Perhaps I'm just in a bad mood, but the latest news from Nimbuzz does not excite me. Oh sure, the client does multi-IM support-including Skype, and either supports VoIP calls over the PSTN or even VoIP with the new S60 3rd Edition client, but so what? Fring does this.

The problem I have with both Fring and Nimbuzz is that neither one seems to do anything truly revolutionary, nor do they seem to have a business model to speak of. Am I blinded by my bad mood or am I right?

Crossposted from The VoIP Weblog

A while ago, the folks at TRITTON Technologies sent me one of their AX Micro Bluetooth Headsets to review. It is certainly the most comfortable bluetooth headset I've worn, but it is not without it's issues.

The headset has four hours of talk time, and I proved it last week by using it on at least four hours worth of conference calls in a single day! It was at that point I discovered that the "out of battery" tone and the "mute" tone sound identical. Bad design choice, as is having to hold down a button five seconds to turn the headset on or off. Three seconds is probably more than enough.

The headset comes with a desk charger that can either get power from a mini USB cable or from a wall wort that provides mini USB power. Retails for under $60.

Crossposted from The Gadgets Weblog

I have to laugh when I see commercials like this from AT&T-or any wireless carrier for that matter:



I can name at least a couple of places where I get zero bars on AT&T. And you know what? They're inside buildings, much like the bar in this commercial.

The voice over on this commercial says "for the best coverage," to which the text disclaimer on the screen says "based on global coverage." That may be true, but it still doesn't mean you'll have coverage everywhere. For example I frequently have zero bars when I'm in the locker room at the YMCA or at the gymnastics place I take my kids sometimes.

Bottom line, folks, even the coverage maps don't tell the complete tale. You've gotta try the service out to see where the service works or doesn't. Take advantage of whatever trial period the carrier offers to ensure it has more bars in more places-places you actually go on a regular basis.

© functoruser

A number of teachers are adding cell phone features to their online classes. Today's cell phones can do more than store numbers and play games. Many students receive online class updates via programs like Twitter. Here are a few other ways the Teach 42 blog suggests phones can be used:

"1) Check the spelling/definition of a word
2) Research a topic
3) Look up reference images
4) Pull up maps (even with satellite imagery)
5) Document a science lab with built in digital camera/video
6) Fact check on the fly
7) Mail questions to the teacher that they might be embarrassed to ask"

Phones don't have to be a distraction - if used wisely they can actually be a learning tool. Take a look at the full post for other ways today's students are using their cell phones. Crossposted from The Online Universities Weblog

As I reported elsewhere, Qwest is looking to get out of it's MVNO deal with Sprint. Instead, they will be simply reselling Verizon Wireless service. Qwest customers with more than one service will be able to retain combined billing once Verizon Wireless and Qwest get their billing systems talking with one another.

The obvious question that came from this: what's going to happen to the existing Qwest Wireless customers? Their PR folks told me that the Sprint MVNO agreement doesn't expire until February 2009 and existing customers will continue to receive service without any need to take action. Existing customers will be given a choice to change their service to Verizon Wireless, though the exact details of how and when this will occur is still being developed. No customer will be switched to Verizon Wireless without their consent.

Crossposted from The Wireless Weblog

Jeb Brilliant over at Brilliant Expos is putting together a competition for mobile software development companies and individuals that make software for smart phones of all kinds. The name of the event: TopMobile20.

The goal of this event is to give exposure to great smart phone applications that don't have as much exposure and awareness as they deserve. The top mobile applications will be determined by a combination of industry experts and voting by the general public. The contest will conclude with an award ceremony where guests from application developers, buyers, and resellers will be able to network.

It will be interesting to see what applications come out on top. Wonder if The Mobile Technology Weblog sponsor cellity will participate in this?