GoMo rant: RIM’s PlayBook let down by lack of Skype

Rating: Skype app doesn’t migrate over from Android

A loyal GoMobile News reader recently acquired a RIM PlayBook tablet from her local electronics retail outlet in the UK. She wanted a low cost tablet and the Playbook fits neatly inside her handbag [pocketbook]. Imagine her anger when she discovered that the PlayBook doesn’t possess an official Skype app. What’s the point of providing a front facing video camera with your tablet if it isn’t capable of supporting the world’s most popular video conferencing system, was her reasoning? And she’s got a good point. The PlayBook was conceived as a useful adjunct to a BlackBerry smartphone and it shows. Hopefully, in 2013 RIM will be offering a new tablet which is designed to go head to head with the market leaders – like the iPad.

At least RIM has taken a step in the right direction with version 2.0 of the PlayBook OS which now offers support for Android apps.

In an ideal world, of course, PlayBook owners would be able to download the existing Android version of the official Skype app and run it in the tablet’s Android compatibility box.

Unfortunately, life isn’t so simple. First of all, someone somewhere (who knows a bit about programming) needs to convert the existing Android app into a usable PlayBook one.

In techspeak this means taking the original Android APK [Android PacKage] file – which is a variant of the JAR format, and converting that into a BAR [Blackberry] format.

Now if you scour the Net, you’ll find that many PlayBook fans have already done the hard work for you and produced a BAR version of popular files.

This applies to the official Skype APK but guess what? GoMobile News has searched high and low for a BAR file which works properly – with no joy.

The best we could do is to find a Skype Beta version which supports the IM (instant messaging) facility within Skype – but nothing else.

In reality you’d be better off paying for a native PlayBook app which handles a whole host of IM formats including Skype.

Of course, the conspiracists amongst you suspect that the lack of an official PlayBook app is down to the fact that Microsoft acquired Skype back in 2011.

The truth is, however, that Skype only runs on BlackBerry smartphones if your mobile operator decides to offer it. (See our previous story here).

Presently only Verizon in the USA and Telkomsel (in Indonesia) seem to have bothered to do so.

If you want to doublecheck this go here or simply type http://www.skype.com/m/ into your BlackBerry’s browser.

In the meantime we are going to have to wait for someone to crack the full Android version.

Vodafone’s shares slip as 2012 fades

Funds earmarked for £1.5bn share buy-back nearly depleted

Shares in British mobile operator, Vodafone, continued their steady decline on the London Stock Exchange today [31st December 2012], despite the company’s aggressive buy back of stock which has seen it purchase 84 million at a cost of £1.33 billion this month alone.
With the market open for just half a day’s trading, Vodafone’s share price slipped to around 154 pence, about half a per cent down and less than the 155.6 pence it paid to buy back nine million of its shares just a trading day earlier. The shares closed also less than new North and Central European CEO, Philipp Humm, paid a week previously.
Fears of America’s fiscal cliff generally dragged on the market, but Vodafone’s massive buy-back of shares has angered some investors who would have preferred to see the money poured into better dividends.

There is already concern that Vodafone might, like its Dutch counterpart KPN, be forced into slashing future dividends to pay for new spectrum.

Vodafone’s £1.5 billion share buy-back ends in February 2013, with the bulk of the funds earmarked now thought to be have been spent during December.

Meanwhile it has been announced that Andy Halford, Vodafone’s chief financial officer, is to join the board of UK retailer Marks & Spencer as non-executive director, in a role that commences on New Year’s Day.

This year alone, Halford disposed of some three million Vodafone shares, netting him £6.5 million, closely followed by CEO Vittorio Colao who made £5.8 million from selling company stock in the summer.

Footnote:

Vodafone is among carriers expressing an interest in new Linux-based operating system Tizen, according to reports from Japan, which say that electronics giant Samsung will be the first to sell a smartphone using it in 2013.

Tizen (see here), developed by Samsung with Intel, has emerged from the death of Nokia’s MeeGo and is seen as more open than Google’s Android.

It is also being designed to run across multiple platforms, from smart phones and tablets to TVs, computers and geographical positioning devices.

GoMo’s surefire predictions for 2013

Rating: Ready? Apple will launch an iPhone 6 in 2013

Who can even imagine what is coming next?

Here’s our surefire prediction for 2013. Apple will launch a smartphone with a model name of the iPhone 6. We’re cheating here, of course. Firstly, we aren’t saying that it will be the next iPhone model because it might call that the iPhone 5S or 5G, or something. Secondly. we are basing this prediction on comments made by Sasha Baron Cohen, aka Ali G of Staines-upon-Thames. (See video below). Another prediction is that Nokia will be taken over – probably by Microsoft, if it doesn’t finally start offering Android based handsets.

Why does Apple need to introduce a new handset with a 6 designation? Answer: Because the 5 doesn’t support NFC.

Just imagine how silly leading cellular executives are going to look when they turn at the MWC 2013 Barcelona with an iPhone 5.

The show’s organiser’s, the GSMA, is going to be running something called the ‘NFC Experience which will showcase an integrated range of mobile NFC services throughout the show’s venue and city of Barcelona.

Leading edge stuff and imagine Samsung’s delight at being able to lend Galaxy S IIIs to Apple fanboys who need to see how this NFC stuff works.

It’s not like failing to support Bluetooth which just reduces the number of accessories you can use if you don’t have it. With NFC you can buy stuff.

Even the most ardent apple devotees will get annoyed when they can’t buy stuff as easily as everyone else with their ‘high tech’ phones.

Now for Nokia. The company’s CEO, Stephen Elop, just doesn’t seem to grasp the fact that the company he is now in charge of was formerly a world leading supplier of mobile phones.

Currently, Nokia doesn’t produce an Android powered smartphone. Despite the fact that well over half smartphones sold globally utilise that particular mobile OS.

That’s like Ford refusing to offer diesel powered versions of its models (what’s wrong with petrol?) and still expecting to be a leading car producer.

Nokia’s share price will become very depressed – even if it does become to claim to be the leading supplier of Windows Phone 8 handsets.

That’s a bit like BSA saying it was the leading producer of 650 cc motorcycles when the market actually wanted 900 cc bikes. BSA went bust, of course.

Why would anyone want to buy Nokia? Easy. It has a vast portfolio of IPR which would prove a great weapon against the litigious Apple.

Why Microsoft? Because it has done it before. Microsoft let the minow handset maker, Sendo, go bust but promptly acquired all the IPR Sendo has developed for Windows Mobile.

So it just remains for GoMobile News to wish all its readers a Happy New Year for 2013. Of course, we’ll have to wait until February 10th 2013 for the Chinese New Year.

Equally as important given that China makes the majority of mobile phones these days.

{Fast Forward to 3.15 mins]

SoMo Strategies Forum 2013 – Mumbai

February 7, 2013

Organiser: Kamikaze B2B Media
Venue: The Lalit Sahar
Location: Mumbai, India
Web: www.loyaltysummit.net

The SoMo Strategies Forum (Social/Mobile) will give attendees insights into how successful real world social media and mobile marketing campaigns are strategized, developed and implemented.

Those present will then be able to model their winning formulas and apply them to advance their marketing objectives.

Speakers and content will provide in depth learning and industry best practices which would equip forum goers to make a difference in their organisations and to their customers.

The forum would feature over 15 leading Industry experts who would share their views and expertise on various relevant topics.

The SoMo Forum is being held alongside the Customer Experience Forum scheduled on 6th February 2013 at the same venue.

Both these Forums are part of the main event – the 6th Loyalty Summit scheduled on 6th-7th February 2013.

More information contact Harish at harish@loyaltysummit.net

Android Software Development - Latest Technology In Mobile Market

In
the mobile industries, many technologies are emerging to make your
device more personalized. With the launch of Android platform, the
edge over the market can be attained. From its inception, the
developers team is working on this platform and developing multiple
applications that feed the requirements of the users. On other side,
with such development, experienced developers have gained Android
software development achievements. It also seems that the
chance of failure can be lesser than other development. Adopting
Android Software Development, developers earn huge profit with
less investment.

Investing
in Android Apps Development
is more fruitful, if you are developer. We all have an idea that
Android available without any license, so it is obvious that less
expense will occur in setting up sophisticated applications. Millions
of people are using new age application that have been developed on
Android worldwide. One of the best things for Android application developers is that they can easily develop different application as
it doesn't charge any licensing expense. Moreover, one cannot find
any other needed sources for a example SDK construction. Developers
can also able to provide certain change to their clients according to
their requirements.

Different
programs such as the WiFi workers and mobile phone providers are also
arranged to make this development more cheap. Discussing the
specialization of today's Android web development service
providers, they deliver astonishing solution in mobile iPhone and
Android Wireless Application
Development environment by implementing their deep
understanding. These companies have gained expertise in many leading
devices that based on platforms and OS. Aside to that, they even have
knowledge of how to develop, design, assist, test and implement
consumer and enterprise mobile application in devices like iPad,
iPhone, Sony Ericsson, Microsoft, Nokia, Samsung, Motorola,
BlackBerry, Motorola, LG, etc. and Mobile Operating Systems and
Platforms like Android, Symbian, Palm, Windows Mobile, iOS J2ME,
BREW.

If
we are discussing about Android
software development, it works best with all type of
inter-application integration. Android application also works
outstanding when developer merge or cross a host of programs while
Android Apps Development. Like simple development, developers
are also expert in custom software development, which is considered
as an one of the expensive developments, according to the users. But,
it is not so true. The Android
Software Development company charges minimal cost for
delivering top-notch quality design of development according to the
client's requirements. So, get ready to adopt service of software
development and make simple or dynamic creation.

Dropbox saves my day by releasing a Beta Android app

by Carlene Masker, a technology blogger working with Buyverizon Telco Services

Dropbox came in the form of a ray of sunshine… an answer to everyone’s prayer. Especially if you’re the kind of person who, like me, tends to misplace her ‘important-files-containing’ USB stick quite often. Let me paint you a picture here. You’re called for an interview and being in the creative field you obviously have to display your ‘digital-portfolio’ on a USB (Duh!). So, on the said interview day, your alarm fails to ring and you wake up late only to have to rush through your morning routine. Run out that door. Search for a cab. Rattle off the address promising him a generous tip if he drives like a rally racer and gets you there ASAP. You reach the said destination. You’re ushered in to meet the Creative Head. And that’s when you remember that you left your USB at home. That’s exactly when you need Dropbox.

We’ve all had those days when in our haste we forget our files at home, in a taxi, or elsewhere, with no way of getting to them when you really need to.

Dropbox was created for just such moments in life.

Dropbox’s basically ‘cloud storage’ software that allows one to save as many files as they like on it, and access it from any other device too.

In other words, all one needs to do is to create an account in Dropbox. This will create a folder in your computer, wherein you can store all your important files.

These files can be accessed from any other device (including Smartphones) simply by logging into your Dropbox account.

So if ever you misplace your USB,  you can always access your files through Dropbox.

Recently, Dropbox has decided to get more into the mobile arena by creating a bunch of apps.

These will enable everyone to not even require a personal computer to access their files.

Just your mobile would do, and we all know that that is one thing most of us rarely forget.

Right now, Dropbox for Android is still in its experimentation phase but it has launched a Beta version of the app for Android.

This Beta app is constantly going through modifications, resulting in Dropbox creating an entire beta channel for its various features.

One can simply download the app and select the ‘early releases’ option to get constant updates.

Downloading it from sources other than downloading from the Play Store here, would have this setting activated by default.

This time around, Dropbox has launched a new feature, wherein one can share, organise, or delete multiple photos at the same time.

Of course, the Android app isn’t the only one. There are separate versions for iPhone, iPad, Kindle Fire and even the RIM BlackBerry.

But the Beta is just one of the many before its final launch sometime in the near future.

Let’s hope it’s soon. I can’t afford to face any more ‘misplaced-files’ scenarios, any more.

Viva la Dropbox.

Author Biog

Carlene Masker is a technology enthusiast who is fond of writing helpful tips and fresh tidbits of information about the different fields in technology and innovation. She is currently working with Buyverizon Telco Services where you can find the latest information on Verizon internet.

Hire the Best iPad Application Developer to Get Maximum Benefits

Apple’s iPad has also ruling the gadget market as it carries all those creative features which you are looking for. Most of the people are purchasing an iPad to make their daily work easy and convenient. With increasing demand for iPad, the popularity of iPad application development also increased because all the iPad users are looking to get a wonderful iPad application to use in their device. If you also want to get an iPad application development service, ensure that you hire an iPad developer, who has special expertise in developing apps for iPad, iPhone and many more devices.

There is a strong competition in the market, so it becomes extremely difficult to hire a skilled developer, who develops any type of application for your iPad.  Most of the companies are also looking to cut the cost, so outsource iPad application development project to offshore Application Development Companies and effective way to decrease the cost. But, it is quite difficult to hire the best iPad Application Developer, who offers lots of benefits to enjoy. If you want to hire the best and skilled iPad App Developer, ensure that you give importance to some essential points by which it becomes easy for you to hire the one. 

Hire an Experienced One: When it comes to hire an iPad developer, it is important to hire such developer, who has years of experienced and already developed lots of applications. By hiring an experienced developer, you will get an assurance of quality work on stipulated time period. So, always prefer to go with experienced developer rather than inexperienced.

Quality Service Provider: Hire an iPad application developer, who always sticks on quality because quality is more important than any other point. Make sure to outsource iPad Application Development to quality service provider as you will get such app that you have in your mind.

Hire an iPad Developer, who understands your needs: It is most important for you to hire an iPad developer, who understands your needs and ready to satisfy your all requirements under your budget. You can find many developers, who claim to provide high quality work, but later, they will not give importance to your needs. So, ensure that you hire iPad developer, who respects your needs.

Perception System is one of the most prominent Mobile Application Development companies based in India. The company has developed lots of applications for its valuable clients, so you can check its portfolio work and make your decision that whether this company fits under your budget or not. 

Free music streaming for 7 days courtesy of rara.com

Rating: Rara is, of course, powered by Omnifone

We found Alison Moyet easily on rara.com

Given that a large number of people will have received either a smartphone or a tablet (or both) as a Xmas present, it makes a great deal of sense for British music streaming service, rara.com, to offer a free seven day trail of its service over the Winter Break. You have until 23.59 pm 31st January 2013 to redeem this offer. [So you've got a month to sign up.]  As long as you’re not an existing subscriber, of course. Here at GoMobile News we would thoroughly recommend that our readers take up this offer. The company is so generous that it promises that ads won’t be displayed during the duration of this offer.

Rara.com says that the offer is restricted to one trial per person but it’s unclear whether you can attempt to utilise the free subscription on multiple devices.

We downloaded the app for our trusty Motorola RAZR i from the Google Play app store.

However, we’d recommend that you follow this URL to ensure you go straight to the holiday offer.

Strangely, we had a great deal of trouble entering the required voucher code – which is HOLIDAY2012 – via the standard Android browser because the first letter kept disappearing.

Ho hum. If you persist and use delete, it eventually works, though.

We particularly liked the way the Android app puts a music player on your Home screen which is accessible even if the screen itself is actually locked.

Another nice touch is that the app comes with a number of standard playlists or Moods which includes one for Chilling Out which we found perfectly acceptable.

We even tried searching for one of our favourites – weak in the Presence of Beauty by Alison Moyet and rara.com had it.

So we really do believe the claimed 18 million songs is pretty comprehensive.

We couldn’t find any mention of it, but we suspect the trial version is a cut-down.

We couldn’t play tracks stored on our handset nor could we save tracks for off-line usage.

The only real snag? Besides the Android app, there are versions for iPhone iPod Touch and iPad plus Windows 8 or RT. That’s not the same as Windows Phone 8, of course.

Plus there’s definitely no BlackBerry version. We tried it over 3G (instead of Wi-fi) and it worked fine but we’re not sure how well it would function on the move.

Although we didn’t notice initially, rara.com is, of course, powered by Omnifone with whom many GoMobile News readers should already be familiar.