesn't mean the movie is lovely...
Sometimes you gotta wonder if anyone reads the newspaper before it is published. Check out this ad and contest (paragraph at the top of the ad) in today's Washington Post. Nothing like the subject of child abduction and murder to bring your whole family together during the holidays. What kind of conversation are you going to have afterwards?
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Is Google About to go Mobile? Tuesday, January 5, 2010 Looks Like the Big Day
Interesting rumors swirling around the Googleplex today with the belief that Tuesday, January 5, 2010 is the day that Google goes mobile with the launch of the Nexus One. As expected, details are scarce, but what is known is that Google has scheduled a press conference at its Mountain View, CA headquarters...a mere two days before the largest consumer extravaganza in Las Vegas...the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). Sure, this press conference could also be announcing some new acquisition or addition to their search business, but if you believe that, I have a bridge to sell you..
So, what's the big deal about the Nexus One? Well, on this one I think the jury is still out. Right now, the belief is that Google will have built in the Nexus One a great device and software experience. What that means is TBD, but it almost assuredly means a GSM phone (aka, doesn't work on Verizon or Sprint...but will work globally), a high quality camera, and the Android operating experience. Beyond that, unless you are a Google employee, the best summary of details is probably here.
What will be new however, is that the phone is being sold as "unlocked"...which means it will (in theory), work on any carrier's network. In the US, however, this means the Nexus One will work on T-Mobile and AT&T...but more importantly, will be under the full control of the person who buys it. Additionally, this means that the device will likely be sold at "full cost" and not subsidized by any carrier. But that also means no contracts or commitments by those who buy one.
While this model is standard around the world, it will be interesting to see how it takes off in the US. Generally speaking, US consumers have been trained to pay less than $200 for their smart phones. Given that a phone like the Nexus One probably costs between $500 and $600 to make, it is expected that this full cost will be passed on to the buyer. Don't forget, it wasn't until the iPhone dropped into the $200 range before it really took off. Finally, there is a real possibility that Google will make enemies of the carriers that it relies on for future mobile ads and acceptance of the Android operating system. Google is certainly taking a chance with their go-to-market plans...
Any way you cut it however, the world of mobile in 2010 is off to heckuva start. If 2009 was defined by the launch of the Palm Pre by Sprint and Verizon's Droid (as well as, AT&Ts challenges with the iPhone), 2010 is shaping up to be a barnburner of a year for mobile. Not only will we start off with the launch of the Nexus One, but in late January Apple is expected to launch the (iSlate), and throughout 2010 there will be numerous 4G launches with Clearwire going fully national and LTE coming into the market. Throw in the possibility that the iPhone will move from AT&T or at least to multiple providers and things will certainly be interesting.
LINK: Google Nexus phone to debut Tuesday?
So, what's the big deal about the Nexus One? Well, on this one I think the jury is still out. Right now, the belief is that Google will have built in the Nexus One a great device and software experience. What that means is TBD, but it almost assuredly means a GSM phone (aka, doesn't work on Verizon or Sprint...but will work globally), a high quality camera, and the Android operating experience. Beyond that, unless you are a Google employee, the best summary of details is probably here.
What will be new however, is that the phone is being sold as "unlocked"...which means it will (in theory), work on any carrier's network. In the US, however, this means the Nexus One will work on T-Mobile and AT&T...but more importantly, will be under the full control of the person who buys it. Additionally, this means that the device will likely be sold at "full cost" and not subsidized by any carrier. But that also means no contracts or commitments by those who buy one.
While this model is standard around the world, it will be interesting to see how it takes off in the US. Generally speaking, US consumers have been trained to pay less than $200 for their smart phones. Given that a phone like the Nexus One probably costs between $500 and $600 to make, it is expected that this full cost will be passed on to the buyer. Don't forget, it wasn't until the iPhone dropped into the $200 range before it really took off. Finally, there is a real possibility that Google will make enemies of the carriers that it relies on for future mobile ads and acceptance of the Android operating system. Google is certainly taking a chance with their go-to-market plans...
Any way you cut it however, the world of mobile in 2010 is off to heckuva start. If 2009 was defined by the launch of the Palm Pre by Sprint and Verizon's Droid (as well as, AT&Ts challenges with the iPhone), 2010 is shaping up to be a barnburner of a year for mobile. Not only will we start off with the launch of the Nexus One, but in late January Apple is expected to launch the (iSlate), and throughout 2010 there will be numerous 4G launches with Clearwire going fully national and LTE coming into the market. Throw in the possibility that the iPhone will move from AT&T or at least to multiple providers and things will certainly be interesting.
LINK: Google Nexus phone to debut Tuesday?
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
The iSlate Cometh. Rumormill on Apple's Tablet Computer Starts to Really Heat Up.
Let the blogosphere ignite! While 2009 ended fairly quietly for Apple, 2010 is sure to begin with tremendous excitement for the much-rumored tablet-based computer from Apple. No one except the good folks in Cupertino really know the truth, but every one seems to have an opinion, idea, thought or just plain gossip to share.
So...what do we think we know? Well, the LA Times and MacRumors.Com have done some serious sleuthing to try and piece things together. What we "know" is that the name of this device is the "iSlate" and that it is expected to be a combination computer, book reader, iPod, Internet device in the form of a traditional tablet-style computer. Also, we know that Apple has reserved the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco in late January (presumably for the announcement, but could also be for a big team meeting). Finally, we know that Apple's stock is going through the roof. For better or worse, the folks on Wall Street usually know something the rest of us don't when it comes to money issues. Beyond that...it is anyones guess.
So, what does the launch of a tablet-computer mean to the market? Well, potentially nothing at all. Not to be a downer, but tablet PCs have been around for a while with only limited success among general consumers. Throw in the likelihood that an Apple machine will cost ~$1000 and this device may only amount to a few percentage points in market share for Apple. Great to see, but far from the iconic device that the iPod has become (billions and billions served) and the popular iPhone.
Of course, the opposite could also be true. Just as the Netbook market was created from virtually nothing to a major portion of the market, the iSlate could also become another iconic device. This is not as far-fetched as it sounds given that Netbooks are already under pressure from "tweener" devices (e.g. more computing power, but low cost) as well as, devices like the Amazon Kindle (perhaps the first fully accepted "tablet" computer...if only for books).
One thing I do know is that whatever Apple does, we will all benefit. Regardless of what you think of the success of Apple's iPhone, iTunes, or the iPod, one indisputable fact is that they each changed consumer expectations and experience for the better by showing the market what could be done when solid design work combined with great execution and vision. While not everything Apple does wins, they can still move the market in incredible ways through their design and delivery. It is always possible that Apple could still strike out, but even a solid double will go a long way here.
Thoughts?
So...what do we think we know? Well, the LA Times and MacRumors.Com have done some serious sleuthing to try and piece things together. What we "know" is that the name of this device is the "iSlate" and that it is expected to be a combination computer, book reader, iPod, Internet device in the form of a traditional tablet-style computer. Also, we know that Apple has reserved the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco in late January (presumably for the announcement, but could also be for a big team meeting). Finally, we know that Apple's stock is going through the roof. For better or worse, the folks on Wall Street usually know something the rest of us don't when it comes to money issues. Beyond that...it is anyones guess.
So, what does the launch of a tablet-computer mean to the market? Well, potentially nothing at all. Not to be a downer, but tablet PCs have been around for a while with only limited success among general consumers. Throw in the likelihood that an Apple machine will cost ~$1000 and this device may only amount to a few percentage points in market share for Apple. Great to see, but far from the iconic device that the iPod has become (billions and billions served) and the popular iPhone.
Of course, the opposite could also be true. Just as the Netbook market was created from virtually nothing to a major portion of the market, the iSlate could also become another iconic device. This is not as far-fetched as it sounds given that Netbooks are already under pressure from "tweener" devices (e.g. more computing power, but low cost) as well as, devices like the Amazon Kindle (perhaps the first fully accepted "tablet" computer...if only for books).
One thing I do know is that whatever Apple does, we will all benefit. Regardless of what you think of the success of Apple's iPhone, iTunes, or the iPod, one indisputable fact is that they each changed consumer expectations and experience for the better by showing the market what could be done when solid design work combined with great execution and vision. While not everything Apple does wins, they can still move the market in incredible ways through their design and delivery. It is always possible that Apple could still strike out, but even a solid double will go a long way here.
Thoughts?
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Urban Meyer Resigns as Headcoach at Florida...who will follow him?
Update 12/27: Late breaking news from Gainesville, Florida. Rather than resigning, Meyer has announced plans to take an indefinite leave of absence rather than resign. Change of heart attributed to a "spirited" practice with the team on Sunday, December 27th.
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Shocking news tonight out of Gainesville, Florida as Urban Meyer, Head coach of the University of Florida football team announced he was resigning due to health reasons. Details are still coming out, but apparently Meyer was hospitalized for chest pains after Florida's loss to Alabama in the SEC Championship a few weeks ago. That event led to a series of additional tests and, after consultation with his family, doctors, and athletic staff, led to his resignation effective after the 2010 Sugar Bowl.
Any way you look at this decision, this announcement is quite a shock. Not only is Meyer only 45, but he is literally at the "top of his game," and universally considered among the very best coaches in major college football. In five seasons at Florida, he has won two national titles, two SEC titles, and coached a Heisman trophy winner. Sure, 2010 was bound to be a down year, but this is a man who could have had the stadium named after him when he retires...and now his career has ended.
So...who will follow Urban at Florida? Well, let the parlor games begin! Keep in mind, Florida has the resources, money, and will (requirement?) to win. Throw in the fact that this is still one of the preeminent programs in college football, and almost any coaching choice is conceivable. That being said...here is my top five (in no particular order).
1) Bob Stoops, Headcoach, University of Oklahoma: Stoops has had a great run at Oklahoma, but any way you cut it, Florida is still a better job. Throw in familiarity with the program (he coached under Spurrier for a couple of years) and he will at least take AD Jeremy Foley's call.
2) Chris Peterson, Headcoach, Boise State University: Okay, Peterson can literally do no wrong in Boise after making them a household name, but still, a shot at a program like Florida may only come once in a career. That doesn't mean he is leaving, just that he should think about it. Besides, it is almost January, and Florida is a whole lot better than Idaho right now.
3) Gary Patterson, Headcoach, Texas Christian University: Patterson has done a remarkable job at TCU, but there are lot of folks who wonder if he can continue this success. While the state of Texas has plenty of talent, it also has UT, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, as well as, Oklahoma, Nebraska, etc. recruiting there. Effectively, TCU is the fifth or sixth best school (for football) in the state. At Florida, he would be # 1...
4) Steve Spurrier, Headcoach, University of South Carolina: Spurrier left Florida for a couple of ill-fated years with the Washington Redskins only to return to the SEC at South Carolina. None the less, he remains much beloved at Florida for his years as a player (where he won the Heisman) and Coach (where he pulled Florida out of the doldrums. They say you can never go back...but still...
5) Former NFL Coach X: Okay, this is a bit of a cop-out, but I gotta think that Florida might also be thinking of some former NFL Coach like Mike Shanahan or John Gruden. Personally, I don't like NFL coaches moving to the college ranks (see Groh, Al), but I don't blame Florida for thinking about it.
What do you think? Is there someone great out there I am missing? For reference, here is the current ESPN link.
LINK: Urban Meyer Resigns as Head Coach of the University of Florida
===========
Shocking news tonight out of Gainesville, Florida as Urban Meyer, Head coach of the University of Florida football team announced he was resigning due to health reasons. Details are still coming out, but apparently Meyer was hospitalized for chest pains after Florida's loss to Alabama in the SEC Championship a few weeks ago. That event led to a series of additional tests and, after consultation with his family, doctors, and athletic staff, led to his resignation effective after the 2010 Sugar Bowl.
Any way you look at this decision, this announcement is quite a shock. Not only is Meyer only 45, but he is literally at the "top of his game," and universally considered among the very best coaches in major college football. In five seasons at Florida, he has won two national titles, two SEC titles, and coached a Heisman trophy winner. Sure, 2010 was bound to be a down year, but this is a man who could have had the stadium named after him when he retires...and now his career has ended.
So...who will follow Urban at Florida? Well, let the parlor games begin! Keep in mind, Florida has the resources, money, and will (requirement?) to win. Throw in the fact that this is still one of the preeminent programs in college football, and almost any coaching choice is conceivable. That being said...here is my top five (in no particular order).
1) Bob Stoops, Headcoach, University of Oklahoma: Stoops has had a great run at Oklahoma, but any way you cut it, Florida is still a better job. Throw in familiarity with the program (he coached under Spurrier for a couple of years) and he will at least take AD Jeremy Foley's call.
2) Chris Peterson, Headcoach, Boise State University: Okay, Peterson can literally do no wrong in Boise after making them a household name, but still, a shot at a program like Florida may only come once in a career. That doesn't mean he is leaving, just that he should think about it. Besides, it is almost January, and Florida is a whole lot better than Idaho right now.
3) Gary Patterson, Headcoach, Texas Christian University: Patterson has done a remarkable job at TCU, but there are lot of folks who wonder if he can continue this success. While the state of Texas has plenty of talent, it also has UT, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, as well as, Oklahoma, Nebraska, etc. recruiting there. Effectively, TCU is the fifth or sixth best school (for football) in the state. At Florida, he would be # 1...
4) Steve Spurrier, Headcoach, University of South Carolina: Spurrier left Florida for a couple of ill-fated years with the Washington Redskins only to return to the SEC at South Carolina. None the less, he remains much beloved at Florida for his years as a player (where he won the Heisman) and Coach (where he pulled Florida out of the doldrums. They say you can never go back...but still...
5) Former NFL Coach X: Okay, this is a bit of a cop-out, but I gotta think that Florida might also be thinking of some former NFL Coach like Mike Shanahan or John Gruden. Personally, I don't like NFL coaches moving to the college ranks (see Groh, Al), but I don't blame Florida for thinking about it.
What do you think? Is there someone great out there I am missing? For reference, here is the current ESPN link.
LINK: Urban Meyer Resigns as Head Coach of the University of Florida
Thursday, December 24, 2009
You may be late, but at least it is a custom Christmas gift
Great article in today's New Your Times exploring how custom gifts have become so popular for Christmas in 2009. Gone are the days of iron-on cheap stuff, as today, you can add in Disney or or South Park characters, make custom shoes, add in photos from Twilight, or put your loved-ones name on just about anything. Just about anything you want.
LINK: New York Times: On Web, Workshops to Create One-of-a-Kind Gifts
LINK: New York Times: On Web, Workshops to Create One-of-a-Kind Gifts
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Well, it is awkward, but Hewlett Packard you still have some explaining to do.
Anyone seen this YouTube video yet? It basically shows a man and a woman using an HP computer and how HP's face recognition software does not recognize an African-American man...but does recognize his white co-worker. The official HP line is that lighting is to blame...and honestly, I believe that is the case (sorry, I don't subscribe to the racist computer theory), but still, the whole situation just looks incredibly bad.
So...am I being naive? Is there something else here? Or is this just a situation of technology failing us in an awkward way. You tell me...
LINK: HP Blames lighting for face-recognition software failure
So...am I being naive? Is there something else here? Or is this just a situation of technology failing us in an awkward way. You tell me...
LINK: HP Blames lighting for face-recognition software failure
How to transfer iTunes music from an old to a new computer
Wanted to share a recent post I made on eHow in preparation for Christmas. As many folks are about to get a new computer to go with their new magic device from Apple, it seemed appropriate to answer the question on how to transfer music from one computer to another.
This step-by-step process should help things make sense of that process. And don't worry...it is pretty easy to do.
Raportt
LINK: How to Transfer iTunes to a New Computer
This step-by-step process should help things make sense of that process. And don't worry...it is pretty easy to do.
Raportt
LINK: How to Transfer iTunes to a New Computer
In the end...there can be only one... Apple seeks to cancel Cable TV
Interesting article in yesterday's Wall Street Journal purporting that CBS and Disney may join with Apple to stream video and television directly to consumer's homes. In a typically Apple-like move, they are providing a pretty nice carrot (e.g. they are offering more money) in the hopes that these content providers are willing to operate inside the closed garden of Apple.
Questions remain though. Among them...
1) Will anyone really buy Apple TV instead of Cable? Sure it is cheaper ($30 vs. $70 typically charged by cable companies), but is that enough? In some ways, this is an extension of the cut-the-cord argument we are seeing as subscribers move from traditional local phones to wireless-only...but the parallels can only be taken so far. Sure, Apple has 100 Million iTunes subscribers (me included)...but that doesnt mean anyone will pay an extra $30 / month for Apple TV. Honestly, I am not sure about this one.
2) Will it really work? One thing Apple has been really good at is rock-solid user experience. A lot of that has been anchored in near total control around user experience, delivery, applications and devices. When it comes to video delivery however, Apple really only owns the end-points (device in your house and server housing the content) with someone else handling the cables in between. Time will tell if that experience is up-to-snuff...or if Apple TV will be doomed by the people in the middle.
3) What about other video options? The internet (Youtube, Hulu, NBC.com) is full of lots of free TV / video content options that will serve to undercut the reasons to buy from Apple. In fact, the only way to ensure people pay more is to cut off options elsewhere. Honestly though, that is going to be tough for folks to swallow. And by folks, I mean everyone...you, me, governement, advertisors, etc.
4) Wait a minute...what if my Internet comes from Cable too? File this one under the "explain it one more time" argument. The best card the cable companies have is that they already control many of the Internet pipes into a person's home. That is of tremendous advantage for any war based on price...and where the playing field has been leveled. Don't get me wrong, Cable TV can be beaten (see Internet, FIOS), but it requires a superior experience to do it. Can Apple pull that off?
For more information, here is the original link. Appreciate any thoughts you may have.
LINK: Apple Seeks to Knock-out Cable TV
Questions remain though. Among them...
1) Will anyone really buy Apple TV instead of Cable? Sure it is cheaper ($30 vs. $70 typically charged by cable companies), but is that enough? In some ways, this is an extension of the cut-the-cord argument we are seeing as subscribers move from traditional local phones to wireless-only...but the parallels can only be taken so far. Sure, Apple has 100 Million iTunes subscribers (me included)...but that doesnt mean anyone will pay an extra $30 / month for Apple TV. Honestly, I am not sure about this one.
2) Will it really work? One thing Apple has been really good at is rock-solid user experience. A lot of that has been anchored in near total control around user experience, delivery, applications and devices. When it comes to video delivery however, Apple really only owns the end-points (device in your house and server housing the content) with someone else handling the cables in between. Time will tell if that experience is up-to-snuff...or if Apple TV will be doomed by the people in the middle.
3) What about other video options? The internet (Youtube, Hulu, NBC.com) is full of lots of free TV / video content options that will serve to undercut the reasons to buy from Apple. In fact, the only way to ensure people pay more is to cut off options elsewhere. Honestly though, that is going to be tough for folks to swallow. And by folks, I mean everyone...you, me, governement, advertisors, etc.
4) Wait a minute...what if my Internet comes from Cable too? File this one under the "explain it one more time" argument. The best card the cable companies have is that they already control many of the Internet pipes into a person's home. That is of tremendous advantage for any war based on price...and where the playing field has been leveled. Don't get me wrong, Cable TV can be beaten (see Internet, FIOS), but it requires a superior experience to do it. Can Apple pull that off?
For more information, here is the original link. Appreciate any thoughts you may have.
LINK: Apple Seeks to Knock-out Cable TV
Monday, December 21, 2009
Christmas / holiday jobs
While there has never been a good time to be unemployed, this has been a particularly bad year to be unemployed. The economy was terrible, companies were laying off thousands, while at the same time, personal and family expenses seemed to only be increasing. And now with the holidays coming, it seems as if the pressure is on even more.
But all is not lost. In fact, the holidays can be one of the best times to get a job...if only for a short time. Companies of all shapes and sizes are hiring right now to bring in the extra help they need this season. Admittedly, the kinds of positions that open up during the holiday's may not be the life-long / career-building opportunities you hope for, but they can be a great way to put some extra money in your pocket. Or alternatively, get a great discount on your gifts, fill in the time, or many other things.
To take advantage of this time period however, you need to act fast, creatively, and deliberately. Hopefully, this recent post on eHow will help you do that and have a much merrier Christmas and holiday season.
LINK: Christmas Jobs
But all is not lost. In fact, the holidays can be one of the best times to get a job...if only for a short time. Companies of all shapes and sizes are hiring right now to bring in the extra help they need this season. Admittedly, the kinds of positions that open up during the holiday's may not be the life-long / career-building opportunities you hope for, but they can be a great way to put some extra money in your pocket. Or alternatively, get a great discount on your gifts, fill in the time, or many other things.
To take advantage of this time period however, you need to act fast, creatively, and deliberately. Hopefully, this recent post on eHow will help you do that and have a much merrier Christmas and holiday season.
LINK: Christmas Jobs
The Grand Experiment
So it starts with hyperbole, but hopefully, this blog will become something far more practical and real than that. I really am not sure where it will go, but the expectation is that I will use this format to share my learnings on certain aspects of Social Media, Web 2.0, telecom and communications that strike me as relevant to individuals and business users. Right now, those focus areas are yet to be determined, but I promise that I will be share what I know, listen to what my readers say, and give my honest opinions...whatever they may be.
Thanks again for the opportunity to write this. Hopefully, somewhere along the way, this will be relevant for you too.
Raportt
First post and Disclosure
This is my first post for the Raportting blog. More to come...
Please note, on occassion, I will be accepting payments for certain blog posts or ads. While in all cases I will work to ensure my posts are aligned with my beliefs, and in almost every case that sponsorship will be noted, please keep this in mind.
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Please note, on occassion, I will be accepting payments for certain blog posts or ads. While in all cases I will work to ensure my posts are aligned with my beliefs, and in almost every case that sponsorship will be noted, please keep this in mind.
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