John at myITforum.com

An article in today’s Wall Street Journal

The Internet giant and more than 30 partners announced in November a bold plan for a new breed of handsets based on a suite of mobile software called Android. At the time, Google said it planned to have the new phones on the market by the second half of this year.

Google now says that the handsets won't arrive until the fourth quarter. And some cellular carriers and makers of programs that work with Android are struggling to meet that schedule, people familiar with the situation say.

T-Mobile USA expects to deliver an Android-powered phone in the fourth period. But that launch is taking up so much of Google's attention and resources that Sprint Nextel Corp., which had hoped to launch an Android phone this year, won't be able to, a person familiar with the matter said.

China Mobile, the largest wireless carrier in the world with nearly 400 million subscriber accounts, had planned to launch an Android phone in the third quarter but it has run into issues that will likely delay the launch until late this year or early 2009, a person familiar with the matter says.

Meanwhile, the Android software has yet to win broad support from large mobile-software developers. Some say it is difficult to develop programs while Google is making changes as it finishes its own software.

Do you use AOL’s AIM to instant message?

AIM for Windows Mobile brings all of the best features of AIM on your PC to your Windows Mobile smartphone! AIM for Windows Mobile lets you communicate whenever you want, wherever you are, in whatever way suits you best - IM or text. Update your AIM status and information when you're on the go. Change your conversation style, manage your Buddy List, and much more. AIM Windows Mobile Smartphone has many of the same key features and a familiar look-and-feel of the desktop AIM client.

Supported Devices: AIM for Windows Mobile is supported by ALL Windows Mobile 5 and Windows Mobile 6 devices. Some examples are:

• T-Mobile Wing
• Sprint Mogul and HTC Touch
• AT&T Blackjack II, Tilt
• Sprint Samsung ACE
• Motorola Q
• Verizon Wireless 6800
• Most Palm Treo's

*U.S. only. AOL Mobile services may require a wireless data plan and charges from your wireless carrier may apply. Not all AOL Mobile services are available on all wireless carriers or on all wireless devices. Check with your wireless carrier to confirm that product use is consistent with your carrier's Terms of Service.

Last time I heard music like this I needed to breathe out of my mouth.

Not sure of the name of the band but they are playing some great music.

I’ll be posting more later on.  I loaded the new Phoenix/Alpha release of RSS Bandit this morning.  I’ve not had time to test the sync to Google Reader but will.  I will say this though.  RSS Bandit is a resource HOG.  It not only hogs CPU but memory as well.  I’ve tested several readers over the last few days, similar situations in all of them.  I loaded the same RSS feeds, tried to set the same update intervals, and compared them.  RSS Bandit by far walloped the others in resources.  And I’m not certain at all why it takes so long for the feeds to load (I end up watching the counter in the lower right corner as it’s “loading” the feeds.  I’m still leaning towards a lesser known RSS reader at this point because as I mentioned, it’s fast, and leaves a very small footprint.  It doesn’t have all the features of others, but at this point it does what I need fairly well.  I’ll post summary results of what I tested and how much resources it used. 

Several have emailed me on this so keep them coming.  I’d be interested in what you use and why.  I’m a news junkie, and need my fix.

Off to Nashville so will post more later.

Key new features are a download manager for viewing pending podcasts/enclosures and integration with Google Reader, NewsGator Online and the Windows Common Feed List.

Download

Something new in Microsoft Certification: the Microsoft Certified Master program is opening its doors to highly experienced IT professionals ready to take their Microsoft skills and certifications to the next level. Microsoft Certified Master addresses the advanced skill set that lies between our existing Professional Series and Architect Series certifications and combines intense training and testing to distinguish experienced IT professionals who can produce complex business solutions using Microsoft technologies. Find out if you have what it takes! Join us to be among the first to hear about this opportunity in a one-hour Live Meeting with the program owners.

Register here for the Live Meeting

This meeting will be offered twice to accommodate worldwide calendars, to register for:

July 30, 2008 at 7:30 A.M. Pacific Time  (What time is this in my region?)

July 30, 2008 at 5:00 P.M. Pacific Time (What time is this in my region?)

You many be wondering as I did, how in the world can mobile phones save the airlines $600 million?

Research by SITA, the IT provider to the air transport industry, shows that the world's 3.2 billion mobile phones could be transformed into indispensable air travel tools within five years, and if used as passenger tracking devices they could save cash-strapped airlines up to $600 million on reducing flight delays.

As personal travel folders, mobile phones have the potential to hold boarding passes, baggage tracking information and payment data making travel truly paperless and location independent. There is also the future possibility that they can be used to store visa and biometric information.

The report distributed at SITA's Air Transport IT Summit in Brussels, includes research from Cambridge University which demonstrates that technology such as location sensing via mobile devices could save airlines up to $600 million by tracking passengers, sending messages and moving them to gates more efficiently; improving turnaround times and reducing delays.

Cellular News

A quick reminder to all who may have been running RC builds of Vista SP1 for awhile.  Any build less than 6.0.6001.18000 will expire June 30.  Make sure you update prior to that date!

I’ve been testing several different news readers over the last few days, and watching resource utilization at the same time.  A few days ago, Outlook 2007 slowed to a crawl, only to discover one of the news readers I was testing had jumped up to high utilization, became a memory hog, and was dragging my system.  As soon as I shut it down, normal operation resumed. 

So, my watch resumes.  I’m testing three at the moment.  I’ll report later which three, which one used the most resources and slowed my system down.

I’ve tried Google Reader, and it’s just too slow.  And yes, I’ve tried Outlook RSS feeds but don’t like the way that works either.  And yes, I’ve tried News Gator (FeedDemon) since it’s now free but it’s basically tied to the web and only updates when the web says to update (can’t change the update frequency).

So, more later…but needless to say, two of the three have jumped way up in utilization, and one remains extremely low utilization (and extremely fast).  I trashed testing two others because it won’t restart correctly after shutdown.

A cell phone may help Delta Airlines passengers avoid long lines at the airport.

The carrier, in partnership with the Transportation Security Administration, is testing a paperless mobile check-in at New York's LaGuardia Airport. Additionally, the program allows customers with Internet-enabled phones to download an electronic boarding pass directly on their handsets.

"Passengers can now quickly check in for their flight while en route to the airport in a taxi or walking from the parking lot to the terminal," said Steve Gorman, executive VP at Delta, in a statement. "The check-in process now can take place from anywhere, at any time within 24 hours of flight departure.

Customers could proceed to the security checkpoint where TSA agents would scan the electronic pass from the mobile phone. Users would still have to show identification before being allowed through security.

After getting though security, the passenger could present this electronic boarding pass at the departure gate, and then get on the plane. Currently, the test program is only available for domestic flights.

Yahoo News

This guide helps you address the decisions and activities that are critical to successfully implement Microsoft System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008 with Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007. It is written for information technology (IT) specialists, generalists, consultants, partners, or anyone who seeks technical information to plan, deploy, and support the infrastructure required to integrate MDM with Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007.

The document includes information about the following:

• Common global Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 scenarios
• Prescriptive guidance on how to integrate an MDM deployment into each scenario for Office Communicator Mobile 2007.
• Name resolution.
• Network considerations
• Common areas of interest, such as user authentication, software distribution, troubleshooting, monitoring, and reporting.

Is the problem growing? Just out of curiosity, I jumped over to Verizon, and guess what?

Yep, both the Moto Q9c and the Moto Q9m are out of stock.  Looks like the Moto Q9h (Global) with AT&T is the only version available right now.

Anyone else notice that the Motorola Q9c is already gone missing from Sprint PCS’s PDA/Smartphone inventory?  Apparently it’s been “end-of-life” already.  Yes, a Moto Q9 model marked “end-of-life”.  So, is this a mark against Moto, who appears to be suffering badly in the PDA market, or a mark against Sprint PCS, who has also suffered of late.  I think it’s both.

A note to Sprint PCS.  The Samsung Instinct is a good handset, no question, but it isn’t your savior. 

Will this force them to change their policy?

Starbucks Corp. began offering coffee drinkers a way to get free Wi-Fi access at its shops on Tuesday, but some customers had a hard time cashing in.

That's because some people were unable to access Starbucks' Card Rewards Web site to sign up for the program, which offers two hours of free Wi-Fi access per day to participants.

Some visitors to the site were greeted with a pop-up window stating: "Due to overwhelming interest in Card Rewards, we are currently experiencing difficulty accessing Starbucks Card accounts. We are working to fix the problem and ask that you please try again later."

Source

Hi, my name is Jorge Peraza; I am a Developer on the Windows Mobile team that was responsible for the new “Sliding Panel” home screen in Windows Mobile 6.1.

When we were working on the visual style and functionality of the home screen we tried to make something that looked both professional and appealing while still showcasing all the information the user is going to need to know what’s important and requires attention. While I think the default design looks really cool, we added some customization features to enable users to make it their own.

Read the post here.  Time to experiment today.

Snap2Face is the first Facebook application specifically designed for Windows Mobile Smartphones. With Snap2Face you have easy and fast access to your Facebook information.

Feature

http://www.magnifoca.com/products.html

Verizon Wireless is in talks to buy Alltel for about $27 billion, a deal that would create the nation's largest cellphone company. The talks come seven months after Alltel was sold in a $27.5 billion leveraged buyout.

After recently announcing the sale of its one-millionth Palm(R) Centro(TM), Palm, Inc. confirmed its popular Palm(R) Centro(TM) smartphone will be available to Telstra Pre-Paid customers in Australia beginning May 26.

"Palm Centro is the perfect choice for those thinking about stepping up to a smartphone," said Brodie Keast, senior vice president of marketing for Palm, Inc. "The combination of keyboard, touch screen and Palm's trademark ease of use makes Centro ideal for staying in touch."

Centro is Palm's smallest and lightest smartphone. Designed for individuals and traditional mobile phone users looking for a better way to manage their professional and social lives, it has a modern, stylish look that feels comfortable in the hand, and discreetly fits in a pocket or clutch. Centro helps users manage email and text messaging, keep track of their schedules, stay up-to-date on the latest news, capture and share pictures, and get online map directions(1) -- all in one small phone.(2) Its full keyboard also makes it easy to quickly type text messages and emails with complete thoughts and ideas.

Ross Fielding, executive director, Telstra Product Management, said, "As the first provider of this unique smartphone in Australia, Telstra is demonstrating its commitment to giving customers the best choice of Pre-Paid products and services."

Tim Copper, executive director, Telstra Consumer and Marketing, said, "Pre-Paid mobile phone users now have access to a number of features not available on standard mobile handsets with the addition of the Palm Centro to the Telstra Pre-Paid range. The Palm Centro will allow customers to stay on top of email and text messages, as well as access the Internet, manage appointments, view documents or make use of a multitude of other productivity-boosting and entertaining features."

And with the Palm Centro of all things…who says users don’t want a $99 phone?

Palm Inc. had the biggest jump in six weeks in Nasdaq trading after a researcher said its Centro e-mail phone won sales in the U.S. from Apple Inc.'s iPhone.

Palm had 13.4 percent of the market for advanced phones in the first quarter, up from 7.9 percent in the previous period, according to Framingham, Massachusetts-based research firm IDC. Apple's share fell to 19.2 percent from 26.7 percent. Research In Motion Ltd.'s BlackBerry dominated the market with 44.5 percent, up from 35.1 percent.

The Centro, which sells for $99 with a carrier contract, debuted last year in a bid to lure more cost-minded consumers to Palm. The price is a quarter the cost of the iPhone. Anticipation that Apple will release a new iPhone with faster Web browsing also hurt sales of that device, said IDC analyst Ryan Reith. Analysts expect a new iPhone to go on sale this month, he said.

``The Centro's been a success because it's very attractive to someone who doesn't want to pay $300 to $400,'' Reith said in an interview. ``This summer, competition in this market will be as intense as it's ever been.''

Palm, based in Sunnyvale, California, gained 39 cents, or 6.4 percent, to $6.45 at 4 p.m. New York time on the Nasdaq Stock Market, the biggest jump since April 16. Cupertino, California- based Apple declined $2.65, or 1.4 percent, to $186.10. Research In Motion fell $1.85 to $137.02.

Source

Hmmm…interesting concept for those that may be a little addicted to Sat TV.  Portable sat TV

DIRECTV® SAT-GO ("Satellite-To-Go") combines a receiver, antenna and TV all in one easy-to-carry unit. For just $999*, take all your shows with you whether you're going to the beach, camping or hosting the ultimate tailgate party. Now, anytime you want to enjoy all digital DIRECTV® programming all you need is a clear view of the southern sky.

Business or Government Accounts, please contact Prime Direc at 877-202-3189

Will it ever end?  Here’s the latest radar:

It’s moving northeast so we’re in for it again.  Good grief…this has been a heck of a 36 hour warning frenzy.

I got an email today from someone who read my blog and sent me a question.  I was a little surprised at the response (no offense to the person who sent me the email…just made me think).  The first line was “Wow, thanks for the prompt response.  I didn’t think I’d get an answer…”.  So, just to clear up any questions you may have.  Yes, I do answer email, and I will respond to comments left on the blog, at least legitimate questions and comments.  If I don’t answer within a day or so, don’t hesitate to ping me again.  I don’t mind, really, and yes, I’ll attempt to answer all of them.

I’ve met quite a few myITforum members and I think I can honestly say, I’ve yet to meet someone who doesn’t make an honest attempt to respond to all questions (and yes, even if it’s a “get acquainted” message…you know who you are).

You may have heard of the HTC Touch Diamond, but what about the HTC Touch Pro?

The HTC Touch Pro™ brings together elegant touch screen response with the direct precision of keyboard entry… leaving out nothing to deliver a powerhouse   communication tool in a beautiful, compact design.

The 2.8-inch VGA touch screen provides four times the resolution of most smart devices, making email, documents and web pages sharper and easier to work with than ever before.

HTC’s rich, touch-responsive interface, TouchFLO™ 3D, provides a stunningly intuitive way to zip through common tasks like messaging, calendar checks or making calls. Delve a little deeper to find that playing media files, searching for contacts and surfing the web are also responsive to your touch.

The web browser puts the full Internet in the palm of your hand. Websites look just like they do on a PC, and TouchFLO™ 3D makes it easy to pan around and zoom in on exactly the information you’re looking for. If you need a wide screen, simply tilt the Touch Pro sideways and the page switches to landscape view.

Slide out the 5-row QWERTY keyboard to make light work of typing-intensive tasks like composing email or working on Microsoft Office® documents… perfect for when your day takes a serious turn.

High speed connectivity will keep you in touch with colleagues and contacts wherever you are. Integrated GPS can be used with maps software for a full turn-by-turn satellite navigation experience.

Built-in Wi-Fi and TV-out functionality* mean you can hook up to the local wireless hot spot to surf, then deliver the perfect PowerPoint® presentation without a laptop in sight.

A beautiful angle on business, the HTC Touch Pro introduces effortless presence to enterprise-standard communications.

Highlights

Mobile Internet features - surf and download at broadband speed with HSDPA and Wi-Fi^®

 2.8-inch touch screen, with four times the resolution of most phones.

Vibrant TouchFLO^TM 3D user interface.

Five-row QWERTY keyboard for quick and easy text entry.

Surf and download at broadband speed with HSDPA and Wi-Fi^®:

3.2 megapixel auto-focus camera with flash light for quality stills and video.

microSD™ slot for expandable storage.

Integrated GPS can be used with maps software for a full turn-by-turn navigation experience.

The end of an era for P&G…just read this in the local press…

Jams and jellies company J.M. Smucker is moving to take over more for of the breakfast table, announcing this morning that it will buy Folgers coffee in an all-stock deal worth about $2.95 billion.

Smucker also will assume about $350 million of Folgers’ debt in the deal with current owner Procter & Gamble.
Adding Folgers will double the size of Smucker, based in the northeast Ohio city of Orrville.

Smucker will issue a special $5 dividend to Smucker shareholders at a to-be-determined record date, before the acquisition. P&G shareholders will receive about 53.5 percent of Smucker in a tax-free stock-for-stock acquisition after the dividend.

J.M. Smucker Co. expects the acquisition will boost profits by about 9 percent, excluding costs, if it owns the brand for the entire 2009 fiscal year. The company expects sales to increase to about $4.7 billion.

The deal with Cincinnati-based P&G is expected to close in the fourth quarter.

I’ve blogged before that I’m a big fan of Pandora.com, the “Music Genome Project” that helps you find similar music styles to your favorites.  Pandora has released Pandora Desktop beta.

With the Pandora Desktop Application, you can play your Pandora stations right from your desktop – without opening a new browser window.

• Easily see what's playing with one click from your tooltray/dock
• Conveniently pause, play and change stations
• Quick start to begin listening to Pandora

Pandora for Windows:

• - Installs an icon in your task bar
• - Simply right-click the icon to see the Pandora menu
• - Play/pause, change stations, create new stations, and access the full Pandora application

Utilizes Adobe Air technology.  More details here.

How do you make a blazing-fast 3G (third-generation) mobile broadband network even better? You make it faster. AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) today announced a more than 20 percent increase to the top end of the company's typical 3G network downlink speed range and a 50 percent increase to the top end of the typical uplink speed range for wireless laptop card customers¹. The upgrades are results of recent network enhancements, including the deployment of High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA) technology across all existing 3G markets before the end of June.

AT&T's 3G mobile broadband network is available in more than 275 major U.S. metropolitan areas. Later this month, AT&T will become the first U.S. carrier to have fully deployed High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) technology across its entire 3G network. By year-end, the company plans to offer 3G service in nearly 350 major metropolitan U.S. areas.

The new typical wireless broadband speeds for LaptopConnect customers¹:

• Downlink — Between 700 Kbps (kilobits per second) and 1.7 Mbps (megabits per second), formerly 600 Kbps to 1.4 Mbps
• Uplink — Between 500 Kbps and 1.2 Mbps, formerly 500 to 800 Kbps

Press Release

Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) Memo #1: Do not let security dudes play video games on their cell phones while guarding nuclear weapons.

Last August, airmen of the 5th Bomb Wing at Minot Air Force Base, in North Dakota managed to load six nuclear-tipped cruise missiles on to a B-52 and fly them to Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana where they sat unattended for hours.

Since then, the Air Force changed commanders at Minot and vowed it would tighten security.

DRTA Memo #2: Let's look at limiting cell phone use by guards to only those times when the base is not being attacked.

Then late last week, Michael Hoffman of The Air Force Times reported that Minot Air Force Base just flunked its latest security test.

Hoffman reported that the Times had obtained a copy of a Defense Threat Reduction Agency report on the test. The DTRA report said "security broke down on multiple levels during simulated attacks across the base, including nuclear weapons storage areas ...Inspectors watched as a security forces airman played video games on his cell phone while standing guard at a "restricted area perimeter ..."

Source