Apple Adds Sharper Screen and Speed to New iPad original article
This wouldn't be a Mobile Media page if we didn't talk about the new Apple iPad.
On Wednesday, March 7th 2012, Apple presented the new iPad. That’s exactly what Apple called the updated tablet – "the new iPad". The tablet will be available to consumers on March 16th with a retail price of $499. It has a “high-definition screen, a faster wireless connection and other refinements.”
The reason why this iPad update is important to Apple is because the competition in the tablet market is getting fierce. Although Apple is sitting on top of the tablet food chain (because most people bought iPads in retail stores rather than wireless carriers), there is always a chance of getting knocked off the top spot. Then again, competition will always exist.
The question is: Is the new iPad worth buying? It really does depend on the individual. If you like creating content, the iPad probably isn’t for you. You should stick with your PC tablet. Other than that, if you plan to use your tablet just for consuming content, then the new iPad might be a good investment. The image is sharper and its 4G LTE mobile broadband support is definitely faster. Finally, if you are sold on getting an iPad but you’re low on cash, Apple is still selling the second-generation iPad for $399.
If you’re still not sure about buying the new iPad after reading the plethora of reviews on the internet, then just wait another year or so. I’m sure the people of Apple will come up with a new one.
The Associated Press' News App was already popular among mobile media users, however with the new streamlined update, the news company hopes to attract even more users. Among its various updates, the app has a more picture-oriented interface and the navigation has become streamlined to make it easier and more efficient to use. Along with its original aggregation of big headlines, the new app also emphasizes local news markets. Its "Region" control allows users to set various locales as their default, giving them the ability to toggle between multiple regions' headlines instantly.
While the app's enhanced navigational controls and graphic-friendly interface will likely draw users, AP still faces the question of how to turn a profit from their service. While no definitive strategy has been utilized, the news company is considering various techniques, such as applying a Pay Wall to non-subscribed users or offering a "Freemium" package in which some of the basic content is available for free, but any enhanced settings will only be available with payment. AP faces the same challenges that traditional newspapers and online news sources have been facing for some time now. If a viable and, ultimately, successful strategy can be implemented in the case of the AP's app, it will provide an example for future news organizations and their own pricing and distribution methods.
Posted By: Brittany McShea
What is FRAND, and Why Do We Care?
by: Melissa Daniels
With the increasing power and popularity of mobile devices, especially smartphones, there have been an increasing number of disputes over the use of innovative software features. Enter FRAND, “fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory” as it is defined is designed to ensure all companies have access to capabilities needed to succeed in the mobile phone market. Patent owners of technologies described as “industry standard”, meaning they are so widely used by all smartphone users they are seen as inseparable from the devices, should be licensed to companies in a “fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory” manner; however, this is not the case. Companies such as Apple are arguing that FRAND defines fair and reasonable too broadly and that there should be a set standard because patent owners are demanding too much. On the opposite end, patent owners feel smartphone companies are ignoring the policies outlined by FRAND and using patented technology without permission. The competition amongst smartphone manufacturing companies is so fierce, that companies are not following FRAND policies in attempts to outshine their rivals. FRAND wants to offer a cooperative environment that allows patent owners to be compensated while also allowing companies to move forward with innovation. The concern is if one company owns the rights to a certain feature, such as 3G connectivity or email notifications, it will encourage monopolization and endanger freedom of the marketplace. FRAND laws may be revised or eliminated and rebuilt to ensure intellectual property is protected fairly and all companies have similar access to “industry standard” innovations. FRAND poses a patent paradox of its own to the mobile industry; innovation in technology is key to the development of smartphones but once these innovations are patented companies have to pay top dollar to use them in their devices. FRAND is trying to protect both patent owners and mobile manufacturers but the subjective nature of “fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory” poses many challenges in the relatively new industry. Patent and intellectual property laws have always been an issue with new technologies since the telegraph and even prior; the unique issue that smartphone devices pose is that they are updated so frequently in order to stay relevant, it is difficult to keep track of who owns what and how others can use it without infringing. FRAND is important to ensure the mobile market stays regulated, but it must be adjusted to give all companies equal opportunities and to avoid legal battles in the future.
Mobile phone applications have been creating applications for all ages ranging from adolescents to the elderly. Now, iPhone applications have found an even younger demographic to target introducing the IPhone Interactive Bear. It comes with a free application that enables the bear to talk, sing and educate toddlers as young as 18 months. Just when you thought nothing else could be done, mobile applications have transformed life, yet again. Considering how iPhones applications have been used for educational purposes, Apple is promoting this item as a learning tool. All parents have to do is slide their iPhone into the interactive bear and their child can learn for hours. This would be a great toy for travelling, if needed. Mobile technology have introduced a new trend of gaming. With the laser tag gun in update 1, for most ages, and now the bear for toddlers, this shows how media has the capability to affect everyone, if they allow it. There seems to be several pros to this product, however one thing that sticks about children is that they are accident prone. Although it may be an affect learning tool, it is not spill-proof. After reading about this new application and interactive tool, I would still be hesitant on purchasing this item for my child. How far will technology go?
Posted by Kristin Grant
The New iPad First Bluetooth Smart Ready Tablet: Article
The New iPAD
Bluetooth v4.0
An astonishing feat, Apple Inc. created a new iPad which is the world’s first Bluetooth Smart Ready tablet. As a Bluetooth Smart Ready tablet, Bluetooth v4.0 can connect and distribute information in real-time in laptops and mobile devices like the iPhone 4s. Of course like other Bluetooth devices, Bluetooth v4.0 can instantly connect to your laptop or mobile phone but this new innovative Bluetooth allows consumers to buy an ultra-efficient Bluetooth Smart keyboard that won’t require a change of batteries for a lifetime. Definitely, technological changes have been made in Bluetooth technology. No longer do you have to wait a few minutes to charge your Bluetooth device and place it behind your ear. As a vital change to the mobile media industry, you can now just charge your Bluetooth v4.0 once with the Bluetooth Smart keyboard that will last for a lifetime. Another vital technological change, cell phones in the past like the Samsung Intensity II can not possibly connect to advanced Bluetooth technology and secure data coming from new mobile devices like the new iPad. Specifically, archaic mobile phones like the Samsung Intensity II did not have the option of connecting to apps through an advanced Bluetooth technology. As of now, Bluetooth v4.0 is compatible with the new iPad in tracking data of a user’s progress in the app they are using. For instance, fitness fanatics can track and record their workout routines (heart rate, distance, and so on) on an app that is support by Bluetooth v4.0. Ten years ago, a simple Bluetooth device cannot easily connect to a cell phone let alone a practical app like tracking workout routines. Now, we have advanced Bluetooth technology like Bluetooth v4.0 that can track the progress of a person’s workout through a digital heart rate monitor found in apps on the new iPad. Absolutely, practical apps advocated by advanced Bluetooth technology is a perfect demonstration of how the mobile media industry is reaching new heights. A mind blowing technological change, the new iPad with the Bluetooth v4.0 system can now be used as a remote control to turn on television, entertainment systems, thermostats, and other household devices. It is unimaginable in the past to ponder the possibility of a mobile phone with apps to even turn on a television, but now mobile industries like Apple Inc. have earned their high reputation by linking Bluetooth device to a phone that can literally do it all. Not to mention, mobile media industries like Apple Inc. are really thinking outside the box in upgrading their Bluetooth technology with advanced military chips. Simply, new military grade 128-bit AES chips are installed in the new iPad allowing the mobile device to be more power efficient but more secure in transferring data in apps. Truly, the Bluetooth v4.0 is an important invention along with the new iPad in the mobile media industry making better changes in a progressive world.
By: Lincoln Kang
Yankees Instagram Snaps Make the Major League: Getty Images
Instagram, a mobile app that allows users to share and apply filters to photos taken on camera phones, is on the rise since the launch of the app about 2 years ago. With an estimated 15 million users, instagram is becoming a the "must have" app for both common users and professionals. Some people say that Instagram is a "visual version" of twitter. As far as business goes, some companies love and others find it to be an immature component to their marketing concept. However, photographers have this app at the top of mobile home screens. Instagram and the iphone are ultimately changing the way photographers lead their prossesional lives. According to mashable, instagram some photos taken buy Nick Laham of New York Yankees players at training with an iphone and instagram edits, have made quite the impression at Getty images- a stock photo site that lisences photos for editorial use. Although the iphone camera can't compare with a $6000 Nikon D4, the adoption of the photos by Getty Images proves the iphone and apps professional potential for photographers. The question is, will the iphone put some exspensive cameras out of consideration for photographers? Probably not, but it will capture a piece of the market pie, most likely for amateur photographers. Just like iphone users with applications have the iphone as an alternative to a flashlight, $50 video game, and board game...Amateur Photographers will find ways to opt out of buying some, now, unnecessary exspensive equipment. My prediction is that the instagram application will fuel innovation for the creation of other, more photographer specific, editorial applications for smartphone users.
original article
This wouldn't be a Mobile Media page if we didn't talk about the new Apple iPad.
On Wednesday, March 7th 2012, Apple presented the new iPad. That’s exactly what Apple called the updated tablet – "the new iPad". The tablet will be available to consumers on March 16th with a retail price of $499. It has a “high-definition screen, a faster wireless connection and other refinements.”
The reason why this iPad update is important to Apple is because the competition in the tablet market is getting fierce. Although Apple is sitting on top of the tablet food chain (because most people bought iPads in retail stores rather than wireless carriers), there is always a chance of getting knocked off the top spot. Then again, competition will always exist.
The question is: Is the new iPad worth buying? It really does depend on the individual. If you like creating content, the iPad probably isn’t for you. You should stick with your PC tablet. Other than that, if you plan to use your tablet just for consuming content, then the new iPad might be a good investment. The image is sharper and its 4G LTE mobile broadband support is definitely faster. Finally, if you are sold on getting an iPad but you’re low on cash, Apple is still selling the second-generation iPad for $399.
If you’re still not sure about buying the new iPad after reading the plethora of reviews on the internet, then just wait another year or so. I’m sure the people of Apple will come up with a new one.
Posted By: Muriel Magadia
Associated Press Unveils New Updates to App
The Associated Press' News App was already popular among mobile media users, however with the new streamlined update, the news company hopes to attract even more users. Among its various updates, the app has a more picture-oriented interface and the navigation has become streamlined to make it easier and more efficient to use. Along with its original aggregation of big headlines, the new app also emphasizes local news markets. Its "Region" control allows users to set various locales as their default, giving them the ability to toggle between multiple regions' headlines instantly.
While the app's enhanced navigational controls and graphic-friendly interface will likely draw users, AP still faces the question of how to turn a profit from their service. While no definitive strategy has been utilized, the news company is considering various techniques, such as applying a Pay Wall to non-subscribed users or offering a "Freemium" package in which some of the basic content is available for free, but any enhanced settings will only be available with payment. AP faces the same challenges that traditional newspapers and online news sources have been facing for some time now. If a viable and, ultimately, successful strategy can be implemented in the case of the AP's app, it will provide an example for future news organizations and their own pricing and distribution methods.
Posted By: Brittany McShea
What is FRAND, and Why Do We Care?
by: Melissa DanielsThe competition amongst smartphone manufacturing companies is so fierce, that companies are not following FRAND policies in attempts to outshine their rivals. FRAND wants to offer a cooperative environment that allows patent owners to be compensated while also allowing companies to move forward with innovation. The concern is if one company owns the rights to a certain feature, such as 3G connectivity or email notifications, it will encourage monopolization and endanger freedom of the marketplace. FRAND laws may be revised or eliminated and rebuilt to ensure intellectual property is protected fairly and all companies have similar access to “industry standard” innovations.
FRAND poses a patent paradox of its own to the mobile industry; innovation in technology is key to the development of smartphones but once these innovations are patented companies have to pay top dollar to use them in their devices. FRAND is trying to protect both patent owners and mobile manufacturers but the subjective nature of “fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory” poses many challenges in the relatively new industry. Patent and intellectual property laws have always been an issue with new technologies since the telegraph and even prior; the unique issue that smartphone devices pose is that they are updated so frequently in order to stay relevant, it is difficult to keep track of who owns what and how others can use it without infringing. FRAND is important to ensure the mobile market stays regulated, but it must be adjusted to give all companies equal opportunities and to avoid legal battles in the future.
Submitted by Veronica Elliott
The iPhone Interactive Bear
ArticleMobile phone applications have been creating applications for all ages ranging from adolescents to the elderly. Now, iPhone applications have found an even younger demographic to target introducing the IPhone Interactive Bear. It comes with a free application that enables the bear to talk, sing and educate toddlers as young as 18 months. Just when you thought nothing else could be done, mobile applications have transformed life, yet again. Considering how iPhones applications have been used for educational purposes, Apple is promoting this item as a learning tool. All parents have to do is slide their iPhone into the interactive bear and their child can learn for hours. This would be a great toy for travelling, if needed. Mobile technology have introduced a new trend of gaming. With the laser tag gun in update 1, for most ages, and now the bear for toddlers, this shows how media has the capability to affect everyone, if they allow it. There seems to be several pros to this product, however one thing that sticks about children is that they are accident prone. Although it may be an affect learning tool, it is not spill-proof. After reading about this new application and interactive tool, I would still be hesitant on purchasing this item for my child. How far will technology go?
Posted by Kristin Grant
The New iPad First Bluetooth Smart Ready Tablet: Article
An astonishing feat, Apple Inc. created a new iPad which is the world’s first Bluetooth Smart Ready tablet. As a Bluetooth Smart Ready tablet, Bluetooth v4.0 can connect and distribute information in real-time in laptops and mobile devices like the iPhone 4s. Of course like other Bluetooth devices, Bluetooth v4.0 can instantly connect to your laptop or mobile phone but this new innovative Bluetooth allows consumers to buy an ultra-efficient Bluetooth Smart keyboard that won’t require a change of batteries for a lifetime. Definitely, technological changes have been made in Bluetooth technology. No longer do you have to wait a few minutes to charge your Bluetooth device and place it behind your ear. As a vital change to the mobile media industry, you can now just charge your Bluetooth v4.0 once with the Bluetooth Smart keyboard that will last for a lifetime. Another vital technological change, cell phones in the past like the Samsung Intensity II can not possibly connect to advanced Bluetooth technology and secure data coming from new mobile devices like the new iPad. Specifically, archaic mobile phones like the Samsung Intensity II did not have the option of connecting to apps through an advanced Bluetooth technology. As of now, Bluetooth v4.0 is compatible with the new iPad in tracking data of a user’s progress in the app they are using. For instance, fitness fanatics can track and record their workout routines (heart rate, distance, and so on) on an app that is support by Bluetooth v4.0. Ten years ago, a simple Bluetooth device cannot easily connect to a cell phone let alone a practical app like tracking workout routines. Now, we have advanced Bluetooth technology like Bluetooth v4.0 that can track the progress of a person’s workout through a digital heart rate monitor found in apps on the new iPad. Absolutely, practical apps advocated by advanced Bluetooth technology is a perfect demonstration of how the mobile media industry is reaching new heights. A mind blowing technological change, the new iPad with the Bluetooth v4.0 system can now be used as a remote control to turn on television, entertainment systems, thermostats, and other household devices. It is unimaginable in the past to ponder the possibility of a mobile phone with apps to even turn on a television, but now mobile industries like Apple Inc. have earned their high reputation by linking Bluetooth device to a phone that can literally do it all. Not to mention, mobile media industries like Apple Inc. are really thinking outside the box in upgrading their Bluetooth technology with advanced military chips. Simply, new military grade 128-bit AES chips are installed in the new iPad allowing the mobile device to be more power efficient but more secure in transferring data in apps. Truly, the Bluetooth v4.0 is an important invention along with the new iPad in the mobile media industry making better changes in a progressive world.
By: Lincoln Kang
Yankees Instagram Snaps Make the Major League: Getty Images
article
Instagram, a mobile app that allows users to share and apply filters to photos taken on camera phones, is on the rise since the launch of the app about 2 years ago. With an estimated 15 million users, instagram is becoming a the "must have" app for both common users and professionals. Some people say that Instagram is a "visual version" of twitter. As far as business goes, some companies love and others find it to be an immature component to their marketing concept. However, photographers have this app at the top of mobile home screens. Instagram and the iphone are ultimately changing the way photographers lead their prossesional lives. According to mashable, instagram some photos taken buy Nick Laham of New York Yankees players at training with an iphone and instagram edits, have made quite the impression at Getty images- a stock photo site that lisences photos for editorial use. Although the iphone camera can't compare with a $6000 Nikon D4, the adoption of the photos by Getty Images proves the iphone and apps professional potential for photographers. The question is, will the iphone put some exspensive cameras out of consideration for photographers? Probably not, but it will capture a piece of the market pie, most likely for amateur photographers. Just like iphone users with applications have the iphone as an alternative to a flashlight, $50 video game, and board game...Amateur Photographers will find ways to opt out of buying some, now, unnecessary exspensive equipment. My prediction is that the instagram application will fuel innovation for the creation of other, more photographer specific, editorial applications for smartphone users.
By: Julie Bell