Mobile Strategy » Fun

The Sometimes Unbelievable Allure of Mobile

Jose HC — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 06:00:33 +0000

The paragraph in quotes below was my first draft introduction to a report we were writing for a client on the sustainability of a specific business model in mobile. Of course I can’t say much about it but I am laughing at myself for what I initially thought was going to be the introduction to a very ‘serious’ report for a private equity-type firm. I was more inspired than what I should have been for such a deliverable… so I took it out.

However, it does make me think about the power, the attraction… the allure of mobile. It is hard to explain but I know you are reading these words right now because it draws you as well.

Like any real geographer will tell you, everything happens in space and geography is about space. Similarly, everything happens in mobile and mobile is about everything. Why? Because mobile is where ever you find yourself. Chances are, you are reading this and your mobile device is very close to you. It is the most intimate and personal of technologies. It is with you wherever you go and knows more about you than most people even tell their spouses. Its portability has made it your most constant companion and I am certain it has helped you get out of a jam more than once.

For these and many other reasons, over the last few years, mobile has become the place to go.
With all of its allure, mobile has not yet come of age. The industry is still in development; still growing. Business models are born and become obsolete almost as quickly as devices come to market and become yesterday’s news.

What is it about mobile?

I know some of you are thinking about the money. And of course that is a very strong pull. But go deeper than that. Are we so drawn to mobile because mobile is us? Is it so personal and intimate that it is an expression (a reflection) of us? A reflection of you. A reflection of me.

What applications do you have on your phone that are representative of you? Do you carry a Bible on your smartphone? Do you play games? What music do you listen to? Where did you last check in? Do you look at pornography on it? Do you have your family pictures? Are all your passwords to your bank accounts on your device?

If you leave home without it in the morning… do you drive back home even though you will be late for work? (I have done that in the past).

If you die tomorrow, and all that is left of you is that smartphone… what will I learn about you?

Just For Fun: Experience Mobile Mobile

Jose HC — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 23:43:58 +0000

We interrupt our holiday hiatus with this short video.

Experience Mobile Mobile from James Théophane Jnr on Vimeo.

Just For Fun: Google Goggles

Jose HC — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 05:37:48 +0000

From time to time we have a Just For Fun post. Now is the time for one. Except that this one is much more than just for fun, it is a glimpse into the future… and the future is now.

What is Google Goggles?
You do have to watch the video below, but in essence it is an Android application that takes photos, tries to recognize the subject of your photo and then presents you a search result about the subject. So far it can recognize landmarks, books, contact info, artwork, places and logos. More in the video.

This excerpt from the Google Goggles page:

A picture is worth a thousand words.
No need to type your search anymore. Just take a picture.

Find out what businesses are nearby.
Just point your phone at a store.

This is just the beginning – it’s not quite perfect yet.
Works well for some things, but not for all.

Your pictures, your control.
Turn on ‘visual search history’ to view or share your pictures at any time. Turn it off to discard them once the search is done.

Here is the video… enjoy!

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Just For Fun: Microsoft Makes Fun of App Store

Jose HC — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 06:11:23 +0000

A lot of truth in this half-funny video regarding the App Store and poor applications. But of course funny videos could also be aimed at Windows Marketplace, BlackBerry App World, etc…

But for the sake of simply having fun take a look at the video below.

I found it over here.Similar Posts:

Just For Fun: RIM BlackBerry Watch

Jose HC — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:21:33 +0000

Just the other day a funny guy at work signed his email – sent from my Shoe Phone. Him and others may enjoy this Just For Fun post. You may have already seen it since the story broke yesterday… I am just running behind this week. … and it’s only Tuesday. But seeing that readers here are slightly different than readers from CrackBerry or BlackBerry Cool this may still be news to you.

Key features we’ve been told so far about the BlackBerry-connected smartwatch by our source:

it has been designed specifically for use with BlackBerry Smartphones from the ground up – developed by a new BlackBerry-dedicated accessory company

it features an OLED screen that we hear is “big, bright and beautiful” and optimized for displaying text clearly, and thanks to OLED has solid battery life

it’s designed to show you notifications and previews of messages arriving on your BlackBerry

judging by the filename of the photos as they were sent in to us, we’re thinking it’s going to be branded the inPulse smartwatch

Pictures from CrackBerry …

Original source is from CrackBerry. You can find more here and everywhere else.