google

Google introduces Buzz; Google Maps goes 4.0

By Daniel Rubino, Tuesday, Feb 9, 2010 at 10:49 pm

Today, Google announced its new service called Google Buzz. Think of combining Twitter, Google Latitude and Gmail and you have Buzz.

Actually, if you've been using FourSquare...it's exactly like that. We're not saying it's not nice, just it's not really new. It is certainly an interesting move on Google's part though not unexpected. In fact, Larry Dignan at ZDNet thinks Google's real target here is Microsoft's Sharepoint.

What hath Microsoft to say?

“Busy people don’t want another social network, what they want is the convenience of aggregation. We’ve done that. Hotmail customers have benefitted from Microsoft working with Flickr, Facebook, Twitter and 75 other partners since 2008.”

We're not sure pushing Hotmail (isn't it Live Mail now guys?) is the way to go, but at least they're adamant about it. We guess.

Regardless, Windows Mobile users are the first to get this with Google Maps 4.0 which was just released this afternoon. Rejoice!

As seen from the screenshots, you can add Buzz as a Layer to your maps. It ties in nicely with Latitude for your location by bringing up popular businesses and locations of interest near you. You can then simply select the location, write a few comments and even add a picture for others to see. Still confused? Check out Google's own video tutorial for more info.

Overall, it's quite nice, even if it apes FourSquare and since people would rather not sign up for yet-another-service, we'll place out bets with Google.

And yes, My Location/Latitude appears to be now fixed with CDMA.

Google email sync down?

Windows Phone News

By George Ponder, Wednesday, Feb 3, 2010 at 7:31 pm

Has anyone else noticed that they can't sync Google Gmail via Activesync over the past few days? At first I thought it was just me but soon came to find that the "Error Synchronization" message was being displayed on other Windows phones.

The official error code is 0x8600050c (Communications Error) and in looking over at Google Mobile's Help Forum, there are a few solutions available.

The first suggestion is to delete the current Exchange Server relationship and re-create it. Another solution suggests to un-check the email option in Activesync, reboot the phone, re-check the email option and sync. The latter seems to have the most success.

We couldn't find anything official from Google on the cause of these errors or of a "official" solution. If we hear of anything we'll pass it on.

Android from a Windows Mobile perspective - Smartphone Round Robin

By Phil Nickinson, Sunday, Jan 24, 2010 at 4:23 pm

Of all the other smartphones and all the other operating systems we've looked at over the course of the third annual Smartphone Round Robin, none is as similar to Windows Mobile as Android. That's a little odd, as Windows Mobile at its core is rapidly aging, and Android is one of the newest players of the bunch. But it's true.

With Windows Mobile you get a high customizable operating system, with myriad options available to manufacturers, carriers, modders and end-users. We're constantly preaching the benefit of custom ROMs, chopped up from official releases and recompiled into smaller, faster packages. Android? Same thing. It's available on most major carriers, in several form factors (though front-facing QWERTY keyboards haven't really materialized), and with multiple versions of the operating system.

So is Android merely Windows Mobile's brother by another mother? Will its rapidly rising market share (and mind share) swallow up Windows Mobile and everyone else in its way? Let's talk about that a little after the break.

Bing going big: Apple's default search engine?

By Phil Nickinson, Wednesday, Jan 20, 2010 at 7:32 pm

We assume you've heard the whole China-Google-IE6 debacle that's going on, along with the the Apple-Google falling out, so it really comes of no surprise that Microsoft is using this opportunity to edge Bing over Google search.

In fact the rumor du jour is that Apple is seriously considering replacing Google search as their default search engine on the iPhone with Bing. And why not? Bing has turned out to be a big hit for Microsoft, which is no small feat considering the competition.

We expect as Google gets bigger and more powerful this will happen more often. How long do you think Firefox will continue their relationship with Google and Chrome? We've also heard recent inside report that some OEMs are not happy with Google and the Nexus One for obvious reasons.

Sure if Microsoft pulls this off, it's partially because they're a pawn, but a win is a win in business. Plus the better Bing does, the more money Microsoft can sink into fixing our Bing for Mobile 5.0 application, ahem.

[Businessweek via The iPhone Blog]

The looming search engine war: Bing vs Google and privacy

By Phil Nickinson, Tuesday, Dec 15, 2009 at 12:32 am

Don't know if you've heard the latest comments made by Google CEO Eric Schmidt, but in a recent interview he stated "I think judgment matters,...If you have something that you don't want anyone to know, maybe you shouldn't be doing it in the first place."

This drew a huge negative reaction from privacy proponents and the Google backlash received some more momentum. Combined with controversial Rupert Murdoch's threat to de-list themselves from Google (due to Google profiting off of Fox New's reporting) and Microsoft literally stepping in and offering them a better deal and we're getting odd bed fellows.

Here's one more.

Asa Dotzler, Mozilla's director of community development, on his personal blog has now linked to Bing and appears to be urging Firefox's development away from Google as their default search engine. We'll leave the details of the Google and Firefox alliance to the great article at ArsTechnica, but this raises the question:

Has the age of Bing begun? Does Microsoft actually stand a chance to beat Google on their own turf?

What's your personal preference on your Windows phone: Google or Bing for search? Take theh poll and sound off in comments on your reasons why and what you think about Google's ever-expanding dominance in your personal information management.

Which do you prefer on your Windows phone for searches:(opinion)

Google ups the ante: QR codes and Google Goggles ... But Microsoft Tag won't play nice

Windows Phone News

By Phil Nickinson, Wednesday, Dec 9, 2009 at 9:08 pm

Google has once again taken the lead in innovation by rolling out their QR code based 'Favorite Places on Google'.

A QR code, seen above, is a 2D tag system that is gaining popularity as the standard for matrix codes. Google is sending out decal codes to 100,000 local businesses that are the most searched on Google. In turn, they can place these decals in their store front. When a tech-savvy (and probably Android wielding) customer walks by, they can scan the code and pull down coupons, information, reviews, etc.

Pretty brilliant.

The question is where is Microsoft on this front? A few years ago they had a QR development program called 'Windows Live Barcode', later renamed 'Confucius'. It then vanished and presumably reappeared as 'MS Tag' which is now a proprietary matrix code system, albeit a very nice one. However, QR code support is gone.

There are really nice third-party alternatives right now for Windows phone, specifically 'BeeTag' (download here) which works flawlessly on our Touch Pro 2 (give it a shot, scan the above QR code). But in order for Microsoft to at least match what Google is now doing, they'll have to put QR code support back into MS Tag, something we hope they will do. Furthermore, can MS Tag survive up against QR now that Google is actually deploying it?

On another front, Google is also now offering 'Google Goggles': a visual identification and search program for Android (see demo here). PC World has confirmed with Google that "other platforms" are planned but no time-frame is given. In the meantime, Microsoft and Bing, we await your response.

And ... Google Maps updated to 3.3.1 - does it fix any of your problems?

Windows Phone News

By Phil Nickinson, Sunday, Dec 6, 2009 at 6:39 am

More than a few of you have had some issues with the latest version of Google Maps for mobile, either with the My Location feature or apparently with the layers. Accordingly, Google has updated the app to version 3.3.1. No word yet if it's fixed any of the triangulation issues you guys were having, but crashes should be squashed.

Go get the new version here, and sound off in the comments if you're still seeing problems, and be sure to let 'em know on the official Google forum post. (For what it's worth, it very quickly got me within 1,000 meters in Orlando.)

[All About Symbian via IntoMobile]

Google offering free snail mail

Windows Phone News

By George Ponder, Friday, Dec 4, 2009 at 2:01 pm

On the heels of Google releasing an updated version of GoogleMaps, we've learned that Google is offering everyone a free antique of sorts, snail mail postcards.

As prominent as email has become, everyone can think of at least one friend or family member who isn't online and would enjoy finding a short holiday note in their mailbox (the one at the curb).

So now your chance to spread some holiday spirit for free. If you have a Google account you can go here to send your free postcard. Each account will be able to send one free card (while supplies last). The offer is only valid in the United States and you have six card styles to choose from. Obviously, if you don't have a Google account, you'll have to establish one to enjoy the free snail mail.

Read: Switched.com

Actually, Google Maps has showed the NYC subway for a while now

Windows Phone News

By Phil Nickinson, Tuesday, Nov 10, 2009 at 4:53 pm

You should hear Malatesta's tale about making it to the Oct. 6 launch of Windows Mobile 6.5 with just seconds to spare. It's classic. Especially the part about surviving the dude playing jazz flute. But that's for another time.

Anyhoo, what got him there in time for the keynote was Google Maps, and its inclusion of NYC subway maps. They've been there for a while now, but Google's recently publicly announced them as a feature in the Layers. To turn it on (or just test it if you're outside the city), point the map to NYC, then go to Menu>Layers and turn on the Tranisit lines. Zoom in and you can get station info. It's That simple. [Google Lat-Long blog]

Google Voice has 1.4 million users

Windows Phone News

By Phil Nickinson, Friday, Oct 30, 2009 at 7:57 pm

Just how popular is Google Voice, you ask? In its reply to federal regulators over the Apple-AT&T-Google Voice flap, Google stated it has 1.419 million Google Voice users, and about 570,000 of them are using it full-time, seven days a week.

As an interesting side note, BusinessWeek apparently gleaned the number of Google Voice users from a PDF that was impropertly formatted, desipte the number of users appearing to be redacted. Oops. (So not to be confused, we're talking the number of users, not users' numbers.)

Also noted is that Google Voice may eventually go global (it's still only available in the U.S.).

BusinessWeek via Cnet

Are you using Google Voice?(survey)

Google Voice now plays nice with your current number (but it's not number porting)

Windows Phone News

By Phil Nickinson, Tuesday, Oct 27, 2009 at 5:41 pm

One of the biggest features (and we'll consider this a feature) that's been missing from Google Voice has been number porting. You've had to get a new number, and share it with family, contacts and friends.

No more, sort of. Number porting's still not ready, but now you can use an existing number with Google Voice, though you do miss out on a few features, including call screening and recording, SMS via e-mail, call blocking and conference calling. (See a chart of the differences after the break.)

If you don't want to go that route, another option (and this is what I've been doing for some time now) is to switch your voicemail over to Google Voice. Go to your Google Voice account>Settings>Phones and hit the "Activate Google voicemail for this phone" link. (Update: Our pals at Pre Central remind us that Sprint is still charging 20 cents a call to forward to another voicemail system, though that supposedly is changing.)

But, wait, there's more! It's a bit of a pain leaving the Google Voice Web page open all day. jkontherun points us to nifty little Adobe Air app that handles the bulk of the work. It's not perfect, but for most part it gets the job done.

Now, Google, can we get a proper Windows Mobile app already?

Google Mobile app updated, gets new features

Windows Phone News

By Phil Nickinson, Thursday, Sep 24, 2009 at 7:12 pm

Good news for those of you using the Google Mobile App: Three new features have been rolled out.

My Location is now on board and returns local search results without having to manually input your location.
Search options are now suggested as you type, as are URL suggestions. Very cool.
If you have Google Maps on your phone, it'll launch when you choose a local search suggestion.

Get the CAB here, and check out more at the Google Mobile blog.

Google Sync now pushes Gmail!

Windows Phone News

By Phil Nickinson, Tuesday, Sep 22, 2009 at 5:26 pm

Early this year Google released Google Sync, which makes your calendar and apps work is if they were on an Exchange server. Missing from the app, of course, was push capability for Gmail.

That day has come, people.

Google just announced that Google Sync now supports push Gmail for Windows Mobile (5.0 and higher). The usual caveat applies, however: If you're already using an Exchange server for other e-mail, you're out of luck.

Get the full deets here.

Google Maps updated to 3.2.1

Windows Phone News

By Phil Nickinson, Wednesday, Aug 26, 2009 at 10:33 pm

Another week, another release of Google Maps for Windows Mobile. [via XDA] And, lookie, they even gave us release notes again. Here's what's new in Version 3.2.1:

Places of interest: Selectable icons and labels on the map allow you to choose prominent businesses or places of interest in order to see business info, reviews, photos, Wikipedia articles, and a lot of other local information. To select an icon or label, use the 5-way pad or joystick to pan it to the center of the screen or tap it on touchscreen phones. Learn more about these icons and labels already available on maps.google.com.
Favorite Places (English only): Explore the favorite places of local experts from cities around the world. Find out where they like to go, and why, from their own perspectives. From the Maps main menu, go to 'Layers' > 'More Layers' > 'Favorite places.' You can also see these on your computer by going to http://google.com/favoriteplaces.
Layers: The "More Layers" list of layers is now organized as a tree of layer categories.

Go get 'er here (desktop) or here (cab).

Google Maps 3.2: Introducing 'Layers'

Software

By Phil Nickinson, Wednesday, Aug 26, 2009 at 9:55 pm

Well, looky here! Google did a major update to Google Maps for mobile. Previous version was v3.0.1.6 and the new one is a spanking v3.2. Such a leap must mean something new and sure enough, there is Google Layers a hitherto unknown feature from our overlords.

Layers allow you to add extra information to your current view, including Wikipedia entries. That's right, you can now pull down localized Wikipedia info which appear as iconic "W"s on your screen. Selecting them will bring up a lil' info bubble on that area. Other "layers" include traffic, transit and My Maps which are your personal customized maps (done via desktop). Huzzah! That's pretty darn cool.

They've also fixed a few bugs, re-enabled copy/paste from various field (thank you), additional search results and...well shoot, they even put all this info in an actual 'Release Notes' file which you can read in gory detail.

Get your download here: http://m.google.com/maps

FCC to do its job, look at all of wireless industry

Windows Phone News

By Phil Nickinson, Friday, Aug 21, 2009 at 4:11 pm

It started with Google, Apple and AT&T. Rejection of the official Google Voice app from the App Store drew attention from the Federal Communications Commission, and now the feds are going to take a look at the entire wireless industry.

An open meeting has been announced for 10 a.m. EDT next Thursday in Washington, D.C. Here's what's on tap:

The Commission will consider a Notice of Inquiry to seek and understand better the factors that encourage innovation and investment in wireless and to identify concrete steps the Commission can take to support and enourage further innovation and investment in this area.
The Commission will consider a Notice of Inquiry soliciting information for the next annual report to Congress on the status of competition in the mobile wireless market, including commercial mobile services.
The Commission will consider a Notice of Inquiry that seeks comment on whether there are opportunities to protect and empower American consumers by ensuring sufficient access to relevant information about communications services.

In other words, they want to know what the frak is going on out there. Better late than never. We'll keep you posted.

FCC (pdf) via ZDNet

Google Voice on Windows Mobile: 'GVDialer' vs 'iDial'

By Phil Nickinson, Sunday, Aug 9, 2009 at 8:52 pm

Now that Google Voice invites are going out (click link for demo video), the question of how to make calls on your Windows phone via your GV account arises.

See, the issue is this: you hand out your GV number to everyone, but you then call from your cell phone and your cell number shows up, not your GV number. For some, it doesn't matter. But for others, they may want to protect their private numbers.

To get around this, you can call Google Voice from one of your designated phones, follow the prompts, enter your passcode then the number you want to dial. No doubt a hassle when on the go.

The solution? Since Google has no official WinMo solution (yet), third party companies and individual developers have taken a shot at it and there are at least two very good ones we can recommend here: GVDialer and iDialer by Supware.

Curious as to how they work and brief review of both? Read on ...

While you're waiting: GVDialer for Google Voice

By Phil Nickinson, Monday, Jul 13, 2009 at 5:59 pm

It's been a few weeks now since Google Voice opened up its beta program and started sending out invites. And as they've said before (and again above – that's first in, first out), the list is long.

So while we're waiting, here's an app you should look into once you get your invite. GVDialer fills one of the larger holes of Google Voice in that if you just dial straight from your phone, like always, your normal phone number and not your Google Voice number shows up on the other end.

GVDialer takes care of that. Your mobile number remains private, and your GV number is displayed on Caller ID. It also works straight from your contacts of dialer and is customizable in many of the same ways as Google Voice. Use it on some calls. Don't use it on others. It also hooks into your Google Voice web account and voicemail.

GVDialer currently is $9.99, and there's a free 30-day trial available. It's also available for BlackBerry, iPhone, Nokia and Android. More info at gvdialer.com, and there's a quick video after the break.

If you're one of the lucky ones with a GV account and have used GVDialer, let us know in the comments how it's worked for you.

ZOMG! Google Apps out of beta! (Now can we please get some proper Gmail push?)

Windows Phone News

By Phil Nickinson, Tuesday, Jul 7, 2009 at 4:41 pm

Yep, you read that right. In fact, Google assures us as such, saying "Yes, really." Actually, all of the Google Apps suite — comprising Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Docs and Google Talk — is having the beta label removed.

Mainly it looks like this is being done to eliminate confusion over what "beta" really means, and to make Google Apps more attractive to businesses. From the Official Google Blog:

We've come to appreciate that the beta tag just doesn't fit for large enterprises that aren't keen to run their business on software that sounds like it's still in the trial phase. So we've focused our efforts on reaching our high bar for taking products out of beta, and all the applications in the Apps suite have now met that mark.

For our purposes, what we really, really want to see is better implementation of Gmail on Windows Mobile — push, IMAP idle and the like. (Oh, and maybe do something about those contacts.) Yeah, we've been saying that for a long time. But either Google or Microsoft needs to get it done. After all, now that Gmail's "out of beta," there are no more excuses.

Google Voice invites going out today

Windows Phone News

By Phil Nickinson, Thursday, Jun 25, 2009 at 6:58 pm

OK, folks, the wait is almost over. After weeks and weeks (and weeks!) of being in closed beta, Google announced that invites for Google Voice are "on their way" and "starting to go out today," depending on who you ask.

Instead of trying to rehash what all comprises Google Voice, check out the little video above, or read our previous post. We're also hoping beyond hope that it launches with the rumored number portability, but we're not betting on it, seeing as how you have to choose a number initially.

Needless to say, we'll have more on the implications of Google Voice for Windows Mobile ... just as soon as we get our invite. (Looks longingly at the cool kids' table.)