You remember that part right?  If you do not, watch the movie "A Few Good Men" and you will know what I am talking about.  The truth was something that no one wanted to hear, and it cost a young Marine his life.

This post is about the truth, but no one is going to or has lost their life.  But, I do want to address some false information that is being spread around regarding Nextel Push to Talk services.  It seems that there are those out there who want to spread rumors about information that is not true, or they have not done their research before speaking. 

Over the week or so, I have answered several calls and emails about an announcement that Sprint recently made regarding their Push to Talk service on Nextel.  In the announcement, Sprint told the world that they would be phasing out the Push to Talk service on the Nextel network beginning in 2013.

That's right........2013. 

Also stated in the announcement was the fact that Sprint is realizing that customers who are still on the Nextel network needed access to faster data speeds and better smartphones.  These customers were moving over to the Sprint network or were moving to another carrier to gain these services.

Last, Sprint stated that they are currently working and testing the Push to Talk service on the Sprint network.  This would allow those users that wanted Push to Talk coupled with faster data and better smartphones the opportunity to have it all on one network.

Now, to address what I am hearing. 

1. Sprint is not cancelling Push to Talk next year, nor are they shutting down the network next year.
2. Push to Talk is not going away.  It is moving from one network to another.
3. Push to Talk is not going away.  It is moving from one network to another.
4. Push to Talk is not going away........you get the picture, right?

There you have it.  If there are any questions about what you have read, or if you would like to see the announcement for yourself, you can click here.

Until next time,
T

As we all know, Verizon Wireless made the announcement earlier this week regarding the launch of the iPhone 4.  Guess we can finally put that rumor to bed, right?  Coupled with their most reliable network in the nation, the phone should do fairly well. 

Yesterday, Verizon announced that they were doing away with all early upgrades and discounts for existing customers. The move forces people to upgrade before January 16th to get their discounts or be forced to pay full price when upgrading their phone.

Facebook, Twitter and many other social media sites are booming with people who are upset that this is happening.  So, why did they do it?

Business, nothing more.

Verizon knows that millions of customers are getting ready to jump ship and move over when the iPhone launches.  Instead of depleting iPhone inventory with upgrades from existing customers, Verizon is saving that inventory for new customers.  New customers will pay $199 for the iPhone, and Verizon will cut its losses down by forcing existing customers to pay full retail for their new phone.

Don't be surprised when Verizon Wireless stores ask you if you are an existing customer when purchasing the iPhone in a few weeks.  Just as they did when the Blackberry Storm launched, stores will more than likely hold their inventory for new activations instead of upgrades.  New activations are worth twice the money that an upgrade is.

Now, if you want my opinion on the iPhone coming to Verizon, see my blog post titled, "Is the Verizon iPhone too late?"

Until next time,

T

Recent rumors surrounding the Apple iPhone launch for Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile are everywhere.  Search any engine and you will find tons of articles, comments, and posts regarding the what, when, and how the new iPhone will launch and on what network.

But, is Apple too late?  Did they wait too long to launch their phone on a carrier better than AT&T?

In my opinion, YES.

Market gains from Google based Android phones are the only phone gaining any market share right now.  While every other manufacturer lost market share through July of 2010, Android gained 5%!

Don't believe me, check this out:

Personally, I think that Verizon, Sprint, or whomever launches the iPhone will benefit from people moving to a better carrier than AT&T.  But, all indications are that market share will continue to grow towards the Android platform and further away from RIM, Apple, Microsoft, and Palm.

What are your thoughts?

I am sitting here tonight enjoying the rumbling of thunder and the sharp flash of lightning.  Ah...........spring is finally here.

I thought tonight would be a good time to discuss Google Voice and the many features that come with it.  If you do not know what Google Voice is, well, let me tell you about it.

Google Voice is a service provided by Google that basically allows you to organize ALL of your telephone numbers in one place.  Waiting on that important call?  No problem.  List your numbers with Google Voice, and allow Google to transfer that important call to whatever phone you may be sitting beside at that time.

Here is how it works.  Once you have an account with Google voice, you can simply log in to your account and choose a Google Voice telephone number.  Once you have done that, you can list all of the telephone numbers that you currently have.  After passing out your Google Voice number, people are able to call that number and get in touch with you at any of the numbers that you have listed!!  Want that business call to ring at home?  It can happen?  Want to transfer a call from your office phone to your mobile?  That can happen.

The only drawback......you have to use a Google Voice telephone number.  It's really not that bad, and you can easily find numbers that are local to your area. Also included with Google Voice is voicemail to text, for free.  Hate checking voicemail?  Me too.  You can setup Google Voice to accept your voicemail calls.  Google will then translate those calls from voice to text, and deliver them straight to your email address........pretty slick.

Last drawback of Google Voice?  Well, you have to be invited to join.  You can logon to Google Voice and ask them to invite you.  It took me roughly 4 days to get my invitation......but, I think I was lucky. 

I have 3 invites that I can hand out.  Tell me in the comments why you think you deserve one, and I will decide who gets them!!

Until next time,

T

This post is a little overdue, and most of you may already be aware of the new laws governing cellphone usage while driving in North and South Carolina.  However, we figured that this would be a good time to revisit what the new laws are, and how they affect your personal usage, as well as your employees.

On December 1, 2009, North Carolina updated their cell phone laws to a newer version of what was already in place.  Before, users over the age of 18 were allowed to use cell phones while driving, unless they were operating a school bus.  Those laws have now changed to read the following:

         - No user shall use a cell phone while driving for text messaging, electronic email, music, games, camera, or internet functions.
         - Fine of $100 plus court costs, but no points
         - Exceptions are only for police, fire, and medics

South Carolina is a little different, or behind the times you could say.  Although South Carolina does not currently have any set cell phone driving laws in place, they do have what is called a "distracted or inattentive attribute under Contributing Factors.  So, instead of pulling you over for using your cell phone while driving, you can be ticketed at the scene of an accident if it is determined that you were using your cell phone instead of paying attention to the road ahead.

Common sense in any situation like this would tell you to put the cell phone down and concentrate on driving.  If you must use the phone while driving, find a safe, secure spot to pull over and complete the task that is needed, and then continue to operate your vehicle.  Text messages, email, and internet are not as important as human life.

Company vehicle usage policices or company cell phone policies should cover these issues.  If you do not currently have a set company cell phone policy, give us a call.  One of our consultants can help you create and establish a company cell phone policy.

Until next time,

TLS

NC Cell Phone Laws.pdf (16.65 kb)

Sprint has announced that they will launch the Motorola i1, an Android based smartphone.  This phone, like many other Android phones has a vibrant touchscreen, all the fun features of Android 1.5, and one thing that no other Android has...........PUSH TO TALK!!!

The first of its kind, the Motorola i1 will definitely pump some life into a network (iDEN) that could really use some right now. 

This feature list is not confirmed as of this posting, but here they are:

- 3.1 inch touchscreen
- 5MP camera
- Wi-Fi
- Bluetooth 2.1

Last, the Motorola i1, named the Opus One, will contain the MOTOBLUR UI, which will link all of your social networks together in one spot.  The only downfall to the phone is that it will not run on

Sprint's 3G network, but will work on iDEN's slower data network.

With that being said, a touchscreen, Android based smartphone with Push to Talk is right up our alley.

We are excited!!

Until next time,

T

For a carrier that many have deemed to be "in trouble", Sprint has turned up the heat with a sweet lineup of new Android phones.

Rumors say that HTC will unveil the new "Supersonic" at the CTIA show next week in Las Vegas.  This phone has a lot of hype surroounding it, and is said to have the ability to use Sprint's new 4G network...........a system that no other carrier currently has.

Other phones launching on Sprint include the Nexus One, as well as a new Blackberry named the "T", short for Talladega.

Whatever happens with Sprint, it seems like it will be an exciting summer of phone launch's from Sprint.

Also from Sprint, Android 2.1 software will be pushing out to existing HTC Hero's and Samsung Moment's in the next few weeks!!

Until next time,

TLS

Okay, so the joke in the title was probably bad. However, the message below is no joke or laughing matter.

OneBridge Communications, LLC has always attempted to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to the latest technology, phones, and GPS equipment.  But, today we want to talk about something else: the safety of our customers and friends.

I.C.E. Your Phone is a simple concept.  If you do not know what we are talking about, here it goes:

ICE stands for In Case of Emergency........

Now, no one wants to talk about it, but if something were to happen to you and you were unable to communicate to emergency personnel, here is one tip.

No matter what style phone you have, create a new contact and name it ICE - John Doe.  So, if I was the person that you wanted contacted if something happened to you, you would simply add a contact like this:

ICE Thomas Sayle

Emergency and first responders are trained to look for this in your phone, so help them out and put it there.

If you need help with this, email us at info@onebridgewireless.com and we can help you get this done.

Until next time,

TLS

The wait is over, and the HTC Hero is finally here.  Yes, we know that the review is late.  Yes, we know that there are several reviews out there already.

Maybe this is just one more in the pool.  Or, maybe this is one of those reviews from someone who actually uses the phone in a business setting.......someone similar to you.

First impressions of the Hero are awesome.  The phone looks really nice right out of the box.

Once the phone was powered up, we quickly noticed how vibrant, clear, and crisp the screen was.  We also noticed that the touchscreen was very accurate and responsive.

Upon activation, the time, date, and weather are updated for your area.  This is a really nice feature.  There are a few quick links on the main screen that can be customized, as well as the ability to swipe left or right for more functions and features.

Placing a phone call was simple, and contacts are easily pulled up thorugh the use of the dial pad.

Connection to our Exchange server was quick and simple, and with a few tweaks we were receiving emails quickly. 

Ok, so on to the cool features.  There is a notifications bar at the top of the screen that alerts you to Twitter updates, missed calls, emails, etc.  From any screen you can drag this bar down and go directly to what you have missed.  This is an amazing feature.

Also, the weather function.  When it is raining in your area, the screen actually looks like rain is hitting it, and then a windshield wiper goes across the screen and cleans it off..........definitely a pretty cool feature.

All in all, I am not a huge fan of on screen keyboard phones, but this one is simple to use with the word anticipation feature.  Words that are misspelled are easily fixed with this feature, and typing becomes a breeze.  The phone also memorizes words that you use and saves them in the vocabulary for the next time you use it.

So, my final verdict?  The phone is definitely worth buying.  Would I recommend it over my trusty Blackberry?  I am not sure yet, but so far things look good.

Until next time.................

I thought that this would be a great tip to share, so I am posting this to the blog for all to see.  Attached to this posting is a International Travel Cheat Sheet for the Blackberry 8830.  Although this is a Sprint branded form, I believe that most of the steps are the same for the other carrier branded 8830's out there.

Please follow the steps carefully and you should have no problem being harassed while on vacation........

cust_tip_sheet_bb8830.pdf (96.79 kb)