Apple vs Google in a Map Match Up
Posted on 19. Jun, 2012 by dfloyd in Apps, Industry News
When Apple announced last week that the new iOS would include a new mapping app with updated graphics, crystal clear details, improved navigation, and spoken turn-by-turn directions, they were announcing a map app war with Google. Their newest map program involves dropping Google Maps and utilizing the services of the navigation company Tom-Tom. Over the next several months, Apple will continue to extend relationships with developers on their map program, then in the fall the real battle begins. Both giants, Apple and Google have something to lose in this match-up.
If Apple cannot deliver a solid mapping navigation system that rivals and exceeds Google Maps, they may drive customer over to Android. If Apple wins, Google will lose massive information about “users’ locations, destinations and driving and shopping habits.” Either way, this should prove to be an interesting battle of the map apps.
iPad 2 is Announced
Posted on 08. Mar, 2011 by Scott Sutton in Equipment, Events, Wireless Equipment
Apple iPad 2 is officially announced. The update includes a 1GHz dual-core A5 chip as well as two cameras. One camera will be in the rear of the device as well as, the highly anticipated, front facing camera. The updates will allow the iPad to run up to nine times faster than the original iPad. All these changes and Apple is still able to keep the battery life at 10 hours. Pricing is left unchanged at $499 for a 16GB WiFi-only iPad 2 and all the way up to $829 for a WiFi/3G capable device with 64GB of storage. Apple is going outside of its usual boundaries and including an HDMI port that will be capable of 1080p. However, you’ll need to purchase a $39 dongle entitled Apple Digital AV Adapter. The iPad 2’s resolution is unchanged from the iPad at 1024 x 768. For a closer look check out this hands on by Engadget.
CNN: Apple preparing Verizon-compatible iPad?
Posted on 29. Dec, 2010 by Jay Witherspoon in Uncategorized
I am very much looking forward to hearing announcements in the very near future about upcoming devices. It’s going to be an exciting year for Verizon and for Cellular Sales!
CNN.com: Apple preparing Verizon-compatible iPad?
Motorola Droid X, HTC Incredible Supply Problems Are Not Intentional.
Posted on 19. Jul, 2010 by Jay Witherspoon in Wireless Equipment, Wireless Industry
The Droid X (far right) is big figuratively and literally. At this moment, they're sold out. Photo courtesy Dan Thompson, Claris Networks. Click photo for device review.
I’ve heard several otherwise intelligent folks speculating that the supply shortages of the Motorola Droid X and the HTC Incredible are somehow intentional.
Let me reassure you, dear reader, that this is not the case. No conspiracy theory is logical. Right now, Verizon and the Android device manufacturers want to snag as much of the iPhone demographic as possible before the iPhone is available on the Verizon network! Otherwise, those customers will go to AT&T and the iPhone, despite AT&T network shortcomings. Droid-OS manufacturers will never have a better time to sell their products on the Verizon network than right now, when they are not competing with the iPhone.
Verizon could have sold dozens of thousands more Motorola Droid X’s in the device launch this past weekend. We’re unsure what exactly the supply issue is with the Droid X, although it may simply be poor sales forecasting and that would be a shame. The HTC Incredible, though several months out of the gate, is still working through supply issues with its AMOLED screen produced by Samsung (right now, if you order an Incredible from Verizon’s website, your device will ship on 8/3, although we’ve heard Verizon recently okayed a new Super-LCD version of the Incredible that will not have the supply issues… more coming soon).
So, assuming that Verizon and the device manufacturers have half a brain and a functioning brain stem between them, they would not have decided to reduce supply intentionally. I’m willing to make that assumption.
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In related news, our friends at Claris Networks have reviewed the Droid X. As always, Dan Thompson’s thoughts are insightful and well-stated.
-Jay Witherspoon, Director of Advertising, Cellular Sales
Microsoft Announces Sidekick's Futuristic Mutant Offspring
Posted on 12. Apr, 2010 by Cellular Sales in Cellular Sales News, Wireless Industry
Back in February Microsoft announced its new Mobile operating system, “Windows Phone 7,” would be available in devices by this holiday shopping season. Right now, the market for Windows Mobile OS phones, in my experience, is comprised mostly of folks who need to use their phone to interface with their IT systems at work. And a few other people who feel comfort with Microsoft products, suspicious as that may seem…
I’ll be honest and say I have not enjoyed any phones running a Microsoft Mobile OS the same way I have not enjoyed handling any rabid porcupines… I haven’t done it. Okay, I’ve messed around with a few handsets and cursed a few times, but that’s it. More than most people.
So anyway, earlier in the year, Microsoft announced Windows Phone 7. Today they announced there would be two new devices coming soon to Verizon to compete with the iPhone and Android handsets (I know no more dates than have been published [true or not] on the Internet). Microsoft purchased the company that made the Paris-hilton-toting-and-famously-hacked “Sidekick” and now they’ve made spawn with a new set of devices and services aimed at the young demographics who enjoy socializing even more than their elders through their phones. It’s gotten a lukewarm review from what I’ve seen so far.
But I would welcome another competitor in the mobile market. It makes better products. I hope Microsoft came to play, but I’ll wait and see. I think maybe Microsoft is tired of seeing Verizon, Apple, and AT&T hogging the mobile industry headlines, and they’re hungry right about now. Let’s see what happens.
-Jay Witherspoon, Director of Advertising
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