HP web OS Veer pre3 and touch pad announced

I got the invite to HP's event yesterday. They announced three new devices based on Web OS platform . They also announced the new ENYO webOS framework for developers to target any screen by writing once. At first look the devices are impressive, specially the credit card sized veer attracted lots of crowd. The touchPad tablet is similar to iPad but it is no different from other tablets out there in the market. HP plans to release the devices during next summer; HP also worked with top tier app publishers to insure the apps are readily available on their new devices. As iPad2 and Motorola xoom tablets hitting the market by summer, we can only hope HP's tablet survives the competition.

Blackberry Radio app

Blackberry Radio concept looks very neat, as it tries to aggregate and simplify the process of discovering radio stations based on location and music genre. The same app provides the opportunity for user to snack the content and upgrade to premium channels and it seamlessly integrates with media experiences. Purchasing a song in Amazon Mp3 store while listening to radio is an attractive feature. It also provides an opportunity to listen to your community stations no matter where you are in the world. Blackberry radio will be expanded to other countries after the beta in US.

iPhone5 with advanced tech

The rumored iPhone5/iPad2 might have few hardware modifications, probably more memory, Qualcomm chipset, NFC and they might throw camera to iPad. But with recent acquisitions, iPhone5 might leap forward in terms of technology. Apple might embed NFC chip to capture person-to-person transactions, coupons and retail payments. Apple may add personal assistant technology powered by siri where it can keep apple head to head with Google in local search. Apple also focusing on moving to the iTunes to Cloud, with the acquisition of lala.com, Apple can deliver music streaming services. Not but least, apple can use facial recognition technology which they acquired from Polar Rose either as a developer API as well as using them in photo tagging. These are some highlighted speculations, and this mission is going to be delivered without Steve Jobs. Overall, Apple acquisition strategy may keep them ahead of their competitors.

BilltoMobile Expands Carrier Billing Options for Verizon Customers

BilltoMobile is very attractive offering to US mobile operators, as it manages the part of negotiating deals with the merchants to offer carrier billing. Unlike, premium SMS models, BilltoMobile directly integrated with billing and authentication sub systems, which reduce direct cost to merchants. BilltoMobile's partnership agreement with Boku and Zong gives more number of retailers offering carrier billing with mutiple options for the end user. The only concern is, the multi stage value chain (boku to billtomobile to verizon) may increase to end user cost of service.

Ford explores Talking Cars concept

Last few years, automotive industry became active in communication technology integration. Manufacturers like Toyota, Hyundai started working on competitive products to fords infotainment technology called SYNC. Ford is looking for new differentiating features. Talking cars may be novel idea in terms of increasing safety. Ford exploring a hybrid technology combined with GPS and Wifi signals. This type of initiatives may require industry wide adoption, at the same time ford needs some differentiation. Lets hope “Talking cars” can be a reality by 2015.

AT&T to launch cell phone trade-in program

Handset trade-in program do exist for a while. Nokia partnered with a company named FlipSwap to do cell-phone trading. This type of program is an enhanced version of Cell phone recycling programs. Trade-in is some what cultural concept in US. It might give little push to consumers to upgrade their phone hence the plan. Offering $10 to $50 to make the users to upgrade their contract 2 more years is well worth the investment.

Google sets its top 2011 priorities on mobile

The three major strategic initiatives outlined by Google CEO are 1) LTE development 2) Mobile Money and 3) increase availability of inexpensive smart phones. I am not exactly sure about the new applications Google wants to bring on top of LTE networks apart from video delivery, the rest of the objectives are straightforward. With respective "Mobile Money", Google and Apple are actively looking to acquire some start-ups in the space. Apple tries to snatch Boku from Google mouth, on the other hand Google started experimenting NFC internally with their new Nexus S Smartphone. Google’s focus on emerging markets might be little challenging, as most of the phones are not sold through operators in emerging markets. Overall, 2011 can be a year where Mobile money can take center stage in western markets.