Chris Pepin

On Wednesday, September 1, 2010, Apple is hosting a music-centric event in San Francisco.   Rumors are running far and wide on what Apple will announce.  The following is my personal wish list:

• Cloud-based iTunes service.  It's WAY to difficult to sync multiple devices with multiple iTune libraries via a USB cable no less (cut the cord Apple).  I want my media collection in the cloud, accessible from all my Apple devices and syncing is automatic.  (e.g. new podcasts are downloaded automatically)
• A new AppleTV.  I own one but it's getting long in the tooth and needs to not only evolve, but surpass the other options available and the upcoming Google TV.   I'd like to see it based on iOS 4, with support for applications (there's an app for that).  I'd also like to see better agreements with the networks.  For example, I love Entourage on HBO.   I'd love to be able to buy current run episodes for $.99 each so I can drop the $16 monthly HBO subscription from my satellite bill.   I'd like to see applications for streaming media including a RedBox application to watch $.99 movies on demand.   Like the current AppleTV, the new one has to support 1080p.   I'd also like it to support a cloud based iTunes service (above).  
• A new iPod Nano with a camera to take pictures (for my kids).  The current one only takes video.   Also, support for the cloud based iTunes service so I don't need to spend hours syncing my kids iPods
• That's all for now.  I'm anxiously awaiting tomorrow's announcement

I've been testing the Sprint HTC EVO Google Android smartphone and I wanted to share some initial impressions.   Like many other enterprise customers, RIM BlackBerry is IBM CIO's corporate standard but we've been deploying additional platforms (e.g. Apple iOS, Nokia S60, Windows Mobile, Google Android) to provide more flexibility and choice for our world-wide users.   While IBM provide smartphones for specific employees based on job role, increasingly, employees are purchasing their own smartphones and wanting to use them for business purposes.  Google Android is one of the platforms that is generating a great deal of interest in both the smartphone and emerging tablet space (Apple iPad compeditor).

The HTC EVO is Sprint's first 4G smartphone.  Sprint claims on their website that 4G promises downloads up to ten times faster than 3G.  However. 4G service is not yet available in my area so these impressions are with 3G service.   Previously, I had been testing a Sprint HTC Hero Google Android smartphone.   While I liked the Hero and the Android operating system, my impression is that it was  geared towards consumers with its small form factor and slower processor.  I was looking for a bigger screen and better performance the the HTC EVO delivers in spades.

Another, similar phone that I have been testing is the HTC HD2.  A Windows Mobile 6.5 phone, it shares alot in common from a hardware perspective with the HTC EVO.  When I first received my HTC EVO a few weeks ago, it included Android 2.1 preinstalled.   I was able to quickly (and easily) upgrade to Android 2.2 via an over the air upgrade to take advantage of the new features.  Android 2.2 is a significant new release, particularly for the enterprise, as it introduces a number of key enhancement, particularly in the area of security (e.g. password enforcement, wipe, etc.).     While several carriers restrict out of market Android application from being installed, Sprint allows this capability.  This enabled me to get started right away installing a number of IBM-internal developed Android applications as well as Lotus Traveler for Android that delivers two-way sync of Lotus Notes e-mail contacts and calendar.   For a VPN, we're leveraging Lotus Mobile Connect SSL mobile proxy for VPN connectivity.  I've also been testing Lotus iNotes Ultra-light 8.5.2 (web browser-based Lotus Notes email, contact and calendar) which also works extremely well.  Finally, I installed Adobe Flash successfully and have been using it to watch videos.   Contrary to Steve Job's assertion, most videos on the web require Flash so having a player for Android is a key advantage.

Overall, I'm happy with the HTC EVO.  The screen is big and gorgeous but like most smartphones, battery life suffers.   As more and more smartphone come without keyboards, I'm getting used to the onscreen keyboard.  The user interface, customized by HTC (i.e. "Sense") continues to improve and I understand more changes are on tap for 3.0 (Gingerbread) and it's successor (Honeycomb).   The rate of innovation of Google Android is remarkable since in less than two year they've essentially caught up to Apple.   I'm excited on the prospects of Google Android tablets this holiday season.

I have more testing to do with the EVO and I'll post a follow-up on this blog.

Update 8/26:  I traveled to Overland Park, KS where 4G service is available so I had the opportunity to try 4G.  It's fast!   I watched videos and visited websites with blazing speed.  Using SpeedTest.net, I was getting 4mb download speeds with .5 up.  I'm eagerly looking forward to 4G coming to the NYC metro area.  The increase is speed opens up all kinds of possibilities including challenging the cable and telcos for home broadband.  Using just my Sprint HTC EVO smartphone, I can use the wi-fi hotspot capability to connect a variety of devices (iPad, laptop, desktop etc).   This not only saves money and reduces complexity for users.  I'm very excited about the future of this technology.







 

I was fortunate to attend the RIM BlackBerry Torch 9800 smartphone launch event in New York city last week.  It was a great event and was attended by a number of celebrities including:

• Jim Balsillie - co-CEO of RIM.  Jim provided an overview of the new features of the Torch smartphone
• Mike Krzyzewski: coach of Duke University Men's basketball team.  Coach "K" gave a great speech on collaboration and teamwork.
• Michelle Branch: singer-songwriter.  Michelle sang a number of her hits and performed by herself, playing an acoustic guitar.

The purpose of the event was to launch the new BlackBerry Torch.  I knew quite a bit about the new BlackBerry smartphone prior to attending but it was great to meet with colleagues and try the smartphone for myself and ask questions from the RIM team.   In addition, each attendee got a new Torch handset as they left the event.  I configured the new handset as soon as I got it home.  In the way of background, I'm a longtime (8+ years) BlackBerry power user.   The following are my initial impressions:

• Setup.  Transferring from my old BlackBerry 9700 to the new Torch using the new BlackBerry Desktop 6.0 was a disaster.  I never was able to migrate my applications after multiple attempts, desktop software crashing (latest 6.0), handset crashing, rebooting etc.  I was able to make a backup of my old BlackBerry 9700, but not restore to the new Torch.  I was, however, able to switch to the new device (enterprise activation) by myself without the assistance of an administrator.  I had no such difficulties switching to a new Apple iPhone 4 - all my applications and settings came over automatically and within minutes.
• Form factor.  This is the first BlackBerry with a slide out keyboard (like the PalmPre).  The keyboard and slider work well.   The handset seems a bit heavy and thick compared to other smartphones.
• Screen The first thing I notice on smartphones is the screen.  Unfortunately, the new BlackBerry Torch screen does not impress.  The resolution is 360x480 which is far less than most other smartphones.  Text is pixilated and images don't look crisp.   I would have preferred a larger, higher resolution screen.   Like the BlackBerry Storm, the Torch is a touchscreen.  While better than the Storm, I had issues with responsiveness of the touchscreen and some items were too small to touch on the screen.  The optical trackpad is a big help.  
• Performance.  The BlackBerry Torch uses a 624MHz processor which is less than most of the other high-end smartphones and it shows.  Performance is sluggish, particularly in the web browser.
• Software.  The BlackBerry Torch is the first RIM handset to run the new 6.0 operating system which includes new, much improved webkit-based web browser.  It's an evolution, rather than a revolutionary design and will look familiar to BlackBerry users.  However, I do find the new user interface busy and complex compared to other smartphone UIs .    I really like the new podcast service that allows me to subscribe to podcasts and have new episodes downloaded automatically without having to connect to my PC.

I'll post a follow-up post after I have more experience under my belt

I recently switched from using CNET My Tech on Facebook to using Gdgt to track all my gadgets.    As part of my job for IBM, I get the opportunity to test various laptops, netbooks, tablets and smartphones.  In addition, I have a fair amount of gadgets at my home as well :-)

I was fortunate to get an iPad (wi-fi) a few weeks ago and while I was initially skeptical, the device has grew on me and I'm convinced that its is a bona fide tool for the enterprise.  I recently used it on a business trip and I was able to access my email, contacts and calendar via Lotus Traveler, I used DropBox and Apple Keynote to deliver presentations to customers.     I demoed some of IBM's internal applications including IBM's corporate web portal, On Demand Workplace as well as IBM's internal deployment of Lotus Connections (social media).  Since I didn't have a 3G iPad and wi-fi wasn't always available, I used my AT&T Tilt2 Windows Mobile Smartphone with WMWifiRouter to create a mobile hotspot.  Earlier this week, I retired my Tilt2 in favor of a HTC Windows Mobile HD2.    I'm looking forward on getting my hands on a HTC Android EVO 4G next week to do some testing with the just announced Lotus Traveler beta for Android.

I installed the new version of Microsoft Bing for Windows Mobile on my HTC Tilt 2 (AT&T) smartphone to take advantage of the new turn-by-turn navigation feature.   I'm impressed and the price was right - free!   I've used it a couple of times now and the directions were spot on.  I was able to use the voice recognition feature to enter the address (accuracy was perfect) and Bing gave me the directions over the speaker as I drove (turn right, turn left etc).   Over the last few days, I've been using my Tilt2 more often for two key reasons:

1. As reported earlier on this blog, I got an AT&T microcell which now means I can use AT&T phones at my house (I previously didn't have cell service due to the hilly terrain)
2. I  got an Apple iPad wi-fi (I didn't get the 3G model) and I've been using WMWifiRouter to create a mobile hotspot for wi-fi access.   I understand that more smartphones will have this capability going forward (e.g. Android 2.2) and its a great feature.  No need to pay $130 more for an iPad (or any device) with a cellular radio or a mi-fi device when I've already got a perfectly good smartphone with this capability.

I'll be blogging shortly on my impressions of the Apple iPad.  In particular, running the IBM/Lotus software suite (Traveler, iNotes Ultralight, Sametime, Connections, LotusLive, etc)

I just completed installing an AT&T microcell in my home.  A microcell (also referred to as a femtocell) improves cellular coverage in home/small business environment.   At my home in New Fairfield, CT, I have poor/no cell phone service from any of the major carriers due to the hilly terrain.   With the AT&T microcell, I now get 5 bars.  The microcell works by leveraging my existing broadband Internet service (In my case, I'm leveraging 25Mbit cable service from Charter).   I registered an iPhone 3G.  I'm still waiting for my second phone, a BlackBerry Bold 9700 to complete registration.  It took less than 15 minutes to install, register, and configure the microcell and so far I'm impressed.  AT&T is also happy since service in my house is now going over the Internet rather than their network.

I'll post a follow-up to this blog in the coming weeks with more impressions and feedback



Notice the "AT&T M-Cell" header from my iPhone.  This shows that the iPhone is connected to the microcell.  Notice that 5 bars of service.  I usually have 1 bar or less from my home in New Fairfield, CT



The microcell itself is roughly 8 inches high and connects to an existing wi-fi router

Earlier today, IBM doubled the number of IBM applications in the Apple App Store by releasing the LotusLive Mobile Meetings application.  This free application allows you participate in a LotusLive meeting from your iPhone.   This application compliments the Lotus Notes Traveler Companion application that was released earlier this year.  

While I didn't attend RIM's annual conference, Wireless Enterprise Symposium (WES), last week in Orlando, FL, that won't stop me from providing my impressions.  I did, however, participate remotely via VirtualWES, followed the press releases as well as connected with colleagues who attended.    My impression:  good, but I was expecting more.   Since the conference is held once a year, I was expecting more announcements around new devices and new capabilities.  The news was limited to a new Bold 9650 (CDMA), Pearl 3G and  OS 6.0, due out later this year.   OS 6  is largely catch-up to what the leading consumer smartphones (e.g. iPhone, Google Android) are delivering today in a very competitive space.  That said, combining the new OS 6  features (including a better web browser experience) with a proven, enterprise-grade smartphone service should be a winning combination.  BlackBerry cracked into the top 5 handset makers wordwide by selling 10.6 million devices in 1Q2010.  OS 6 as well as new handsets that capitalize on its features should help BlackBerry grow its user base.
 
Still, with 30-40% of companies allowing their employees to use personally owned equipment, not every employee will opt for a Blackberry.  The lure of the iPhone or Google Android is just too strong.  In addition, Windows Mobile and Symbian S60 are very popular - particularly overseas.  By some estimates, 20% of companies have 50% or more of their employees using smartphones and this is expected to increase as the economy rebounds.   With the new iPhone due to be released in June, a multitude of Android devices, Windows Mobile Phone 7 this fall and the recent HP acquisition of Palm, the mobile market is heating up.   Competition is a good thing and I expect RIM to continue to innovate and be a leader in this space.

I was fortunate to have the opportunity to participate in National Engineer's Week again this year at the New Fairfield, CT Middle School.  IBM, along with many other corporations, sponsor in the event which is designed to increase awareness of math and science in schools.   I spent last Friday along with ten other IBM employees speaking about careers in engineering and engaging the class with hands-on math and science-related activities designed to foster teamwork and creative thinking.   This was the third year I participated and as in the past, it was a positive experience that hopefully inspired a future engineer or two.

Last week, Microsoft introduced Internet Explorer 9 Platform Preview.  Short of a full beta, the preview provides a glimpse into what's coming with IE9.   Here's a snapshot:

• Not a full beta, it installs along side your current version of Internet Explorer
• Support for HTML5
• Fast, very fast
• Lacks a full UI (still under development).   However, you can run the demos or see how any website renders in IE9 by selecting "Page - Open" and entering the site URL
• Won't run on Windows XP
• Release dates for the full beta, and the production release have not been announced  

In a related note, Microsoft's MIX conference took place last week.   Billed as a "3 day conference for web designers and developers building the world's most innovative web sites" the conference took place from March 15-17, 2010 in Las Vegas.  Videos of many of the sessions are available online.

IBM published its 2009 annual report to the web.  I personally found the Letter to Shareholders particularly useful.  Key messages:

Significant changes are underway

• Changes in the world: lowering of trade barriers, the rise of the developing world and the emergence of the World Wide Web
• Changes in technology: new model of computing are replacing the PC-based, client/server model including phones, cameras, cars, appliances, roadways, power lines, clothes—and even natural systems, such as agriculture and rivers.  The Internet connects all these together
• Changes in client demand: enterprises and institutions are no longer content with cost savings from off-the-shelf technologies and solutions.   Intense focus on innovation, automation and greater dependancy of technology

IBM's growth areas for the future

• Growth markets: growing at least 8 points higher than major markets
• Analytics: Data is growing: IP traffic is expected to total more than half a zettabyte. (That's a trillion gigabytes—or 1 followed by 21 zeroes.).   All this information—the knowledge of the world, the flow of markets, the pulse of societies—can now be turned into insight through sophisticated mathematical models, also known as analytics. Where once we inferred, now we know.
• Cloud and Next-Generation Data Center:   The data center is shifting from being a single physical place to something more like the Internet, a diverse set of services fueled by IT.  Clouds are consumption-based delivery models.
• Smarter Planet : All of these growth strategies come together in the opportunity we call “smarter planet.”

As an IBM employee, it's helpful to me to map the projects I am involved in to these initiatives to ensure I'm focused on the larger corporate strategy.

The 2010 Mobile World Congress (CNET coverage) wrapped up two weeks ago and I must admit that I'm still digesting it all.  There were so many announcements and its a challenge to keep up and focus on the key items that will deliver value to the enterprise.   With the downturn in the economy, more and more companies are reducing costs and one of the ways this is being done is through expense reduction.  Fewer employees are being reimbursed for mobile expenses yet at the same time, more and more employees are purchasing smartphones (e.g. BlackBerry, iPhone, Google Android, Nokia, Windows Mobile) and wanting to use them for business purposes.  This presents a number of challenges including, but not limited to corporate policy, security and services and support (VPN, mail, applications etc.).  This is a problem many enterprises are struggling to solve in light of reduced IT budgets and resources.   While some employees are willing to pay for the device, voice and data charges, the challenge of policy, security and services remain.  A recent study concluded that mobile users preferred smartphones over notebooks and that every employee is a potential mobile employee.  I couldn't agree more.  Smartphones are fast becoming the primary computing device for a growing population of users.

A few of the key recent announcements in the enterprise mobile space that I find most interesting include:

• Google announcing that 60,000 Android handsets ship each day.   Lotus Traveler for Android is due out later this year.
• RIM announces BlackBerry Enterprise Server Express
• Microsoft announces Microsoft Windows Phone 7 Series
• Gartner publishes 2009 smartphone statistics

It's hard to believe that the first two months of 2010 are already behind us.   Watch this space as well as Facebook, Twitter and Delicious for items of interest in the mobile space.  

On Wednesday, January 27, Apple announced the Apple iPad.   While much of the focus of the announcement was given to the consumer, little attention was given to enterprise user.   However, this is typical for Apple products.   At IBM, my focus is on the internal IT deployment.  My first thought after listening to the announcement was how will IBM employees will use the new iPad device once it begins shipping in March.  Employees will use the iPad  whether or not it is endorsed.   Since the iPad essentially the same as an iPhone/iPod Touch and runs the same OS, I expect that the same security/VPN/messaging capabilities that exist today (e.g. profiles, Cisco VPN, ActiveSync support) will be included in the iPad.   Like the iPhone/iPod Touch this would allow IBM employees to use the VPN to connect to IBM, use the Safari web browser to access iNotes Ultralight or Sametime, or use ActiveSync to leverage Lotus Traveler and Lotus Notes "push" email, contacts and calendar.  The key value, however, is in the applications, and IBM is busy building applications (web and rich clients) that access enterprise data.  While I don't see users using an iPad as their "primary" computing device I can easily see it as a second device.   One of the key advantage of the iPhone/iPod Touch is the superior web browsing experience and having this experience in a larger, bright, touch screen is tempting.  I'm looking forward to trying it and the $499 model is tempting.  

That said, I do have a wish list of features that were not announced that I'd like to see:

• Streaming support.  With so little on board memory, there needs to be a way to view vidoes, pictures and music on my home network
• Flash support.  According to Adobe, Flash powers 70 percent of games and 75 percent of video on the web.  On a personal note, I want to play FarmVille!
• Multitasking.  Perhaps we'll see this in 4.0?
• More device locking options.  It's a pain to enter a passcode to unlock the device to satisfy those concerned about device security.  How about speech recognition?
• GPS.  Still a bit unclear if the iPad includes GPS on the models without 3G

While the iPad is new, it's not revolutionary.  All the features (and more) exist on other device.   Apple didn't invent the MP3 player (iPod) or smartphone (iPod) but it did make them better.  I expect the same for the iPad when it ships next month.

IBM has released its first iPhone application in the Apple App Store - Lotus Traveler Companion.   This free application allows users to read Domino encrypted mail.   Details from the Apple App Store can be found below.

In a related item, Lotus Traveler 8.5.1 Fix Pack 1 is now available and a new feature is the ability to accept and reject Domino calendar invites.

Lotus Sametime 8.5 has been announced and will go GA on 22nd December.  Details are in the announcement letter, and Sametime blog.  IBM Lotus Sametime 8.5 represents the next generation of unified communications and collaboration software. It incorporates:

• A new online meeting experience that is integrated into the IBM Lotus Sametime Connect client.
• New zero-download, browser-based chat and meeting clients.
• A new standards-based audio and video infrastructure.
• New audio and video codecs that provide higher quality native voice and video services.
• New Web 2.0 APIs
• A new, browser-based Apple iPhone chat client, support for the Blackberry Storm, and an improved mobile client for Microsoft® Windows® Mobile devices.
• New social views that make it easier to find the people you collaborate with the most.
• A new System Console that centralizes infrastructure configuration, deployment, management, and policy management for all Sametime services.
• New upgrade options if you have basic Sametime services from other IBM offerings.

More information can be on the Lotus Software website