Is Android 3.0 the Answer to Google TV’s Problems, or Is It Already Too Late?

The global search engine giant had huge ambitions to bring the web to living room screens across the world. And it had been cleat since the day Google TV was revealed. We can say, it is an attempt to reshape the future of TV.
But they had to get the things right the first time to succeed. Release early and often may work on the web, but users don’t want to have troubleshooting devices in the living room.
And now everyone knows the story. Google pushed a pushed an unfinished product out of the door, and now Google is scrambling to fix its TV product and save the project from implosion.
And it is heard that Google has asked its partners to hold off on launching Google TV devices at CES so that it can tweak the software.
In the mean time Apple TV has been far more successful. We are thankful not only to its lower price point but also far more intuitive interface.
Google’s going to try to rectify the mistakes it made in the previous release with upgrades it will likely launch in February. This upgrade will come in the form of “Honeycomb,” the Android 3.0 OS. Unlike version 2.3 (“Gingerbread”), 3.0 is designed for bigger screens. While it’s focused on tablet devices, it will also come with upgrades for Google TV.
But nobody is sure about what Honeycomb will include to fix Google’s television device. As Google said, they are working on it, we can expect it to make the interface less complicated, to improve the quality of video search results and to add the Android Marketplace to Google TV. These are relatively safe bets for what will come in “Google TV 2.0,” courtesy of Android 3.0.
Now the question is will that be enough, though? The core of the problem lies in the speed, fluidity, and intuitiveness of the software inside the device. Google TV can be agonizingly slow and the interface can be gut-wrenchingly confusing.
Can Google transform its interface enough to get Google TV started? Should they take a page from Apple’s playbook: Apple TV.
Perhaps the more appropriate question is whether it’s too late for Google TV to make a comeback; because the clock was ticking for Google TV.

10 years ago we called it a science fiction!

But now it is not hard to imagine that translation app (Word Lens App) can be available in iOS devices. The app lets you translate written phrases simply by pointing your iPhone’s camera at them. The app’s optical character recognition technology recognizes the text, which is then translated and shown on your iPhone’s screen instead of the original text. The app itself is free, but you must pay for the individual language packs.

The mobile web is burgeoning.

Yeah! It is rapidly growing.

As Netmarketshare shows, usage of iOS, the operating system for Apple’s mobile devices such as the iPhone and iPad, almost doubled in just seven months (from March 2010 to October 2010), according to Netmarketshare. This is an indicator of just how many people are browsing websites, more and more, through their mobile devices instead of their computers.

Well! But one question arises, what do people usually apply to develop mobile web design? Are they exploring new tools?

There are so many new internet tools that have graphical user interfaces and copy-and-paste code blocks that can be installed on the site quite easily.

But people say, plug-in tool of various CMSs are more helpful. For example, WordPress Plugin WPTouch is one of the higher rated, more frequently updated, more compatible, easier to use tool.

PluginBuddy Mobile is a professional WordPress plugin that allows you to easily build an iPhone version of your site in minutes using the built-in style manager, mobile-ready themes and custom header uploader.

Window Mobile 7 syncs for Mac this fall: Would Mac users go for that?

Mac users will get the ability to sync Windows Phone 7 devices with their Mac computer, sometime in 2010.
The news first came from the tweet of Oded Ran, Microsoft UK’s head of Windows Phone marketing. He tweeted that WP7/Zune syncing with Mac is coming soon, with Microsoft later this year.
So later in 2010 Microsoft would make a public beta available of a tool that allows Windows Phone 7 to sync selected content with Mac computers.
While that doesn’t really sound like a full-fledged Zune client for Mac, it’s still nice to see Microsoft trying to be keen on Mac users who also happen to be interested in a Windows Phone 7 device.
But market analysts say that Microsoft expects many Mac users to go for Windows Phone 7. But there is already a version of Zune for Mac for the Kin. So it could be almost zero effort to make it work for Window Phone 7 which actually might be a little poke in the eye at Apple.
Any way it is “Well played” by Microsoft.

FLASH vs. HTML5? Who will be the future?

Close to five years have passed since the early mobile ad networks emerged with basic banners on mobile screens. Despite numerous attempts at innovation, there are still very few mobile ad unit technologies being used by major networks or agencies. Many have just relied on the same basic banner ads that were used five years ago.
When Apple’s iAds came on the scene several months ago, it was considered a game-changer. While Apple believed it was setting a new standard for the quality of ads on the mobile device with its use of animation, sound and video, the company has since drawn criticism for production delays of initial iAd campaigns. Apple has managed to introduce a few campaigns from top brands including Nissan and Unilever in the past few months, but its early challenges underscore the struggles with innovation that have plagued the industry over the years. The question is, why?
With iAds demonstrating that HTML5 is a viable option for mobile ad development today, the industry will see more progress. HTML5 and compatible HTML5-based ad formats will have a major impact on the future of the mobile ad industry.
You may well be aware of the ongoing HTML5 vs. Flash debates happening across the industry and the web. One of the arguments in that debate is the potential quality and performance problems that plug-in technologies can suffer.
Now HTML5 is changing the way of Mobile Advertising. So how will HTML5 change the mobile advertising the way Flash changed it for the desktop?
HTML can be downloaded from an ad server and displayed on the web and in apps. The ability of apps to render HTML is a huge boost. Android and iOS support HTML5, and soon all major smartphone platforms will follow suit. The same can’t be said for Flash and other Flash lookalikes.
HTML5, CSS3 and JavaScript offer remarkable design flexibility and capability, which is unlikely to be trumped by a single technology compatible with so many mobile devices. It doesn’t require downloading of potentially insecure pre-compiled binaries and it doesn’t necessitate any heavy UI framework to be bundled with the app. For instance, the iPad apps for “The Wall Street Journal” and “Popular Mechanics” use HTML5 exclusively for their advertisers.
While display advertising on mobile devices may not reach full maturity for a while, the need to de-fragment the platforms on a technical level is the key right now. Market analysts say, bridging the gap between the mobile web and apps has pushed the technology to evolve towards a cross-platform architecture. Isn’t it an exciting time for interactive developers and designers?
There is also another concern: Flash will continue to dominate ads and RIAs for the unforeseen future, because HTML5 won't exists in at least 50% of browsers for at least that long. IE9 cannot be used with Windows XP - only Windows 7. That means everybody with XP who uses an IE browser IE8, IE7, etc will not have access to HTML5. So the advertisers would not switch from Flash to HTML5 if they're missing half the audience.
Let’s see which one would exist for long run.

Is the iPad what consumers are looking for?

It is true that professionals are certainly looking for a portable touch-screen computer. The Netbook was so far the best device among all consuming digital media. Next came Apple’s iPad to spell the death of Netbook, some people say. But in others concern, Apple’s iPad isn’t quite what the users were looking for.

According to a survey conducted by SoftwareAdvice, only 34% of 178 healthcare professionals were “very likely” to purchase a tablet in the near future. The survey was released right after the release of SDk of iPad. But ultimately the iPad device’s specification list could not show what they wanted from such a device.

For the healthcare professionals, a wide selection of medical software, resistance to water and dust, a fingerprint scanner, and voice-to-text dictation etc are necessary on a day-to-day basis. But Apple’s new entry could not achieve their satisfaction. Most importantly, iPad has no logical answer if the device drops into the water, if it is left in a dusty environment for too long…

If we think of general consumers, it appears that they aren’t entirely satisfied with iPad into the tablet market. There are some drawbacks of iPad. It does not support multitasking. As it is a fingerprint magnet, it looks grimy after a few minutes of use. If users use it as an e-Book reader, it can be difficult for them if they hold it like a book for longer period.

Retrovo.com had also surveyed before and after the launch of Apple’s new entry. They show 26% people have no interest in purchasing the device, although they already heard about the rumours of the device. According to information out of Cupertino, Apple sold around 300,000 iPads on the day of its launch. Market analysts are saying that iPad is just for consuming contents for fun while netbook helps making content for work.

We may get different result after few days, but it is interesting to that such high numbers of people are showing little or no interest in the Apple’s iPad.

But the device is not a flop by any means. We hope, iPad would occupy to spot pretty comfortably in the market.

Can everyone have the direction of Google Earth?

Google Earth Application at last arrived at Android market, although it seems weird that it did not happen earlier. But Google Earth would only work on the handsets which have Android 2.1 OS or later versions.

Android 2.1 is obviously a beefed up version Android. And it effectively limits Google Earth to the Nexus One. The enthusiast mobile users had seen the glimpse of Google since Nexus One was unveiled into the market. Right after that, Google released Google Earth (Mobile version) along with Road Layer, a feature of the desktop version of the Google earth.

The good news is those of users with Nexus One and some older HTC handsets can head to Google Earth along with layers including Places, Businesses, Panoramio, Wikipedia, Roads, Borders and Labels, and Terrain etc. Multi-touch, and double tap are also enabled in the app, and its rendering time is quite snappy.

The rest of the users will have to wait for update till v 2.1 come to all Android phones. So keep an eye out for an update!

Is it time to say Good Bye to PC?

If yes, we have to say Good Bye to PC. Mobile computing has already knocked the door. PC’s dominance is almost over. Now we crossed into the era of mobile computing. Microsoft’s announcement of its new mobile-phone platform indicates the signals of a clear end to the old PC era and an epic shift in computing.

A PC, at its heart, is about information creation. The keyboard, mouse or track pad, large screen, and large memory, whatever a PC has, are all there because they’re needed to manipulate words and images and numbers – spreadsheets, written documents, presentations, graphics, and databases.

Now the question is do people really need a PC? Even if they never actually create spreadsheets or presentations or documents, are they willing to give up the capability of doing so? Where does it leave smartphone? The smartphone are all about information and communication access while you’re on the go.

Smartphones are the latest must-haves for many people. Now it is not only for voice communication. Users can access e-mail, organizers, touch-screen with high resolution, camera, global positioning system, calendar, contact database, music player, image viewer, video player etc. The modern smartphones facilitate accessing web at great speeds owing to the 3G data networks development, besides the Wi-Fi support addition. The more it continues to grow in popularity, customer satisfaction increases despite of higher cost of device.

But the question is will Smartphones replace PC? Smartphones are high-end technical gadgets with improved features and greater capacity that continues to emerge. But it probably won’t replace laptops or home computers, though. We think, they are not practical for long-term usage. Smartphones are great supplemental tools for business, home office and entertainment purposes. But spending eight hours in front of a tiny screen, reading, texting, copying or any other tasks is quite impossible for the users who normally do work on their PC. It would not be a pleasant experience.

On the other hand, the Smartphone needs increased battery power, larger memory capacity, the ability to watch TV and movies on the phone and the ability to be connected anytime, anywhere. Aside from better functionality, smartphones will be available in a variety of versions to appeal to a wider audience.

So we can say, smartphones have a promising future where we as users would find all-in-one solutions. Let’s wait and see who can be smart choice for you? 

Does iPhone put a hex on Netbooks?

The Netbooks is so far the best device for consuming digital media. Since the launch of iPad SDK, people say, Apple’s iPad can spell the death of Netbooks.

Although both the devices are portable like the smartphone, you will find watching videos on both the all-screen device. But the Netbooks are capable of performing everything as a computer is supposed to do. Not only that, it is also cheaper than laptop. Netbooks are also capable of multi-tasking as they support Adobe Flash and allow you to choose the operating system you want to run. They are also capable of running full desktop applications. Nevertheless, they are better than an iPad in many respects.

Apple’s iPad is yet to launch. But its SDK 3.2 beta version says, it can support e-book, entertainment, games, Web, Email, and Maps, Connectivity, TV, Movies and Video application etc. It is more palatable than doing it on a netbook with a keyboard.

But what is about e-Ink display of iPad, when we need to send emails and create documents? The iPad has nothing but on-screen keyboard while Netbooks offer e-Ink display. But a lot of people prefer using a physical keyboard than a virtual keyboard.
When you try entering text using the on-screen keyboard of iPad, with the tablet placed on a table, your neck will start aching in no time. So virtual keyboard is not a big issue for the iPad users. Let’s see the magic charm of iPad over Netbooks.

Will Window Mobile dethrone iPhone?

One is in challenge to other. It is direct battle of Apps in between Window Mobile and iPhone. While Window Mobile has unveiled new mobile phone operating system, iPhone has launched 3G version to challenge the other smartphones. The fight of apps is on since Microsoft has geared up for the fight against iPhone.
After four-years of their promise to launch OS version of 7, Microsoft is set to completely rule the LIVEs of their customers when their new smartphone finally hits the market. Since the launch of Window Mobile OS 6.5 & 7, it focuses as much on personal media functions as on business ones.
GSMA, a coalition of 24 telecom companies have announced an open platform (WAC) for developing applications to work across all phone carriers, devices, and operating systems. This move is seen as the direct challenge to Apple’s App Store.
Touting a touch screen and a gorgeous display aside, it does give players something that may seem more important than previously thought, complete Xbox LIVE integration.
Window Mobile has aims to launch new versions of operating system that can simplify smartphone usage. These new versions can integrate content functions such as photos, contacts, video, games, music and other work applications.
Windows Phone 7 can pull together data from social networking sites and other services to constantly update contact information and recent social media activity of users’ own connections.
The next issue is Third-party applications. iPhone offers the Apple Apps Store with useful features and programs. And the applications must be approved by Apple before they go live; helping to ensure spyware isn’t part of the equation. On the other hand Windows Mobile offers literally thousands of third party freeware applications (WM Apps store powered by pocket Gear Inc.) along with the largest catalogue of non-freeware software from companies such as Handango and MobiHand online.
These major puts by Microsoft Window Mobile can definitely get into the mobile market. But the real question is whether or not Window Mobile will put a dent in Apple’s iPhone. Let’s wait till it happens.

Is iPhone still big bully?

How further? Nexus One Smartphone is Google’s first hardware foray. It is really a good news for world’s gadget lovers. No doubt, the innovative technology of this smartphone reveals its high-end features.

Now, it is obviously expected that Apple would face questions over whether Nexus One threaten iPhone.  Apple’s iPhone has so far set the standard in the industry of smartphone devices. Google’s device seems to be a rival to the iPhone that would keep Apple on its toe.

It is true that the launch of a branded Google’s device has marked a huge turnaround. On the other hand any release of technology devices could be yet another boon to other high-end devices. So the smartphone market would keep reinventing itself.

So now the peak is to be noted that how further can Apple take challenge? Is Nexus One a threat to the iPhone? In a single word, we as the Mobile Application Developer can say, no. These two smartphones are aimed at two different markets. iPhone has stylish, flamboyant consumers while Nexus One is being aimed at a geekier audience.

There are a few aspects where Google Nexus One beats iPhone. Nexus One has a bigger screen, a faster processor, a more powerful camera and a better OS. From the point of Memory power of the device, it is the time for iPhone to brush up its memory a bit.

Last point is Google itself where brand value does matter to the audience! It can be expected that people would choose the brand as an uncompromising kind and therefore Google’s device could be then something which people would like to grab at all.

Let’s wait and see where market leads!

Can you imagine mobile printing to Smartphone!

Yes! It is now possible from Blackberry Smartphone to Zebra Printer. With the help of ZebraLink Multiple Software Development Kit, the end user can print any documents from the device to printer. Blackberry Smartphone already has extensive multimedia functions that give users the option to print e-mails, contacts, notes, tasks and calendar entries. In addition, ZebraLink SDK helps the users grab the full utility of the device. When one needs on-demand printing of field service records, tracking tags, point-of-sale receipts, and healthcare specimen labels, SDK is much more helpful for the users.

SDK includes source code samples, documentation, and on-phone demonstration modules that enable users to create custom applications with embedded support for Zebra printers.

Mobile technology is on the boom nowadays, especially in the enterprise space. Smartphone has an increasing need among users for field based applications. There are some cases where traditional and rugged handheld terminals may not always be suited in any particular place. Mobile Printing by using the SDK can solve the issues. That is why mobile printing technology is gaining more traction in the industries.

Zebra’s printing capability to smartphone enters the market at an important juncture while every investment behind Smartphone Applications gets rapid and visible Return on Investment (ROI).

Android is a blaster hit!

It is NDK instead of SDK in Android Operating System. Yes, Google has recently released this Native Development Kit, version 1.6. It is an adjunct to the concerned Software Development Kit, to enable developers to generate and execute native machines within application solutions.

As Android is an open source operating system running on Linux Kernel, developers never face many restrictions during deployment and they can easily execute the code directly on the micro-processors of a device.
But the hype is in its NDK as a blaster kit that can allow rapid native application development to derive the results.

Android developers can use it as an ultimate tool as it can do heavy computations, digitized processes. The native code of NDK does not allow the application to slip out the sandbox of Operating System of Android.

When developers work on NDK 1.6, they find the full utility of the Kit. It can parse the properties and can find which platform it was targeted. Then, it will automatically generate libraries in the native code. All sources like C, C++ and Java can be placed under the same tree for easier editing.

Android 1.6 NDK has truly proved to be one of the most flexible open environment to work on for  the Developers and by leveraging on its NDK’s features they can develop more   intuitive and robust solutions. On the other hand, Symbian Developer and iPhone Developers have many plunges to attractive pool of thousands of Apps. Let’s see, what more can Android 1.6 NDK can bring to its users!