Internationalized Domain Names Approved By ICAAN

Internationalized Domain Names Approved By ICAAN http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
Paving the way for International communities to surf the web or net in their native languages, ICAAN approved a Fast-Track Process for applying for an IDN (Internationalized Domain Name) and will begin accepting applications on Nov. 16.
The current system only allow Latin alphabet letters A-Z, the digits 0-9 and the hyphen in the domain names but the new procedure will allows non roman alphabets to reach a website by typing the name in their own language. The system is going to prove difficult as the DNS servers need to support the new language modification.
ICANN has set restrictions on selecting a language for IDNs: official language of a country or territory, or  at minimum "serve as a language of administration."
It is also going to cost $26000 per language as a evaluation processing fee and a maintenace cost of 3% of domain registration fee of which both could be waived after proper request.

The Droid VS iPhone

Droid beats iPhone depending on where you stand. snapvoip.blogspot.com

MobileCrunch's  Greg Kumparak has done a very good job of comparing The Droid and iPhone. I read the article through and it seems that my suspicion of iPhone having some serious competition has come through. Personally I would love to have a Droid in my arsenal of phones. I have to Google developer phone (Unlocked G1) and an iPhone 3G together with a bunch of Blackberries.

Between the G1 and iPhone, I would choose iPhone but I always rely on BlackBerries to do my work. From what I have read so far, I think there will be a very capable droid or something very close to it, in my life.

You can read the Greg's post here

Grandstream GXV3140 IP Multimedia Phone Gets WiFi

GXV3140 IP Multimedia Phone Gets WiFi snapvoip.blogspot.com

Grandstream just announced that it is providingways for GXV3140 IP Multimedia Phone to go wireless with a WiFi USB adapter. Even though it appears to be an after thought, the WiFi USB adapter fully complies with the latest 802.11n standard as well as legacy 802.11b/g standard. The device supports low power management, and various security standards such as WEP 64/128, WPA (PSK), WPA2 (PSK), TKIP, and AES, allowing to be comfortable in most situations.
The GXV3140 has a USB port that can accomodate the WIFi adapter and depending on the connection you can have a very high bandwidth allowing the IPvideoTalk without any problems. And if you decide to take the phone with you, the same capabilities will be available where ever there is a wireless connection.
This allows GXV3140 users greater freddom whether one is at home or at a hotel room. Allowing video conferencing from office as well from a nice place in ones garden.
The phone, GXV3140 itself is a very capable IP Multimedia phone which supports video telephony and supports a number of web and social networing applications. It sports a 4.3” 480x272 digital color LCD and an advanced 1.3M pixel tilt capable CMOS camera (with privacy shutter) for video presentation. The phone has dual Ethernet ports, SD USB, a stereo headset jack, TV-out, stereo audio-out, and a full duplex speakerphone.
The phone supports anything thing a internet connected device provides, web, internet radio and IM services like Yahoo, MSN, and Google.
The phone is capable of supporting localization in 9 languages and Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, horoscopes, and 3-way video conferencing are promised in near future.
The USB WiFi Adapter will be available in November.
www.grandstream.com

XP Phone, A First Look

Blue Screen Of Death Phone, XP Phone snapvoip.blogspot.com

If you thought phones are getting better OSs these days, you are in for a shock as, there is a pretty good phone coming out or planing to come out, running a full blown copy of windows XP! Yes Gizmodo has got the scoop on the phone and the specs, which has parts list which includes a touch screen (800X480) a hard disk of size up to 120GB (eat that Apple);
• CPU: AMD Super Mobile CPU
• Memory: 512M/1G
• SSD: 8G/16G/32G/64G
• HDD: 30G/60G/80G/120G
• LCD: 4.8' TFT Touch-screen LCD 800*480
• Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP
• Network: GSM/GPRS/EDGE/WCDMA (HSDPA/HSUPA)
• CDMA/CDMA2000 1X/CDMA1X EVDO,TD-SCDMA，TD-HSDPA
• Wireless: WiFi 802.11b/g,WiMax(optional),Buletooth,Stand-alone GPS
• Camera Specifications:CMOS, 300k/1.3 Million
• Talk time: about 5 hours,Stand by time: about 5 days
• Real life: about 7 hours(Standard), about 12 hours(Large)
Gizmodo

Arizona Supreme Court Rules Metadata Is A Part Of Public Record

Lobbyists now will have to take extra care since metadata in public records are public records snapvoip.blogspot.com
According to ARS,  Arizona Supreme Court has ruled that meatadata attached to a public record is public record, in a ruling on an an Arizona case.
A case by a police officer who was demoted for reporting serious police misconduct, demanded to see metadata attached to reports filed by fellow officers, was refuced.
The case traveled a long way before landing in the Supreme Court which ruled such metadata is public records. Hooray!
Now we can see likes of California Attorney General Bill Lockyer peddling for MPAA and anti-google lobbying and Google's own doing, publicly!
ARS

Live Streaming On Twitter With Twitcam

Live Streaming On Twitter snapvoip.blogspot.com
If you thought you are done with all the twitter hacks and multimode tweets, you are not done yet.

Twitcam (powered by Livestream) now allows you to stream live video on twitter. May be give a twitter concert like some already have dome!.
As they say it is as easy easy as connecting your webcam, login to the twitcam with your twitter account and press the button to broadcast, you are done, for now.
Now twitcam will;

Post your video description and link to Twitter for all your followers to see.

WHile your stream is casting, you can tweet or chat with your viewers right from the broad cast screen

Once you’re done broadcasting, twitcam archive your video and display it on the same page.

twitcam

Ring Tones In Your Google Searches? Google Musical Search

Making search more musical snapvoip.blogspot.com
Google in it's quest to master search (I thought they already did that!) bringing in new features to the search engine arena. The latest is the Google musical search.
They have reduced the time to results (time to music) by providing the capability of listening to snippet of music or song you are searching for;

your search results will include links to an audio preview of those songs provided by our music search partners MySpace (which just acquired iLike) or Lala. When you click the result you'll be able to listen to an audio preview of the song directly from one of those partners. For example, if I search for [21st century breakdown], the first results provide links to songs from Green Day's new album. MySpace and Lala also provide links to purchase the full song.

That is not all, the partnership with with Pandora, imeem and Rhapsody to include links to their sites in your search results may actually get you there, in time.

A Bad Android! Acer Aspire One AOD250, Just Play With LiveAndroid

Acer Aspire One AOD250 forget it, Just Play With LiveAndroid snapvoip.blogspot.com
After hearing about all these wonderful news about Android based devices, thaere got to be a bad news some where. And today engadget managed to give it to us.
It is attempt by Acer to give users a netbook powered both by Windows XP and Android (Dual Boot). It certainly is attractive and if I did not know better would have grabbed one myself.
Google has not blessed the device and there is no Android Browser (there is a modified Firefox) and no GMail app. (There is a Firefox link to gmail pretending to be a GMail app). But what put me off was the crappy integration of the hardware and the OS.
I will wait or use this Android OS live CD LiveAndroid! (This is not the Google Android OS, which is forthcoming)



engadget

VoIP Security, Asterisk, SIP, Brute Force Attacks, Explained By John Todd Of Digium.

VoIP Security snapvoip.blogspot.com
My thoughts when I read the article saying  “Asterisk attacks are endemic” were ????*&^ and I also knew that John Todd knew what he is doing. So I let the article pass as I was certain it was not the case.
Today Todd has posted an article explaining the misinterpretation of his thoughts and the verbalization of the same.

My comment in the article was not that “Asterisk attacks are endemic”, but that SIP-based brute force attacks are endemic.  Every SIP system that is open to the “public” Internet is seeing large numbers of brute-force attacks.  Sites that have weak username and weak password control will be compromised – this is little different than email accounts being taken over by password-guessing systems and used for sending floods of email.  The significant difference is that when someone takes over a SIP platform to make outbound calls, there is usually a direct monetary cost, which gets people’s attention very quickly.

We all know that Asterisk is used world over and is the favorite SIP based telephony platform is likely to attract people who are interested in hacking or attacking the system. But we also have seen security measures taken by Asterisk as well. Just like the one released day before yesterday, AST-2009-07, where the advisory and the fix was released simultaneously.
But what Todd wrote makes sense and as Asterisk, Broadsoft, Cisco, Kamailio, OpenSER, FreeSwitch, Avaya are all vulnerable to brute force attacks and every bit of  information will help. Whether it is news worthy or not.
Asterisk and SIP Security Redux

Why Nokia Sueing Apple? Explained.

Nokia Sue Apple snapvoip.blogspot.com
The patent infringement case in which Nokia is seeking monies from Apple for GSM, UMTS (3G) and WiFi patents.engadget went on a digging safari to find out facta and came out with fact to show us it is a simple case of Nokia asking what is due from Apple. But more I read these patent cases, more I get confused. Why are we making standards based on patents? even if  "fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory" terms (or FRAND terms) are in place to stop companies like Nokia from gauging the rest of the world who ever makes a cell phone.
But I guess Apple would do the same if they owned the patent :).
So read and learn more about how these patents and law suits work.
engadget

Verizon's Motorola Droid Browser And Google Maps Navigation Walk Through.

Verizon's Motorola Droid snapvoip.blogspot.com
BGR has sneaked early and got a scoop on new Verizon's Motorola Droid and some ot it's capabilities, Like the browser and Google Maps Navigation application.
 
BGR
GMN, Google Maps Navigation

HTC Hero To Get An Eclair (Android 2.0)

HTC Hero Gets Android 2.0 Update snapvoip.blogspot.com
Not to be out done by The Droid getting Android 2.0,  HTC Hero seem to be getting the Android 2.0 upgrade as well, according to a Twitter post by HTC as shown above. Looks like they busy at getting Sense UI working with Android 2.0

I wonder if all new Android devices will carry an eclair!
Twitter HTC

Google's Response To The FCC On Google Voice Number Blocking

Google's response(PDF) to the FCC’s inquiry regarding Google Voice blocking calls to some numbers says it is only blocking about 100 numbers.
AT&T with it's crystal clear record (AT&T also whined last year about expensive calls to rural numbers doing traffic pumping) tried to undermine Google's efforts with its voice service and even Google's web efforts. There were many exchanges of communication between AT&T, FCC, and FCC, Google over Google Voice’s blocking of high-cost “traffic pumping” schemes, like adult chat and “free” conference call lines.
According to Google

555-555-XXXX -- generated more than 160 times the expected traffic volumes, and accounted for a whopping 26 percent of our monthly connection costs.

Basically talented Googlers are devising ways to block specific numbers that engage in traffic pumping schemes and expensive sex lines.
Google also told FCC about fixing the broken carrier compensation system and pressing need of reform.
I hope AT&T also lays off get it's act together and service it's customers better, like Google does!
Google Public Policy Blog: Our response to the FCC on Google Voice

Canada Bans Everything And Anything While Driving, Certainly Handheld Gadgets

Canada Bans Holding Hands In The Car snapvoip.blogspot.com
You might as well not drive in Canada as it seems that you can hand over C$500 for texting, emailing, or navigating with your GPS while driving. But changing your radio station, changing songs on your MP3 player, or even drinking your morning coffee plus anything that makes you take your hands off the wheel, could get you fined the same! How about changing gears on a stick shift equiped vehicle?
Boy my girl friend will be pissed, she always wants to hald my hands! while driving or not!
Slashdot

Verizon Casts VCasts Aside With The Introduction Of New Droid From Motorola!

New Droid From Motorola snapvoip.blogspot.com

CrunchGear seem to have the new Droid from Motorola in their hand and thrilled by the lightness of the phone, specially the contents. I still recall the Verizon phones I had, over loaded with Vcast this and Vcast that. I hope Verizon got wiser and let users chose the apps and junk they want. Not all of us are Nascar fans.
Keep you fingers crossed.
CrunchGear

MTube Android MID, A Handheld And A Multimedia Controller

MTube Android MID snapvoip.blogspot.com
I keep on talking about Android Invasion and every day I am confirmed about it! The new M-Tube Android MID is coming into your home looking for a place between you and your TV. The M-Tube is based on an ARM Processor with a 7.6" (800 X 480) OLED touchscreen display and lets you drag and drop videos to your TV. The specs are very vague but it might be a hit from what we can gleem from the video presentation.

Netbooknews

HTC Droid Eris From Verizon Might Have A Very Attractive Price Tag, $99!

HTC Droid Eris snapvoip.blogspot.com
Android invasion is not only multi pronged but might heat up the scene as well. According to gdgt Verizon might market HTC's Droid Eris at $99 which looks like a smirk at the Sprint's droid Hero from HTC.
But Verizon is playing well within it's own quarters by placing the DROID at $199 and creating two niche markets for the differently dressed droids.
But one need to look beyound the phone prices and look at the contract prices and plans, befor jumping the guns. In the US Mobile market, it is still hide and seek with mobile charges and limited unlimiteds.

Things are about to heat up, I just found out from a very trustworthy source that the Eris is going to be priced at $99 (with agreement) when it comes out. Nice to see an aggressive price point, especially compared with the Hero which goes for $180 on Sprint.

GDGT

GMail Security In National Cyber Security Awareness Month And Beyond

GMail Security snapvoip.blogspot.com
Being aware of security is a part of day to day life now in the cyber world (and regular world as well). But being a Google Centric person, My main connection to the cyber world comes through GMail, as it is the first and the last thing that I check, use everyday. There are tons of other accounts and sites that I log in during the day and the security measures I take at the first site is repeated on all the other sides.
I have my own computers and very rarely use public computers or other peoples computers. But if I do, I will start off with a new browser and I am done, I log off and clear up the browser's cache, cookies and history, just like the GMail blog advised as a part of the activities for National Cyber Security Awareness Month.
But I try to avoid using public computers as much as possible, by using smartphones like iPhone, Android or BlackBerry which Google provides most of its services.
I always use Secure HTTP or HTTPS for all my sensitive connections. Some pages automatically use HTTPS but on some, you need to set it.
On GMail, login page is secure but if you would like to use secure HTTP on your GMail session, you need to set it. Open Settings and choose "Always use HTTPS" on the General tab if you want to turn it on.
On my notebook, or desktop, I have a single browser window and multiple tabs opened for various Google services like Google Voice, Google Docs, Google Blogger, Google Webmaster, Google Analytics and Google Sites. This way, when I log out from one tab, the rest get logged out automatically.
But there are other practices that one should follow to keep oneself secure and trouble free, online;

Once you send an email, you're no longer in control of the information it contains. So be aware of what you are sending, read twice and think twice, specially when you send sensitive information.

 To help protect you from viruses and malware, Gmail automatically scans every attachment when it's delivered to you, and again each time you open a message. Attachments you send are also scanned. That said, no system is foolproof, so if you happen to get an email from a friend with an attachment you didn't expect, don't be afraid to ask the sender what it is before you decide whether to open it.

Your account recovery information helps you regain access to your account if you ever forget your password, or if someone gains access to your account without your permission. We currently offer several paths to account recovery. Every Gmail user must select a security question and answer — be sure to choose a combination that is easy for you to remember, but hard for others to guess or come across by investigating. Don't choose a question like "What is my favorite color?" as others may easily guess the answer. We also encourage you to provide a secondary email address and/or a mobile phone number, so we can send you a link to reset your password if you lose access to your account.

There are more information on the GMail Blog post:Official Gmail Blog: Gmail account security tips

Google Maps Navigation (Free GPS) On Android 2.0 Beta

Just as we were complaining about having to spend $220 get Tomtom maps for iPhone and the Tomtom car kit for iPhone, Google's Android team has announced news that is sweet music in commuters ears or eyes (who owns Android based phones) and what seems like death metal rock in GPS manufactureres ears and eyes.
Android 2.0 which was announced yesterday will carry capability to give turn by turn instructions to you without having to actually look at the device and decipher the route. In california, with all the hands free laws, I refrain from using Google Maps for mobile while on the go. Yes I map places out or create a route and commit them to my mind before the trip starts.
But now with Android 2.0, Google Maps for Mobile is going to be really mobile, with Google Maps Navigation (Beta) for Android 2.0 devices. See the video to get an idea how it works.

Google Mobile blog is giving us following features on Google Maps Navigation;

The most recent map and business data
When you use Google Maps Navigation, your phone automatically gets the most up-to-date maps and business listings from Google Maps — you never need to buy map upgrades or update your device. And this data is continuously improving, thanks to users who report maps issues and businesses who activate their listings with Google Local Business Center.

Search in plain English
Google Maps Navigation brings the speed, power and simplicity of Google search to your car. If you don't know the address you're looking for, don't worry. Simply enter the name of a business, a landmark or just about anything into the search box, and Google will find it for you. Then press "Navigate", and you're on your way.

Search by voice
Typing on a phone can be difficult, especially in the car, so with Google Maps Navigation, you can say your destination instead. Hold down the search button to activate voice search, then tell your phone what you want to do (like "Navigate to Pike Place in Seattle"), and navigation will start automatically.

Traffic view
Google Maps Navigation gets live traffic data over the Internet. A traffic indicator light in the corner of the screen glows green, yellow or red, depending on the current traffic conditions along your route. If there's a jam ahead of you, you'll know. To get more details, tap the light to zoom out to an aerial view showing traffic speeds and incidents ahead. And if the traffic doesn't look good, you can choose an alternate route.

Search along route
For those times when you're already on the road and need to find a business, Google Maps Navigation searches along your route to give you results that won't take you far from your path. You can search for a specific business by name or by type, or you can turn on popular layers, such as gas stations, restaurants or parking.

Satellite view
Google Maps Navigation uses the same satellite imagery as Google Maps on the desktop to help you get to your destination. Turn on the satellite layer for a high-resolution, 3D view of your upcoming route. Besides looking cool, satellite view can help you make sense of complicated maneuvers.

Street View
If you want to know what your next turn looks like, double-tap the map to zoom into Street View, which shows the turn as you'll see it, with your route overlaid. And since locating an address can sometimes be tricky, we'll show you a picture of your destination as you approach the end of your route, so you'll know exactly what to look for.

Times they are a changing.

Announcing Google Maps Navigation for Android 2.0
Official Google Blog is also carrying the same article;
Official Google Blog: Announcing Google Maps Navigation for Android 2.0
Google LatLong Blog also carries the news;
Google LatLong: Google Maps Navigation comes to Android 2.0
 

http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/

Dead Members Could Get "Memorialized" On Facebook

Immortalizing Dead on facebook snapvoip.blogspot.com
In case those who preserve themselves (cryogenics) after death hoping that future developments in technology might wake them up has one more development to be happy about! Their facebook account will be there, when they return, if they ever do.
The facebook says previously confirmed friends of any dead member will have access to their "memorialized" content,  photos and wall posts., The sensitive information such as status updates and contact information will be removed.
In a blog post, facebook informs and asks us;

If you have a friend or a family member whose profile should be memorialized, please contact us, so their memory can properly live on among their friends on Facebook.

As time passes, the sting of losing someone you care about also fades but it never goes away. I still visit my friend's memorialized profile to remember the good times we had and share them with our mutual friends.

Android 2.0 (Android Eclair) The Mobile OS You Have Been Waiting For.

Announcing Android 2.0 support in the SDK! snapvoip.blogspot.com

Finally Google Android Developer services has announced Android 2.0 which brings new developer APIs for sync, Bluetooth, and a few other areas. Using the new sync, account manager and contacts APIs, you can write applications to enable users to sync their devices to various contact sources.
The new feature Quick Contact seem to be awesome, by embedding the capability within an application, developers can give users the ability to reach their contacts with all the avanues available on the phone and the network.
The new Bluetooth API, provides developers ability to add peer-to-peer connectivity or gaming to your applications.

The above and more information that comes with Android 2.0, please refer to the Android 2.0 highlights.
All you developer can use the SDK Manager to add Android 2.0 support to their SDK as well as update their SDK Tools to revision 3. New developers can download the Android SDK from the download site.

iPhone News : iPhone In Healthcare

iPhone in Healthcare snapvoip.blogspot.com

“Health care is a very real-time business, We need anywhere, anytime computing, and iPhone is the best platform for the applications we’re choosing.”  says David Bradshaw, Chief Information, Planning, and Marketing Officer at Memorial Hermann of Houston, Texas.

 And iPhone seems to be helping a lot with their efforts at Memorial Hermann of Houston, Texas. Among other things apps like AirStrip OB, making life easier for both patient and the Doctor. Obstetricians could monitor different stages of labor even when they’re not by a patient’s side with AirStrip OB. AirStrip OB links individual mobile devices to a central AirStrip server with HIPAA-compliant authentication, giving obstetricians remote access to live views of delivery room data — including fetal heart tracings, contraction patterns, vital statistics and nursing notes.
“AirStrip OB is an absolutely indispensable app on iPhone, It fundamentally changes the way I’m able to interact with labor and delivery. In a tenth of the time, without pulling a nurse away from what she’s doing, I get all the real-time data I need at the touch of a button.” says Dr. Giannotti.
The option of viewing heart tracings in landscape mode distinguishes iPhone from other devices, and makes AirStrip OB an even better tool for obstetricians. “It’s just off the chart how doctors who have iPhones are using AirStrip OB, compared to those who don’t,” Bradshaw observes.

Memorial Hermann of Houston, Texas.

• Eleven hospitals in the Houston, TX area
• 19,500 employees
• Founded in 1907
• National Quality Healthcare Award in 2009
• www.memorialhermann.org

AirStrip OB

• Virtual Views – Waveform data is displayed, including virtual real-time and historical views of fetal heart tracings and maternal contraction patterns with annotations.
• HIPAA-Compliant Authentication Login – The user is required to first enter a user ID and password. Both must be correct in order to access the hospital network. If either the user ID or password is incorrect, the user will not be able to connect to the hospital network. VPN support and tokenless, 2-3 factor authentication is also supported.
• Hospital Labor and Delivery Census – The names of patients being monitored in labor and delivery are displayed, as well as their doctor and hospital bed. The census is listed by hospital, allowing the user to select the hospital in which their patient is being monitored. Once the hospital is selected, the list of current patients is displayed, allowing the user to select a specific patient for more detailed information.
• Strip Charting – AirStrip OB displays the fetal strip and maternal contraction pattern information for an individual patient. This is the primary screen used to review patient information. It displays the fetal heart rate and maternal contractions, as well as the patient name, hospital name, room number, date and time.
• Patient Data Display – Patient data can be displayed over the top of the patient's strip chart or as a separate patient data screen. The data displayed includes the patient's name, age, fetal gestation, patient gravity, patient parity, last cervical exam information, current nurse and physician. This data can also be displayed as a separate screen within the application.
• Strip Zooming and Scrolling – The user can zoom the chart image and scroll forward or backward through the script chart data. Scrolling through the chart data does not affect the ability of the real-time data to be downloaded onto the handheld device. Landscape view is also supported.

 A demo version could be downloaded from Apple® App Store. AirStrip Technologies could be found here.
Apple News

Asterisk 1.6.1.8 Fixes The Security Advisory AST-2009-007

http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
The Asterisk Team announced the releases of Asterisk 1.6.1.8 yesterday and you can download it right away from Asterisk Download Servers.

This release resolves an issue where an ACL check is not present for verifying SIP INVITEs. More information on this vulnerability, please refer to the security advisory AST-2009-007(PDF), which was released  imultaneously with this release announcement.

Only the Asterisk 1.6.1 series is the only branch affected by this vulnerability. Releases from previous branches (1.6.0, 1.4, 1.2) are not affected.

A full list of changes in this release, could be found on the ChangeLog.

Google Voice Tips! Call In Your Grocerry List To Your Email

Call In Your Grocerry List To Your Email snapvoip.blogspot.com
Google Voice gives you many features that makes your life easier. But if you put your imagination to work, you can get a few more things done.
Just imagine, you get a call from your wife or husband (May be even your kids) asking you to pick up some items on the way home. You are at your office, having a conversation about your new project with your collegue(S) or in the middle of a meeting. Ususally you would break your conversation and the train of thoughts to jot down the list or have to ask your loved ones to call back later.
Not so if you are using Google Voice!
If you get the above call, after the first few lines, you can send the call to your Google Voicemail by pressing "4" on your keypad. The call will be recorded and could be accessed like normal Google Voicemail. If you have configured so, it will be emailed to your GMail, which you could access right from the isles of supermarket on your smartphone.
So now you have no excuse for forgetting items on your shopping list!
Even if no one is calling you, you can call in your shopping list from home and later retieve from anywhere!

Google Voice, With Your Existing Number, Mobile Or Landline

When I received my Google Voice Number from then GrandCentral, I was very happy because, I will have a number for life, no matter which carrier I use. I now realize that not everyone like to have a new phone number, even when provided with all the services that Google Voice offers.
Now you can use your own number with Google Voice, if you are willing to pass call forwarding, screening, and recording and gain much more than the your carrier offered, like transcribing Google Voicemail.
You can see for yourself the difference of using Google Voice number or your own number with Google Voice.

If you sign up for Google Voice with your existing number, you'll get:

• Online, searchable voicemail
• Free automated voicemail transcription
• Custom voicemail greetings for different callers
• Email and SMS notifications
• Low-priced international calling

But

If you decide to also get a new Google number, you'll get all of the above PLUS:

• One number that reaches you on all your phones
• SMS via email
• Call screening
• Listen In
• Call recording
• Conference calling
• Call blocking

The new feature, could used by people who already have a google number to ease with transition.

Google Voice Blog: Google Voice with your existing number
Google Blog also carries the news
Official Google Blog: Use Google Voice with your existing number

Perform A Full Backup And Restore Of BlackBerry SmartPhone

Backup Restore your blackberry snapvoip.blogspot.com

I always do backups of my phones, be it Blackberry, Android or iPhone I carry around. But helping a friend of mine to backup his Blackberry and restoring the same data to the new BlackBerry he acquired led me to think that there might be more people looking to do the same. The information is readily available but you got to look for them.
In order to create a full backup a BlackBerry device;

1. Connect the BlackBerry smartphone to the computer running BlackBerry Desktop Manager.
2. Open BlackBerry Desktop Manager.
3. Click Backup and Restore.
4. Select Backup to perform a full backup.
5. Select a location to save the backup file, and then click Save.

To perform a selective backup for one or more databases perform the following steps:

1. Connect the BlackBerry smartphone to the computer running BlackBerry Desktop Manager.
2. Open BlackBerry Desktop Manager.
3. Click Backup and Restore.
4. Click on Advanced.
5. Select the database(s) on the right side selection window for Device databases.
6. Select the Arrow that points to the left side of the screen to transfer the database(s) to include in the backup.
7. Verify the database(s) are on the left side selection window for the Computer databases.
8. Click on File in the menu located at the top left hand side of the Desktop Manager.
9. Name the backup file and select a location to save the file.
10. Click the option to Save once the location for the file is selected.

To restore a full backup of data from a backup file to a BlackBerry it is the reverse of the above:

1. Connect the BlackBerry smartphone to a computer which has BlackBerry® Desktop Manager installed.
2. Open BlackBerry® Desktop Manager.
3. Click Backup and Restore. 
4. Click Restore.
5. Navigate to the backup file that contains the data to be restored to the BlackBerry smartphone.
6. Double-click the backup (.ipd) file. 

To do a selective restore of specific databases in the backup file to a BlackBerry smartphone you can;

1. Connect the BlackBerry smartphone to a computer which has BlackBerry® Desktop Manager installed.
2. Open BlackBerry Desktop Manager.
3. Click Backup and Restore.
4. Click Advanced.
5. On the File menu, click Open.
6. Double-click the backup (.ipd) file.
7. In the Computer Databases section, select the database or databases to restore. Click the right arrow button.

Keep your BlackBerry and  data safe and secure too.
Blackberry Support

The HMS Mobile Swine Flu Center, A H1N1 Flu, iPhone App

Swine (H1N1) Flu, iPhone App snapvoip.blogspot.com
The HMS Mobile Swine Flu Center, available from App Store for $1.99 provides videos, animations and text that teaches the basics about swine flu, and manage the risks associted with it, personal, family and even business, should the pandamic hit us. The app also features real-time updates and news from Harvard Medical School about H1N1. Like any medical related service or help, Harvard Medical School too wants your money for it! Don't forget to wash your hands.
Watch the video to learn more about the app.


HMS MOBILE

HTC Dragon <--> HTC Passion at Verizon?

HTC Passion snapvoip.blogspot.com

The HTC Dragon with 1GHz SnapDragon CPU and a 800X400 screen that looked similar to Toshiba TG01 seems to be materializing within Verizon sphere as HTC Passion, a CDMA version of the phone, according to the unlockr.
If this come to be, then Verizon might be a big force as far as Android devices are concerned. Man, it really looks like Androids invasion is conquering the wireless world.
theUnlockr

TomTom Car Kit for iPhone In Apple Store.

TomTom Car Kit snapvoip.blogspot.com

TomTom Car Kit for iPhone which was promised for October has been listed in the Apple store. But you might not get it in October as the delivery is listed as 2-3 weeks.
The kit is listed for 119.95 and it does not include the TomTom app for iPhone.The app itself is another $99.99. Makes me wonder if it is worth, as you can get a GPS navigation kit for your car providing the similar features for far less.

TomTom Car Kit features

Secure docking

TomTom's specially designed, award-winning EasyPort mount attaches your iPhone securely to your windscreen or dashboard - perfectly within reach. It lets you rotate the screen for widescreen route display. And it folds flat for easy moves from car to car.

Enhanced GPS performance

The TomTom car kit's built-in receiver increases the GPS performance of your iPhone to give you a truly reliable signal - even in high-rise urban areas.

Clear voice instructions

With the built-in volume controls and superior speaker, you'll hear every voice instruction loud and clear - so you'll never miss a thing.

Easy charging

Dock your iPhone 3GS in the mount to charge it as you drive, so it's always fully charged and ready to go.

Hands-free calling

Receive calls without taking your eyes off the road, using the built-in extra-sensitive microphone and speaker. And the app automatically starts navigating again as soon as the call ends.

Your music on the move

With the audio out connector you can play all your favorite songs through your car's audio system with the optional audio cable*. It even fades music out when receiving calls and giving directions.
* Requires compatible car audio system

Technical specifications

• Audio out: 3.5 mm
• Volume control: Yes
• Portrait/Landscape support: Yes
• Windscreen and dashboard mounting: Yes
• iPhone charging via CLA: Yes
• Dimensions: 5.17 x 2.7 x 1.96 in./131.43 x 68.68 x 49.86 mm
• Weight: 4.13 oz./117 g

 Apple Store

Nokia Takes Apple To Court Over Patent Infringement On GSM, UMTS and wireless LAN (WLAN)

Nokia sues Apple Over Patent Infringement snapvoip.blogspot.com
The claim is filed in Delaware alleges ten counts of violations on Nokia's Patents in Apple's iPhone products.  The ten patents in suit relate to technologies fundamental to making devices which are compatible with one or more of the GSM, UMTS (3G WCDMA) and wireless LAN standards. The patents cover wireless data, speech coding, security and encryption and are infringed by all Apple iPhone models shipped since the iPhone was introduced in 2007.

"The basic principle in the mobile industry is that those companies who contribute in technology development to establish standards create intellectual property, which others then need to compensate for, Apple is also expected to follow this principle. By refusing to agree appropriate terms for Nokia's intellectual property, Apple is attempting to get a free ride on the back of Nokia's innovation." said Ilkka Rahnasto, Vice President, Legal & Intellectual Property at Nokia.

With all moola Apple is hoarding without spending og R&D,  might pay for the claims, if Nokia is right. But who knows, lawyers got to live too and there for could be a lengthy battle
Nokia

Protecting Your BlackBerry And Your Personal Data.

BlackBerry Safety snapvoip.blogspot.com
While browsing through BlackBerry Blog, I came across an article by Alex M, that reminds you some important facts about BlackBerry and a protecting your personal data.
Traditionally I change my phones very regularly and even more so with new models arriving everyday. I always wipe my phone before I sell, discard or give away, like Reset iPhone 3G or Low Level Format Your iPhone
But BlackBerries comes with a bunch of security measures to keep the phones and the data secure. But as with all the security measures, you need to work on it.
Alex gives the following advise on security;

1. Make sure you set a password. By default, an attacker only has 10 tries to get it right, so making it hard to guess is very important. Here some useful tips on choosing a strong password.
2. Use content protection to encrypt all of your personal data. You can enable this by selecting Options -> Security Options -> General Settings on most BlackBerry smartphones.

Regarding selling or giving away your phone;

1. Wipe your BlackBerry smartphone data.
2. If you have a BlackBerry® Internet Service account, contact your carrier and ask them to remove it. If you don't, your emails will keep being sent to your old smartphone even after you wipe it.
3. If you have a corporate BlackBerry smartphone, ask your IT admins to remove the IT policies. The new owner will thank you!

 That is five great tips to make your BlackBerry life a bit easier and more secure, specially when they comes from Security Product Manager at Research In Motion (RIM).
Inside BlackBerry 

Verizon Lets Droids March, Droid Eris To Follow The Droid

Verizon Droid Eris snapvoip.blogspot.com

The Verizon Droid seem to be a series of phones rather than a single phone. The Driod series is a brand of phones that will be based on Android Technology.
The Motorola Sholes is leading the march and will be known as the Droid
Droid Eris, (HTC Desire) will be following as soon as November 6th by being on Verizon shelves.
gdgt via engadget

T-Mobile Gives Even More And The Plus

Even More From T-Mobile snapvoip.blogspot.com

Everyone's guessing game of pricing the T-Mobile plans have come to an end with predictors being closer tot he truth.
The Even More traditional Plan with handset discounts are  $59 to $99 with unlimited messaging and text. The Even More Plus plans starts at $49 and goes up to $79 without equipment discount and no contract!
The site says that all plans include;
    * Nationwide 3G network*
    * FREE nationwide T-Mobile to T-Mobile calling
    * FREE Nights and Weekends
    * Whenever Minutes® you can use whenever
There are Flex pay / equipment installment plan to make it easier for contract less phone buyers to make it easier to get a costly phone and get into another contract to pay for the phone.
But personally I like the Even More Plus as I can bring my own phone! perhaps a jailbroken iPhone!
T-Mobile

Samsung LTE USB Modem Info Filled At FCC

Samsung LTE Modem snapvoip.blogspot.com
Samsung has filled a set of documentation regarding a new LTE modem with FCC. We do not see much except for a few wire frame diagrams showing where the label is and the model number. A comprehensive test report is also visible.

NASA iPhone App Delivers Space And More To Your Hand.

NASA iPhone App snapvoip.blogspot.com

The New Media Team at NASA Ames Research Center has released a NASA iPhone App that brings NASA content directly from various NASA sources to your plam. The users are exposed to a wide range of dynamic information, images and video links.
The missions home screen above brings all current NASA missions to an easy to view screen. All the listed missions  could be opened up for a detailed view of related information.

If you love images from NASA like me, then it will be hard to peel yourself away from the NASA images section.
The NASA App is available free of charge on the App Store from Apple directly to the iPhone and iPod Touch or within iTunes.

Chinese Mobile Startups, From 3G Industry Summit, Kunshan, China.

Chinese Mobile Startups snapvoip.blogspot.com
Serkan Toto of Techcrunch has travelled to China to attend the 3G Industry Summit (Google Translation) held in Kunshan, Jingsu in China.
It is a doorway into China's recently opened 3G market and the startups are providing solutions to worlds largest internet community consisting of 338 million and 710 million people carrying cell phones. But both the fields have a large room to grow, unlike the saturated US market.
Toto takes us through 13 of the mobile developers looking to tap in to this massive mobile market. They are very interesting group of companies and applications.
TechCrunch

John McCain, "Internet Freedom Act", Another Block On Net Neutrality?

Internet Freedom Act snapvoip.blogspot.com
Looks like John McCain does not like Open Internet! After FCC formalized the Draft proposals yesterday and subsequently explained the details,  "Internet Freedom Act" has been formed to help the proposal from becoming a law.

"Today I'm pleased to introduce the Internet Freedom Act of 2009 that will keep the Internet free from government control and regulation," McCain said. "It will allow for continued innovation that will in turn create more high-paying jobs for the millions of Americans who are out of work or seeking new employment. Keeping businesses free from oppressive regulations is the best stimulus for the current economy."

But the same person uttered, Mac or PC? "Neither, I am an illiterate that has to rely on my wife for all of the assistance I can get." His words,
 
So please, someone who knows about internet, please step up. McCain's running mate Sarah Palin would have been better! Someone tweet McCain please!
Gizmodo

FCC Chairman Genachowski Discusses The Open Internet

The Open Internet snapvoip.blogspot.com
Chairman Genachowski discusses the Open Commission Meeting at which the FCC approved a Notice for Proposed Rulemaking on the issue of ensuring an open Internet. 

FCC Lays Out Plans For Net Neutrality Law

Net Neutrality Law snapvoip.blogspot.com
After bunch weeks of waiting and discussions that ranged from support to out right opposition and even sneaky voting by AT&T, FCC pretty much has decided on making the Net Neutrality into a law.
The proposed guidelines four of which dates to the FCC's nonbinding policy statement made in 2005 and two brand new ones, which are the most important are as follows;

Under the draft rules, subject to reasonable network management, a provider of broadband Internet access service may not:
1) prevent any of its users from sending or receiving the lawful content of the user's choice over the Internet;

2) prevent any of its users from running the lawful applications or using the lawful services of the user's choice;

3) prevent any of its users from connecting to and using on its network the user's choice of lawful devices that do not harm the network;

4) deprive any of its users of the user's entitlement to competition among network providers, application providers, service providers, and content providers.

5) A provider of broadband Internet access service must treat lawful content, applications, and services in a nondiscriminatory manner.

6) A provider of broadband Internet access service must disclose such information concerning network management and other practices as is reasonably required for users and content, application, and service providers to enjoy the protections specified in this rulemaking.

 These are just a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, and the procedures bring these into a law is long and winding. Now FCC will seek public comment on their proposal, where you and I can give our choices and views. Also whining AT&T can flood the votes with their underhand acts. The Internet Freedom Act is already forming to block the rule. The draft rule / proposal will be attacked and supported by many, like lobbyists from telecom and cable companies and ordinary people with the like of Google and facebook thrown in.
But Ars discusses the whole issue in detail and talks about not so clear areas of the proposal. But you need to be in touch with openinternet.gov.
ArsTechnica

Jabra Stone Reviewed

Jabra Stone Headset snapvoip.blogspot.com

Jabra Stone, a mystery blue tooth headset has come out of the dark and engadget has done a review, two. Looks nice but wonder if it is worth to change my current Jabra


engadget

BlackBerry Bold 9700 Gets FCC Clearence

BlackBerry Bold 9700 snapvoip.blogspot.com

Sporting only a wireframe image, BlackBerry Bold 9700 also known as BlackBerry Smart Phone Model RCN71UW has been approved by FCC. engadget has more info and links to the FCC documents.
engadget

'IP Business Manager' In City Of Amsterdam Is Astium, Which Is Based On Asterisk.

'IP Business Manager' In City Of Amsterdam's VoIP Solution snapvoip.blogspot.com
If you were at Astricon 2009, you would have know by now that the City of Amsterdam has a large VoIP deployment (20000 phones) based on Astium PBX which is based on Asterisk.
The solution, Astium PBX, by NeoNova. Due to restriction of brand name use, is known as 'IP Business Manager' within the City of Amsterdam. Astium uses Asterisk as the voice processor of the system, akin to a web application using Apache as the HTTP router, according to Neonova. The PBX supports a range of communication technologies including PSTN, ISDN, Dect, VoIP (SIP/IAX), Wi-Fi, GSM and fax. NeoNova offers the software as a free download and the software can be downloaded from www.astium.nl.
Via VentureVoIP

Google Custom Search Now Formats Search Results For Mobile Phones.

As you can see on the top left, we have enabled Google Custom Search (which also exists on the web under the name of VoIP )to help you with our site searches.
Now with Google's help all the mobile users (Yes we ought to make a mobile snapvoip site) will have the custom search custom fitted on supported phones like an Android-powered phone, iPhone, iPod Touch, or Palm Pre.
You can test the feature on our own VoIP search site.
If you want to make sure that your site works with this feature, visit CSE Blog.

Official Google Mobile Blog: Google Custom Search for mobile

Amazon Kindle Goes Multi Touch And Colorful For Windows 7

Amazon Kindle  snapvoip.blogspot.com
Amazon announced that it's kindle will go multi touch for the Windows 7. Kindle for PC was demonstrated today at Windows 7 release event. Now I might read books, Nah, I like to decimate forests read paper books. Specially the smell of books could not be replaced, unless Amazon sells scented Kindles.

“Customers have told us that they want access to a wider variety of content and an increasingly diverse set of form factors, With the announcement of Kindle for PC, Amazon is making its massive selection of Kindle books available on the world’s most widely used platform. The new Kindle for PC’s use of Windows 7 features such as Jump Lists and Windows Touch demonstrates how Windows 7 makes new things possible.” said Mike Nash, corporate vice president of Windows Platform Strategy at Microsoft.

With Kindle for PC, readers can take advantage of the following features:

• Purchase, download, and read hundreds of thousands of books available in the Kindle Store
• Access their entire library of previously purchased Kindle books stored on Amazon’s servers for free
• Choose from over 10 different font sizes and adjust words per line
• Add and automatically synchronize bookmarks and last page read
• View notes and highlights marked on Kindle and Kindle DX
• Zoom in and out of text with a pinch of the fingers (Windows 7 users only)
• Turn pages with a finger swipe (available in a future release for Windows 7 users)

 You can get more info here.

FCC, Telecom Companies, Open Internet And Public: What's At Stake

The FCC will propose and ask for public feedback on rules designed to protect and promote open broadband pipes to the Internet this morning and you can watch a streaming live video of the meeting.
You are already paying through the noses for abysmal services by carriers and do not let them rip you off, of your money and rights.
Even thought I got mad at Verizon CEO on the subject and wanted to send him to grade school to learn math, he is one of the few that actually wanted to find a common ground.
There are more vicious ones like AT&T asking their employees, even their families and friends to lobby at http://blog.openinternet.gov, to not to regulate Internet! Using such sentences as "halt private investment in broadband infrastructure," threaten "the jobs associated with that investment" and "jeopardize the very goals supported by the Obama administration that every American have access to high-speed Internet services."
It is good to know that AT&T is exploiting it's employees as well.
Cisco, Nokia, Motorola are are opposing open internet, fighting to save a chance to sell products like content filtering to Dumb Pipe CEOs.


What's at stake at the FCC this morning

BlackBerry Gets Google Maps Mobile 3.2 with Layers And All

Google has released the Google Maps for BlackBerry 3.2 and the app now supports layers. I am a big lover of layers (We consulted on an app for Building Permit Management for a big city government recently) and happy to have this capability on my Blackberry.
The layers store various types of information on your maps, for instance you can turn on Google Latitude layer to find where your friends or family are and then turn on Wikipedia to get more information on the places they are at.
You can compose a trip consisting a set of maps using Google My Maps and access them via your Blackberry.
To experience the layers, point your phone at m.google.com/maps but you can watch the following video to get a bit more information as well.

Layers come to Google Maps for BlackBerry

Tweets And ReTweets Searched, Real Time Data Search Heats Up

Google and Twitter have partnered to include yours and my tweets in the search results. Basically allowing Google to index your thoughts and feelings and me to find them. Or I might thank you twittering the ski slope conditions while coming down the mountain, which might make me wanting to drop everything and run to the mountains (or hills, by my skiing abilities)

We've always taken an open approach to how people experience Twitter, particularly in how and where tweets are read. Users have benefited greatly from the abundance of choice provided by our ecosystem partners. We're honored to take this next step with Google and tap into their expertise to support the rapid, open exchange of information. Said Twitter folks.

Meanwhile Bing managed get access to the entire public Twitter feed and have launched Twitter Bing search the Twitter data in real time, but it seems selective as I tweeted something and searched, multiple times and the result never came.
I really wonder and waiting to see how twitter like services influence regular search.

RT @google: Tweets and updates and search, oh my!
Twitter blog on BING

Open Internet (Net Neutrality) Vote Today! Vint Cerf Speaks On The Subject

I am for Open Internet and I like what Vint had to say in an interview with the Washington post and dislike what the likes of Verizon CEO opening his dumb pipe. You can read Vint's interview by Cecilia Kang here.
Do not forget to visit Savetheinternet.com
Vint Cerf on the importance of keeping the Internet open

Verizon CEO Opens His Dumb Pipe! On Net Neutrality

On Net Neutrality snapvoip.blogspot.com/
"Proponents (of Net neutrality) have a worldview that network providers and application providers, like Google, occupy different parts of the Internet: dumb pipes versus smart apps, This is a mistake pure and simple. It's an analog idea for a digital world. It completely understates the need for sound practices and ignores the benefits of smart networks."
What made me laugh and wonder what / who was dumber the pipe or?, was the following statement;

He said that companies like Verizon need to be able to prioritize packets that are transmitting medical monitoring data--over such items like e-mail or spam--to make sure they get through the network quickly. But if rules are in place that prohibit carriers from prioritizing traffic, he said, then such medical services cannot be offered.

There are better ways to put the idea forward but this is not one of them.
"It's really ironic that the digital elites in Silicon Valley are also pushing for faster broadband and more wireless networks," he said. "The two don't add up."
Perhaps back to school might teach you how to add. You already charge consumers for the pipe, more than you should, Mr.. Looks like you are an analog protrusion in a digital world.
You can read more about his ideas here on cnet.

BlackBerry Storm 2 Has Come To Bestbuy In Dummy Form

Blackberry Storm 2 snapvoip.blogspot.com
Crackberry is reporting the sighting on Blackberry Storm 2 on shelves of Bestbuy displays for mobile stuff. But still no real release date. But I am sure Verizon will make sure that we know! I want to touch that Piezo Electronic Touchscreen on Blackberry Storm 2 
Crackberry

Communicating Tool Of Our Era, YouTube ANd You Feed 140,000 Children School Lunch.

When I saw the "Can a Billion Views feed Billion People", I did not think, it could. But in anycase, our family sent a few dollars in that direction, because due to our nature of travelling the world, and our own country, we have seen what hunger could do and does.
It is so pathetic that we let 1 billion fellow human beings live with hunger.
But I am happy to see that we live among people who donated enough to feed 140,000 school through United Nations World Food Program. But please do not stop here, we need a better solution and some of you good people will think of one.

It is heartening to see the YouTube community step up and help. We often forget about the billion people who go to bed hungry. If every web user does a little, we can achieve a lot. Said Pierre Guillaume Wielezynski, WFP's Head of Online Communications.

YouTube Blog: Thanks YouTube! 140,000 Children Have Lunch Because of You

Eyes-Free API, In Android 1.6 SDK Test And Learn WithTalkBack: An Open Source Screenreader For Android

When Android announced the Eyes-Free project, I was thrilled because I could put it to use, in many a places, like hands free driving. Real hands free, not pretending to be so.
But there were other people who were interested in the feature users and developers alike.
I am glad that T.V Raman and his team thought about it. The project they started is a part of the Android 1.6 and the Android 1.6 SDK. The Android team has developed TalkBack, which produces a voice feedback (Spoken words) during the user interaction and the SoundBack produces non spoken sound feedback. But that is not all, there is haptic feedback, also known as KickBack to complete the picture.
So those developers looking to make their application more widely used across all sort of people, could use the talkback, Soundback and kickback to make their applications usable when the user is not looking at the device screen.
The Eyes-Free team, (T. V. Raman, Charles L Chen, and Svetoslav Ganov) has announced that they will be working on the project and improve the Eyes-Free Api and the tools. They are also looking forward to see your questions and the feedback, written ones, at the Android Developers Group.
There are more stuff that happens with the Android 1.6 (Donut) release and the Official Google Blog is also carrying a releated post on the subject on More accessibility features in Android 1.6 post.

TalkBack: An Open Source Screenreader For Android

Google Voice Voicemail is not Publicly searchable.

I can search my GMail on the web as long as I am logged into my account, do I worry about my mail being public, yes and no. Yes because I want to keep my email private and no because I know my data is private with Google unless I share them with others. That goes for all other information that I create and use on Google. I believe they are not searchable, yes voicemail included.

There was a big questions about Google Voice and it' voicemail privacy yesterday and I was too busy to respond. But Google Voice blog has clarified information for all of us.

Google Voice lets you access your voicemails online from your inbox. Your account is password-protected, like any other Google service, and its content cannot be read by anyone unless you choose to share the information in your account.

You can read and search as much as possible, but Google Voice Voicemail is not Publicly searchable. Follow the link if you need further conformation.
About Voicemail and Privacy

About Voicemail and Privacy

Acer neoTouch S200 (NewTouch S200) Reviewed

Acer neoTouch S200 snapvoip.blogspot.com

Acer neoTouch S200  or F1 is powered by Windows Mobile 6.5, with enhanced support for popular social networks, like flickr, facebook and blogger.
The phone sports 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, the second SnapDragon phone running Windows Mobile, the other is Toshiba TG01.
All the phone's interfaces are provided through a 3.8-inch resistive touchscreen and let you take photos with a 5-megapixel camera, and if that is not enough, there are other features like GPS, Wi-Fi, accelerometer and 3.5mm jack plug your earphones.
The phone actually larger than iPhone and the review has it compared with other popular smart phones.
Phone Arena