Incremental Blogger

Today’s announcement by Qik that they will be supporting the iPhone trumps everything I heard from WWDC.

This is fantastic. No idea if this is WiFi only or if it supports 3G well too. A download will be available next week so jailbreaking is going to be required–at least for now.

I’m very curious to see how the chat works. Can’t wait to give it a try on my iPhone. I guess I now have reason enough to jailbreak my iPhone.

The very unfortunate thing here is that the video is going to suck the battery life out of the iPhone and unlike let’s say the Nokia N95 (which supports Qik), there’s no way to change the battery on the fly. I’m guessing we could run from a portable, external battery pack powering the iPhone via the USB/power connector.

FlixWagon, a competing service, interestingly announced today that it too will be supporting live broadcasting from the iPhone. Cool.

[Found via TechCrunch]

Those Apple Tablet rumors just won’t go away. Yesterday AppleInsider revives talk of a larger iPhone multi-touch device:

“Intel has been in the running to assert its Atom processors at heart of a larger iPhone-like Multi-Touch internet tablet that’s also under development at the Cupertino-based electronics maker, and was at one time believed to have sealed the deal.”

Well, if this device is based on an Atom processor, then it’s obvious why we haven’t seen anything from Apple yet: The MID-focused Atom processor isn’t shipping. So far Intel is only shipping or soon to be shipping in quantity the Diamondville version of the Atom processor, which is targetted to inexpensive notebooks rather than mobile Internet devices. The other version of the Atom processor/chipset which we believe is more geared towards MIDs and the like isn’t shipping yet and even at Computex no one seems to be saying when the Atom-based MIDs will be available.

Intel’s Sean Maloney suggests that with MIDs “there’s much more experimental design,” which is I guess part of an excuse why MIDs are taking longer to hit the shelf–like any Apple MID itself. Interestingly, Maloney continues, “By the end of this year, you will have seen a whole bunch of new MIDs coming out and we’ll see which ones are hits.” So whereas MIDs were originally thought to be on slate for a June launch, it sounds like things are still not ready.

It could be because of the designs themselves or maybe it’s because of Intel’s lagging supply of the Atom processors used in these devices. It makes sense that if there are no chips and Apple is going to use these chips in a forthcoming Tablet-like device, that Apple can’t release anything yet either. Or maybe in deference to Apple as it continues to work out its design issues, maybe Intel is holding back until Apple is ready. That would be odd, but I guess it wouldn’t be impossible to imagine. If true, then that would make Steve Jobs’ recent comments on the next version of OS X (which presumably would be the big brother to an embedded version running in a touch Tablet) a misdirection in that he says, “We’re going to hit the pause button on new features” and work on parallelism and “foundational issues”. It doesn’t take much to imagine that an Apple Tablet is going to need new features tuned to it. So if the Apple Tablet uses an embedded version of the OS, and the OS is on pause for adding new features, then my guess is the Apple Tablet is on pause too in terms of software. Then again, maybe the embedded OS has branched off from Snow Leopard. That would be odd, especially if handwriting recognition improvements are involved in any way–and those are currently aging and in the existing OS. So if they’re fixed for an iPhone and Tablet, they’d be put in the main OS X too. This is all conjecture. Complete guessing. Who knows.

Anyway, if Apple is going to use the Atom family in a Tablet/PDC/iPhone+, then we’re talking at least about later this summer for a launch–if there is a launch. It’s making sense why we didn’t see anything at the WWDC. Then again, maybe we didn’t see anything at WWDC and we won’t see anything later this summer or year, because the Apple Tablet is still an R&D effort and nothing more. Ah, the rumors.

People are realizing that the price drop for the new iPhone 3G isn’t quite a price drop when you factor in the price increase which AT&T is adding to the mix. MG Siegler over at VentureBeat says don’t worry. The price drop which is a price increase is a good thing, because most people won’t know the difference. Yeah, right. A good thing would be a lower price period. And believe me, people will know about it, just like they pretty much all heard about the launch of the iPhone itself. Word will spread. I do think, though, that most people will go along with the price higher or not.

I would add that I’m dissappointed that there wasn’t native video support for recording with the camera, for broadcasting live over the Internet (Qik style), or for viewing Flash videos in the browser. This is an even bigger deal than before considering the 3G radio. This is what 3G is good at.

If Apple was to provide these features along with the 3G radio I’d be sold. But they aren’t. So I’m on the fence as to whether I want to upgrade my iPhone or wait for another device that fits my needs better. Hmmm. So many choices.

Engadget posts about the new version of the Moo Cow Piano for the iPhone.

Engadget says, “…not too shabby — showing a piano, and what do you know, it’s better than the multi-touch piano they showed at D with Windows 7. They played a riff from Lennon’s “Imagine.”"

Update: iPhone 2.0 supports handwriting reco for Chinese and Japanese languages. No mention of support for English. This was rumored before.

Forget the Rumba Robot. Enter the iPhone Robot.

What better place to hide something than in full view. So it was with great curiosity that I’ve been digging through some photos taken at Moscone–home of next week’s WWDC event.

I wondered: Might there be hints in the numerous banners going up as to whether Apple will be releasing an Apple MID or Tablet? Hmmm. Not that I can tell.

I even decided to dig into one photo behind the registration counter that purports to show a MacBook Air and an iPhone. But is that really an iPhone? Or might it be something else? A MID perhaps??

I decided to dig further. First, I corrected for the perspective in the image and then knowing the width of the Air to be 12.8″ I calculated out the width of the “iPhone” in the image.

Rats, it came out to 4.5″ x 2.4″ the exact dimensions of the currently shipping iPhone. Oh well, no secret clues here.

Forbes is spending too much time in the bushes trying to track down the latest scoup on what might actually be shown at WWDC next week.

After extensive reporting it appears that there are “mysterious” boxes making their way around the bay area. Hmmm.

Could these be some Tablet- or MID-like device? Who knows. I’ll take an iPhone MID thank you very much too. Where do I stand in line?

I guess we’ll find out Monday.

The rumors are piling up in terms of what new features we’ll see for the iPhone at next week’s at WWDC event.

My wish list is so-so sized this time around:

* Video recording with the QIK service ready to go
* A location aware API that extends from the iPhone to the Mac notebooks
* Apple changing its developer model to allow for anyone to install any application on the iPhone
* Faster connection speeds
* More stability in Safari browser
* Flash in Safari. I miss it terribly. Can’t read many blogs well without it. Silverlight’s going to be needed here too.
* Better camera. Images aren’t good enough.
* Bigger screen option. My eyes aren’t quite what they used to be.

OK, maybe it’s not exactly this HTC Shift review that’s got me rethinking things, but it does add one more feather to the cap.

I miss a good slate Tablet PC–even a good slate UMPC. I want something super thin–at least on par with the NEC LitePad–that’s very light (under 2 pounds–close to 1 pound), has great connectivity, lasts more than 2 hours on a fresh battery, and a great multi-touch experience as well as pen support. And I’d like all this for under $1000.

Why do I still feel like I’m dreaming?

I’m not.

This has got to be possible given today’s technology.

How would I use such a device? If it’s close to 10″ in size, it would become my companion notetaking machine. With Live Mesh on the cusp, I’d do whatever I can to make connectivity work while working. In the meantime, EverNote would probably become my most used app, because of its note sharing support. This would get me going.

For a smaller form factor–let’s say in the 5 to 7″ range–I’d use it more as a carry-everywhere Internet browser. In this case, I’d need battery life of at least 4 hours continuous use.

Why am I wanting a great slate again? Because I’ve had to switch much of my development back to a desktop and I desperately miss inking. Yes, I use my M700 Tablet PC all the time too, however, when I’m at the desktop a slate is a better match. Also, after using the iPhone so much for browsing, I’ve come to the conclusion that I need a bigger browsing device. So that’s where a 5″ or so device fits in.

Am I asking for too much? Probably. I know I’m going to have to wait for the rest of the market to catch up and drive demand. My other hope is that Apple will get into the mix here and stir the market up. Maybe a little healthy competition will get things going.

I hope you’ll indulge me for a few minutes. I have something I need to take care of. It’s rather personal, so I hope you don’t mind.

I need to talk with my iPhone.

iPhone?

You’re beautiful. You’re a wonderful device and a pleasure to be with out on the town. And it’s not just me that admires you. You know the looks you get wherever we’re traveling around. And you’ve made a difference in my life too. I appreciate that. With you I’ve stayed more connected with family and friends. You’ve shown me how to enjoy TechMeme and Twitter and Thredr on the go. And with no other device have I enjoyed so much checking the weather, or stock prices, or using the stopwatch, or alarms. Plain and simple, you’ve been there when I needed you. (OK, minus a few dropped calls.)

However, no matter how much I enjoy our time together, I’ve come to realize that it’s not working out. It’s time for a change.

I know there’s not much I can say at this point, however, please understand it’s me not you. Simply, I need more.

I’ve come to realize I need a larger display. Your display is gorgeous and fine for infrequent web browsing, however, since I’ve known you I’ve come to realize how important browsing is to me and now I accept the fact that your display is not for me.

I also need a good camera. Life is too short and too fast not to capture photos of what I want. Just an example: You know I’ve had some issues keeping track of my various medications this past year. I know I could have typed them into your notepad, however, I really wanted to take pictures of the medicine bottles and labels so I’d have all the information with me all the time. However, your pictures are just too blurry. I can make out some of the details on the labels, but I know now I need more.

I also need video. Yes, I’ve seen an app online that looks promising, however, I don’t know if this will ever be something we can use together….you know, jailbreaking makes me uncomfortable. And even I were to get over the jailbreaking part, I see now that I need direct connectivity to the Internet so I can broadcast live. I want to experience Qik with my device.

I also know now that I need more of a browser. You’re cute and all and a blast to surf with. And I never realized how much I enjoy pinching just for the fun of it. However, I miss Flash. When we first got together you knew how important Flash was to me, however, for whatever reason I realize you couldn’t adjust. And, frankly, I’m tired of you cutting out all signs of Flash and just leaving tiny blue boxes. Truthfully? It just seems so petty to do this to Flash. I don’t understand why we couldn’t just get it to work out.

And then there’s Silverlight. As a developer I have to keep trying out new technologies and seeing what they can do. I need Silverlight. And I’m not going to accept more cut out blue boxes whenever Silverlight shows up. I’m not going to live that way.

And while I’m being completely honest, I need to be up front and tell you that I need a device which is more connected. WiFi is great at home, but on the go, you’re not the same. Sometimes when we’re searching the web at a store or in the car, you just sit there. I can’t tell if anything is happening. You show a little bit of blue in your address bar, but I can’t read you. I can’t tell if I’ve done something wrong or what. It drives me crazy. I need more.

Where am I going now? Well, despite the fact that I still think you’re the best “MID” out there, I’ve decided I need a MID. A real MID. For me, a MID is just the right size, with just enough connectivity and power to give me the browser experience I want, and to provide me with a camera I need. I realize I’m giving up something great for the hope of something better, but as an early adopter I have to.

And as a programmer, I need the freedom. I know theoretically I can add whatever features I need to you. However, you come with so many rules and restrictions, I always feel like I’m being held back and wearing a straightjacket. I don’t think you trust me. I don’t think you appreciate what I can do for you. I enjoy writing programs that make our lives better and help people. With you I feel like I’m being held back. MIDs are offering me the freedom I want.

I’m sorry about this, iPhone. I realize I committed to another year with you, but I think we need to reconsider this. I’m willing to share our settings for another year if you like, but it can’t be an exclusive. I need to move on. Well, take some time, recharge yourself, and let me know what you think.

I know I’m going to kick myself for letting the best thing go, however, I need to try something different. I’m not going to be happy staying here and it’s not fair to you if we stay together and we don’t get along.

It may be tough for awhile, but give it some time. I know it’ll be the best for the both of us.

Video, is this feature worth jailbreaking my iPhone? I’m this close to doing so.

This whole exclusivity nonsense is killing me. I’m totally spoiled by the Microsoft and Open Source community. Doesn’t Apple realize how bad of an idea this is?

Since I’d really, really like to have video on my iPhone, I have three choices:

1) Wait for Apple or one of its approved ISVs (Qik?) to add video to the iPhone.
2) Wait for a competing phone that beats the iPhone on overall usability and also has video.
3) Jailbreak my iPhone and install a video app now.

What a mess Apple is creating. What a mess. Will they ever learn???

Anyone could see this coming: A software developer is making a handwriting recognition utility for the iPhone. There’s a video on the Gizmodo site that shows someone trying to make the reco work. I say trying because it’s obvious from the demo that there are a few glitches in the reco. Yep, handwriting recognition isn’t easy….well, it might be relatively easy to get an app to recognize one person’s handwriting, but not two or three or millions. Reco is one place where the Tablet PC excels.

[Hat tip to Gottabemobile for the link]

This blog post (Five reasons why Vista beats Mac OS X) by Preston Gralla on ComputerWorld is troll material and normally I wouldn’t fall for it, but it’s too far over the top to ignore.

Several of the reasons he gives for using Vista are rather silly. I won’t even get into them.

What I want to say, instead, is that I think he’s looking at the whole problem the wrong way. In fact, he’s looking at it as a battle of one computer system over another. Forget it. That’s yesterday’s battle. The stakes are different today.

It’s now just not about one desktop or one notebook for that matter; it’s about what devices (yes, plural) you use and how much you can do with all of them as a whole. It’s about how collectively they make your life better.

I like Vista. I even use the 64-bit version as my main OS on my Mac Pro, but I also love OS X lite, if you will, on my iPhone. It beats everything else I’ve ever owned in terms of browser connectivity–even though it’s missing Flash, which I sorely miss. I also love my Toshiba M700 Tablet PC. It’s a terrific notebook; a great brainstorming tool, and an all around workhorse while on the go.

I use all of these devices as a collective pool. They are all winners in my mind. Singling out one device or one OS or one application or one power plug or one button or…you get the idea…is focusing on too small of an item. Today, it’s about connectivity across multiple devices. The OS tug-of-wars still get down and dirty, but they’re nothing to get overly concerned about.

This article points to something I’ve been trying my best to communicate to others about the iPhone–you’ll find yourself using it like no other device.

For instance, I find myself checking stock prices–simply because it’s so easy to do with the iPhone–even when I don’t really care what they do one way or another.

I also use the iPhone as my personal weather checker—I’ve given up on TV and online weather services, except when I need a live radar map. Hint, hint, hint, hint, hint.

I also use the iPhone every day as my personal alarm to remind me to take my medication. Works well so far.

And more often than not I go to my iPhone to keep up to date on news listed on Techmeme and Thredr. This goes the same for following Twitter.

I also use the iPhone as my primary camera, but that’s quite typical I think for most cell phone users today.

One thing I don’t do is email a lot with my cell phone. I don’t know why. I just don’t.

Now there are some things I think are missing:

1) Flash. I can’t live without it. There are too many sites I want to visit that have Flash videos nowadays. I can’t see them on the iPhone. The lack of Silverlight support is increasingly going to become a problem too. It’s a bummer.
2) Weather radar maps as I hinted at above.
3) Better navigation through the map program. It crashes less today than it used to, but it’s not quite right.
4) Listening to music is OK, but why isn’t there a free radio station I can listen to wirelessly?
5) When I’m actually using the iPhone as a phone, why can’t I leverage WiFi when the wide area network is too weak? Dropped calls or no signal strength happens to me all the time. It’s quite disappointing.
6) I want to broadcast live video. The Nokia N95 is looking better and better every day because of this.
7) Where’s speech recognition-slash-TTS–slash–audio recording?
8 ) And, and, and…You get the point, the iPhone is not perfect, but then again, what is? Lots of room for experimentation and future features.

At Intel’s IDF event in China, Intel is talking up its forthcoming MID-enabling technology–namely the low-power, Atom processors.

I’m quite excited to see how this market pans out, but as I’ve blogged about in the past, I see a tough road ahead for Intel and its partners in this category. The two biggest challenges? The running start of the iPhone and iPod Touch as well as the fact that Intel’s MID component is missing a strong software partner. The iPhone/iPod Touch illustrate the importance of this. For instance, not only is the iPhone well designed at the user level, one should also check out the SDK. There’s nothing on par with it.

Now some could argue that Apple isn’t an enterprise expert and so there’s room for others. Yep, but I think it’s clear that Apple’s going to keep growing into this area too. But Apple has the distinct advantage of also having the respect of many early adopters. This is going to be a big challenge for Intel.

There are a few things Intel can do. They are:

1) Get a strong software partner. I think there are only two winning choices: Microsoft or Google. Either one will work. One is needed.
2) Think even cheaper. Lowering prices will eat into revenues, but Intel is behind. It’s going to take more than low power to win here. My concern is that if Intel lowers its prices the OEMs will take the opportunity to increase their profit since numbers probably won’t be as good as they want. The workaround is for Intel to give rebates to consumers. I’m thinking of something substantial for the early buyers. Maybe $100 dollars. The amount drops would drop off after 30 days.
3) Leverage the X86 community. Give away dozens if not hundreds of devices to leading bloggers. Invite them to your conferences. Get them talking.
4) Leverage leading, online trends. For example: Encourage at least one partner (or do it yourself) to build a MID device that’s very, very good at live video streaming. Think Nokia N95 without the phone–which can get in the way and cause streams to drop anyway. Think great lens. Think great image sensor. Think good chat readability. Think good battery life better than 20-30 minutes.