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In order to make the Internet more “fair and balanced,” the FTC is allegedly initiating an anti-trust investigation against Google over fears that the company holds too much power online.
Instead of punishing rivals for copying Google’s search results, the Feds are punishing Google for dominating the web due to launching superior features. [Read more…]
Originally posted on April 5, 2011 @ 2:56 pm
Known for slaying Symbian and instilling fear within the heart of Steve Jobs, Android has apparently taken a turn for the worse.
In an attempt to squash fragmentation and speed up OS updates, Google is no longer allowing manufactures, carriers and the average hacker to modify Android without their express permission.
Over the last couple of months Google (GOOG) has reached out to the major carriers and device makers backing its mobile operating system with a message: There will be no more willy-nilly tweaks to the software. No more partnerships formed outside of Google’s purview. From now on, companies hoping to receive early access to Google’s most up-to-date software will need approval of their plans. And they will seek that approval from Andy Rubin, the head of Google’s Android group. (BusinessWeek) [Read more…]
Originally posted on March 31, 2011 @ 2:25 pm
Unlike Nokia (who abandoned MeeGo for Windows Phone 7), Motorola doesn’t seem to keen on relying upon Android to guarantee their future.
While the company has experienced success with the Droid serious, the company apparently is working on building their own mobile OS.
Over the past nine months, Motorola has been hiring engineering talent that would well-suited to create a new mobile operating system. Its team appears to include a significant number of ex-Apple and Adobe personnel, including Gilles Drieu, VP of software engineering at Motorola Mobility, Benoit Marchant, director of engineering at Motorola Mobility, and Sean Kranzberg, also a director of engineering at Motorola Mobility. (Information Week)
Although using Android has revived Motorola’s fortunes, the company is probably nervous about relying upon an OS whose legal future is not exactly certain.
This is probably one of the reasons why their rival Samsung has created their own OS (called Bada), which gives them an exit strategy just in case Android falters in their quest to challenge iOS.
It’s still unclear how far Motorola’s mobile OS is, or whether they plan on launching it within the US, but either way a move like this could enable the company to easily compete against Apple without relying upon others to release bug free operating systems.
(Hat tip: Gizmodo)
Originally posted on March 25, 2011 @ 1:54 pm
After postponing their decision of which town was worthy of Google Fiber, it looks like the search engine giant has finally chosen a city to host the future of the internet.
After a careful review, today we’re very happy to announce that we will build our ultra high-speed network in Kansas City, Kansas. We’ve signed a development agreement with the city, and we’ll be working closely with local organizations, businesses and universities to bring a next-generation web experience to the community. (Official Google Blog)
Although the state of Kansas is known mainly for Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, it looks like the region (or rather the city) will soon be famous for boasting 1 gigabit/sec connection speeds.
Google plans on launching the service in 2012, although the company has not yet revealed what the prices will be for Google Fiber, although they do mention it will be “at a competitive price.”
Despite the fact that Google could only choose one city in the US, hopefully other internet service providers will be able to match Google’s speed in order to increase broadband speeds for the benefit of all.
Image Credit: John R. Neill
Originally posted on March 30, 2011 @ 1:05 pm
Blackberry fans will be excited to learn that they can finally pre-order the Playbook, which should arrive in the hands of users next month (April 19th at the earliest).
While the mini-tablet does boast a few features lacking upon iPad 2, RIM might want to rethink their pricing strategy if they want to thrive in iPad 2’s shadow.
The BlackBerry PlayBook will be available in Best Buy, Best Buy Mobile, Best Buy Canada and Future Shop stores April 19th in the following models and price points:
• 16GB Wi-Fi, $499
• 32GB Wi-Fi, $599
• 64GB Wi-Fi, $699You can pre-order your BlackBerry PlayBook from Best Buy and Best Buy Mobile stores in the United States and Best Buy Canada and Future Shop in Canada right now[.] (Official Blackberry Blog)
While RIM’s prices are competitive against iPad 2, the problem is that the Blackberry Playbook is about half the size of Apple’s tablet which won’t appeal to consumers who often look at the price tag when shopping in stores.
RIM might want to consider shaving off the price by $50-$100 or even having carriers heavily subsidize the device in order to remain competitive against Apple.
Originally posted on March 22, 2011 @ 1:46 pm