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I had a chance to install iPhone OS 3.0 beta that Apple just released today. and turns out you can encrypt your backups. I don't think this was mentioned anywhere, but here it is a screenshot from my Mac:
iTunes take a backup of your iPhone each time you sync with your computer. Some people did not necessarily feel comfortable with this since if you had sensitive data on your iPhone, now it's also on your computer which may easily be stolen; this is especially the case if you use a laptop or just because malware is a common threat nowadays. But no more worries, right?
As myself an evangelizer of what I say "telecommunication 2.0", I am happy to see the proof of GrandCentral not being killed off by Google. Yes, Google launched their Voice service as a "preview" based on GrandCentral and it's existing users.
Although Teleflip, an email-over-SMS service, is a goner, Google has integrated SMS in to their Voice service. Well, it's no replacement of Teleflip since the concept is pretty much the opposite, but with push email becoming more common, this type of service is probably unnecessary. However, the other way around would be useful; you can receive text messages on Google Voice number even though it is not a mobile phone number. Now, only if this feature would forward messages to your email account, I can really get rid of my text-messaging plans.
As I pointed out in my earlier post, you can use Google Voice and Gizmo5 to make free calls within the U.S. Now you can also make cheap international calls; maybe cheaper than Skype.
BTW, what do I mean by "Google Talk + Voice = Unlimited Free Calls"? Well, this is the case with Google Voice and Gizmo5 as of now. But will Gizmo5 be happy about this model? I doubt it as this brings traffic to Gizmo5 without any immediate revenue. If this becomes an issue, Google can always turn to itself, Google Talk which is it's own VoIP service. Then, totally within Google's own hands, it can provide a free VoIP (Internet-to-landline) service.
Steve Jobs is not giving the keynote at Macworld this year and will also be the last year Apple would be participating. Yes, this is official. Less exciting? Well, I'm sure still going:
Badge pick-up started today. Saves time; not a single person in line when I went to Moscone Center today.
No matter who gives the keynote, it really doesn't matter. I'm a "Expo Only" attendee anyways!
BTW, I do hope Macworld continues to live with a nice and cozy community character.
October 30th, SoftBank, the Japanese iPhone carrier made some announcements on improvements in hope of boosting iPhone sales. The announcement took place at SoftBank's press release event of their 2009 mobile phone lineup.
The CEO admitted that there are three flaws with the iPhone:
"TV & Battery" Pack
One of the big announcement was the "TV & Battery" pack for the iPhone.
Press release: 1-seg Viewable on the iPhone 3G!
This is a SoftBank genuine iPhone 3G accessory only for the Japanese market. Expected to be around $100 USD, this external miniature iPhone-looking device will weigh 80g and can provide one full battery charge.
And of course as the name implies, it is also a digital TV tuner. The iPhone will connect to this tuner via Wi-Fi and is viewable with a dedicated app yet to be released. It was mentioned that eventually TV shows will be recordable.
Emoji
And as we already know, "Emoji" emoticons are expected to be supported by the end of the year. Interestingly, this announcement made the Emoji rumors now official and 2.2 software very likely to be release by the end of this year.
Free Wi-Fi
As just happened in the U.S., Japanese iPhone owners will also be provided with free Wi-Fi access nationwide.
Press release: Free "Unlimited Wireless LAN Access" for iPhone 3G Users
Beginning November 4th, the service will be provided through SoftBank's "BB Mobile Point" hotspots; approximately 3,500 locations, mainly at McDonald's. Better yet, after December 1st, access will be granted without entering username and password as credentials.
Now, is this really going to boost iPhone sales in Japan? I don't think so. Apple designs are industrial and cool but not cute; Japanese people like cute stuff. Maybe targeting business users or SMB would be a good idea. Enterprise, probably not. Apple will need to bring NTT DoCoMo on board for that market.
I am starting to wonder if Apple will eventually release variations for better lineup. And how much influence the Japanese market will have on Apple.
Also see: MyCom Journal article on this event ; CNET Japan photo report (Japanese)
AT&T finally provides free Wi-Fi for iPhone users. iPhone owners should have received a free SMS text message on this announcement. Check out http://www.att.com/attwifi
How does this work? Go to an AT&T Wi-Fi hotspot; the network name is "attwifi". Once you are connected, you will enter your mobile number and you will receive a SMS text message with the information to enable access for 24 hours.
I don't know if this was a good timing for this move since the hype kind have died out. Personally, I've been using the Starbucks Rewards Program's free Wi-Fi so it's not really a big deal anymore. Although, if AT&T pulls out the service again, probably it will create some news again...
In the "Die Hard 2" movie (Wikipedia), the terrorists takes over an airport control tower and crashes a plane. Well, not exactly the same, but scientists has just proved that a similar thing may happen.
TechRadar.com: Scientists succeed in spoofing GPS signals
Nowadays, we are so dependent on GPS; so is the aviation world. You may be annoyed if your car gets misled and get lost on your way to an important meeting, but that doesn't compare to your plane being misled and crashing in to a mountain.
Pilots: please learn astronomical navigation techniques. Thanks.
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