AT&T will buy WayPort. More good news for iPhone users!

On Nov 18, 2:13 pm, Todd Allcock <eleccon... DeleteThis @AnoOspamL.com> wrote:
> At 18 Nov 2008 09:40:14 -0800 4phun wrote:
>
>
>
> > This is the first step to true and accurate voice recognition and
> > translation:
>
>
> Perhaps, but only in a spell-checker sort of way.  The system will simulate
> increased accuracy by replacing non-understood inputwith likely
> possibilities based on things most people have searched for, in an "80/20
> rule" methodology, "correcting" seldom used search terms you might have
> actually wanted, into more popular ones you didn't.  (I.e. a query for
> "Seratonin" might return "Sarah Palin", since the latter currently gets far
> more hits than the former.)
>

Ha Ha this is a hoot!

I tried Todds example and found there is no such word. As Google
instantly came back with Serotonin not Seratonin or "Sarah Palin".

I even keyed it in exactly as Todd spelled it to double check - same
result!

Todd you need Google Voice Mobile too for fast accurate results. :>)

I just searched for the cure for a cold and mailed the results to
myself to explore on the PC.

At 18 Nov 2008 09:40:14 -0800 4phun wrote:
> This is the first step to true and accurate voice recognition and
> translation:
>
> 1) Google user speaks search string into phone.
>
> 2) Google gets it wrong, user corrects Google
>
> 3) Multiply by millions of searches daily with constant correction and
> feedback from users
>
> 4) Perfect voice rec, major profit
>
> There will be a few issues with voice recognition to begin with but as
> it gets better and more people use the service and add to the database
> with their corrections and add to the pool of variable accents etc the
> accuracy will be perfected at an exponential rate.


Perhaps, but only in a spell-checker sort of way. The system will simulate
increased accuracy by replacing non-understood inputwith likely
possibilities based on things most people have searched for, in an "80/20
rule" methodology, "correcting" seldom used search terms you might have
actually wanted, into more popular ones you didn't. (I.e. a query for
"Seratonin" might return "Sarah Palin", since the latter currently gets far
more hits than the former.)


> A similar concept could apply to translations. Once voice recognition
> is perfected and becomes the primary search input of choice then more
> people will be able to use their phones as direct voice to voice
> translators. Obvious translation mistakes will become apparent through
> mass use. At every turn users could flag apparent mistranslations and
> through the help of the Google Borg accurate translations would
> evolve. Much the same way that Wikipedia pages tend to accuracy over
> time even with the input of a subset of "disruptive" users.


True, which will be state of the art until mobile devices get enough power
to handle speech recognition on-board instead of relying on a server. On-
board processing will allow the accuracy to evolve based on YOUR input alone,
rather than the input of the entire "herd" of users.

At 18 Nov 2008 09:54:28 -0800 4phun wrote:
> "Why don't they let more than just iPhone users take advantage of
> this, dagnabbit?"
>
> For the same reasons...

....they premier new commercials during the Super Bowl- everyone is watching
it!

On 11/18/08 12:20 PM, in article
9e26c869-8c73-4a5a-8902-0c25228c663e RemoveThis @u29g2000pro.googlegroups.com, "4phun"
<vic.healey RemoveThis @gmail.com> wrote:

> On Nov 18, 12:41 pm, George Kerby <ghost_top... RemoveThis @hotmail.com> wrote:
>> On 11/17/08 11:10 PM, in article
>> 5284c053-f7dc-4715-a79f-15e465a55... RemoveThis @o4g2000pra.googlegroups.com, "4phun"
>>
>>
>>
>> <vic.hea... RemoveThis @gmail.com> wrote:
>>> On Nov 18, 12:04 am, 4phun <vic.hea... RemoveThis @gmail.com> wrote:
>>>> I found and downloaded the voice update to Google Mobile and it is by
>>>> far the best update to any app ever at the iTunes store.
>>
>>>> FAST
>>>> ACCURATE
>>>> AND BEYOND EASY TO USE
>>
>>>> INSTANT RESULTS CUSTOMIZED FOR THE IPHONE!
>>
>>>> This application alone will sell a ton of iPhones this season. It is
>>>> that good!
>>
>>>> And so far you will only find it on the iPhone at AT&T
>>
>>>> To bad, so sad, if you can't have it!
>>
>>>> ;>)
>>
>>> MORE
>>
>>> Features
>>
>>> Voice Search.New! Speak your queries without even pushing a single
>>> button.
>>
>>> Search with My Location.New! Search for business, weather, and movie
>>> information without specifying where you are.
>>
>>> Local search suggestions on a map. See nearby business suggestions on
>>> Google Maps -- just tap the "near me" suggestions.
>>
>>> Instant access to search. Start a Google search with just one click.
>>
>>> Google Suggest. Get relevant search suggestions as you type, saving
>>> you keystrokes.
>>
>>> URL suggestions. Get to popular web sites quickly by tapping site web
>>> address suggestions.
>>
>>> Contact search. Quickly find contacts in your address book.
>>
>>> Search history. Get instant access to your previous searches.
>>
>>> Easy access to other Google products. Launch other Google products
>>> like Maps, Gmail and News from the Apps tab.
>>
>>> http://phobos.apple.com/webobjects/mzstore.woa/wa/viewsoftware?id=284...
>
>>> =8
>>
>> Link is broken:
>> " Not Found
>>
>> The requested URL /webobjects/mzstore.woa/wa/viewsoftware was not found on
>> this server.
>>
>> Apache/2.0.58 (Unix) Server at phobos.apple.com Port 80"
>
>
> That link activates iTunes App Store on a Mac or PC, does nothing in
> Linux - dead end
> Probably the App store is overloaded right now downloading that app.
Nope. I just went to the store and downloaded here on the iMac and sync the
iPhone no problem. Have been having a ball with it ever since.

That POS youtube video that Larry touted is right out of something that was
magic - thirty years ago, LOL!

But the link was, and still is, screwy...

"4phun" <vic.healey.TakeThisOut@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:e00759af-cdde-41b6-90c8-9563631f48d1@v5g2000prm.googlegroups.com...

> PC World
> Tuesday, November 18, 2008 1:10 PM PST
> 8 Reasons to Pick iPhone Over BlackBerry Storm
>
> http://www.pcworld.com/article/154131/iphone_beats_storm.html

It was a "point/counterpoint" article. You missed the other link by the
same author (which Ron already posted in the AT&T NG):

http://www.cio.com/article/463019/RIM_BlackBerry_Storm_vs._iPhone_G_Re...ns_to_P

Not to bash either article, but the author admits he actually hasn't used a
Storm yet, and based many of his points on how the current crop of
Blackberries work (i.e. he makes the assumption that the Storm's browser and
media player will be similar, or only marginally improved compared to the BB
Curve, etc.) Maybe I'm old fashioned, but I like my reviewers to actually
at least SEE a device before they start praising or bashing it!

November 19, 2008, 4:28 pm
Apple’s iPhone Apps Get a Life
By Roy Furchgott

I have previously chided iPhone App Store for not making it easier to
find what you want in the sea of more than 5,500 choices. But here is
a big step in the right direction, a nicely organized new web page
called “iPhone Your Life.” (Yeah, I know, shouldn’t the people who
make those innovative products and entertaining ads be able come up
with a better name?)

http://www.apple.com/iphone/iphone-your-life/

The page is loaded with tips and tricks for getting more out of your
iPhone, arranged by activity, like “At Home” and “World Travel.” The
site suggests apps that might be useful for that activity. Under
“Around Town,” it hawks a Yellow Pages app, one that reminds you when
your parking meter is running low, a taxi locator, and a way to find
nearby restaurants.

There is also a list of the basic apps, like “phone” and “mail” with
operating instructions and shortcuts to becoming a power user. You may
find features in your most common applications that you didn’t know
existed. Who knew that if you tap the iTunes Starbucks icon while in
the store it will tell you what song is currently playing?

BlackBerry's Storm: Awkward and Disappointing
Research in Motion's BlackBerry Storm looks handsome enough, but it
will disappoint prospective buyers hoping for a credible touch-based
iPhone alternative.

Yardena Arar, PC World
Nov 20, 2008 12:01 am

BlackBerry fans who've been yearning for a touch-based handset à la
iPhone now have one, but the BlackBerry Storm--which Verizon Wireless
plans to start selling Friday for $250 with a two-year contract--might
not be the smart phone of their dreams.

The decision by Research in Motion to differentiate the Storm by
giving its capacitive touch screen a mechanical component (the entire
screen functions as a button for confirming selections or initiating
actions) turns out to be more confusing than helpful. Ultimately, the
Storm's touch interface feels like a failed experiment.


It's too bad, because the Storm has some nice features and makes a
great first impression. Encased in shiny black with silvery accents on
the front and a removable matte metal cover in the back, the Storm is
shorter, slightly narrower, and somewhat thicker than the iPhone--not
surprising since it packs support for Verizon Wireless's fastest
network (EvDO Rev. A), for quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE, and for 2100-MHz
UMTS/HSPA networks, enabling overseas roaming on the fastest networks
available. The Storm also has a GPS receiver and Bluetooth, but no Wi-
Fi.


<Snip>

A Disappointing Touch

The touch-screen interface differentiates the Storm from its RIM
brethren--and there I was disappointed.

<snip>

Click to Type

Typing on the Storm isn't much fun, either. You have to click the
screen keyboard for each keystroke (the keys flash blue under your
fingertips as you click), which ends up feeling like a lot of work in
a way that typing on a hardware keyboard (or on the iPhone's software
keyboard, for that matter) never did. I worry, too, about how well the
mechanics of the click screen will hold up under the pressure of
continual use by heavy typers.

There's no obvious way to make the keyboard go away quickly, either,
if you want to see part of the screen that it's concealing.

<snip>

But people who were hoping for a credible iPhone alternative fortified
with BlackBerry's strengths as a mobile tool for corporate travelers
will likely find the Storm a disappointment. When it comes to touch
interfaces, Apple still has no peer.

[Even before seeing the BlackBerry Storm, some journalists had
reservations about it. Read a list of reasons to pick the iPhone over
the Storm by Al Sacco of our sister publication, CIO.]

http://www.pcworld.com/printable/article/id,154212/printable.html

nospam wrote:
> In article <7sl2i4pk70gihr0madm4srma7884dmif92 RemoveThis @4ax.com>, Ron
> <ron.clifford RemoveThis @peoplepc.com> wrote:
>
>> Your snipping the link proving Continental did it last year in 2007,
>> doesnt make AA first.
>
> i *said* aa wasn't first, so there was no need to keep the link, and in
> my other reply, i specifically mentioned continental doing it before
> aa. i also said it had nothing to do with iphones and actually sounds
> like more of a pain than using a piece of paper. sometimes low tech is
> the best solution.

I agree that passing through TSA can be a pain if they insist on seeing
your boarding card immediately following the metal detector. Otherwise
it is fine. Notwithstanding that, I found it quite convenient to use at
the boarding gate at which point my iPhone (or any other phone with a
display) is readily available anyway.

Still another update from Apple for the world's most popular smart
phone. It sure is nice not having to wait a lifetime to get an update.
I can feel the pain of those waiting for an update to a Sprint,
Verizon or T-Mobile phone. Does anyone know how many updates Apple has
rolled out this year?

--
iPhone 2.2 - What We Know So Far
Author: Robin Eddins

The exciting developments coming to the iPhone through the highly
anticipated release of firmware 2.2 have been consistently documented.
But now we want to bring you an overview of all the thrilling
advancements that will soon be available on an iPhone near you.

First, when can we expect the update already? Well, according to
MacRumors, we can expect its release on November 21st. The date has
not been confirmed and seems rather random considering there are no
planned events on that day. For something this huge and with so many
new changes you’d think a planned event would be appropriate, but in
true Apple style, they may just want to catch everyone off guard.

So far we have uncovered lots of gems hidden in the 2.2 beta 2
firmware, but even with all the discoveries, we found yet another rock
that was left unturned. Just discovered was new functionality of the
iPhone’s home button. Of course a single tap still exits any
application and returns to the home screen, but what about a single
tap when you are already on the home screen? In iPhone firmware 2.2 a
single tap returns the user back to the first page of the home screen.
That’s right, if you are one of those people that have pages and pages
of apps, one click brings you right back to see your SMS and other
favorite apps, no more finger swipe mania! Double tapping the home
button acts as it did before allowing you to choose to go to your
phone favorites or iPod.

Here’s a breakdown of everything that has been confirmed in the new
firmware after the jump:


App Store

* New category icons: An icon now appears next to each category
name. The icon is of an app that is currently in the store that
represents that category. The app icon Apple chooses to display next
to the category also changes sporadically, surely in only a way that
Apple can understand.
* Sorting within categories: Now when a user enters a category,
he will be able to sort the apps by “Top Paid,” “Top Free,” and
“Release Date.” Currently the apps only appear in order of release
date, so this will be a nice change for users looking to find quality
within a category.
* Multiple Screenshots: Users will now be able to see all the
screenshots of an application, just like they can on the desktop
iTunes rather than being limited to just one picture in the app
store.
* Report a Problem: Have a problem with an application? Does it
have a bug? Is it offensive? If so one click can send the note right
to the developer.

Podcasts

So what’s going on with Podcasts? well as previously reported , there
is a sexy new button on the iTunes tab bar that gives users the
ability to download podcasts directly from their iPhone.

* Both video and audio podcasts will be available for download
* Over-the-Air downloads on AT&T’s Edge and 3G networks (limit of
10MB)
* No file size limit when downloading over WiFi

Safari

It’s hard to improve on a good thing, so Safari will see very few
changes. The only confirmed change worth noting is the new newly
designed user interface to it’s address bar.

* The address bar on the top of the screen has been split into two
sections. Most of the space displays the URL, while the new section
contains room for a google search. When either area is clicked, the
view expands to the full size while the keyboard is displayed. It
matches the style Safari uses on the desktop, and makes the Google
search much more visible.

Maps

* Street View: Google street view is most likely the most highly
reported feature coming to the new firmware. iPhone users will now be
able to get the same view that was highly publicized for Android
Phones.

* Walking Directions: No car, no problem. Users will be able to
choose to get walking directions,the time estimates even change to
accommodate the slower mode of transportation. This is really handy
in crowded cities with one-way roads that don’t impact the walkers.

* Public Transportation: Find your way using only public
transit! Maps now offers directions and combines different means of
public transportation to get you to your destination. A true treat to
someone in a new city and with no rental car.

* Location Sharing: Maps now makes it a snap to send your current
location, or any other location to anyone you want via email. Launch
maps, drop a pin and simply email anyone you choose. If you receive a
location it launches your maps application and lets you directions
directly. So what’s the point of Loopt again?

Other Improvements

* Support for Audio Line-in: The headphone jack will be able to
take accessories that will allow users to record anything they wish,
including real instruments.
* Auto-Correction settings: This feature can now be turned off
for those of us who have mastered the iPhone keypad.
* Support for new languages
* Rating System: Also, as previously reported, the new rating
system will be implemented in 2.2. The rating system will prompt app
users to give a rating upon deleting an app, a questionable system.
It’s hard to image any user giving anything other than a 1 star rating
after DELETING an app.

Now, don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten about the emoticons, however,
it’s still unclear if they will actually be included in the update and
we cannot confirm they will be there as of this time. Something almost
not worth mentioning is that now when you forget your voicemail
password, you will be prompted to call AT&T… I recommend skipping this
process and using the Direct Line app to get through.

On Nov 20, 4:44 pm, iPhone 3Gold <vic.hea....RemoveThis@gmail.com> wrote:
> Cnet's Take on BlackBerry's Storm
>
> The gloomier forecast
>
> But the Storm isn't a perfect device either. And there are a few
> things that I prefer on the iPhone. For one, the Storm lacks Wi-Fi.
> Verizon Wireless' representatives told me they opted not to include Wi-
> Fi because it adds "bulk, cost, and is a drain on the battery."

BusinessWeek panned all the new BlackBerrys today.
--

Review: New BlackBerrys cool but can't beat iPhone

By RACHEL METZ
More from BusinessWeek


NEW YORK

BusinessWeek concludes that best of the Rimm lot, was the BlackBerry
Bold 9000, which will be on the same AT&T network as the iPhone.

RIMM to AT&T?

"No garbage for you, we'll save it for Verizon and T-Mobile." ;>)

4phun <vic.healey RemoveThis @gmail.com> wrote in news:370ae3c4-07b0-460a-983e-
b673fee0af6e RemoveThis @k36g2000yqe.googlegroups.com:

> BlackBerry's Storm: Awkward and Disappointing
> Research in Motion's BlackBerry Storm looks handsome enough, but it
> will disappoint prospective buyers hoping for a credible touch-based
> iPhone alternative.
>

Stop being so paranoid, Vic. It's $199 after the $50 rebate game to
collect data with so same price as the Fruit. The kiddies won't buy it
because it's not for them....as are any Berries. Storm is for the
businessmen, the men with the money. Their IT department has already
told them your Fruitoy isn't a business machine and the company won't
pay for its security risks to their IT system. They trust the
Blackberrys they've been using for years, so will allow all the execs to
swap their keyboards for the Storm, en masse. That's the market for it.

All the big holes in the Fruitoy, the Storm fills.....
Swappable battery
external memory card slot to put the desktop data on
cut and paste and easier word processing
push email they won't even have to change from the old Berries
all those things that matter to the businesses Iphone doesn't and won't
have. Don't tell me about the MS patch to iphone. They've not been
using it with their old Berries and their new Storm uses the same system
they've grown up with and TRUST, the biggest hill to get into any
businesses graces.

Outside business, the horrible Apple ad budget eating the company's
profits will still keep the kiddies in line, even with all its
shortcomings they hate. "Cool" is the target it fills, besides the
drink coaster app.

Verizon's shitty attitude towards data usage will kill it just like the
Voyager and all the smartphones before it. If you use the tethering,
you go from unlimited data for just the Storm to their shitty 5GB/month
SHARED between the Storm and your laptop you pay them $30/mo EXTRA for
just to turn the tethering function on. That will keep users from
tethering to the Storm, except for business which will pay whatever
Verizon wants for data. Business already has Verizon's cards in their
laptops so won't care. That billing is separate....and deductable. For
the individual users, like me, Verizon will turn us off with high
charges and addons, addons, addons....just like always.

"Larry" <noone DeleteThis @home.com> wrote in message
news:Xns9B5C6D5FEC52Dnoonehomecom@74.209.131.13...
>
>
> 4phun <vic.healey DeleteThis @gmail.com> wrote in news:370ae3c4-07b0-460a-983e-
> b673fee0af6e DeleteThis @k36g2000yqe.googlegroups.com:
>
>> BlackBerry's Storm: Awkward and Disappointing
>> Research in Motion's BlackBerry Storm looks handsome enough, but it
>> will disappoint prospective buyers hoping for a credible touch-based
>> iPhone alternative.
>>
>
> Stop being so paranoid, Vic. It's $199 after the $50 rebate game to
> collect data with so same price as the Fruit. The kiddies won't buy it
> because it's not for them....as are any Berries. Storm is for the
> businessmen, the men with the money. Their IT department has already
> told them your Fruitoy isn't a business machine and the company won't
> pay for its security risks to their IT system. They trust the
> Blackberrys they've been using for years, so will allow all the execs to
> swap their keyboards for the Storm, en masse. That's the market for it.
>
> All the big holes in the Fruitoy, the Storm fills.....
> Swappable battery
> external memory card slot to put the desktop data on
> cut and paste and easier word processing
> push email they won't even have to change from the old Berries
> all those things that matter to the businesses Iphone doesn't and won't
> have. Don't tell me about the MS patch to iphone. They've not been
> using it with their old Berries and their new Storm uses the same system
> they've grown up with and TRUST, the biggest hill to get into any
> businesses graces.
>
> Outside business, the horrible Apple ad budget eating the company's
> profits will still keep the kiddies in line, even with all its
> shortcomings they hate. "Cool" is the target it fills, besides the
> drink coaster app.
>
> Verizon's shitty attitude towards data usage will kill it just like the
> Voyager and all the smartphones before it. If you use the tethering,
> you go from unlimited data for just the Storm to their shitty 5GB/month
> SHARED between the Storm and your laptop you pay them $30/mo EXTRA for
> just to turn the tethering function on. That will keep users from
> tethering to the Storm, except for business which will pay whatever
> Verizon wants for data. Business already has Verizon's cards in their
> laptops so won't care. That billing is separate....and deductable. For
> the individual users, like me, Verizon will turn us off with high
> charges and addons, addons, addons....just like always.
>
In my area the kids are all wanting to get one. They want the touch screen.

Mom and dad won't change from Verizon. The kids from the poll they took that
covers about 100 miles tells that most of the kids wanted a iPhone.

But there all on there mom and dad's account. Mom and Dad can't or won't
change to AT&T. A friend sells Verizon and has already has paid orders for
about 30 of them sight unseen. Once the kids get them, there going to show
there friends and so on.

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