My Desultory Blog

Posted By RichC on August 11, 2010

According to Sherri Wells, a leading expert on SMS messaging, the “SMS (Short Message Service) was developed in 1985 by a collaborated effort between Germany and France and was created by Friedhelm Hillebrand, Bernard Ghillebaert, and Oculy Silaban .” Ms. Wells also states that the first practical message was “Happy Christmas” and was sent in on December 3, 1992 over the Vodafone GSM network in the United Kingdom. Neil Papworth of Sema Group used a personal computer to message Richard Jarvis of Vodafone.

In those early years, carriers were slow to implement the short 160 character messages as they looked for ways to monetized the service. The per message charges deterred those already paying significant charges for mobile devices as carriers’ systems slowly matured. Today SMS text messaging has grown exponentially and the volume is now above 1.5 trillion messages annually, in the just the United States! “Over the full-year 2009, worldwide text messaging generated in excess of $150 billion and that figure is forecast to reach $233 billion by the end of 2014.”

My earliest encounter with SMS was with “text messaging pagers” (photo was my last text pager). A good friend of mine wrote a software program in the early 1990s called ePage which was used by dispatching services as a way to delivery more than a ‘beep’ to a device (aka: Beeper or Pager). Prior to receiving “text,” a subscriber or company employee would call-in to retrieve the message, many without the convenience of a cellphone.  My “unpaid” role was to test the service through Pagenet in Ohio from my friend in Florida. Thinking back, one forgets that other methods of written communication were slow by comparison; we either connected by slow dial-up modems directly and chatted through costly long distance or pay a per-minute fee to a service like Compuserve in order to send email messages – sending a text message to a Motorola text pager to a persons belt anywhere in the coverage area was impressive … and all for the cost of a text message.

Happy Anniversary SMS!

Category: Cellphone, Computer, Technology | No Comments »
Tags: anniversary, beeper, messaging, motorola, pager, paging, sms

Posted By RichC on August 10, 2010

The VOIP service called NetTalk now has a videophone software application for both it’s new DUO and TK6000 device. To used the videophone, the device must be plugged into the USB port rather than functioning as a stand alone box that plugs directly into the router (one of it’s most compelling features). I have not opted to set up the videophone device as of yet, so no review.

(press release below)

Miami, FL – August 9, 2010 – netTALK.COM, INC. (OTCBB: NTLK), a publicly traded Competitive Local Exchange Carrier (CLEC) has revealed its newest service application, a videophone that allows DUO and TK6000 users to stream live video to other netTALK users for free.

All calling features are included on the videophone: voicemail, 411, E911 and free calling to any phone number in the US and Canada. Additionally, netTALK has announced that their patent pending netTALK DUO device that allows callers to make free calls throughout the U.S. and Canada from anywhere in the world is now officially shipping.

“We listen to our customers. Their feedback is valuable to us and keeps us continually striving to meet, and hopefully surpass, their needs,” said Anastasios (Takis) Kyriakides, CEO of netTALK. “Our new application allows our users to have a peer-to-peer video call with any other netTALK customer for free, adding to netTALK’s impressive array of offerings and giving it a much more global appeal.”

Through this revolutionary application, domestic and international netTALK users who want to make free local and long distance calls can now take advantage of being able to see their loved ones, no matter how far away, through this convenient video phone platform.

All customers will be able to download the beta application for free at www.netTALK.com. All the same calling benefits like 411 and E911 are still available in addition to the following features on the videophone application:

• Contact list that allows users to quickly call another video number or regular telephone number
• Complete call history log
• Video + record option that allows customers to record communication sessions.
• Auto answer
• Do not disturb
• Conferencing (3 way calling)
• Make free calls from PC-to- landline phone, landline phone-to-PC and PC-to-PC (for video calling)

“We continue to stay abreast of the most innovative technologies that are sure to please our customers’ cravings for superior products. We are currently developing other products and will be debuting these in the near future,” says Kyriakides.

The DUO can connect directly to a router/modem. There is no need to rely on a computer for phone service. But what really sets the DUO apart from the competition is its ability to also connect through a PC when travelling or when a router connection is not available. Should you choose to connect using your computer, the addition of a videophone that can stream live peer-to-peer video calls enhances the entire PC calling experience.

With the new videophone, there is officially no reason to hold onto your traditional phone service because now you can carry over all your traditional landline features plus the ability to make computer based video calls at no additional charge.  Its sleek design is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, making it the most portable device of its kind.

The DUO comes with everything you need for a quick set-up, including a 3-foot Ethernet cable, USB cable and USB adaptor for easy plug-and-play functionality. All the user needs to get started is high-speed Internet and a traditional telephone. netTALK even has nationwide phone number availability for customers in the continental US who want to keep their local area code.

The netTALK DUO is available for $69.95.  This includes the entire first year of service and only $29.95 each year thereafter (no monthly fees or long term contracts) at www.netTALK.com.

To request more information on netTALK DUO and the new videophone application, please contact PR representative Jenny Coleman at (305) 576-1171    (305) 576-1171  x24 or jennycoleman@maxborgesagency.com.

About NETTALK.COM, INC.

NETTALK.COM, INC. is a publicly traded company (OTCBB: NTLK) and is fully engaged in the design, distribution and sale of products and ultra-low cost services for the use of Voice over Internet Protocol (“VoIP”). netTALK’s Patent Pending TK6000 and DUO plus future products are designed to allow customers full mobile flexibility, offering consumers free nationwide calling to any landline or mobile phone within the U.S. and Canada from anywhere in the world.

Statements about the company’s future expectations, including future revenue and earnings and all other statements in this press release, other than historical facts, are “forward looking” statements and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Such forward looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change at any time.  The company’s actual results could differ materially from expected results.  In reflecting subsequent events or circumstances, the company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements.

Media Contacts:

Jenny Coleman

Account Executive

Max Borges Agency

(305) 576-1171   (305) 576-1171  x24

jennycoleman@maxborgesagency.com

Category: Computer, Technology | No Comments »
Tags: nettalk, phone, voip

Posted By RichC on August 9, 2010

Category: Archive, Humor, Misc | No Comments »
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Posted By RichC on August 9, 2010

I’ve been having problems emailing photos from my Palm Pre (or computer) to Twitpic since last week, which is photo sharing service tied to my Twitter account … not that it’s all that important … but the digging turn up just how rapid the growth has been.

Pretty rapid: In the couple of years since one of the first photos were posted to Twitpic servers Noah Everett’s apartment, the website has risen to what is now is estimated as one of the top 200 destinations on the Internet. Hmm … with over 4 million unique visitors per day, I wonder if I’ll ever get the ‘email to TwitPic’ service fixed?

Category: Cellphone, Computer, Social Media | No Comments »
Tags: internet, twitpic, twitter, web

Posted By RichC on August 8, 2010

As a follow up to a post mentioning tropical storm Colin as it passed just off to the the west but close to Bermuda. Colin  was downloaded to a tropical depression and has dumped rain, strong wind and large waves onto the south shore reefs and beaches of the island. According to meteorologists pinpointing Colin’s center, the storm is now northwest and its center passed west of the island. Predictions were for up to 3 inches of rain with coastal flooding as large waves on the south facing beaches.

I’ve been particularly interested in this rare for Bermuda tropical storm because we’ll soon be heading there on a vacation and selfishly would rather not be dealing with any damage or disruptions.

Category: Misc | No Comments »
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Posted By RichC on August 7, 2010

Category: Aviation, Misc, Video | No Comments »
Tags: airshow, airventure, aviation, eaa, eaa284, oshkosh, red stewart

Posted By RichC on August 6, 2010

Probably not the most enjoyable 16 minute video clip to watch or listen to (below), but VW Product Manager Mark Jo does offer an overview of what will be included in the new ‘lower price for 2011’  Volkswagen Jetta.

Hmm, the “diesel coming out later this year” comment which mean the TDI will probably not be available in October of 2010.

The new Jetta will be available in dealers’ showrooms in October 2010. A TDI clean diesel-powered version will be available later in the year, and a hybrid version is expected to be introduced in 2012.
LINK

Category: Automotive, Diesel, Volkswagen | No Comments »
Tags: diesel, jetta, tdi, volkswagen, vw

Posted By RichC on August 6, 2010

Far be in from me to discourage sailing, cruising and voyaging around the world … but at some point a parent will go too far in supporting a parent’s a child’s dream. Personally speaking my childhood hero was Robin Lee Graham who set sail at 16 for his around the world voyage – and there is no question I was fascinated because he was a teen. Who knows if I would have found a passion for sailing without reading The Boy Who Sailed Around the World Alone in the early 1970’s and dreamt about such an adventure?

Recently a couple 16 year old girls have attempted, one succeeding and one falling short, but fortunately able to return safely. Now, a 14 year old girl, Laura Dekker (her website in English) from the Netherlands will be setting off after a final shakedown. It does beg the question … how young is too young and who’s responsibility is it for her safety?

Besides the mental and physical challenges in sailing a powerful world capable sailboat, the open ocean bluewater weather can challenge even the most salty dog.

Speaking of weather, I’m following Tropical Storm “Colin” in the Atlantic as we ponder our upcoming trip to Bermuda. Not that I’m going to change anything now, but I sure hope the expected wind, rain and surge leave the beautiful isolated island unscathed.

Here are a couple screen captures from the new Track-it-Deluxe (V.1.1.0) on my Palm Pre. (I’ve added the “Bermuda and arrow” as an overlay for clarity)

Category: Cellphone, Sailing, Weather | 2 Comments »
Tags: circumnavigating, colin, hurricane, sailing, track-it-deluxe

Posted By RichC on August 5, 2010

Although I’m finding myself using a 3G cellphone connection for my computer less and less as free wifi spots are opening up everywhere I tend to travel, I do find myself thankful to keep MyTether on my Palm Pre for those moments I need a wireless hotspot.

While stopping for lunch today, the normal wireless access point at McDonalds was not working and I was able to download email and send a file by switching on my access. This hasn’t been the first time I’ve used my cellphone as a modem to save the day and realized I clocked a speed test 4 years ago somewhere along this same route and posted it to my blog. I got me wondering … has Sprint (and Palm hardware) changed my connection speeds … they have. The 3G footprint has improved too.

Now: 1.65 Mbps down / 285 kbps up. Then: 347 kbps down / 33.8 kbps up

Category: Cellphone, Computer | 4 Comments »
Tags: mytether, sprint, wifi

Posted By RichC on August 5, 2010

Once upon a time I thought I had our family’s banking and credit card use figured out … but between the bureaucrats sticking their noses into banking and the greedy bankers themselves wanting to make money hand over fist off the backs of the financially irresponsible like they did a few years ago, a wrench has been tossed into the works for the rest of us. Besides the latest round of hope and change, a WSJ article detailed the cat and mouse game being played my politicians and in turn banks, more responsible credit and debit card holders are facing “fee creep” as creative bankers look for ways to make up for lost revenue.

Besides the “fee creep,” the “change” came home to roost as a minor hassle for my college age son — in his is the case a change in banking laws in replacing an existing debit card tied to his Paypal account (story and rant below).

I’ve put an effort into try to teach my kids about managing money and helped them to establish a couple of different banking accounts prior to age 18  – checking, Internet based higher interest saving, a brokerage and yes, a Paypal account. For my daughter (good ol’ days) it was simple to get a ‘free checking with interest account’ issued in only her name and social security number in order to deposit her paycheck (she taught figure skating while in high school). For my son a couple years later, this process became more challenging and required a parent co-sign on such an account;  no big deal as the tightened rules were understandable when considering ‘bad checks’ written by minors. At the time we also set up Paypal accounts in there names for a few online transactions (buying/selling on Ebay), but primarily as a way to get them their own ‘plastic’ Mastercard issued debit card – it was easy and with a few mouse clicks it was on its way. One of the features that makes the Paypal Mastercard better at the time was that the card that functioned as a credit card (no pin) and offeres a 1% rebate (some banks now do this). It was a good way for them (and parents) to keep an eye on their non-cash spending while under our roof and also having emergency cash without touching their interest bearing checking or savings account – easier to budget and a way to teach the responsibility of handling ‘plastic.’ This has worked great and in my opinion is a good way for parents to teach their kids. Advice to teens: Learn to handle a checking account and manage plastic while still at home. It might even be better for teens to have a little ‘small money trouble’ before going out on their own and doing it in a bigger way?

Fast forward – my son misplaced/lost his wallet which set up the lesson of checking on his accounts and cancelation of his existing cards. In helping with this, I figured no big deal … I’ve called for replacement credit cards before and the bank happily sends them out pronto … heaven forbid a customer stop charging! Unfortunately with the new banking regulations (according to Paypal) they will not just replace a card reported lost anymore. Huh? A Paypal customer must go through the the upgraded process of authorizing new card, even if it is to replace the previous one. Although this is not an impossible task, it requires my son to supply them with a credit card issued to him … or a bank debit card, something he doesn’t currently have (he uses a bank ATM only card). So the process to “replace his Paypal card” is to request a bank debit card, wait, submit this to Paypal, wait and eventually have a Paypal Mastercard again. For someone who might want access to his Paypal balance, this  is going to take a few days. 

In retrospect this is probably a small deal … as most people can exist without their habitual use of plastic and might even be fiscally more responsible for it? Come to think about it, I don’t think I had a card until I was married … so maybe this was just a therapeutic rant? In any case, it might be best to have a back up plan before losing your wallet.

Category: Financial, Personal, Politics | No Comments »
Tags: credit cards, paypal, taylor, wsj