Destination California

As many of you know, I have a new job in California at Juniper Networks and am in the process of traveling from Boca Raton, FL to San Jose, CA. I saw this as a perfect opportunity to really give my N82 a workout and put some of the apps I have been playing with through their paces. First and foremost is Nokia's Sportstracker. I use this each day to track my progress across the country.

Day 1 from Boca to Pensacola.
Day 2 from Pensacola to Austin.

Day 3 tooling around my parents' neighborhood

Day 4 from Austin to Las Cruces

Day 5 from Las Cruces to Palm Springs

Day 6 from Palm Springs to San Jose, my new home.

All new ones will be linked from my Sportstracker profile, so click on that to view remaining journey from Austin to California.

In addition to the Sportstracker, I am making heavy use of Shozu to tag and automatically upload my pictures to my destinationCA Ovi channel. But you don't even have to click on those, just check out the live ticker:



Sportstracker as originally conceived is for tracking your running, walking, cycling, etc. type activities so it has an athletic slant to it, rather than a cross-the-country-in-your-car type focus. Nokia is in the process of replacing it with a product they call NokiaVine, but since it is not ready for general use just yet, I am using SportsTracker which works just fine. (nokiaVine went live about two days after I arrived in California, MobileDan has a great writeup about it and if you are interested, I highly recommend you check out his post and all the pictures/screenshots he has taken).



The original plan:


View Larger Map


My actual route, according to SportsTracker:

(This post edited on November 30, 2008 to include all the legs of the journey and to move some technical description to a "how I made this" post)

...Read more

An Office in Your Hand: using your phone for FAX, scan, and copy

Are you a mobile warrior that considers that Fed/Ex Kinko's card and a list of their locations to be one of your most important assets? Well, I am here to free you from tracking them down, driving to their store, and spending large amounts of money to copy and FAX that latest business agreement or contract draft. I have been using scanR quite a bit lately to FAX some documents across the country, and there are two other services that look good as well that I will mention. What this boils down to are fewer expense reports and time saved, which translates directly into more time at the bar, and who couldn't use a bit extra of that after a long work day?

The Problem: I had a lengthy application that needed to get from Florida to Ohio in a timely manner, but no FAX machine and at approximately $2 per page, using FedEX/Kinko's was cost-prohibitive. I knew about eFax and have used them to receive facsimiles, but I had no way to scan the paper into a format they could read, and it was a semi-useful service with a pretty steep monthly fee.

The Solution: I own a Nokia N82 which has a high-resolution camera on it, so I knew there had to be a better way. After a quick bit of searching, I found scanR, a service that had a monthly, quarterly, and yearly payment plans. I ended up going for the quarterly for $9.95, which was basically getting a month free over and above the monthly plan. Point the phone over at m.scanR.com and they do a great job of walking you through the service. It will download an app to your phone, start the app, and run you through the tutorial. From the time I hit the web page with my phone, I had a scan up on their site and fax'd to my parents' fax machine within five minutes. Also, once you take the scan, make sure to use the "view scan" option in the app. This login procedure is what connects the device to your online scanR account.
Another great feature of scanR is that it does Optical Character Recognition (OCR) with the scans. This is a process by which it goes through and converts the letters and words in the image to actual, editable text for easy copy and paste. The better the quality, the more accurate the text will be.

Testing: To give this a good test, I used ScanR to scan the same document with my E71, N82, and N75. The E71 is a powerful business phone with a 3.2 megapixel camera with LED flash. The N82 is quite possibly the best camera phone currently available with a 5 megapixel camera and Xenon flash, and the N75 has a somewhat standard 2 megapixel LED flash camera. ScanR "scores" each image on a scale that goes to 120. In my experience, anything over 80 is still better than what you would get from sending through a regular fax machine and is perfectly usable. I have sent documents in the 50s that have worked out, as well, but I prefer higher quality scans if I can get them. In testing, I used a Nokia Warranty Repair instructions sheet I received from them and printed. The N82 was actually done with a recreation because I lost the original, but it is practically the same and was taken in the same location of the house, under the same conditions, as the other images.

The N75 scored a 52 with this document. It is passable, but just barely. If it were a signed contract, it would be okay because it would be identifiable, but as detailed instructions, it takes a bit of work to read them. Small print or handwriting would never work at that low a score. The character recognition was abyssmal with a score this low, and you can only use the image/pdf version of this document.

The E71 scored a 93 with its scan of the document. This is a great image and was taken in good lighting. I doubt it will be a common occurence where you would need to take pictures of documents in low light settings, but if you do, I worry a bit about the E71's flash being up to the challenge. For everyday office-environment scans, however, the image quality plus the business styling of the phone is a winning combination. Also, the text-recognition is very good, with all the text and just a couple strange characters that popped up. You would be well-served using this as an OCR tool.

The N82 scored a 100 with its scan. This is near-perfect and I have taken low-light scans with this camera phone that came out almost as good, due to its superior flash. The text recognition was without errors or strange characters. One downside of scanR is the online interface. It is more than adequate for viewing and sending a particular document. However, there is no management for multiple documents. You cannot delete multiple docs if you would like to clean it up, nor is there any sort of tagging or categorization available, other than the type of image: document, whiteboard, or business card. It is also slow if you are trying to quickly look at documents to determine which one you want to send.

Alternatives: As much as I like it, scanR is not the only game in town. Doing a search recently, I discovered Qipit and Snapter. Qipit appears to be nearly the same as scanR. They offer the ability to scan, convert to pdf and fax documents. They lack the OCR (convert to text) option and the business card scanning, and appear to be a bit more sharing-oriented. To sum them up quickly, I would say that scanR is the better business person's solution, and Qipit is slightly more geared toward students for note-taking and sharing. Qipit is also free for the first 100 documents. Either would work well in each situation, however. Snapter is more of a desktop solution, geared toward cameras, rather than camera phones. Not that it couldn't be used by the latter. It has more of an aim at OCR (converting the images to text) than to the office replacement that scanR and Qipit can be. ...Read more

The pointless use of DRM in the Amazon Kindle

Digital Rights Management ("DRM" or "Digital Restrictions Management") is used in a number of products you likely use everyday: music, ebooks, DVDs, and computer software are just a few of the places you will find DRM. The Kindle Blog has a nice review of the Kindle and why you may or may not want to buy one, giving a nice breakdown for some definite yes and definite no for certain types of people. The fact that the Kindle utilizes DRM makes it into a definite no for those people staunchly opposed to such a system. This is true, however, I think the blog glosses over what DRM is and what it does for Amazon, even citing Radiohead giving away its album on a donation basis.


Firstly, while Radiohead might be an outside example, it is a perfect reason why DRM is not a necessary evil. Even with many people not spending a penny for the album, Radiohead made a TON of money with their 'experiment'. Also, many authors make a lot of money even though they release their work without a copyright. Jonathan Zittrain and Cory Doctorow come to mind, but there are many others.

Furthermore, DRM is little more than a nuisance. Like television and movies, most books can be found for free on the Internet by someone looking just a bit harder than a single Google search. It is not difficult, and many times a book is available online before it is in the store.

While the existence of DRM on the device might not preclude me from buying one, the cited reasons for its existence do not persuade me. In fact, the only thing DRM on your purchased books does is force you to stick with the Amazon Kindle line when something better eventually comes along. Which it will, because that is the nature of technology, and then you have to make the decision to stick with an inferior device or to maintain two different eBook readers.
...Read more

E71 Part V: Not just for work anymore

In my previous posts about my E71 trial, I have almost solely talked about the professional and business aspects of this device. And while it handles those like a charm, it knows you need to get out and unwind. Well, your trusty E71 is there for you. Eseries phones with Feature Pack 2 introduce the concept of Modes.

In fact, the only problem with the E71 and having a good time might be its size. It is so small that a friend of mine literally went swimming with his for five minutes before he realized it was still in his pocket. Needless to say, his device did not live to tell about it.

Screenshot above is of my E71 in Business Mode. From left to right are the apps I might use during a workday: QuickOffice, ScanR, Sync, ActiveNotes, and File Manager. The final icon is to switch modes. Don't forget that the E71 has a number of hard buttons with links to contacts, messaging, and so on. The lower quick buttons of Maps and Web are the same for both modes, so I chose apps I would want to use no matter what mode I was in.
The E71 may act like it is all business, but it knows that you have to get out and socialize, too. To this end, the new Eseries devices have introduced the concept of Modes. Modes are similar to Profiles, but they take it one step further. With a quick click of a single button, you can transform the E71 from its daily office-professional workhorse stylings to your nighttime socializing workhorse. Think of it as going from elegant to sexy.

Ask yourself: Are you in a Work mode or a Play mode?

I have set my E71 up in such a way that the applications I might need during a workday are in the business mode, and the apps I want to use for myself are on the Personal mode. The two shortcut keys just under the screen do not change when you switch modes, so I have designated them Nokia Maps and Web; two programs I will use no matter what mode I am in. And do not forget about the quick buttons on the keyboard itself, providing instant access to calendar, contacts, and messaging. With so many shortcuts, I had to search for the last couple of apps to put there!

This gives me quick access to all the things I may want to do when out and about, and the second screenshot shows the Play mode, with different, spooky theme for Halloween: Jaiku, camera (there is no hard camera button on the E71), Music Player, Sports Tracker, and Mobbler. And when it is time to go back to work in the morning, switch modes back to business while you're brushing your teeth, and the screen will fill itself with new email notifications, quick access to scanr for fax and making digital copies of documents, and whatever else you may need for your workday.

Modes is a great concept, allowing you to change the primary role of that computer in your pocket with the touch of a button. This feature makes the Eseries devices the workhorse for your life, no matter what mode you are in. ...Read more

Is the mobile phone primarily a tool for committing crime?

Over at Nokia Conversations, they have a couple interesting points about past legal decisions and recent government interventions into the regulation of mobile phones. The mobile phone is the instrument of communication for the twenty-first century and if people want to enjoy the freedoms they are accustomed to, they should keep an eye on these developments.  The two conversations are interesting in that the success of one could really serve to mitigate the other.

I think Skype's efforts in trying to get networks to open up the applications they allow -essentially turning the networks into pipes on which voice/data flow freely- is commendable. The efforts, mind you, but not the application. Skype is fine, but I find it a bit hypocritical that a company with a proprietary standard for doing voice over IP is the major player to push for this. There are open standards such as SIP that can be used -and, being open- they can be examined by the community and network operators to verify that they do not pose harm. There is some fear that Skype has or may at some time place backdoors in its software and/or network that allow it to snoop on its users.

As to the anonymity issue, I think this is something we will see more and more by the mere fact that many people that buy pre-paid plans with cash, leaving no trail do so with an intent to commit a crime. This does not mean I think it means government should outlaw this practice, just that I think it likely that they will. And who is going to vote against it?

However, there is some bright light. If Skype is successful in forcing/convincing networks to open up their services, this could allow a legion of new applications to come in and solve the privacy problem, if not the anonymity one.  Callers could encrypt their conversation starting at their phone and ending at the person they are calling so that neither the network nor the government could listen in on the conversation.  And, so far as they are in a place where one could reasonably expect privacy in their conversation, the government would have to face the usual, higher standards of phone-tapping to listen to the conversation, and it would be one-sided at that!
...Read more

E71 Part IV: Der Profi

It Works for You

My first impression, after I sync'd my contacts with Ovi, is that this is a phone for professionals. The steel casing, leather case, and thin nature of the phone adds to the business-oriented S60 configuration. Some would describe the device as sexy, but really it is a stylish and classy device and says that the person using it is both elegant and sophisticated.


The Nokia E71 is a phone for professionals. It takes no shortcuts in terms of either styling or performance to impress both its owner and those who look on with a lustful eye. Last time I talked about Email. This time, I am going to discuss the other reasons why this is a device for the professionally-minded.


Speed
The E71 is fast, and it's not just me that thinks so. Switching between applications, opening up the camera, starting a new text message, or making a call, the E71 knows that it is your job to be cool, and something that forces you to wait around for it to launch an app is not stylish at all. The E71 can handle anything you throw at it.

Battery
I commented when I first opened the phone, that the battery was big. Not only is it big, but this device goes a long time without needing a charge. My N82 needs at least one charge every day, but this E71 has gone over two days without needing a charge. Although comparing them is a bit apples and oranges, they are both Edge-only where I am. I use the E71 for the same tasks as my N82 for, including SportsTracker, and now the Mobile Web Server. The E71 should get through the day for all but the most intense of power users.


Encryption
Although you never want to think about this, let us be honest; a device so small and stylish is just asking to either be lost or get stolen. Your old phone may have just had a few numbers for the office and grandma, but you are going to be using this for everything, and that means important secret, private, and potentially embarrassing information may be on there. Setting a lock code for when the phone is powered on is not going to do it, there are so many ways to get at the secret information and liability-inducing photographs that is is not even funny. By encrypting the data, and setting a lock code, you can be sure that your information is safe from thieves and guerrilla YouTube posters.


Encryption will save you from the information on a stolen device being leaked. Unfortunately, if someone else takes pictures of you pole dancing with the bachelor party stripper, the E71 cannot do anything about that. I have never seen such an easy-to-use encryption application. The two screenshots you see here are literally all there is to it, other than giving it your passcode.

These options turn the E71 from a feature phone to a device truly worthy of the professional on the go.
...Read more

Using your mobile phone for free

Although yesterday's NseriesUS news linked to some disheartening news about AT&T cancelling its data plan, I am forging ahead with my perfect phone idea. See, the idea is to use the power of your mobile phone without relying on the carrier networks like AT&T and Verizon. This means using the Wi-fi capabilities in the phone to use VOIP whenever possible.

There are many ways to use VOIP on your phone. Matthew Bennett has been trying out Truphone, which I have been meaning to give a real workout, and S60Tips recently did a thorough VOIP roundup that I definitely recommend before getting started. But personally, I have been using Gizmo5 (or just Gizmo), and that is what this post will focus on.


The reason I chose Gizmo is because they are a SIP-based VOIP service. This means that their service not only works with the wide variety of software they provide, but you can use any other SIP software or hardware to interact with their service, even so far as using Asterisk. So, Gizmo is as easy to get started as Skype, gives you free credit to get started without risk, and can be used in many different ways for the very advanced user.

I'm excited, are you excited? Let's get started:


Head on over to Gizmo5's website and sign up for an account.
You can also download a number of clients. There is one for your desktop (yes, Windows, Linux, and Mac are covered), one for your Internet tablet, and one for your mobile phone. Be Careful!, however, because if you have an advanced smartphone like a Nokia Nseries or Eseries, it is even easier! You want to open up your Download application, go into the Communication folder, and install Gizmo. That's it!
(If you do not see it in point that hotrod in your hands on over to GizmoVOIP.com and install from there)

Installation is a breeze, and it will ask you to install Gizmo, as well as a couple helper applications. You ought to see the following on your phone:

Straight from download or gizmovoip.com, the program and its helpers will be installed for you.

You should have nothing to worry about, but it will take a few minutes, depending on how fast your connection is. If you are near a wireless network, I suggest using it.


Just keep clicking continue and OK, it will all be over soon. A painless process, I promise. Once installed, Gizmo actually integrates itself within your contacts application, kind of like Nokia Chat, creating a new tab in contacts. To get there, go to your contacts and press the right button on your directional pad.

And you should see this. Click Go Online and enter your account information. Now you are logged in, and the application has setup all that nasty VOIP information for you (trust me, it is very nasty. I had to set it up by hand one time and it gave me a thumb cramp!)

You can use your data network from your mobile phone company as the provider. This was a fun idea back when AT&T was offering an inexpensive and reasonable service for their pre-paid customers. Now, you should try to use the wi-fi whenever possible.

Now, making an Internet call is as simple as typing in the number as usually, then instead of clicking the little green button, click Options on the lower left of your screen and choose Internet Call.

Gizmo offers free 1-800 calling, so call a credit card company, check your balance to give it a test. If it works fine, then give a friend a call using that free 15 or so minutes they give you.

Going Further With Gizmo
Now that you have the basics working, let me tell you why I use Gizmo5. After signing up, I added $10 worth of call out time, which translates to something like 500minutes of talk in the US. I then added a Call-In number using the free Area 775 service. This was a test, and now I pay a mere $3.95 to have a call in number with the area code of my choice (my phone has an Austin, TX number, but I live in Florida, so this is a good way to have a local number if you have recently moved), voice mail that is sent to the email account of my choice, and a number that, when called, rings both Gizmo and a number of my choice.

Since I got my E71 the other day, I have been using my N82 as a pure VOIP phone. I keep it running Gizmo5 all day long using the home wi-fi network, no SIM card at all. Because of the call-in number, if someone dials that, both the Gizmo phone (my N82) and my E71 with my AT&T SIM inserted will ring. I can answer either one.

Let me know how you have been using VOIP and if you have any other ideas about what to do with it or questions about my setup!
...Read more

E71 Part III: An Email Heavyweight.

You only get one chance to make a first impression

My first impression, after I sync'd my contacts with Ovi, is that this is a phone for professionals. The steel casing, leather case, and thin nature of the phone adds to the business-oriented S60 configuration. Some would describe the device as sexy, but really it is a stylish and classy device and says that the person using it is both elegant and sophisticated. I have used two Nseries phones and this Eseries phone is my first from the line. Though they both run Symbian with S60, Nokia has done a good job of tailoring the details toward different markets.


The Nokia E71 is a phone for professionals. It takes no shortcuts in terms of either styling or performance to impress both its owner and those who look on with a lustful eye.

Email
The business world still revolves around phones and e-mail, which is why the Blackberry really dominates both market- and mindshare for this space. Nokia had the E61, which was a good alternative with a nice keyboard that never really caught on in the US market; but the E71 is meant to take this market head-on. I was really impressed with the ease in which I was able to setup my e-mail. Following the on-screen reminder to setup my e-mail, I clicked the link and told it my e-mail address. I use Google Apps for my personal domain (because, hey, if we're going to live in the clouds, let's let someone else manage it!) Usually, this means I have some extra settings tweaks to do to get everything to work just right, and I have had to edit the settings manually on my Nseries phones. Not so this time. I simply gave it my email address with my own domain, and the E71 did the rest!

Easy mail setup is one thing, but one of the reasons the RIM Blackberry is the leader in mobile e-mail is that it employs "push e-mail" whereby the service notifies the device that you have new mail waiting. Nokia has an answer to this service in the form of Nokia Email. This service is free to anyone with a compatible phone. (no N82, but you can pretend its an N95) If your phone is not listed, you could head over to Seven and see if they support you. HiroAdrian's blog does a great job of explaining the push e-mail options for Nokia devices.

Although the built-in e-mail configured effortlessly and the Nokia Email setup showed my my inbox without a problem, I could not reply to or send new messages. This was a bit confusing because the signup process for Nokia Email had done everything else, and I could not find the sending settings from within the app.

Finally, I found the proper place, the email setup application (see screenshot on right):

Clicking on this and then entering in the correct information for sending mail from Gmail accounts, (using Google's cheatsheet, if necessary), and although it gave me an error about connecting, I double-checked my input then told it to accept the configuration. After that, sending mail using Nokia Email has been a wonder. I like how it is both very fast to notify me about new email, sometimes even before it shows up in my Gmail browser, and that when I start to type a recipient, it pulls that in directly from my contacts. A lot of people have a problem with email on Nokia phones. I suspect once this comes out of beta, they will start to change their minds.

Going Further with Email: Multiple Devices, Multiple Accounts

As of today, Nokia Email has quietly released a new version of its software. Still in Beta, this version adds an important new feature: multiple email accounts. Rather than notification within the application, Nokia lets you know about a new version when you login to your account on the website.

The E71, coupled with Nokia Email makes a powerful messaging platform. Since using the two, I have been turning on my laptop later each day, only powering it on when I need to write a longer message or start doing some heavy web-browsing. This is by far the best on-the-go email solution I have ever used.
...Read more