901am

New Media News Every Morning

iChange: Why Apple Needs Google Voice (And Google Too)

By

Not too long ago Apple created a ruckus by banning Google Voice from the iPhone with the pathetic excuse that the app duplicated functionality  (despite the fact that other apps like Skype did and were permitted).

Now TechCrunch (who was recently acquired by AOL) is reporting that Apple is now allowing the official app to join the iOS universe after previously approving third party Google Voice apps.

The App Store review office at 1 Infinite Loop has officially frozen over: we’ve gotten word that the official Google Voice application is on its way to the iPhone in the next few weeks. In fact, we’ve heard from a source close to Google that it’s already been approved — Google just needs to revamp the application to work with the iPhone 4 and iOS’s multitasking capabilities. If you’re a Google Voice user and you’re on an iPhone, this is great news. (TechCrunch)

It may sound strange as to why Apple is having a change of heart, but the answer probably has more to do with the fact that despite Cupertino’s distaste for Android, Apple needs Google more than Google needs Apple. [Read more…]

Originally posted on September 28, 2010 @ 2:45 pm

RIM To Steve Jobs: Our Playbook Is Better Than Your iPad

By

After Cupertino’s CEO publicly dissed Blackberry’s during his anti-Android speech (the latter which he focused mostly upon), RIM’s co-CEO Jim Balsillie decided to post a response rebutting Steve Jobs claims regarding the folly of 7 inch tablets.

For those of us who live outside of Apple’s distortion field, we know that 7” tablets will actually be a big portion of the market and we know that Adobe Flash support actually matters to customers who want a real web experience. We also know that while Apple’s attempt to control the ecosystem and maintain a closed platform may be good for Apple, developers want more options and customers want to fully access the overwhelming majority of web sites that use Flash. We think many customers are getting tired of being told what to think by Apple. (Inside Blackberry)

Jim Balsille also refuted Apple’s claims of RIM’s declining sales regarding Blackberry devices by pointing out that Apple was comparing its summer quarter to Apple’s fall quarter (as more gadgets sell during the fall than the summer).

As far as the tablet is concerned, whether RIM’s Playbook will be able to challenge the iPad in the future has yet to be seen, although RIM may have difficulty dethroning Apple as other rivals (like the PalmPad and the Chrome Tablet) appearing on the scene in the not so distant future.

Originally posted on October 20, 2010 @ 2:11 pm

Android: Did Somebody Say Gingerbread? (Rumor)

By

Not content with thrashing Apple in the mobileverse, there are now rumors that Google is preparing to launch Gingerbread next week.

According to the source, we won’t have to wonder what exactly Gingerbread, the next Android OS, is going to bring to the table for too long because the Gingerbread SDK is going to go public next week. […]

Getting access to the latest revision of the Android SDK means we’ll find out all the new API calls showing new OS functionality and, more importantly, will have access to the latest emulator showing exactly what the stock Android Gbread will look like. (Android Police)

Note: Emphasis theirs.

While Froyo (aka Android 2.2) helped make flash a reality for mobile devices, Gingerbread could help Android compete against the iPad without “super sizing” the overall layout.

Gingerbread’s appearance could also coincide with the launch of the rumored DroidPad, which will probably be Motorola’s answer to Apple’s iPad (the latter which has become the media darling as of late).

Although we still have to place Gingerbread’s launch in the “take with heavy doses of salt” category (translation: we’ll believe it when we see it), Gingerbread’s appearance could be Google’s backup plan just in case the Chrome tablet fails.

Originally posted on October 12, 2010 @ 1:47 pm

Devil’s Advocate: Why You Should Choose Windows 7 Phone Over iPhone, Android

By

It’s official! Today Windows 7 Phone has made its debut with Steve Baller appearing on the Today’s Show expressing giddyness about the device (despite skepticism from NBC).

Unfortunately for Microsoft, the smartphone space is a little crowed with Apple and Google dominating the space (mind share wise at least), not to mention RIM’s Blackberry Torch (which one of my friends chose instead of an iPhone–go figure).

Despite being an iPhone geek, I do like what Microsoft has done with their latest and greatest smartphone, and while I have yet to leave Steve Jobs flock, here are 4 reasons why you should choose Windows 7 phone over the competition. [Read more…]

Originally posted on October 11, 2010 @ 2:08 pm

Skype Plus Facebook: Friends Or Frenemies?

By

As any geek worth their page rank knows, Skype and Facebook have joined forces in an attempt to make it easier for friends and family to connect with each other via status updates or VoIP.

We’ve integrated the Facebook News Feed and Phonebook into Skype, making it easier to stay connected with the people and communities you care about. We’ve revitalised the look and feel, making voice and video calling, instant messaging, screen sharing and file sharing intuitive and easy to navigate. And you can now bring even more of your family and friends together with the new group video calling feature available in open beta. (Official Skype Blog)

While this geek is extremely happy for the two tech titans finally working together (as it makes it easier to call my friends half way around the world), the alliance seems to be more of a defensive move against their common foe (hint: Google). [Read more…]

Originally posted on October 14, 2010 @ 3:06 pm