MobileDiscoveries http://www.mobilediscoveries.com Mobile Ideas for Business Professionals Wed, 19 Jun 2013 05:09:34 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1 Mobile Ideas for Business Professionals Brian Prows no Brian Prows info@MobileDiscoveries.com info@MobileDiscoveries.com (Brian Prows) MobileDiscoveries Radio - All Rights Reserved Mobile Ideas for Business Professionals MobileDiscoveries http://www.mobilediscoveries.com/wp-content/plugins/powerpress/rss_default.jpg http://www.mobilediscoveries.com TV-G San Francisco Bay Area Weekly MobileDiscoveries Radio - All Rights ReservedTechnology/Tech NewsBusiness/Business News Mobile Merchant Services Help SMB’s Drive Revenue Up http://www.mobilediscoveries.com/mobile-merchant-services-help-smbs-drive-revenue-up/ http://www.mobilediscoveries.com/mobile-merchant-services-help-smbs-drive-revenue-up/#comments Sun, 17 Feb 2013 06:43:40 +0000 Brian Prows http://www.mobilediscoveries.com/?p=799

MobileDiscoveries - Mobile Ideas for Business Professionals

  The expression”out with the old and in with the new” might be changing –at least in the mobile merchant services market. Face it, most people don’t want to throw away their credit, debit, discount and other cards flooding their wallets and purses. People cling to those plastic icons like a crocodile holding its  prey. [...]

Mobile Merchant Services Help SMB’s Drive Revenue Up |

]]> http://www.mobilediscoveries.com/mobile-merchant-services-help-smbs-drive-revenue-up/feed/ 0 Mobile World Congress Driving Business Profitability http://www.mobilediscoveries.com/mobile-world-congress-driving-business-profitability/ http://www.mobilediscoveries.com/mobile-world-congress-driving-business-profitability/#comments Tue, 28 Feb 2012 19:01:05 +0000 Brian Prows http://www.mobilediscoveries.com/?p=710

MobileDiscoveries - Mobile Ideas for Business Professionals

Mobile World Congress Driving Business Profiability Listen to the exciting and informative interviews, news and commentary this week from the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain on MobileBeyond. A special year for MWC, companies are focusing on mobile content and innovative devices that consumers and businesses needs. MobileBeyond goes behind the scenes and talks with [...]

Mobile World Congress Driving Business Profitability |

]]> http://www.mobilediscoveries.com/mobile-world-congress-driving-business-profitability/feed/ 0 Will Mobile Cloud Computing Meet Today’s Business Challenges? http://www.mobilediscoveries.com/mobile-cloud-computing-business-challenges/ http://www.mobilediscoveries.com/mobile-cloud-computing-business-challenges/#comments Tue, 07 Feb 2012 01:39:10 +0000 Brian Prows http://www.mobilediscoveries.com/?p=667

MobileDiscoveries - Mobile Ideas for Business Professionals

Mobile cloud computing…repeat…mobile cloud computing…again…mobile cloud computing... You’ll hear more in your business as data, once stored onsite moves to global data centers. Still… Are you getting tired of hearing about “the cloud?” At bed time, do you count fluffy white clouds or noisy sheep? Here’s a simple explanation of “the cloud” under 3 minutes: [...]

Will Mobile Cloud Computing Meet Today’s Business Challenges? |

]]> http://www.mobilediscoveries.com/mobile-cloud-computing-business-challenges/feed/ 0 Mobile Websites Hot and Growing: Annette Tonti from Mofuse http://www.mobilediscoveries.com/mobile-websites-hot-and-growing-annette-tonti-from-mofuse/ http://www.mobilediscoveries.com/mobile-websites-hot-and-growing-annette-tonti-from-mofuse/#comments Tue, 31 Jan 2012 06:16:41 +0000 Brian Prows http://www.mobilediscoveries.com/?p=663

MobileDiscoveries - Mobile Ideas for Business Professionals

Mobile Websites – Effective Communication Tools for Business As an overstressed business person–perhaps a 16 hour a day entrepreneur–Mobile website design and hosting are probably low on your totem pole. But your business depends greatly on adopting mobile best practices, including launching a mobile site in 2012. Everyone’s talking about the mobile Web. Everywhere you [...]

Mobile Websites Hot and Growing: Annette Tonti from Mofuse |

]]> http://www.mobilediscoveries.com/mobile-websites-hot-and-growing-annette-tonti-from-mofuse/feed/ 0 mobile websites,mofuse Mobile Websites - Effective Communication Tools for Business - As an overstressed business person--perhaps a 16 hour a day entrepreneur--Mobile website design and hosting are probably low on your totem pole. Mobile Websites - Effective Communication Tools for Business As an overstressed business person--perhaps a 16 hour a day entrepreneur--Mobile website design and hosting are probably low on your totem pole. But your business depends greatly on adopting mobile best practices, including launching a mobile site in 2012. Everyone's talking about the mobile Web. Everywhere you go, people pop out smartphones and tablets. Mobile users view their handsets as indispensable.. They keep their mobiles close to them 24/7. Mobile phones have changed human communication more than any other medium of this century. Business owners who believe they can wait to mobilize are greatly mistaken. The world has already turned to mobile devices as the primary communications device. Due to the desktop Internet and smartphones, users' quality expectations have also risen. Your competitors realize the power of mobile, especially its effectiveness in local search advertising. Can you avoid taking the plunge? Tune to MobileBeyond for the rest of the story.... Brian Prows no Mobile Coverage for Business Expands http://www.mobilediscoveries.com/mobile-and-wireless-expands/ http://www.mobilediscoveries.com/mobile-and-wireless-expands/#comments Mon, 08 Aug 2011 06:34:51 +0000 Brian Prows http://mobilediscoveries.com/?p=474

MobileDiscoveries - Mobile Ideas for Business Professionals

 MobileBeyond, MobileDiscoveries, IM-Mobile & MobiSnippets Join Forces MobiSnippets, owned by MobileBeyond, the hottest new mobile blog leader, launched today with three other MB blog sites (MobileDiscoveries, MobileBeyond, and  IM-Mobile). Combining resources, we’ve integrated four terrific mobile and wireless sites. All four are mobilized for streaming audio on smartphones, pad computers and other mobile devices using [...]

Mobile Coverage for Business Expands |

]]> http://www.mobilediscoveries.com/mobile-and-wireless-expands/feed/ 0 mobile tech,forester research,smartphone growth,mobile internet  MobileBeyond, MobileDiscoveries, IM-Mobile & MobiSnippets Join Forces MobiSnippets, owned by MobileBeyond, the hottest new mobile blog leader, launched today with three other MB blog sites (MobileDiscoveries, MobileBeyond, and  IM-Mobile).  MobileBeyond, MobileDiscoveries, IM-Mobile & MobiSnippets Join Forces MobiSnippets, owned by MobileBeyond, the hottest new mobile blog leader, launched today with three other MB blog sites (MobileDiscoveries, MobileBeyond, and  IM-Mobile). Combining resources, we've integrated four terrific mobile and wireless sites. All four are mobilized for streaming audio on smartphones, pad computers and other mobile devices using Wi-Fi or 3G/4G handsets. MobileBeyond and MobileDiscoveries stream on the Blubrry Channel.    (Feature phone users can easily browse MobileBeyond.mobi and IM-Mobile.mobi.) Did you realize that they're now 64 podcast interviews with some of the brightest people in mobile and wireless? See the list above under interviews. Here's a teaser  to whet your appetite. MobiSnippets' second post is a review of Forester's mobile research projections for 2011, similar to the very popular Morgan-Stanley massive mobile Internet growth report with Mary Meeker. Smartphone owners will continue growing, pay less for mobile devices and demand more data, Butt consumers will use fewer apps, increasing competition in the already competitive app development and distribution markets, especially Apple and Android. The overused word "fragmentation"--meaning too many operating systems, phones and apps--continues. Apple and Android  dominating in the U.S.; lower-cost Symbian devices maintaining their grip over Europe and Asia. Advertisers, used to mass marketing, continue debate about mobile's slice of the ad pie. As HTML 5 crawls into mobile phone browsers and "Angry Bird" and other application users peck away at for more mobile Internet access 24/7,  "mobile pros" will opt for Web access rather than apps. Forrester officially proclaimed iPads, the forthcoming Motorola Zoom and E-readers--Kindle, Nook and netbooks-- "mobile devices." Now if creative industry marketers stop calling their gadgets "devices, buyers will stop equating a "mobile device" with the cost of a fridge. Mobile marketing, left in the advertising dust too long, finally passes $1 BILLION in revenues. The research firm sees massive consumer demand for mCommerce--lots of products and Groupon deals. Google execs already planning their bonuses as AdMob, its mobile ad network, and  Android OS makes lots of money in display and search advertising. Worried Foursquare standalone check-in service heading into trouble as Facebook Places--six times larger at 600 million--charges ahead trying to be the who, what, when and where place. Big war to happen among NFC (near field communications) for mobile payments as Google (who else) turns smartphones into over-sized ATM cards. Meanwhile, QR codes, those stripes on most products and mobile augmented reality (AR) chips soon to appear on smartphones. The story continues on MobiSnippets... Brian Prows no 10:30 Mobile Phone Security Concerns Growing in Business http://www.mobilediscoveries.com/mobile-security-concerns-increasing-in-business/ http://www.mobilediscoveries.com/mobile-security-concerns-increasing-in-business/#comments Wed, 25 May 2011 01:48:29 +0000 Brian Prows http://mobilediscoveries.com/?p=402

MobileDiscoveries - Mobile Ideas for Business Professionals

Businesses Worried about Mobile Phone Security A new mobile phone security study, funded by McAfee and Carnegie Mellon University, concludes that most businesses are not prepared for viruses, malware and other attacks posed by mobile smartphones. According to CNN’s review, 95% of companies have phone security policies in effect, but out of the 1,500 firms [...]

Mobile Phone Security Concerns Growing in Business |

]]> http://www.mobilediscoveries.com/mobile-security-concerns-increasing-in-business/feed/ 0 Mobile Call Centers Enhance Customer Experiences http://www.mobilediscoveries.com/mobile-call-centers-create-better-customer-experiences/ http://www.mobilediscoveries.com/mobile-call-centers-create-better-customer-experiences/#comments Mon, 16 May 2011 20:59:22 +0000 Brian Prows http://mobilediscoveries.com/?p=357

MobileDiscoveries - Mobile Ideas for Business Professionals

Every hear of mobile call centers? A new breed of  mobile-oriented centers committed to great customer experiences for phone users is changing the definition of “service.” But IVR systems and customer agents must understand the unique  characteristics and challenges of mobile–from call volume and noise to text messages, email and mobile websites. By taking a [...]

Mobile Call Centers Enhance Customer Experiences |

]]> http://www.mobilediscoveries.com/mobile-call-centers-create-better-customer-experiences/feed/ 0 Can Google Mobile Analytics Save Your Business? http://www.mobilediscoveries.com/can-google-mobile-analytics-save-your-business/ http://www.mobilediscoveries.com/can-google-mobile-analytics-save-your-business/#comments Sat, 07 May 2011 02:13:02 +0000 Brian Prows http://mobilediscoveries.com/?p=301

MobileDiscoveries - Mobile Ideas for Business Professionals

Many businesses today spend increasing time and money optimizing their company websites and blogs. Yet, as I mention in a MobileBeyond article, most marketers are not measuring mobile traffic using a tool like Google Mobile Analytics. As more phone users gain access to the mobile Web, traffic to company websites and blogs is increasingly coming from [...]

Can Google Mobile Analytics Save Your Business? |

]]> http://www.mobilediscoveries.com/can-google-mobile-analytics-save-your-business/feed/ 0 Reduce Business Cell Phone Costs with Cellular Optimization http://www.mobilediscoveries.com/reduce-business-cell-phone-costs-with-cellular-optimization/ http://www.mobilediscoveries.com/reduce-business-cell-phone-costs-with-cellular-optimization/#comments Sun, 24 Apr 2011 07:40:58 +0000 Brian Prows http://mobilediscoveries.com/?p=240

MobileDiscoveries - Mobile Ideas for Business Professionals

If consumers object to higher cell phone bills–especially those with mobile smartphone data plans–businesses should be howling. For years, mobile carriers’ pricing plans were structurally similar to land line rates. After all, if you dominate a market, why change? Around two years ago, business cell phone costs for cellular exceeded land lines. And a year [...]

Reduce Business Cell Phone Costs with Cellular Optimization |

]]> http://www.mobilediscoveries.com/reduce-business-cell-phone-costs-with-cellular-optimization/feed/ 3 Facebook Business Page for Your Company? – Yes, No and Maybe http://www.mobilediscoveries.com/need-a-facebook-business-page-yes-no-and-maybe/ http://www.mobilediscoveries.com/need-a-facebook-business-page-yes-no-and-maybe/#comments Mon, 11 Apr 2011 20:20:23 +0000 Brian Prows http://mobilediscoveries.com/?p=223

MobileDiscoveries - Mobile Ideas for Business Professionals

So, how’s your Facebook business page doing these days? Does it generate leads, improve conversions and boost your company’s revenue? Are you overwhelmed with response? Have a lot of traffic from mobile users? Oh, you don’t have a Facebook page for business yet? Don’t feel bad or sad. Most companies are in the same situation,  [...]

Facebook Business Page for Your Company? – Yes, No and Maybe |

]]> http://www.mobilediscoveries.com/need-a-facebook-business-page-yes-no-and-maybe/feed/ 0 Fast Mobile Broadband Essential for U.S. Business Growth http://www.mobilediscoveries.com/fast-mobile-broadband/ http://www.mobilediscoveries.com/fast-mobile-broadband/#comments Thu, 07 Apr 2011 07:42:12 +0000 Brian Prows http://mobilediscoveries.com/?p=211

MobileDiscoveries - Mobile Ideas for Business Professionals

Let’s say you run a business in the U.K. and a fast mobile broadband Internet connection is essential. Your field sales and operations teams don’t have office desks because they’re gone most of the time. Access to product availability, pricing and features is critical. As CEO of the company, you’re 110% responsible for making this [...]

Fast Mobile Broadband Essential for U.S. Business Growth |

]]> http://www.mobilediscoveries.com/fast-mobile-broadband/feed/ 0 mobile broadband, wireless networks,wireless technology,business growth,mobile web,hspa+,LTE,wimax Let's say you run a business in the U.K. and a fast mobile broadband Internet connection is essential. Your field sales and operations teams don't have office desks because they're gone most of the time. Access to product availability, In the U.K., 50% of mobile broadband download speeds are 2Mbps or less. How can the Brits, the U.S. and other countries compete in a mobilized world without super-fast wireless broadband. Brian comments on the current situation. Brian Prows no 6:55 In Search of Mobile Privacy – Is it Possible in Our Time? http://www.mobilediscoveries.com/in-search-of-mobile-privacy-is-it-possible-in-our-time/ http://www.mobilediscoveries.com/in-search-of-mobile-privacy-is-it-possible-in-our-time/#comments Tue, 05 Apr 2011 05:39:48 +0000 Brian Prows http://mobilediscoveries.com/?p=201

MobileDiscoveries - Mobile Ideas for Business Professionals

Mobile Privacy We live in a world of instant communications. The mobile and non-mobile Web have brought knowledge and enjoyment to million of people. Yet mobile privacy, especially with Smartphones, eludes us. Marketers and advertisers want behavioral data to better target their audiences. Content producers–bloggers, podcasters, video creators, musicians–seek to deliver informative, interesting information,  insights [...]

In Search of Mobile Privacy – Is it Possible in Our Time? |

]]> http://www.mobilediscoveries.com/in-search-of-mobile-privacy-is-it-possible-in-our-time/feed/ 0 Get Unstuck in Business by Reflecting on Weird Ideas http://www.mobilediscoveries.com/unstuck-business-weird-ideas/ http://www.mobilediscoveries.com/unstuck-business-weird-ideas/#comments Sat, 02 Apr 2011 20:06:47 +0000 Brian Prows http://mobilediscoveries.com/?p=191

MobileDiscoveries - Mobile Ideas for Business Professionals

Weird and Creative Ideas in Business: Getting Unstuck So, Brian, how does this piece relate to invigorating my business using mobile? What brilliant ideas will you share? Actually, none. But I want to suggest a way to get unstuck in business by exposing yourself to weird ideas. E-Junkie, a website about small business, self-publishing and [...]

Get Unstuck in Business by Reflecting on Weird Ideas |

]]> http://www.mobilediscoveries.com/unstuck-business-weird-ideas/feed/ 1 Make a Mobile Website and Blog Quickly and Cheaply http://www.mobilediscoveries.com/mobile-website-blog/ http://www.mobilediscoveries.com/mobile-website-blog/#comments Sat, 02 Apr 2011 03:00:54 +0000 Brian Prows http://mobilediscoveries.com/?p=182

MobileDiscoveries - Mobile Ideas for Business Professionals

Did you know that over 40% of small businesses don’t have a company website? More companies have a blog. But many have yet to build a non-mobile or mobile website and blog. As a business person or entrepreneur, consider taking action. Maybe you’ve heard the stats: over 5 billion mobile phone users and  fewer than [...]

Make a Mobile Website and Blog Quickly and Cheaply |

]]> http://www.mobilediscoveries.com/mobile-website-blog/feed/ 0 12 Steps to Better Mobile Apps & Longer Battery Life http://www.mobilediscoveries.com/better-smartphone-apps-battery-life/ http://www.mobilediscoveries.com/better-smartphone-apps-battery-life/#comments Thu, 31 Mar 2011 22:38:30 +0000 Brian Prows http://mobilediscoveries.com/?p=171

MobileDiscoveries - Mobile Ideas for Business Professionals

Smartphone Apps and Battery Life O.K. You just bought the latest Android phone from your favorite carrier. As you gaze at the sharp screen, you see smartphone apps everywhere. Want weather? There’s an app for that. Post to Facebook or tweet on Twitter? Lots of apps for social networking. You flip through the screens–screen after [...]

12 Steps to Better Mobile Apps & Longer Battery Life |

]]> http://www.mobilediscoveries.com/better-smartphone-apps-battery-life/feed/ 0 Mobile Media Content Can Make Money for Your Business http://www.mobilediscoveries.com/make-money-with-paid-mobile-media-content/ http://www.mobilediscoveries.com/make-money-with-paid-mobile-media-content/#comments Fri, 25 Mar 2011 19:14:34 +0000 Brian Prows http://mobilediscoveries.com/?p=150

MobileDiscoveries - Mobile Ideas for Business Professionals

You’ve probably read recently about online publications (Wall Street Journal, New York Times) charging for digital versions of their publications. With the growth of tablet computers and smartphones, publishers and advertisers are searching for new revenue streams through mobile media content. But  you’re a business professional marketing software, financial services or commercial real estate. I’m [...]

Mobile Media Content Can Make Money for Your Business |

]]> http://www.mobilediscoveries.com/make-money-with-paid-mobile-media-content/feed/ 0 mobile media content You've probably read recently about online publications (Wall Street Journal, New York Times) charging for digital versions of their publications. With the growth of tablet computers and smartphones, publishers and advertisers are searching for new rev... You've probably read recently about online publications (Wall Street Journal, New York Times) charging for digital versions of their publications. With the growth of tablet computers and smartphones, publishers and advertisers are searching for new rev... Brian Prows no 6:06 Should Businesses Control Employee Mobile Internet Access? http://www.mobilediscoveries.com/should-businesses-control-employee-mobile-internet-access/ http://www.mobilediscoveries.com/should-businesses-control-employee-mobile-internet-access/#comments Wed, 23 Mar 2011 23:52:12 +0000 Brian Prows http://mobilediscoveries.com/?p=138

MobileDiscoveries - Mobile Ideas for Business Professionals

Face it, mobile Internet devices are growing like politicians in Iowa during primaries. IT department managers used to worry about locking down BlackBerry devices for mobile work forces. Now they have to contend with employees demanding to use smartphones and tablets in the workplace, making business owners concerned about mobile Internet access. And it’s not [...]

Should Businesses Control Employee Mobile Internet Access? |

]]> http://www.mobilediscoveries.com/should-businesses-control-employee-mobile-internet-access/feed/ 0 mobile internet access,employee productivity,internet censorship Face it, mobile Internet devices are growing like politicians in Iowa during primaries. IT department managers used to worry about locking down BlackBerry devices for mobile work forces. Now they have to contend with employees demanding to use smartpho... Face it, mobile Internet devices are growing like politicians in Iowa during primaries. IT department managers used to worry about locking down BlackBerry devices for mobile work forces. Now they have to contend with employees demanding to use smartphones and tablets in the workplace, making business owners concerned about mobile Internet access. And it's not like yesterday when managers could spot employees watching videos on company time on laptops and desktop computers. Today's devices are smaller and becoming more powerful. Employees easily text and tweet with a phone in their pockets or watch the latest porn sites in the cafeteria borrowing company-paid Wi-Fi networks. Mobile Internet Access Control Enter ContentWatch, a company claiming to help large and small companies filter employee mobile content. In today's Laptop magazine, Brian Bennett writes about this computer-turned mobile company with expertise in removing websites that management believes employees shouldn't watch on company time. At CTIA (where else?), the company announced its mobile Internet access control app called ContentProtect Mobile app software that runs on iOS and Android phones (BlackBerry, Windows 7 and Symbian later). The company launches the new product in the first half of 2011 to the delight of IT managers. GPS-equipped, IT personnel will know the location and software content of every company handset and other mobile devices. Internet Censorship? Lately, we've read about foreign governments in China and India putting pressure on RIM to release private email information to government employees. Meanwhile, citizen journalists in Iran, Egypt and Libya, use Twitter and Facebook to tell the world what's really going on in their countries. Most people of all political persuasions like the idea as long as the spilled beans come from countries we don't like (Iran, North Korea, Libya, etc.) It's a bit hairier with countries we do like (say, India). So we berate countries that restrict mobile Internet access, but in the United States, Europe and elsewhere (the good guys), many companies want to use technology controlling what their employees view on the Web. Am I sensing a contradiction here? Should Employees Have Free Access to the Internet at Work? The other day at a medical appointment, I wanted to show my doctor MobileDiscoveries Radio on my iPad. Well, the Wi-Fi was a bit slow to stream the audio. So I asked her if she could bring up my site on her computer. Surprise! Not only was her computer lacking speakers, as soon as my site loaded, I couldn't see the flash audio player on her screen. So her IT department had disabled sound and flash from her browser and computer. And she's a doctor. But what about employees at other companies? We all know the Web has become essential on both our mobile as well as desktop computing tools. Should companies restrict mobile Internet access? Filter out undesirable blogs and websites? Clearly, letting business employees use computing and communications devices for personal pleasure depends on many factors. For example, I don't like the idea of a nuclear power plant control room worker playing Mafia Wars as the coolant in the reactor starts dropping. Yet, every business and manager needs to recognize the incessant need for employees--especially younger ones--who are used to texting, emailing, web surfing and the like in their lives. And the issue of mobile Internet access doesn't disappear when employees walk in the front door. Brian Prows no 5:31 Tablet Computers More Real Than TV? http://www.mobilediscoveries.com/why-tablet-computers-are-more-real-than-tv/ http://www.mobilediscoveries.com/why-tablet-computers-are-more-real-than-tv/#comments Wed, 23 Mar 2011 02:32:12 +0000 Brian Prows http://mobilediscoveries.com/?p=127

MobileDiscoveries - Mobile Ideas for Business Professionals

 Tablet Computers and Mobile Reality Compared to TV CTIA–the largest wireless show in the U.S.–is underway in Orlando. As usual, mobile and wireless manufacturers are trying their best to out-do each other with every conceivable electronic gadget. That includes tablet computers that make a lot of people drool these days. In the Apple corner of [...]

Tablet Computers More Real Than TV? |

]]> http://www.mobilediscoveries.com/why-tablet-computers-are-more-real-than-tv/feed/ 0 tablet computer,ipad,television,reality  Tablet Computers and Mobile Reality Compared to TV - CTIA--the largest wireless show in the U.S.--is underway in Orlando. As usual, mobile and wireless manufacturers are trying their best to out-do each other with every conceivable electronic gadget.  Tablet Computers and Mobile Reality Compared to TV CTIA--the largest wireless show in the U.S.--is underway in Orlando. As usual, mobile and wireless manufacturers are trying their best to out-do each other with every conceivable electronic gadget. That includes tablet computers that make a lot of people drool these days. In the Apple corner of the ring sits the iPad 2 flexing its 10 inch muscles. On the other side, the Samsung Tab and new BlackBerry PlayBook are primed to fight the 800 pound gorilla on the other side. What strikes me having used an iPad for several months is the feeling I get while watching streaming video and reading high resolution text. It's more REAL than watching a television show due to the closer proximity of the screen. Think about it. Your eyes are about 16-18 inches from the display, roughly the same distance as a book. So when I read the Wall Street Journal, Pulse, SkyGrid, Engadget, CNN or Mashable--or view YouTube or TED.com videos--faces, rooms, buildings and text appear more lifelike. When you watch TV, however, you're probably 10-12 feet from the screen. It's more like viewing a movie in a theater. This difference between tablet computers appearing "more real" than TV first came to me when watching Obama's State of the Union address. His face was 16 inches away, closer to the usual three feet distance when two people talk with each other. But it was more than distance. I felt closer to him, the other  senators and representatives and the room,  as the camera panned around the House of Representatives. Viewing the speech on tablet computers mesmerized me into thinking I was in the House. Even television close-ups of people and objects projects a different, less real experience. You know you're watching TV. Mobile Phone Experience Mobile phones produce a similar feeling of reality too but they're different in many ways. (See my article "6 Reasons Why Mobile Phones are Cooler than Tablet Computers" on MobileBeyond.) There I argue that mobile phones are more portable, smaller, lighter and have smaller ads than tablet computers. Yet like tablets, you experience a similar reality boost over television. You just have to hold the phone closer and hope the screen resolution is fantastic. MultiMedia: a New Definition Multimedia used to refer to combining video, sound, graphics and pictures in one device--like a a 42 inch HD TV with surround sound from a high-end audio system. But I think the term "multimedia" better refers to "many mediums." Tablet computers, smartphones, game consoles and emerging devices like 3D phones are new forms of multimedia. Multimedia devices and content are now one and the same. As McLuhan said "the medium is the message." Sound crazy? Maybe a bit. But I think it's true. As I watched on my iPad the recent Japanese Tsunami carry buildings, cars and people toward ruin, the effect was more than devastating. It was "super real." Rather than watching my Samsung TV across the room, I became part of the scene on my tablet screen. That's why I believe that tablet computers are more real than TV. ----- Resources: Mobile Advertising in a Multimedia World with Mobixell's Freddy Friedman MobileBeyond Facebook Page MobiTV Live Video Streaming with Jay Hinman Your Thoughts? Write them below. Brian Prows no 4:31 Google Voice and Sprint Innovate Beyond AT&T http://www.mobilediscoveries.com/google-voice-and-sprint-innovate-beyond-att-t-mobile-takeover/ http://www.mobilediscoveries.com/google-voice-and-sprint-innovate-beyond-att-t-mobile-takeover/#comments Mon, 21 Mar 2011 23:47:39 +0000 Brian Prows http://mobilediscoveries.com/?p=116

MobileDiscoveries - Mobile Ideas for Business Professionals

It’s refreshing today to hear about the Google Voice/Sprint partnership allowing all Sprint customers to benefit from low-cost international long distance. It reminds me how successful telecommunications businesses enhance customer loyalty and value in an age of massive wireless takeovers (i.e. AT&T’s announced buy-out of T-Mobile). MobileBeat’s Matt Marshall wrote about the upcoming change. Every [...]

Google Voice and Sprint Innovate Beyond AT&T |

]]> http://www.mobilediscoveries.com/google-voice-and-sprint-innovate-beyond-att-t-mobile-takeover/feed/ 0 sprint,google voice,international long distance It's refreshing today to hear about the Google Voice/Sprint partnership allowing all Sprint customers to benefit from low-cost international long distance. It reminds me how successful telecommunications businesses enhance customer loyalty and value in... It's refreshing today to hear about the Google Voice/Sprint partnership allowing all Sprint customers to benefit from low-cost international long distance. It reminds me how successful telecommunications businesses enhance customer loyalty and value in an age of massive wireless takeovers (i.e. AT&T's announced buy-out of T-Mobile). MobileBeat's Matt Marshall wrote about the upcoming change. Every Sprint customer get's Google Voice for cheap international calling. The service bypasses how mobile carriers typically overcharge for out-of-country calling. European carriers do the same thing, forcing customers to buy SIM cards when traveling outside home turf. Subscribers may use either their Sprint or Google Voice number and program up to five mobile or landline phones to simultaneously ring making it easier for customers who want one number for life. Answer with your mobile when on the go or your office or home phones. You can even program which phone will ring at different times of the day or evening. Enjoy customized voice mail messaging and automatic transcription sent via email or text through Google Voice. The service works on cheaper feature phones as well as smartphones. Here's a short video: Sprint Can Compete The social media age has taught us that no longer is bigger better. It's quality of service, superior customer care, fair pricing and innovation that creates and keeps customers. Regulation aside, both AT&T/T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless, Sprint, Metro PCS and other carriers will thrive or wither based on treating customers like Kings. Google Voice on Sprint phones is a significant competitive advantage because it's fully integrated. It's not just an app or a Skype telephone number to access international calling. It's built into the network and the minds of customers who gain benefit from the service. May other wireless carriers offer their customers useful services that extend the value of a two-year contract. --- Resources: Google Voice Explained Cell Phone Plans Challenged by Google Voice and Skype Enjoy this post? Disagree? Add your thoughts below. Brian Prows no 3:39 Mobile Commerce Essential for Small Business Survival http://www.mobilediscoveries.com/mobile-commerce-essential-for-small-business-survival/ http://www.mobilediscoveries.com/mobile-commerce-essential-for-small-business-survival/#comments Sun, 20 Mar 2011 23:14:35 +0000 Brian Prows http://mobilediscoveries.com/?p=94

MobileDiscoveries - Mobile Ideas for Business Professionals

Mobile commerce or m-commerce–marketing products and services over the mobile Web– is growing gangbusters. But the average small business isn’t using it. Only 12% of small companies with fewer than 99 employees and 21 percent of medium-sized enterprises have a mobile website. 44% of larger companies do. 50% of companies plan to have one by year’s [...]

Mobile Commerce Essential for Small Business Survival |

]]> http://www.mobilediscoveries.com/mobile-commerce-essential-for-small-business-survival/feed/ 0 mobile commerce,mobile website,m-commerce,small business Mobile commerce or m-commerce--marketing products and services over the mobile Web-- is growing gangbusters. But the average small business isn't using it. - Only 12% of small companies with fewer than 99 employees and 21 percent of medium-sized enter... Mobile commerce or m-commerce--marketing products and services over the mobile Web-- is growing gangbusters. But the average small business isn't using it. Only 12% of small companies with fewer than 99 employees and 21 percent of medium-sized enterprises have a mobile website. 44% of larger companies do. 50% of companies plan to have one by year's end before even launching a regular website. According to a recent article in Small Business Computing, mobile commerce is growing faster than e-commerce, due in part says comScore to the 66 million smartphones in the U.S. today. That's up from 46 million only a year ago. The figures don't include tablet computers. And despite the hype over mobile apps, an Adobe Systems study says mobile shoppers prefer to buy on a mobile website than through a mobile application. Mobile Commerce Sales Opportunities for Small Businesses Business marketers have a wealth of opportunities to engage with mobile consumers throughout the sales cycle in a mobile store. But only if they create mobile-friendly websites that are  attractive and easy to navigate. Three mobile commerce best practices are: • Giving incentives to customers to shop on the mobile Web • Focusing on existing customers • Providing mobile coupons and other mobile-only incentives • Setting up mobile security anti-virus and anti-malware software • Helping customers develop an "m-commerce habit." Why You Need a Mobile Website Small Business Computing gives compelling reasons for business mobile sites. Keeping the competition at bay is certainly one of them. But offering mobile commerce on the mobile Internet provides lots of benefits: Customers who use mobile phones tend to stay in closer touch and develop stronger relationships with local businesses. Having a mobile site is even more critical for retail chains so customers can find your stores, telephone numbers and hours you're open Whether you're a small, medium or large business, mobile, combined with other media, is even more powerful. You can play off an ad in your local newspaper driving customers to your mobile site. While on their phones, mobile consumers can get information about products and services they want--information that drives them into your stores. Smartphone growth in 2011 mandates that every small business set up an online mobile site and discover the effectiveness of mobile commerce. ----- Resources: Mobile Commerce Daily Did you enjoy this article and radio show? If so, automatically receive daily PDF versions, along with the audio file link, by entering your name and email address in our subscription form. Subscribers also receive periodic white papers, PDF's and other materials to help them become successful in mobile. Brian Prows no 3:39 Welcome to MobileDiscoveries Radio http://www.mobilediscoveries.com/welcome-to-mobilediscoveries-radio/ http://www.mobilediscoveries.com/welcome-to-mobilediscoveries-radio/#comments Thu, 17 Mar 2011 00:11:24 +0000 Brian Prows http://mobilediscoveries.com/?p=6

MobileDiscoveries - Mobile Ideas for Business Professionals

Mobile and Wireless Technology News for Business Professionals Welcome to MobileDiscoveries Radio, a daily radio and news service about mobile and wireless trends. I’m Brian Prows. Some of you may know me as the blogger and podcaster on MobileBeyond, my company and blog about the future of mobile. If you’re a business leader with too [...]

Welcome to MobileDiscoveries Radio |

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