Some really interesting developments are taking place in the world of wireless or mobile devices. The most interesting development is the big role that wireless networks will play in the new generation of operating systems, including Windows 8.
The expansion of the web and operating systems into the wireless world depends on something called Long Term Evolution, or 4G networking. This would provide wireless networks with more broadband so more stuff can be transmitted over them. That would include all sorts of complex, data such as streaming video, music downloading, and VOIP.
That way you could use your Skype, gossip over your Facebook page, or access your World of Warcraft account anywhere in town or anywhere in the world. Big companies like Google and Microsoft are counting on this because they think it will mean a big stream of cash flowing into their accounts. Apple, RIM, and Microsoft are reportedly suing Google over patent infringement to stop it from incorporating this into Android.
Satellite Smart Phones Debut
Long Term Evolution is only the tip of the iceberg in exciting developments in the Mobile arena. Among the most interesting developments will be satellite smart phones.
delorme
A company called DeLorme is bringing out what it calls the in Reach Two Way GPS Communicator. What this device is really is, is a satellite smart phone similar to a Blackberry that you can use anywhere. It means the boss will be able to call you on your next fishing trip even if you’re a hundred miles from the nearest cell phone tower.
phone emergency
There has been no word on whether DeLorme is planning to bring out a satellite tablet, but I suppose it is coming next. They claim this is a GPS device, but it looks like a phone to me. You will be able to use it for communication and to send text messages. This service will cost about $9.99 a month, according to DeLorme’s website.
They don’t say what operating system this uses, but it looks like Android. If it isn’t, Google will soon bring out their version and Apple and Microsoft will probably sue to stop it.
Amazon Turk for Mobile Devices
Some of us have probably seen the internet sweat shop called Amazon Turk, where Amazon pays people next to nothing to do menial chores and online tasks. Now some would- be slave master has created something called Gigwalk, which Microsoft has apparently invested in. Gigwalk pays you to do menial tasks over your cell phone. No word on how this would actually make money.
gigwalk
The idea is that Gigwalk will pay you to go to intersections and see if the directions provided by GPS and Mapqwest are accurate. That means there should be lots of work, because about 80% of those directions are wrong. It will then post the verified directions online for everybody to follow.
They are apparently planning other tasks like taking photographs. So far, there’s been no word on when the tabloids and gossip sites are going to start using Gigwalk to pay people to take pictures of Steve Jobs and Lady Gaga. I imagine it is coming next.
Right now, they seem to be concentrating on maps of streets and transit systems. I imagine they have other tasks, such as secret shopping, private detective work, and journalism in mind for the future.
The Company that really makes the iPhone
Here’s some interesting news for Apple Zombies:, Steve Jobs does not make iPhones, iPods, and iPads in his garage. Instead, they’re made at giant Chinese factories run by a Taiwan -based company called Foxconn Technology Group. Media reports indicate that Foxconn’s factories are sweatshops and working conditions are so bad, they put up nets to prevent workers from committing suicide by jumping off the factory roof.
Foxconn, which employs around 1.2 million people, plans to improve the situation by deploying one1 million robots to do the work. Robots wdon’t jump off the roof and they dwon’t go on strike either. That means they are probably expecting massive increases in wireless device sales. Foxconn also creates computer components and most of the smart phones. They might also be expecting to make all the new Chromebooks and tablets that will soon be appearing on store shelves around the world.
Foxconn’s specialty is contract manufacturing, which means they build devices for other companies. That’s why companies like Apple and Google are able to bring out proprietary devices, such as iPods. No word on whether Foxconn will deploy the robots at its Chinese facilities or move the production elsewhere, say to Europe or the United States. After all, there’s no need to move to a cheap labor country if the work is done by robots. Moving closer to the market would mean lower transportation costs.
It’ll be interesting to see if this brings down the price of the devices. My guess is it will not, but you never know. Foxconn’s website describes the company as the largest exporter of technology in Greater China, so it might have some effects.
Google Going into the Hardware Business
It is interesting to note that Foxconn’s move into automation comes as news outlets, including The LA Times and The Wall Street Journal , are reporting that Google has purchased up to 1,000 patents from IBM. The patents, which include chip designs and wireless technology patents, could help Google in its efforts to bring out more devices like Android Phones and Chromebooks.
Google could also be buying the patents to use as a legal defense in its courtroom patent war with Apple, Oracle, Microsoft and Research in Motion. All four of these companies have reportedly tried to buy up patents so they could sue Google for patent infringement. Google’s Chief Legal Officer, David Drummond, has charged that Apple, Oracle, and Microsoft are trying to use a bunch of patents they bought from Nortel to block sales of Android phones.
IMB
Neither Google nor IBM has publicly commented on the patent purchase. It could be a sign that Google is looking for allies in the Browser Wars or part of an effort to extend Google’s reach into the hardware business.
