TechTV's Cutting the Cord: A Wireless Consumer's Guide

Introduction TECHTV’S CUTTING THE CORD: A WIRELESS CONSUMER GUIDE Joyce Schwarz CONTENTS AT A GLANCE A Division of P...

Author: Joyce Schwarz

7 downloads 9397 Views 16MB Size Report

This content was uploaded by our users and we assume good faith they have the permission to share this book. If you own the copyright to this book and it is wrongfully on our website, we offer a simple DMCA procedure to remove your content from our site. Start by pressing the button below!
Report copyright / DMCA form

DOWNLOAD PDF

Introduction

TECHTV’S CUTTING THE CORD: A WIRELESS CONSUMER GUIDE Joyce Schwarz

CONTENTS AT A GLANCE

A Division of Pearson Technology Group, USA 201 W. 103rd Street Indianapolis, Indiana 46290

1

1 Most Frequently Asked Questions About Going Wireless 7 2 Your Device of Choice 23 3 The Wonders of the Wireless Web 51 4 Maximizing Use of Your Device 91 5 Wireless: Safety Net or Health Hazard? 133 6 Telematics: The Web on Wheels 163 7 Privacy, Personalization, and Security 205 8 Connecting on the Go 241 9 Home Sweet Wireless Home 277 10 The Wireless Workplace 311 A Glossary 347 B For More Information: Chapter Web Site References 363 C TechTV Quick Facts 385 Index

391

TECHTV’S CUTTING THE CORD: A WIRELESS CONSUMER GUIDE Copyright © 2002 by Que Corporation All rights reserved. No part of this book shall be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the publisher. No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of the information contained herein. Although every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the publisher and author assume no responsibility for errors or omissions. Nor is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein. International Standard Book Number: 0-7897-2648-3 Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 2001119621 Printed in the United States of America First Printing: June 2002 05

04

03

02

4

3

2

1

Trademarks All terms mentioned in this book that are known to be trademarks or service marks have been appropriately capitalized. Que Corporation cannot attest to the accuracy of this information. Use of a term in this book should not be regarded as affecting the validity of any trademark or service mark.

Warning and Disclaimer Every effort has been made to make this book as complete and as accurate as possible, but no warranty or fitness is implied. The information provided is on an “as is” basis. The author and the publisher shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damages arising from the information contained in this book.

ii

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Dean Miller ACQUISITIONS EDITOR Angelina Ward DEVELOPMENT EDITOR Maureen A. McDaniel TECHNICAL EDITOR Allan Thompson MANAGING EDITOR Thomas F. Hayes PROJECT EDITOR Tonya Simpson COPY EDITOR Megan Wade INDEXER Kelly Castell PROOFREADER Kelly Ramsey Plan-It Publishing TEAM COORDINATOR Cindy Teeters INTERIOR DESIGNER Anne Jones COVER DESIGNER Planet 10 PAGE LAYOUT Michelle Mitchell

TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction

1

Which Features Do I Need on a Wireless Handset? 19

1 Most Frequently Asked Questions About Going Wireless 7 How Do Wireless Phones Work?

8

How Safe Are the New Cell Phones?

9

What Can My Family and I Do to Screen Out Rays? 10 What’s Prepaid Calling?

10

Do I Need Voice Mail and Caller ID?

11

12

What’s the Coolest Mobile Phone for a Teenager? 13 What Do All the Acronyms and Abbreviations Mean? 14 TDMA 14 GSM 14 CDMA 14 PCS 15 Which PDA Is Recommended?

How Can I Equip My Car with the Latest Wireless Devices? 20 How Can I Introduce My Young Kids to the Wireless World? 21

2 Your Device of Choice

Can I Change My Wireless Service Plan After I’ve Activated the Phone? 10

What’s SMS or Text Messaging?

What Are the Grooviest Wireless Devices for Teens? 20

Wireless Around the World 24 International Handsets 24 Wireless in America 24 Choosing a Carrier 25 Comparing Carriers 27 Comparison Shopping 27 Getting the Best Calling Plan 29 Wireless Data Services 30 Prepaid and Pay-in-Advance Plans

30

Choosing a Handset 31 Checking Out a Handset 31 Handset Mistakes 32 How Much to Pay 32 A Peek Inside Your Handset 33

15

How Can We Do Wireless Networking at Home? 16 When Will Phones Be “Wearable?”

23

16

What’s a Good Phone for Worldwide Use? 17

The Top-Selling Wireless Phones Nokia Phones 34 Motorola Phones 35 Siemens Phones 37 Sony Ericsson Phones 37 Audiovox Phones 37 Samsung Phones 37

How Can I Set My Ringer to My Favorite Song? 17

Phones for Teens

How Do I Connect to AOL from My Phone? 18

All About Pagers 39 Types of Pagers 39 Pager Costs 39

33

37

Why Can’t I Use My Cell Phone on Planes? 18 iii

Next-Generation Messenging Devices Motorola Two-Way Communicators/Phones 42 RIM Wireless Handhelds 42

40

Trendy Hybrid Devices 43 HipTop 43 GITWIT 43 Cybiko 43 Pogo 44 Wheels of Zeus 44 Samsung Uproar 45 When You’re Through with Your Cell Phone 45 Wearable Communicators

46

Next-Generation Communication For Emergencies Only Turning It All Off

49

Why the Internet Unplugged?

52 53

Wireless LANs and Other Standards Home RF 55 Wi-Fi 55 802.11a—802.11 i 55 OFDM 56 Local Free Wi-Fi Networks 56 802.11g 56

54

57

From 1G to 4G: Next-Generation Devices 57 1G: Going, Going, Gone 57 2G: On the Way to Three 58 2.5G: Coming Soon to You 58 3G: How Great Will It Be? 60 4G: Looking Ahead 60

iv

51

How Will You Connect to the Web?

Wireless Web Security

60

Web-Enabled Phones 60 Data Services 61 Laptop or PDA User? 61 Text Messaging Might Not Be Included 61 AT&T Wireless Data Services and Devices 61 AT&T Digital PocketNet Basic Plan 62 AT&T Digital PocketNet Plus Plan 62 AT&T Digital PocketNet Premium Plan 62 AT&T Featured Internet-Ready Phones 63 Sprint PCS Wireless Web Service and Devices 65 Accessing Sprint PCS Wireless Web 65 Sprint PCS Web-Enabled Phones 66

47

48

3 The Wonders of the Wireless Web

Internet-Enabled Phone Buying Hints

Verizon Wireless Mobile Web Services and Devices 69 Verizon Mobile Messenger 70 Vtext.com 71 Verizon Wireless Mobile Office 71 Verizon Mobile IP 71 Verizon Wireless Web-Capable Digital Handsets 71 Cingular Wireless Internet Services and Devices 72 Cingular Wireless Internet 72 Cingular Wireless Internet Express 73 Cingular Wireless Data Connect 74 VoiceStream Wireless Services and Devices 75 iStream 75 RIM (Blackberry) Users 76 AOL E-mail Access 76 AOL Instant Messaging 76 VoiceStream iStream Featured Phones 76

Nextel Wireless Services and Devices Wireless Web Services 77 Nextel Internet-Ready Featured Phones 78 Beyond Phones: Going Two-Way

77

78

Welcome to WAP 79 Questions About WAP 79 WAP Browsing 79 WAP Phone Choices 80

Upgrading to a Wireless Handheld 100 Modems and Wireless Cards 100 Success Stories 101 Ask Before You Buy 101

Mobile Commerce 81 Mobile Banking and Buying 83 International Mobile Commerce 84 U.S. Mobile Commerce 85 Mobile Payment Systems 85 Mobile Commerce Terminology 86 e-Commerce and m-Commerce Cards 87 Authentication Methods 87 Your Consumer Dashboard 89 Personal Digital Hub 89 The Future of the Wireless Web

4 Maximizing Your Device

Handheld Wireless Accessories and Upgrades 102 Keyboards 102 Devices for the Blind 103 Dialpads Go Virtual 104 Phone/Handheld Combos 104 Uses for the Pocket PC 105 Wireless Palm Tips 105 Upgrading to Next-Generation PDAs Handspring Treo Review 106 HP Jornada 560 106 Blackberry Phone 107 Palm i705 Review 108

90

91

Maximizing Mobile Phones 92 Getting the Most from Your Phone Too Many Features 92 Battery Always Dying? 93 Case too Fragile? 94 Mobile Radiation Scare You? 94 Using Your Mobile Phone at Home

Making Phones, Pagers, and PDAs Smart 97 Sample Smart Phones 98 Smart and Digital Phone Makers 98 Why Upgrade to a Smart Phone or Mobile Handheld? 99 Smart Voice Command Center 99

92

Trendy Handheld Devices 108 Hiptop 108 Wildseed (Formerly GITWIT) 109 Cybiko 109 Other Wireless E-mail Devices 109 Next-Generation Wireless Widgets 110

94 Cordless Environments

Maximizing Pagers

106

111

95

Maximizing Your Smart Phone 95 Smart Phone Case Studies 95 PC Ephone 95 Smart Phone Sales 96 What Can Smart Phones Do? 96 Upgrade Tips 96

Customtainment: The Next Generation of Entertainment 111 Portable MPEG4 Players 111 Wireless Web Tablets 112 New-Era Remote Controls 113 Wireless Surround-Sound and Sight 113 Satellite Radio In House and Out 114 Updating Media Centers 115

v

Maximizing Content 116 Live Streaming Video 116 Mazingo PDA Video, Audio, and Text 117 AvantGo 117 Proteus: Couch Potato Revolt 118 Handango 118 Cross Collaboration 118 Tap: Beaming Web Video Wireless Gaming 119

119

Bluetooth: Connecting Wirelessly 121 Bluetooth Cars 122 Plantronics Bluetooth Headsets 122 Bluetooth Standard 123 Cross-Platform Devices 123 From Book to Video 123 eBook Devices 124 Future Books 124 Jetson Style Wireless Reading 124 LeapFrog 125 Bits Versus Books Versus Bits 126 Digital Ink/Radio Paper 126 Wireless Networks and Services 126 Boingo-ing Forward 126 Souping Up with Software 127 Fixed Wireless Offers More Choices 127 GPS for Devices 128 Standards in Wireless Technology 128 Accessory Heaven 129 Printer and Camera Accessories 129 Next Wave Wireless Add-Ons 130 Emerging Wireless Media 130 Wireless Digital Personas 131 Chops Live Animation 131 Near Life-like 131 Experience Tomorrow Today

132

5 Wireless: Safety Net or Health Hazard? 133 A New Era of Wireless Safety Systems 134 Preparing for Emergency Traffic Overloads 134 Wireless Data’s Most Dependable System 135 Public Safety Wireless Network 136 The Internet Continues to Work 136 The Role of e911 and Safety 136 The Cell Phone Health Challenge 137 How to Limit Cell Phone Risk 137 The Studies 139 How Cell Phones Work 140 Cell Base Stations and RF Studies 140 Ear Pieces and Headsets: Good or Bad? 143 Handheld and Laptop Risks 143 Cell Phone Health FAQs 144 Are Kids at Greater Risk? 145 Cell Phone Lawsuits 147 Want More Information? 148 Cell Phones and Safety 151 Automating Your Safety Needs 152 Disposable Phones Enter Market 153 How to Drive and Talk 153 Risks Not Defined 154 Rules for Phone Driver Safety 155 Best Phones for In-Car Use 155 Talking Might Be Illegal 156 Advocates for Cell Phone Safety 157 Tom and Ray: Cell Phone Opponents 158 Car Computing—Beyond Cell Phones The Future of Cars

160

6 Telematics: The Web on Wheels The World from Our Automobiles Mobile Mania

vi

166

159

163 164

Safety Issues 169 The ComCARE Alliance 169 A Primer on e911 170 Key Car Safety Features 171 Hands-Free Products 173 PDA Hands-Free Use 174 Other New Hands-Free Systems A Look at a Sample Hands-Free Device 178

7 Privacy, Personalization, and Security 205

175

How to Make Your Car Smarter 178 Adding a Global Positioning System to Your Car 180 Automated Maps and Directions 180 In-Car Telematics Systems 182 Wireless Traffic Reports 190 The Internet on Wheels—A Work in Progress 192 Offerings from Microsoft and Clarion 192 Motorola’s Trafficmaster in Europe Only 193 In-Car Satellite Radio

194

Driver Distraction Update

196

Car Security—As Personal as Your Fingerprint 196 Wireless Payment Methods for Cars and Drivers 197 Electronic Toll-Paying Systems 197 Location-Based Services 199 Mobile Commerce 200 Traffic Priority Systems 201 AAA Wireless Location-Based Services 201 Wireless Car Insurance? 202 Cars Smarter Than Drivers?

202

Protecting Your Privacy 206 Privacy Guidelines 206 Privacy and Your Device 208 Privacy Protection Symbols 209 Privacy Resources 210 Protecting Your Child’s Privacy 212 Kids’ Wireless Safety Tips 213 Personalization Versus Privacy and Security 215 Privacy and Public Safety 217 Security 217 The Wireless Industry and Privacy 218 Location-Based Services and Privacy 220 Marketers Adopt Privacy Rules 220 Controlling Privacy and Personalization 221 Personalizing Offers 222 Protecting Yourself 224 Location, Location, Location 225 So Who Owns the Customer? 225 Wireless Content and Offers 227 Offers on the Go 227 Wireless/Mobile Offers 228 Voice Offers 230 Getting to Anyone at Any Time: Presence-Aware Technology 230 Presence and Privacy Issues 231 Privacy and Identity Alliances 231 Passport and Privacy 232 Certificate-Based IM Solutions 232 Intelligent Concierges and Privacy

233

Making Mobile More HumanCentered 234 Next-Generation Security 235 Sample Cell Phone Security Features 236 Secure Phones and PDAs 237 vii

Security Beyond Technology

Harnessing the Power of the Sun 267 Handle with Care—Battery Tips 268 Smart Batteries 269

238

Downloadable Third-Party Security Applications 238 Additional Security Sources

8 Connecting on the Go

eBay on the Go

239

241

The Nomadic Workplace: Work on the Go 242 MOMA Workspheres Nomadic Office Exhibit 245 Tips for Telecommuting 245 Commuter Mobile Kits 247 GPS—The Device That Goes and Goes 248 GPS Accessories 249 Does GPS Know Where I Am? AOL to Go: AOL Anywhere

250

251

SMS—Short Message Services on the Go 253 How to Send an SMS 254 SMS at Work 254 Cross-Platform Messaging 255 Translating SMS Lingo 255 Instant Messaging 257 SMS, Instant Messaging, and E-mail 257 SMS or E-mail? 258 Multimedia Messaging 258 Wireless Instant Messaging 258 AIM 259 Putting a Face to the Message 259 Presence Technology for Mobiles 260 Information on the Go 261 Unified Messaging 262 Battery Power to Go 263 Charging Ahead 264 Thinking Green? 264 Electric Fuel 265 Other Phone Rechargers 266 Fuel and Gas Power 266 viii

270

Wearing Your Wireless 271 Eyes in the Back of Your Head Fantasy Versus Reality 272 Intelligent Clothing 273 Connecting with Wi-Fi

272

274

Satellite Phones: Do You Need One? GlobalStar GSP-1600 275 Iridium 275 Immarsat 275 Video Satellite Phones 275

9 Home Sweet Wireless Home

277

The Home Networking Trend

278

Home Networking Options

274

279

Starting and Expanding Your Home Network 281 Tips to Know Before You Cut the Cord 281 Working in Stages 282 Home Management Systems 284 Be At Home 284 Xanboo Multimedia Gateway 284 Premise Systems SYS Automation Software 285 Home Network Delivery Systems 285 Internet-Based Controllers 285 Telco/Cable/Satellite Controllers 285 Next-Generation Home Networks 286 Why Broadband

286

The Digital Hub in Your Home 287 Moxi Media Center Server 287 Texas Instruments Entertainment Clusters 288 Microsoft’s Home Experience 289

Wireless Music

289

Wireless Interactive TV

290

Which Wireless Network Standard is Right for You 290 IrDA 291 Wi-Fi and HomeRF 291 802.11a (WiFi5) 293 Bluetooth 293 Wireline Networks: Power-Line Networking and Phone-Line Networking 293 Newer Technologies on the Way 294 Cooltown: HP’s Future Vision 294 Peek into the Future 296

Wireless Babies and Monitors 307 The Sharper Image Upscale Monitor 307 The Mobile Monitor That Vibrates 308 Video Cameras as Monitors 308 Home Wireless Security/ Surveillance 308 Cable Operators Enter Security Market 308 What’s New in Home Security Devices? 309 Wireless Neighborhood Security: Be a COPP 310

10 The Wireless Workplace

311

Wireless Network Installation Packages 296 Wireless Kits for the Mac 297

The Workplace of the Future

Wireless Networking Gateways 298 AT&T Broadband 298 Verizon 2Wire Home Portal 298 Linksys WAP 11 299 Buffalo Technology AirStation WLARL11G-L 299 Nokia Wireless Home Gateway 301 EarthLink Wireless Networking 301 Actiontec Electronics 301 Comparing Home Wireless Gateways 301

Top Wireless Services

Wireless Business Applications/ Examples 313

Internet-Ready TV and Other Devices 302 Two-Way Radios (Family Radio Services) 304 Motorola TalkAbout T6300 Series Cobra FRS 315 wx 305 BellSouth 14-Channel Two-Way Communicator 305 Smart and Wireless Toys 306 Pirates—The Physical World As a Gameboard 306 Teddy Bear RobotPHONE 306

312

313

Messaging and Mail for Business 315 Companies Using IM 316 Messaging of the Future 317 Interoperable Mobile Mail 317 Moving to Mobile 318 Do Your Research 318 Narrow the Options 318 Partner and Outsource 319 Be Device Agnostic 320 TechTV Wireless Networking 101 Evaluating Technology 322 Companies Going Wireless

305

Unwiring Your Workforce

321

323 323

Wireless Return on Investment

324

Corporate Wireless on the Web 324 Wireless Corporate Portal 325 Carrier Enterprise Solutions 325

ix

Next-Generation Devices 328 World Phones 328 Video Phones 329 Two-Way Radios 329 Next-Generation Printing 330 Wireless Retail 331 Retail Wireless Applications 331 Wireless POS 332 Wireless Line Busters 332 Beyond Bar Codes 332 Wireless Demos 334 The Military Goes Wireless 336 Wearable PDAs 336 Traveling for Business? 337 Hot Spots 337 Shared Wireless Workspaces

338

The Wireless Home Office 339 Wireless Free Agent Offices 339 Future Offices 340 Taking a Wireless Test Drive Wireless ISP Service

340

341

Wireless Workplace Security 342 Videophones As Security Devices 342 Hackproof Wi-Fi? 343 Intrusion Detection Systems 344 Wireless Privacy Policy 344 A View of the Wireless Future

A Glossary

344

347

B For More Information: Chapter Web Site References 363 C TechTV Quick Facts Index

x

391

385

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Joyce Schwarz is an emerging technology expert, futurist, consultant, and author of such books as Reinventing Hollywood, Gateway to the Next Millennium, Multimedia 2000, and Successful Recareering. She began her career as a New York magazine editor and went on to serve as a top executive at several major ad agencies, including Foote Cone and Belding. She has created campaigns to launch more than 100 consumer products ranging from ATM machines in California and Hawaii to the 911 emergency services system for AT&T and PacBell. Schwarz has a master’s degree in professional writing from USC and is past president of the USC/Cinema Alumni Association. She has consulted on Telecom and convergence issues for more than 15 years for clients ranging from France Telecom to Philips to WebTV through her firm JCOM (www.joycecom.com), located in Marina Del Rey, California and New York City. In 1993, she launched her own cable television show covering the Internet and interactive entertainment. A syndicated columnist for several trade publications, she is well known as a speaker and moderator for Internet World, eTV, and Digital Hollywood. She has been interviewed by numerous TV and radio talk shows and print media ranging from PBS to NBC News to Time to National Public Radio on such subjects as consumer technology, wireless products and services, and the future workplace. You can contact her via e-mail at [email protected].

xi

TECH TV’S CUTTING THE CORD: A WIRELESS CONSUMER GUIDE

xii

DEDICATION To all the 911 operators in the world, who help save the lives of battered children, battered wives, and accident victims 24/7/365.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS No book is ever done alone. Special thanks go to my friend Cory Mitchell, whose faith and support in this project never wavered. Gratitude to Lisa Osborn, whose telematics experience and contacts were invaluable. A salute to my agents Christian Crumlish and Danielle Jatlow for their ongoing belief in my talent. Special kudos to my intern, Katrina Mann, for her patience in organizing and researching. Boundless appreciation to my tech editor, Allan Thompson, for service above and beyond the call. Endless good wishes to Angelina Ward, acquisitions editor at Que, who knew I was the right author for this book. Special recognition to Dean Miller and Maureen McDaniel and all the rest of the folks at Que who helped overcome all the technical obstacles in the path to printing this volume. Ongoing appreciation to all my friends, including Robert Aston, Ben Mandel, Judith Claire, Lynda Davey, and Roz Berger, who continue to support my professional pursuits. Recognition to all my colleagues and pals that I don’t have space to mention here. And gratitude to all the conferences who offered me access to their forums and panels, including Silicon Alley Daily, Jupiter Media Metrix, Siggraph, CTIA, Digital Hollywood, CES, Internet World, and more. And special thanks to all the writers at TechTV and the authors and producers of the more than 5,000 articles, 200 books, 50 professional seminars, and scores of television and radio shows that were used as sources and inspiration for this book. All of you who took time to be interviewed or comment on topics for this effort know how much I value your opinions and referrals. An ongoing thank-you to my clients and independent contractors, who make it possible for me to write and consult at the same time.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! As the reader of this book, you are our most important critic and commentator. We value your opinion and want to know what we’re doing right, what we could do better, what areas you’d like to see us publish in, and any other words of wisdom you’re willing to pass our way. As an associate publisher for Que, I welcome your comments. You can fax, e-mail, or write me directly to let me know what you did or didn’t like about this book—as well as what we can do to make our books stronger. Please note that I cannot help you with technical problems related to the topic of this book, and that due to the high volume of mail I receive, I might not be able to reply to every message. When you write, please be sure to include this book’s title and author as well as your name and phone or fax number. I will carefully review your comments and share them with the author and editors who worked on the book. Fax:

317-581-4666

E-mail:

[email protected]

Mail:

Greg Wiegand Que Corporation 201 West 103rd Street Indianapolis, IN 46290 USA

xiii

I N T R O D U C T I O N

THE REAL BUZZ ON MAKING CONNECTIONS Going mobile can be easy, unless you choose a costly wireless plan or spring for a “digit-all” phone or personal digital assistant (PDA) that doesn’t do it for you. I’ve seen my share of cutting-edge gadgets and gizmos, but I understand that not everyone is into technology for technology’s sake. If you’ve seen the Tech TV show Fresh Gear, you know the program’s motto: “Your voice on new products—all the new stuff, none of the hype.” Most of us want to know what’s in it for us and how it’s going to make life easier. That’s the approach I take in this guide. No matter how cool a device or service is, it’s not worth its price if you never actually use it—or worse, it doesn’t do what you want it to. We want this book to be your definitive guide to going wireless, whether you’re buying your first cell phone or already juggling a handheld, a cell phone, a pager, and other gadgets to survive a workday. This book does the following:

•

Helps you determine which wireless technology fits your lifestyle

• •

Shows you how to hook up to the Web on the go Gives you tips on the right service plan


• •

E

Cuts through the hype surrounding privacy, security, and health concerns Provides plans for going wireless at home and at the office Gear is a Middle English word (gere) from Old Nourse (gervi, gorvi) akin to Old English gearwe. It means equipment and clothing. The variation geau means ready. The term dates back to the fourteenth century and can be used for all kinds of movable property. (Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary)

WHY CUT THE CORD NOW? Going mobile is a fact, not a fantasy, for most people. Where once Star Trek and other science fiction featured walkie-talkie–type communicators, everyone will soon have a wearable computer option. We’ve already seen PDAs hanging from belts and designer skirts and pants that come with cell phone pockets. Wireless access is a necessity, not a luxury, for millions of mobile workers, parents who want 24/7 access to their kids, and teens who want to be “always on” with their pals. In bad weather or uncertain times, a mobile phone or two-way pager becomes a life-saving device, not just a gizmo. Anytime, anyplace, anywhere—that’s the ultimate goal of going wireless. Envision all the equipment in your office communicating with each other without cords and no more pesky wires dangling from your entertainment center at home to clutter your interior design. Kids can use their Gameboys to solve math puzzles; wearable ID badges that connect directly to the doctor will protect your aging parents. And new “smart” refrigerators never need a grocery list to order from the local market. And think about this: An astounding 2/3 of the world has never made a phone call. But when they do, they will do it wirelessly. Of course, wirelessness could also become the ultimate pain. “Always on” means work is with you 24/7/365, and the kids’ squabbles often don’t wait until you get home when you’re only a button away. Much of this technology is already available. We’ve seen many wireless products at the Consumer Electronics Show, and the American Builder’s Show featured Sears’ Home of the Future. Change is the only constant in the wireless industry. Going mobile for most folks today means not just getting a new cell phone but also hooking up to the Web. Already, millions of Americans work the Net without a wire, and that’s projected to grow to 50 million by 2004 according to Yankee Research Group.

WHAT EACH CHAPTER COVERS 2

Here’s a chapter-by-chapter preview of the valuable information you’ll find in this guide to going wireless.

Chapter 1, “Most Frequently Asked Questions About Going Wireless” FAQ stands for frequently asked questions. Most books put their FAQs at the end, but we wanted to answer your burning questions first so you could feel more comfortable reading the rest of the guide. In this chapter, you’ll learn the answers to 20 frequently asked questions on how to go wireless and how to find the best mobile products for you: Find out the differences between analog and digital phones and why you should go digital now rather than later.

• •

Discover what’s new with car phones and automobile navigation systems.

•

Learn what to look for when buying a new handset or when signing up for a new wireless carrier.

Sort out the alphabet soup of abbreviations and acronyms in the wireless world, including definitions for such basic wireless terms as CDMA, WAP, and GPS.

INTRODUCTION

•

Chapter 2, “Your Device of Choice” Do you need a phone? An Internet phone? A SMART phone? Or maybe it’s time to upgrade to a PDA (personal digital assistant)? Get five tips for selecting the right handset, and find out the questions to ask before purchasing an expensive handheld mobile device. Discover which phones are best for teens and mobile workers and why a two-way pager might be better than a smart phone for you. Plus, get details on which carriers are best for you and your communication goals. Should you buy a Pocket PC? This chapter guides you through the seemingly endless options to find the right devices.

Chapter 3, “The Wonders of the Wireless Web” Soon, Internet-on-the go will be part of everyone’s lives. Whether you’re a mobile employee, a nurse, or a busy commuter, you’re probably discovering the advantages of getting your e-mail anytime, anywhere and making travel arrangements or checking stocks without having a PC nearby. New Internet-enabled phones and devices that provide Web access will soon introduce you to a world of mobile commerce, wireless messaging, and anywhere/anytime payment systems. Find out how soon you’ll be able to choose between cash, credit card, or mobile phone to pay for your fast food burger. Find out how instant messaging (IM) might change e-mail and wireless communication forever. What is IM? How do you do it? Enter the world of M-commerce. Discover what instant e-mail access means for you and your family. What’s WAP and how does it work? Find out about broadband wireless: Can you see videos on your PDA or phone? Are videophones finally here? This chapter also discusses unified messaging: Can you store all your messages and get all your e-mail and phone calls in one box with one number? Plus, can you get your messages to follow you

3


from one phone and location to another when you’re on the go, which is so important in the mobile world.

Chapter 4, “Maximizing Use of Your Device” Getting a mobile device is a little like signing up for a health club: If you don’t use it, you don’t reap the benefits. This chapter looks at how you can keep up-to-date with developments on new devices and content. We help you navigate the world of wireless applications with scores of new providers joining the circle monthly. Do you need to upgrade to a PDA? Should you change service plans? Discover how to use new mobile phone directories and the wonder of wireless portals online and on your device. Upgrade with the latest accessories and add-ons for your phone, device, or mobile handheld computer. Peek into the new world of wireless entertainment ranging from cartoons to greeting cards to music you can download to almost any device.

Chapter 5, “Wireless: Safety Net or Health Hazard?” Get plain talk on how cell phones work and whether they are dangerous to you and your kids. Sort out what’s real and not on health concerns, such as radiation, cancer scares, immune system damage, and more. Chart how your phone ranks in radiation emission, and learn how to go hands-free to be safer. Discover how new regulations could protect your health, read personal accounts from real users with health and safety tips, and see how e911 can save your life and the lives of others. Find out about school safety programs and how battered women use mobile technology to ensure safety. Read about the expanded role wireless plays in public safety and emergency medical system services. See why having a mobile device is no longer a luxury but a necessity in times of crisis. Discover why you might need a mobile PSD (personal safety device) for every member of your family.

Chapter 6, “Telematics: The Web on Wheels” Your next car is really an Internet browser on wheels according to the leaders in telematics (telecommunicatons for autos). Look at the wonders of GPS, MP3 players, and wearable devices for in-car use. You’ll never get lost again if you put a mobile navigation system in your new auto. Test drive the car of the future (virtually, anyway), and see photos of new electronic dashboards and wireless car accessories. Learn the secrets of how race car drivers use wireless to win races and avoid accidents. Discover how intelligent traffic systems are changing the way you drive and commute. Safety and access to emergency aid is only a button away in the new world of the Web on wheels.

Chapter 7, “Privacy, Personalization, and Security” Many Americans are concerned about privacy: how to get it, keep it, and protect it. Get an overview on privacy laws on wireless device usage, and see how wireless spam will affect you and your kids. Find out whether wireless pornography is on the rise. This chapter also 4

discusses wireless advertising—how you can use it to your advantage with pull versus push formats. You’ll also find out how to contact and keep in touch with consumer rights groups and how to avoid wireless spam and unwanted e-mails on your phone or mobile device. Also, learn to protect your kids from scary messages before they happen.

Chapter 8, “Connecting on the Go”

INTRODUCTION

Security issues are also covered, including how to really turn off your device, how to protect data, how to avoid viruses, and more. Discover how safe wireless centers at airports and in public spaces such as Starbucks are. Protect your company’s data from intruders, and learn why you might need a VPN (virtual private network) for your small business or antivirus software for your handheld computer.

We’re an increasingly mobile society. We’re not at home or in the office or even in the car most of the day. Going mobile means reaching beyond phones, PDAs, and handhelds to the world of mobile computing. Bluetooth technology in public spaces promises instant connection, whereas wearable computers are lightweight solutions. Disposable phones are coming to your convenience store soon. Discover everything you should know about how to buy and recharge batteries and when to discard them. Discover the wonder of text messaging that works even if you can’t get audio connection in a time of crisis or overloaded cell phone lines. Get step-by-step directions for using eBay anywhere and GPS (geographic positioning systems) for you and your family. AOL users will find out all the newest information on connecting to America Online everywhere via phone, pager, or mobile computer. Check out photos of the wearable computers that look like jewelry or body decorations.

Chapter 9, “Home Sweet Wireless Home” What’s 802.11b (also called Wi-Fi)? How will it help you cut the cord at home? Discover how a home gateway will offer you everything from wireless security to intercom audio and video communication with your family members. Be prepared to enter a new era of home safety in the newly connected home. Find out how you can hook everything up together and whether it’s possible to cut all the cords. Is your home office the best place to go wireless? Can you connect to your corporate headquarters from your bedroom? Discover why a two-way radio might be better than phones or pagers for your kids. Bring music to your and your teens’ lives via improved mobile audio players.

Chapter 10, “The Wireless Workplace” What mobiles should you ask your boss for? Do you need different devices for work and for home? Take a peek at the wireless workplace of the future. See how wireless warehouses, airports, and hotels are changing the way you do business and travel. Find out how to create a wireless office, and discover whether Wi-Fi or Bluetooth is best. Also find out whether you should install a wireless local area network (LAN). 5


6

ABOUT TECHTV TechTV is the only cable television channel covering technology news, information, and entertainment from a consumer, industry, and market perspective 24 hours a day. From industry news to product reviews, tech stocks to tech support, TechTV’s programming keeps the wired world informed and entertained. TechTV is one of the fastest-growing cable networks, currently available in millions of households and distributing content to 70 countries around the world. Check your local television listings for TechTV.

C H A P T E R

1

MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT GOING WIRELESS

“It’s a small world,” or so says the popular song. With the right device, you can harness the power of a new mobile universe with one hand. Users who don’t know how to type can “thumb” in messages to pals and colleagues oceans away. But navigating the new wave of wireless pagers, phones, and other connected devices often pitches you into uncharted territory. TechTV.com is lucky to have a full laboratory and geeks who test gear before they feature it in a segment. You, however, might end up being your own guinea pig. The plethora of messaging products can overwhelm you and fast empty your e-wallet if you don’t plan ahead. All too often, wireless suppliers entice you to hook up to Tomorrowland and you end up in Fantasyland. That’s why you need to prep for your trip to the unwired world in advance. We suggest you read over the FAQs and then take a field trip online or to the local electronics brick-and-mortar store, even if you’re not ready to buy. That way, if you’re not under pressure to get a phone to take on a trip tomorrow or a pager where your new boss can reach you 24/7, you can learn before you burn that hard-earned cash on the wrong device. Don’t forget that TechTV.com is always open online, and if we haven’t answered your query here, chances are you’ll find some information on our Web site. Just type the word wireless into the search window and you’ll

see thousands of responses based on articles, interviews, and product reviews we’ve done online and off. A quick search on TechTV.com showed thousands of references to wireless. You’re sure to find answers to your questions in that rich research file. Whether you’re looking to fight off bugs (virus attacks) on your new Palm or want more research on how to set up a home gateway system, the TechTV team is there for you 24/7. Think of this chapter as the game of “20 Questions” that many of you played as kids, except this time the answers aren’t animals, vegetables, or minerals. Here are the questions this chapter covers:

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

How do wireless phones work? How safe are the new cell phones? What can my family and I do to screen out rays? What’s prepaid calling? Can I change my wireless service plan after I’ve activated the phone? Do I need voice mail and caller ID? What’s SMS or text messaging? What’s the coolest mobile phone for a teenager? What do all the acronyms and abbreviations mean? Which PDA is recommended? How can we do wireless networking at home? When will phones be “wearable?” What’s a good phone for worldwide use? How can I set my ringer to my favorite song? How do I connect to AOL from my phone? Why can’t I use my cell phone on planes? Which features do I need on a wireless handset? What are the grooviest wireless devices for teens? How can I equip my car with the latest wireless devices? How can I introduce my young kids to the wireless world?

HOW DO WIRELESS PHONES WORK? Ever have a walkie-talkie when you were a kid? Wireless works similarly to two-way radios, except instead of sending signals directly to each other, wireless devices bounce the signals to nearby cell towers and then back to your handset. At the tower, the signals are sent to a switching station that uses a standard landline to call the number you dialed. 8

A digital phone converts your voice to packets of 1s and 0s—just like the binary 1s and 0s used in your computer. This increases the reliability of the connection while reducing the need for bandwidth. Digital systems can carry more than one call on the same radio signal or frequency. Analog phones transmit a continuous radio signal during a call, which requires greater bandwidth and, therefore, is a less efficient system.

1

Going digital has several advantages, including making your conversations more secure and using less power at a lower cost, most of the time. This is in contrast to analog phone networks, which can manage only one conversation per frequency channel. Most phones today offer digital and analog options; some are even tri-mode, featuring one analog and two digital modes. This ensures that you have a phone that works clearly in a wider geographic area.

MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association (www.ctia.org) has more detailed information. In particular, there is a great article on how cell phones work at www.wow-com.com/consumer/howitworks/, which addresses consumers rather than experts and is a good place to learn more.

Digital services use the 800MHz frequency band or the 1900MHz PCS band. Dual-mode phones work on both analog and digital networks.

HOW SAFE ARE THE NEW CELL PHONES? This is a great question, because there are so many conflicting reports about safety. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has set safety limits using a scale called SAR (Standard Absorption Rate) of no more than 1.6 watts per kilogram of RF energy, based on the maximum limits of radiation to which humans can be safely exposed. Before you buy a new mobile phone, check out its standard absorption rate (SAR). Be sure to note when you buy your handset that each manufacturer has several model numbers in their series. Not all model numbers in the series have the same SAR. The SAR depends not on the manufacturer but on the model. SAR also is referred to as Specific Absorption Rate by some groups, such as the CTIA.

See Chapter 5, “Wireless: Safety Net or Health Hazard?” for info on standard absorption rates.

CAUTION

To check the SAR levels on most major cell phone models, go to www.domode.com, where you can see the FCC data for yourself.

9

WHAT CAN MY FAMILY AND I DO TO SCREEN OUT RAYS? Consider buying a phone with an antenna that pulls out, and then be sure to point it away from your body. If your current phone rates 1.6 or higher on the radiation scale, consider trading it in for one with a lower SAR. Common sense rules, even in cyberspace. 50%–70% of all cellular calls are made from inside autos, so watch for new voice systems for your cars that will store numbers and let you call just by saying the name of the person you’re dialing. Be sure to get a hands-free system, too, so that a headset or speakerphone makes it safer and easier for you (see Chapter 6, “Telematics: The Web on Wheels,” for details).

E

Voice recognition is the term for software that recognizes your discrete numbers and names and works via voice commands versus using a mouse, joystick, or keypad to operate it.

WHAT’S PREPAID CALLING? Prepaid calling allows subscribers to pay in advance (prepay) before using airtime and other services. You build up airtime credits that are automatically deducted every time you use the phone, usually depending on the duration of that call. In some plans, you can continue to use prepaid airtime even when roaming onto other networks.

E

Roaming charges are added to your bill for calls made or received outside your primary service coverage, unless your plan allows “unlimited” roaming privileges. The main advantages of prepaid plans are no contract to sign and no invoicing. Users with not-so-perfect credit and teens and college students frequently opt for the prepaid plan. It’s generally better for low-use users, families using the phone just for emergency services, and parents who want to limit their teens’ phone time and monthly totals. Prepaid systems can be more costly than annual contracts, so watch out.

CAN I CHANGE MY WIRELESS SERVICE PLAN AFTER I’VE ACTIVATED THE PHONE? Yes, generally you can change your calling plan at any time. In most cases, all you have to do is dial 611 from your cellular phone to reach your carrier’s customer service. Don’t worry—there’s no charge for dialing 611 or for emergency calls to 911. However, changing plans sometimes is very costly, especially if you signed up for an annual program that charges penalties for making changes before the contract runs out.

10

If you got your mobile phone a while ago, check out new service plans. Many carriers now offer 50-state long distance for a flat fee and unlimited roaming. Plus, many offer bigger monthly usage buckets of minutes. Some experts predict that your basic phone service eventually will be free because carriers bet on consumers subscribing to content including sports, entertainment, and news services—not unlike the way cable TV networks operate.

DO I NEED VOICE MAIL AND CALLER ID? You might not need voice mail, but you’ll probably want the option of having it. Be sure to learn how to activate it as soon as you get your new model. Chances are callers expect you to have a voice greeting if you don’t answer.

E

1

Remember the days before home and office answering machines and voice-mail systems? Calling a mobile phone and being unable to leave a message is frustrating. Besides, if you have a wireless phone, it makes sense to get your messages. You can always direct your callers to leave messages on a landline by including that number on your outgoing message. Note that because voice mail is a system feature and messages are held at your carrier (and not on your handset, which has little memory), you might be charged for accessing your voice mail messages. This could use up some of your monthly minutes if you’re not on an unlimited plan.


Plus, changing mid-billing cycle can result in what appears to be “double billing” by the carrier because it might charge you for your current plan and then for the first cycle of your new plan.

Caller ID is the capability some landline or mobile phones have to enable you to see the phone number of the caller in advance (her ID or identification) before answering the phone call. Note that some new phones allow caller ID that is not just numbers, but that includes still photos of the person or even some logo or cartoon ID that identifies your friend. In most cases, you’ll pay extra for this feature, so watch your budget carefully.

See Chapter 7, “Privacy, Personalization, and Security,” to understand caller ID pros and cons better.

Most folks still juggle office and home and mobile phone numbers, but this might be changing quickly. One universal number—probably wireless—would cut costs and time spent checking voice mails. That’s why many of us are starting to use wireless as our primary phones.

11

Business callers should always allow their caller IDs to show up on the recipients’ phones. Many people don’t answer blocked numbers, assuming they’re telemarketers, and you could miss an important connection this way. Don’t forget that some service plans make you pay for the minutes you spend checking your own voice mail. If you’re running close to your limit, you might want to retrieve your messages from your home or office landline if your system allows that.

WHAT’S SMS OR TEXT MESSAGING? If you have a GSM phone, text messaging (or ping-pong messaging) is included or available as a feature on many service plans. You can use a wireless phone, PDA (personal digital assistant), pager, or computer to connect to others or communicate via a message sent from an SMS gateway online. SMS (short message services) is NOT instant, and it is stored as a text message if you’re not available and can be answered later. Other instant message (IM) services, such as AOL’s ICQ or MSN’s Instant Messenger, are instant and can serve as instant chat. Or, if a pal comes on the service and you have that person on a buddy list, you can set your device so you know he’s there. How’s this possible? An alert service sends your message through a wired network that relays it to a wireless application protocol (WAP) gateway. The gateway translates your text message into digital code and sends out the signals. The receiving device translates the code into a text message onscreen. And all this happens in seconds, if you can believe it. Stock services, advertisers, and even m-coupon companies are sprouting up to let you pull messages you sign up for in advance. But beware: Spammers are starting to seek out SMS, too (see Chapter 7).

E

Spam is unwanted e-mail or messages that are sent by direct mailers—it’s kind of like junk mail sent electronically. A recent survey by Bolt.com (a top U.S.-based, teen-focused Web portal) surveyed 1,260 U.S. teens to find out how often they send messages. Forty-one percent of the users aged 13–19 responded “never” but quickly added they can’t wait until they get a phone that lets them do this.

The Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) predicts that more than 200 billion (yes that’s with a “B”) SMS messages will be sent in 2001. Most SMS usage is still in Europe and Japan, though.

12

WHAT’S THE COOLEST MOBILE PHONE FOR A TEENAGER? Bolt’s survey showed that teens who rated brands mentioned these top names most frequently: Nokia—63% Motorola—7% Sony—6% Ericsson—2%

1

• • • • • • • •


SMS isn’t just kid’s stuff, either. Officemates and remote workers love the freedom of these short messages, which allow you to query team members without waiting for a return e-mail or phone call. Be cautious when instant messaging, though, because the short alerts (usually less than 150 characters) can easily be misunderstood or be invasive. Watch for new services that let you send messages as long as 300 words.

CAUTION

Samsung—1% Qualcomm—1% Panasonic—1% Other—5%

The breakdown of teens who mentioned Nokia was 69% female and 57% male. Flat-rate or prepaid plans can limit usage to an extent, but you’ll still want to give your teens guidelines on when, where, and how long they can stay on the phone. Some schools forbid phone use on campus and especially in class. But still other private schools and some colleges are making PDAs de rigueur.

CAUTION

Protecting your kids in an “always-on” world is an ongoing mission. An Annenberg Public Policy Center study showed that kids aged 10–17 were too open with private information when bribed with a free gift offer. The kids were willing to reveal what their parents do on weekends, the types of cars owned by their families, the names of their parents’ favorite stores, their own top haunts, the amount of their allowances, and more. “Never talk to strangers” is still a good adage, but you’ll want to prepare your teens to handle spam and to report unwanted messages immediately. Some child development experts think teens are too young to own cell phones. After all, it’s easier to supervise computer use with those big screens than to predict what might turn up on your child’s own mobile device.

You can design your own phone faceplate by going to Nokia (www.nokia.com). Select from abstract designs, animal prints, cartoon characters, sports, and other fashion themes. 13

WHAT DO ALL THE ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS MEAN? The following are the most common acronyms you’ll hear when shopping for a digital phone:

• • • •

TDMA GSM CDMA PCS

Each is a different technological scheme for transmitting voice signals from your phone to the person you want to reach and vice versa.

TDMA TDMA stands for Time Division Multiple Access. These networks allow four–six distinct noninterfering conversations to take place on the same wireless channel. Each conversation is allocated its own timeslot.

GSM GSM, or Groupe Speciale Mobile, works the same way as TDMA but can support more callers on each channel. In fact, GSM is a kind of TDMA. GSM is most widely used in Asia— except for Japan, which has its own standards. Some GSM phones can act as wireless modems for surfing the Web if you attach them to notebooks or handheld computers. If this is important to you, check with your service provider to be sure you can get Internet service with your plan and phone.

CDMA CDMA means Code Division Multiple Access. At one time exclusive to the military, it was declassified in 1980 when Qualcomm brought it into the civilian world. CDMA enables many users to occupy the same channel without interference. Actress Hedy Lamarr and inventor George Antheil are credited with inventing CDMA—or something close to it—in the early 1940s. You can learn more at wireless.oldcolo.com/course/hedy.htm.

Experts are betting that a version of CDMA will be the digital protocol of the future because it can handle so many simultaneous calls. Right now, TDMA and GSM are the most popular protocols in the U.S. and abroad.

14

PCS

All these networks are categorized as 2G by wireless gurus. This is a term used for the generation of the device you own or purchase. 1G (first-generation) devices were analog voice, whereas 3G technologies include more powerful, high-speed integrated voice and data. The ultimate is still 4G, which integrates all existing networks and technologies and is powerful enough to transmit video.

WHICH PDA IS RECOMMENDED?

1

Note that most PDAs (personal digital assistants) don’t have phones built in, and many don’t have Internet access without attaching a separate modem. Buying a PDA or upgrading to a Pocket PC can be even more daunting than purchasing a cell phone. You’ll get more mileage out of your PDA if you use it to manage phone numbers, data, and calendars. Most PDAs feature personal information managers (PIMs), and some can double as cell phones—for a price. Some smart phones, such as the Kyocera, often are referred to as part phone/part PDA (see Chapter 4, “Maximizing Use of Your Device,” for more information on those).


PCS stands for Personal Communications Services. It has become a generic term for phones that can transmit data, such as text messages and Web pages, as well as voice signals. It uses a different frequency band in the United States than other services do.

Before you purchase a PDA (see Chapter 4), ask yourself the following questions:

•

What other gadgets do I use or want to use (for example, an MP3 player, a cell phone, or a pager)?

• •

What price can I afford?

• •

Is ease of use more important than the ability to expand the device’s capabilities?

Do I want a Palm, do I want a Windows-compatible device, or do I want to use it just to get e-mail?

Do I need a color screen, or is black-and-white okay?

Five of the most popular PDAs are Palm M100, HP Jornado 548, Visor, Ipaq Pocket PC, and RIM Wireless handheld. See Chapter 2, “Your Device of Choice,” to determine which fits your needs now and still leaves room to grow as you become a more frequent or sophisticated PDA user.

More and more notebooks are being built to include wireless modems. You might find that what you need is a new notebook rather than another device or that you want to explore the new world of Pocket PCs.

15

HOW CAN WE DO WIRELESS NETWORKING AT HOME? More than 20 million U.S. homes have multiple PCs and lots of other devices. Internet appliances and entertainment systems are expected to be designed to communicate with each other more than ever before. Before you begin, determine what exactly you want to network. See Chapter 9, “Home Sweet Wireless Home,” for details on wireless home networking. Not all networks are wireless, so you must determine whether you want to go through the expense of setting up a wireless network at home. The most popular wireless home system is powered by a wireless technology called Wi-Fi.

E

Wi-Fi is shorthand for the 802.11b high-rate wireless networking protocol. Products with Wi-Fi can work with each another. For example, a Toshiba Wi-Fi laptop can connect with a Compaq Wi-Fi desktop computer. You can share Internet connections, printers, and even multiplayer game systems with the right wireless network. The most frequently mentioned wireless networks are Home RF and 802.llb, which don’t require any new wiring. Bluetooth is gaining fast, and you can keep track of what it offers on TechTV and at TechTV.com.

E

Bluetooth is a promising short-range wireless communications network. Check out Chapter 9 and Chapter 10, “The Wireless Workplace,” to see which Bluetoothenabled devices and notebooks are coming to stores near you soon. We’ve got a great chart so you can start your Bluetooth lookout now.

WHEN WILL PHONES BE “WEARABLE?” Many cool products fall under the term wearables. Wearable computing might be the most personal mobile computing to evolve in our lifetimes. (Yes, some forecasters say we’ll have implants and chips embedded under our skin, but that probably won’t happen until after 2020.) And the good news is that you can buy wearables today. More than 2,l00 wearable devices were shipped in the United States, and a similar amount was sent out of the country. Forecasters at the research firm IDC believe that Americans will use almost half a million wearable devices by 2004.

16

Xybernaut Corp. of Fairfax, Virginia, has clients who use wearables for such varied purposes as obtaining temperature controls in manufacturing plants and mapping utility lines below street level.

No keyboard is necessary because you enter instructions by voice. Today’s wearables are pricey, ranging up to $l0,000 per unit. Chances are that military and security personnel will be the first adopters of these devices.

WHAT’S A GOOD PHONE FOR WORLDWIDE USE? One option for people who yearn to roam beyond the confines of the cellular universe is the Qualcomm GSP 1600, which uses the Globalstar network. Globalstar’s service currently covers the continental United States, most of Canada, and all of Mexico.


A wearable actually is a logical extension to a laptop. The computing power is carried on a belt or armband with a small screen worn in front of the eye, similar to sunglasses. Of course, you can buy a phone or pager today that has a belt hook and wear that. But the next-stage wearables will have much more power for messaging and computing on the go.

1

GSP 1600 satellite capability has its limitations. For one, you must be within line of sight of a satellite, so you can’t make calls from indoors or inside a car. The device is big and expensive, and the data speeds are still too slow to transmit anything more than voice signals.

HOW CAN I SET MY RINGER TO MY FAVORITE SONG? Well, if you live in Europe or Australia, you have your choice of thousands of pop songs using something called ring tones. It’s a new audio-personalization craze that teens, college students, and many adults are cashing in on. To really jump on the musical merry-go-round, you’ll probably need a late-model digital phone with the right service plan that features ring tone options. You’ll also need that SMS I talked about earlier in this chapter. SMS is an optional feature on most plans. Coverage in Western Europe and the Caribbean is expected to be added to the Globalstar network before the end of 2001. Plus, the GSP 1600 features a dual-mode conventional cellular phone and a satellite phone all in one. You can rent mobile phones that work in various countries you might be visiting. The challenge is that you’ll probably have to use different numbers with different carriers. Check with your service provider to see who they recommend. So, check out your phone model, call your service provider to confirm SMS availability, or sign up for it now. Then, head online and go to a Web site called yourmobile.com, which features ring tones. The Web site and services are free—your new ring tone can add music to your mornings, afternoons, and evenings at no cost. You’ll also be able to check which Nokia models ring tones are offered for. Yourmobile.com also includes instructions on how to install your new sounds on your mobile phone. 17

Want to program your own tunes as your mobile phone ringer? One great resource on how to do this, which includes a step-by-step cheat sheet, is a Web site called mobilemelodies.com. This site mainly focuses on the Nokia 3310 model. It’s easy to use, and you can program your own melody using your phone’s keypad.

HOW DO I CONNECT TO AOL FROM MY PHONE? AOLbyPhone is a voice-activated service that allows AOL members to access many of their favorite features simply by speaking. Users dial 1-800-AOL-1234 to access this plan. The service is free the first month, and there is a monthly fee after, which is billed to the user’s credit card. Members can access such services as the following:

• • • • • • •

E-mail

•

Free two-minute phone calls to anywhere in the United States

Financial information, such as stock quotes Weather reports (U.S. and international) Sports reports for professional teams and college sports News clips from CNN MovieFone listings, reviews, and show times Restaurant reviews from AOL Digital City and connections to those restaurants for reservations

Additionally, special offers are available for AOLbyPhone users, such as a free three-minute astrology reading from the experts’ Web site, keen.com. The input is voice (yours), and the output is voice (AOL’s). So, users speak commands rather than press buttons. To hear e-mail, you say “e-mail,” and the system actually reads information about each e-mail (who it’s from, when it was sent, and so on). Then, you say “read” to hear it, “delete” to get rid of it, and “keep as new” to save it. After it reads you one email message, you say “next e-mail” to continue hearing your messages. Right now, you can’t reply to the e-mail. AOL promises that at some point it will build in this feature so users can respond to an e-mail and have it delivered as an attachment. AOLbyPhone works with any service provider.

WHY CAN’T I USE MY CELL PHONE ON PLANES? It’s true that the mobile world seems to be going everywhere except in the air. Surprisingly, we have little scientific proof that mobile devices might interfere with the communication and navigation systems of planes. Studies show that portable electronic devices have the potential to interfere with critical aircraft instruments, such as the altimeter. However, engineers say that replicating interference is tricky because they can’t duplicate the exact environment of the plane. 18

Why don’t the airline cell phones interfere with travel? The signals of airplane-installed phones are shielded and controlled. Their calls go to a receiver in the plane’s belly and then down to one of the 135 ground base stations in North America, according to sources at Verizon Communications. Calls 200 miles beyond the U.S. coastline run on satellite systems, and those calls are routed to a satellite station.

WHICH FEATURES DO I NEED ON A WIRELESS HANDSET?


Cell phone use in airplanes is prohibited by the FCC. Most airlines have FAA-approved, seat-installed cell phones of their own. The costs are generally $3 per minute for in-flight calls in the United States. Airlines pocket about 15% of profits racked up by these phones.

Typical digital wireless service includes the following: Voice mail

1

• • •

Call waiting Caller ID

Many have voice-activated dialing, address books, and adjustable ring tones. Phones should work for three to eight days between charges, according to a recent survey of handsets by Consumer Reports. That is, they’ll last that long on standby, which means they’re powered up to receive calls but you’re not actually talking on them. In talk mode, most phones work only two–three hours without recharging. What’s a good basic phone for a first-time user? Actually, start with the carrier. The service is more important than the device, and not all services work with all devices. If you need a dual-mode phone, a Web browser, and the ability to use the phone as a modem, you’ll want a different model from someone who just keeps a phone in the car for emergencies. A few popular phones are Nokia’s 5100 series, the Kyocera 2035, and Ericsson A1228di. The popular Motorola StarTAC ST7867 is considered a mid-tier phone. If you want Web access, be sure your handset has a built-in microbrowser. According to Jupiter Media Metrix, browser-enabled cellular phones will likely be the dominant platform for wireless data services. By 2004, Jupiter estimates that more than 90 million smartphones and 15 million PDAs will be in use.

Seat-installed phones in planes are coming. Passengers will be able to receive incoming calls on these phones by activating them with a PIN number and a seat number every time they fly.

19

WHAT ARE THE GROOVIEST WIRELESS DEVICES FOR TEENS? Take a look at Cybiko. It’s a jaunty device with a plastic case in an assortment of colors. About the size of a paperback dictionary, it features a small keyboard and a stylus. After it’s set up, your teen will able to get e-mail on his Cybiko. The system operates on a 900MHz RF transmitter wirelessly, which lets your teen “talk” to other owners of Cybikos. It’s a little like Furby—when Cybikos come within range of each other, they vibrate to alert the owners. Then, your teen can use the instant message service to talk to pals who have their own Cybikos while they’re at school or play. Each personal Cybiko can be customized with a user’s name and personal data. It lets each owner compare likes and interests with others. Cybiko also lets your teen download and play games from Cybiko.com. You’ll need access to a PC and an Internet ISP to use your Cybiko. You’ll also need an unused serial or USB port on your computer; the software is Windows-only and comes with the device. Cybiko promises new features and delivers them to the Cybiko audience through its Web site.

HOW CAN I EQUIP MY CAR WITH THE LATEST WIRELESS DEVICES? Some auto gurus say in the future a car will really be an Internet browser on wheels. The good news is that many automakers are integrating digital extras instead of leaving it to you to buy the new goodies. For example, on the DeVille and Seville models, Cadillac offers Web-connected PC-in-a-car. The voice-activated system downloads and reads e-mail and has a dock for a portable phone, an infrared port for exchanging information with palm-sized computers, a CD-ROM, a navigational system, and a voice-memo reader.

E

The auto industry coined the term telematics to describe integration of location tracking, vehicle control, and wireless communications in the car. More than a million people subscribe to OnStar, which has a deal with General Motors. It’s available as an option or as part of a special package on the Chevy Venture. The basic OnStar service ($199/year) is aimed at safety so you can call for roadside assistance if you get a flat tire. Premium service ($399/year) offers subscribers such amenities as the ability to make dinner reservations and order flowers. OnStar also offers subscribers in certain regions the ability to use the built-in phones to make personal calls with no roaming or long distance charges. OnStar’s Virtual Advisor service provides stock quotes, sports scores, weather, and e-mail. The company plans to offer upgraded features so you can download movies, schedule appointments, and even shop without leaving the front seat.

20

Safety in car-related wireless services seems to be the number one concern for U.S. consumers, including key services, roadside assistance, stolen vehicle tracking, remote door unlocking, and emergency calls when airbags inflate. Jaguar is already offering voice activation in its F type so you can say “phone home” or ask the radio to increase or decrease the volume. Soon, your car will be your mobile communications center. See Chapter 6 for more information.

1

HOW CAN I INTRODUCE MY YOUNG KIDS TO THE WIRELESS WORLD?


Ford and Qualcomm are developing Wingcast, a rival service to OnStar. If you lose your way in a parking lot, Wingcast will locate your auto by using your cell phone and honking the horn.

Each year when TechTV goes to the International Toy Fair, they find a treasure trove of wireless goodies for kids. Many allow children to chat, send e-mail, play games, and even keep a calendar. Check the TechTV.com Web site for stories on the most recent Toy Fair. Also check out shopping sites such as Amazon.com and search for electronic toys. You’ll find hundreds listed, and many include user or expert ratings.

21

C H A P T E R

2

YOUR DEVICE OF CHOICE

Whether you’re a “newbie” or a “master of mobile,” you can use this guide to the ever-expanding wireless world. Information here will help you decide which device to choose next: flip-style model, smart phone, two-way pager, combo device, or maybe a wearable device or what they now call a wireless digital assistant (WDA). Plus, in this chapter you’ll discover the following:

• •

A quick overview on wireless facts and figures

•

How to choose the right handset or wireless device to meet your growing communications needs.

•

A preview of the expanding wireless device options, including next-generation pagers, twoway communicators, and combo devices.

How to choose a carrier and a plan that fits your budget and lifestyle

Cutting the cord is fast becoming a new inalienable right for all ages around the world.

WIRELESS AROUND THE WORLD Worldwide mobile phone penetration will hit 24% by 2005 according to consulting firm Display Search, as noted in the emarketer.com report “A Global View of the Mobile Phone Market.” Those statistics show that Display Search believes that 407.7 million mobile phone units were shipped worldwide in 2001, which is up 4.9% from 2000.

International Handsets At this point, you’ll find that most of the handsets that work internationally primarily use GSM technology. Most of these are tri-band, meaning they work on GSM 900/1800/1900 bandwidth frequencies that cover most of the world’s GSM networks. For a slideshow on international phones, you can go to About.com’s cell phone/pager guide Eric Bernatchez at http://www.cellphones.about.com/library and search for “global phones.” Each phone pictured includes a link to more information. Here are some of Bernatchez’s recommendations:

•

Siemens s42—A futuristic model that includes voice note and organizer features but is not available in North America.

•

Motorola Timeport p7389—Includes voice dialing for 25 numbers and weights only 3.8 oz.

•

Ericsson T28s—Available in multiple colors, offers silent or vibrating alerts, and holds 99 numbers in its phone directory.

•

Nokia 8890—It’s pricey but features a phone book that holds a whopping 250 numbers; it weighs only 91 grams, or 3.2 oz.

Check with your wireless plan provider for specifics on new models and worldwide wireless plans.

Wireless in America Wireless is moving beyond communication and convenience to become the latest musthave accessory in America. At press time, the Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association (CTIA) is showing that there are more than 136 million cell phone customers in the United States, up from 8.9 million a decade ago, according to businessweek.com. Consumer research firm J.D. Power & Associates estimates that in 200l, 52% of U.S. households had at least one cell phone. In evaluating your wireless communications goals, you might find that you want more than one wireless option for home, business, or travel usage. In this book, we’ll strive to help you discover the wonders of the following:

• • 24

Mobile phones Smart phones

Internet-enabled devices Personal digital assistants (PDAs) Wireless digital assistants (WDAs) Wireless modems (for laptops or PCs) Telematics (wireless for your vehicle) Combo wireless devices Wearable communicators

For up-to-date information on how wireless works and new wireless solutions, you can turn to the CTIA Web site at http://www.wow-com.com. You’ll find click-throughs for consumers to such topics as wireless access, a buying guide, devices, FAQs, how wireless works, tips, market research, and news. There’s even a solutions center.

2

CHOOSING A CARRIER


• • • • • • •

You should compare carriers before selecting one because in most cases, you’ll sign an annual contract or even a two-year commitment to that provider. There is usually a penalty fee for canceling the contract in advance of expiration. Certain models of handsets work only with certain carriers, so if you like the style that your spouse or friend is using, you might have to choose their carrier, too. Not all carriers offer the same services. If you want to use text-messaging or instant message services, caller ID, and direct-connect applications, you’ll need to make sure in advance that the carrier you’re planning to sign up with offers that service. Want to look at the best-selling models and how handsets are upgrading and evolving? One of the best resources is Amazon.com’s consumer electronics section (see Figure 2.1). You’ll see basic models, ultra compact designs, candy-bar models, and flip phones along with two-way communicators and even wearable products. Do a search for wireless and you’ll also see wireless toys, wireless networking kits, and other wireless products. Then follow these steps: 1. Locate a carrier. Check its offerings to see what best fits your needs (see Figure 2.2). 2. Choose your device, handset model, or wireless networking solution. 3. Select your service plan. 4. Get the contract, and read it over. 5. Sign up and maximize your return.

25

Figure 2.1 The wireless panorama expands weekly; you can see the span of models at online retailers like Amazon.com.

Figure 2.2 RCR Wireless News, a key trade journal names Verizon, Cingular, AT&T, Sprint, and Nextel as the top five carriers as of February 2002.

26

Comparing Carriers Leading U.S. carriers include the following: Verizon Wireless—http://www.verizonwireless; customer service at 888-4664646 or 800-851-9815

• •

Cingular—http://www.cingular.com; general contact at 866-246-4852

• •

AT&T Wireless—http://www.attws.com; customer contact at 800-888-7600; consumer sales at 800-423-9672 Sprint PCS—http://www.sprintpcs.com; customer contact at 888-253-1315 VoiceStream—http://www.voicestream.com; customer contact at 800-937-8997

E

2

Because plans, specials, and coverage areas change, I suggest you go directly to the company’s Web site or call them to talk to a representative. Most major carriers also offer regional retail stores or sales through consumer electronic retailers such as Radio Shack, Best Buy, and Circuit City or through mass retailers such as Kmart and Wal-Mart stores.


•

A carrier is a cellular, wireless, or PCS (personal communications service) provider.

Comparison Shopping Figuring out which carrier uses which network and what phones work with each service is a lot of work. To make it easier for you, check out Wireless Watch at http://www.home.cnet.com/wireless, where you’ll find good information on the top eight carriers, networks, and handset listings (see Figure 2.3). Finding the best place online or off to compare cell phone and wireless prices and plans for home and business use is even more of a chore. You can spend hours, and even days, going from Web site to Web site and from magazine article to newspaper story comparing current rates, plans, and special deals. To make it easier, check out Consumer Reports.com and read its annual comparison story that’s run each February. The article is available free without becoming a ConsumerReports.com paid subscriber. Go to www.consumerreports. org and do a search for “cell phone service” if the article is not listed on the home page, as it is at press time. Alas, the carrier and phone comparison chart is available only to subscribers. However, I found out who provides its technology, so I’m going to send you to that supplier directly, who does not charge for comparisons. For the best Web site and comparison technology (same used by ConsumerReports.com) go to http://www.telebright.com. Or, call its customer service representatives at 800-550-94l4 (8 a.m.–6 p.m. EST, M–F). The company is run by former telecom executives and offers superb technology for comparing prices, suppliers, plans, monthly fees, and the crucial anytime minutes included (see the following jargon) feature. Note, there is no fee for the comparisons and printouts of the charts. The Web site says it gets a fee from carriers for referrals and purchases (you can buy services, phones, and accessories directly on this Web site).

27

Figure 2.3 Carriers feature different handsets and plans depending on regions, promotions, and new technology.

Anytime minutes included is the phrase that tells you how many minutes you can use at any time: day, night, or weekend. It can be the crucial factor in choosing your plan.

E

Some other online sources feature carrier comparisons. Check out the following interactive systems that help you compare plans and handsets:

• • • • • • • • • • • 28

Bankrates.com Cellmania.com Cheaprates.com Get Connected.com LetsTalk.com Lowestrates.com Motleyfool.com (search for “cell phone plans”) MyRateplan.com Point.com Simplexity.com Wirelessadvisor.com

Note, all these Web sites are operational at press time. Beware, though, that some sites seem to push certain phones or plans and specials because they probably get commissions on the packages they sell.

Getting the Best Calling Plan

Nationwide plan—Usually means there are no roaming charges.

•

Prepaid or pay-in-advance—These plans offer control over your bill but can be more expensive.

Family plan—Offers up to five phone numbers for one phone. Small business—Also called enterprise solutions, this can include messaging systems and wireless networking kits or technology.

2

• • •


Wireless calling plan providers tend to use some of the same jargon, so check with each carrier to see its definition of the plans, even though the titles might be similar. Here are some common terms you’ll hear:

The following are three terms you’ll want to know when selecting a plan:

•

Airtime—The actual time spent talking, messaging, or sending data, it’s usually billed to the subscriber per minute.

•

Roaming—Carriers extend their service to you outside their network coverage by offering roaming on other carriers’ networks. Nationwide networks are quickly eliminating roaming fees.

•

Long distance—Many carriers now include long distance calls and free roaming in their national network plans. Check the terms in advance.

Carriers are launching next-generation technology and new services to increase what is called their average revenue per subscriber (ARPU). That’s why you should choose your upgrades and plan options carefully. The Buzz on Family Rates Family (shared) wireless plans are the rage, but will they really save you money on your cost of talking? That depends whether all your family members play by the rules and whether you use all the minutes included in the monthly fee. These family share plans are priced from $50 to about $300 a month and include two handsets. Most of these plans urge you to add phones for the kids or other family members at an additional monthly fee of $10–$20 each (plus, activation). This chart gives you a peek at the prices the major carriers are charging for family shared plans at press time. Note that these programs usually include a primary line, primary handset, and secondary phone and handset (the cost for extra handsets varies with providers). Check with the provider to see whether the price includes activation fees:

29

Carrier

Family Shared Plan Prices

AT&T Wireless

$59.99*

Cingular Wireless

$46.98

Nextel

$69.99

Sprint PCS Wireless

$59.99

Verizon Wireless

$55.00

VoiceStream Wireless

$69.99

*Note figures are approximations and are based on numbers off Web sites at press time. They might vary according to your plan or area, and handsets might cost extra.

Families I’ve talked to seem to love the mobile-to-mobile minutes, which enable you to call your family and pals using the same carrier. Often, these mobile-to-mobile minutes are unlimited and ideal for teenagers’ seemingly endless conversations.

Wireless Data Services An expanding revenue-producing area for carriers beyond voice is in data services, which can include wireless Web offerings and other applications such as text messaging, wireless Web, message alerts, content, mobile games, ring tones, voicemail, call forwarding, unified messaging, and more. You might want to think about the availability of these options when choosing a carrier. See Chapter 10, “The Wireless Workplace,” for wireless data services for your company or workplace. Wireless content and entertainment services are also popular offerings and upgrades for plans. Before signing up, check to see whether you’re getting access to the wireless Web or to a walled garden of content designed for your carrier. Both systems have advantages (see Chapter 4, “Maximizing Use of Your Device,” for details).

Prepaid and Pay-in-Advance Plans Prepaid service plans first started in Europe as a way to control bad debts. Today, they are increasingly popular in the United States for consumers with less-than-perfect credit ratings; consumers who want to limit their wireless spending; and parents who want teens, children, or even senior relatives to have limited wireless access. Prepaid systems work in several ways, including prepaid wireless phone card purchases and prepaid spending limits with a carrier. Most prepaid plans can be expensive, charging up to 20 cents per minute for use. Many carriers offer their own prepaid programs. Other prepaid options include packages that bundle phones with prepaid cards or prepaid usage embedded in the handset. Some providers offer plans they call pay-in-advance that don’t require contracts but do require that you pay the monthly usage fees in advance like you pay a cable bill. One

of

the

most

popular

examples

is

Cricket

Communications

( www.

cricketcommunications.com), which features a system it calls pay-in-advance. Leap

30

Wireless Intl. Inc., in San Diego is the developer of the Cricket pay-in-advance service. It offers a flat-rate, unlimited monthly alternative to wireless and landline services. To remain active, you must get your payment in by the due date each month. You also can pay via phone with your credit card, or for a fee, Cricket will deduct payment from your checking account. Check the Web site to see whether Cricket is available in your area.

Many of the Web sites that compare carriers also compare handsets for you (see Figure 2.4). Carriers also feature handsets and other wireless devices and wireless networking packages in their online e-stores.


CHOOSING A HANDSET

2

Figure 2.4 The top handset manufacturers total more than $50 billion in revenues annually, according to RCR Wireless News (www.rcrnews.com).

Want to be sure to get the right handset or the best style mobile device for you? Consider such factors as the following:

• • • •

Size, weight, form, and ergonomics Battery life (talk time and standby time) Cost (including essential accessories) Screen visibility (how readable it is night or day) Ergonomics is an applied science concerned with designing and arranging things people use so that the people and things interact most efficiently and safely. This is also called human engineering.

E

Checking Out a Handset We definitely recommend that you follow these guidelines when choosing a cell phone:

•

Handle the phone—If it’s hooked up to a wire to thwart shoplifters, ask the salesperson to unlock it for you. Don’t be intimidated by the store clerk. Some clerks won’t unhook it unless you’re ready to buy; in that case, keep walking—your money and time are too precious to buy on their terms.

31

•

Make a call—If there’s no battery in the phone or it’s not charged, ask the clerk to get you a sample that does work. (We know that can be a pain, but do it anyway.) At the very LEAST pretend to make a call. Take your glasses off (unless you’re almost blind), and see whether you can make out the digits without reading glasses. If not, you might consider a different model. Also, see how big the text is.

•

Read the box and insert—Yep, grab a chair or lean against a counter and ask to read the box and insert. Or, better yet, narrow it down to a couple of models and go home to research them on the Web.

•

Don’t be influenced by special sales or promotional offers—It’s hard, but a $25 rebate won’t make up for a handset you hate.

•

Put it in your pocket or purse—Just to try it, of course. Don’t walk out of the store, please. How heavy is it? Can you fish it out of your big shoulder bag easily? Does it have a belt hook?

•

Consider ergonomics—This is crucial, so how it fits you is what matters, not how cool it is, what it costs, or what color the face is. This is a tool, remember, not a toy! Shop as carefully as you do for a pair of running shoes if you’re an athlete; after all, you might use it more hours every day than you do those running shoes.

Handset Mistakes Here is a list of the most common errors I hear people saying they make in choosing a mobile phone or wireless device:

•

They choose style over function—Cool phones don’t always sport the features you need.

•

Reception isn’t the best—Some styles are better with certain service providers. Plus, your carrier’s coverage area, cell, and other factors such as buildings affect reception.

•

They don’t get enough talk time and standby time—Even the coolest style is worthless if you have to recharge too frequently.

•

They pick a lemon—Some models just seem to have more problems than others. Research styles before buying.

•

They underpay—Too often free handsets are models being discontinued. Don’t waste your money, but get a style that fits your needs, not just your budget.

How Much to Pay Greenfield Online, a market research firm, shows that 44% of people want to pay between $50 and $99 for their wireless phones. The mobile industry calls this the sweet spot and makes sure that lots of promotional specials land in this price range. Here’s what other folks are willing to pay for wireless devices, according to the researchers:

32

• • •

19% are willing to pay $100–$199. 9% are willing to pay $200–$299. 2% are willing to pay $300–$399.

Ever yearn to take apart your handset and see how the thing works? You don’t have to do that because the brilliant Web site howstuffworks.com does it for you. Check out Figure 2.5, or turn to http://www.howstuffworks.com/cell-phone4.htm.


A Peek Inside Your Handset

2

Figure 2.5 Cell phones are—on a complexity-per-cubic-inch scale—some of the most intricate devices we use.

You’ll find that the site says that “modern digital cell phones can process million of calculations per second to compress and decompress the voice stream.” The primary elements inside your phone include a circuit board, antenna, screen display, keyboard, microphone, speaker, and battery. If you look at the display on that site, you’ll see how the flash memory card is removable (similar to SmartMedia cards) on some of the newer models.

THE TOP-SELLING WIRELESS PHONES At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January 2002, most major carriers were unveiling new phones, accessories, and upgrades, including devices, local area network wireless packages, and combo and hybrid devices (see the following sections in this chapter and Chapter 4).

33

The newest models are being designed to work on higher-speed wireless networks introduced this year. Some of these will be dual mode and even trimode, working on two or three modes. As most of you probably have seen, wireless phones tend to divide into two major style categories: candy-bar-style designs that look like narrow and thin candy bars and flip-style models that used to be called clamshell styles that flip open. The choice of style is a matter of personal preference and ergonomics. One of the latest additions are flip-styles that include an exterior caller ID screen so that you don’t have to open the phone to see who is calling. The feature most wireless users recommend is voice-activated calling that allows you to use your voice to activate phone dialing so no fancy hand motions are necessary while you’re walking or driving. Some of these models work better with headsets so check Chapter 4 and Chapter 8, “Connecting on the Go,” for headset model information. Most phone screens convey text, simple logos, and other designs in black-and-white. In the future, you’ll see models that feature four-color screens for enhanced and multimedia messaging, mobile imaging (transferring photos), and even video clip viewing. Because new models seem to roll out monthly, there’s no way I can offer you a complete directory of the latest models and accessories. Instead, I’ll highlight some best-selling models from some of the major manufacturers and refer you to other sources for updates and additional photos. Don’t miss reviews on TechTV.com of the latest models of phones, twoway pagers, PDAs, and other devices (including wireless modems for laptops and desktops). To narrow the options, I’m going with the RCRNews.com list that indicates the top-selling handset manufacturers for 2001: Nokia, Motorola, Siemens, Ericsson, and Audiovox.

Nokia Phones Going to www.Nokia.com or www.Nokiausa.com is like a trip to the future every time I enter that domain. Today, I was checking their latest offerings for you and found none other than the Nokia Mediamaster 210T that Nokia says will let us enjoy digital television when it launches in the second half of 2002. This is not a phone but a home media server (see Chapter 9, “Home Sweet Wireless Home,” for more examples of this new device). Many of Nokia’s competitors in this area include wireless access, and some are even adding voice capabilities. So, watch to see what Nokia adds in the future. Note that you can’t purchase Nokia models from the Nokia.com Web site or the Nokiausa.com site at this time.

Analog to 3300 Series The colorful Nokia models range from the Nokia Analog to a fancy Nokia 9000 Communicator that is what Nokia calls “an office on the go.” In between, you’ll find a 34

Nokia 5100 and 6100 Series The Nokia 5100 series ranges in features and capabilities depending on the provider so check with your carrier or the Nokiausa.com Web site to see what the models offer and which carriers feature them in your area. The 6100 Nokia model series features longer talktime than many models and many up-to-date features in the 6190 model, which also serves as a pager and offers text messaging.


whole series of models ranging from the Nokia 2100 series (it looks like many of these models are being discontinued) to the Nokia 3200 (the 3285 model is Internet-ready and has changeable color covers). Plus, the Nokia 3300 series includes the Nokia 3360, which offers changeable covers, up to two-way messaging, and up to 3 1/2 hours of talk time. The Nokia 3390 includes changeable covers, up to 5 1/2 days standby time, and e-mail and text messaging capability. The Nokia 3395 is on its way, so check TechTV.com for a review.

2

Nokia 7100 and 8100 Series Nokia’s 7160 model is Internet-ready and includes calendaring abilities to keep you organized, whereas the 8260 model fits in your hand and weighs only about 3 oz. The 8290 supports animated icons and picture messaging (it might or might not be available from your carrier), plus it offers 6 days standby time. The GPRS-enabled Nokia 8390 is on the way, so check Nokia’s Web site to see its details and carriers who will feature it. The 8860 is a snazzy chrome-finish style that features dual-band and trimode. Finally, the 8890 is a GSM model that works in 173 countries and on five continents (depending on your carrier) and features a cool-looking aluminum finish.

Nokia Communicator Nokia features a PDA-like phone in its 9290 model, which offers the capability to sync up with your computer and to transfer e-mails with attachments. It looks like a workhorse to me, but I have not had a chance to use it other than to pick it up at a trade show. See more details in Chapter 4 on upgrading your device.

Motorola Phones Go to www.Motorola.com, and you’ll see its latest models that feature Bluetooth capabilities (see Chapter 4). The site has a lot of information on how to choose a phone or plan. The challenge with looking at models on the Motorola.com Web site is that if you click United States as the country you live in, you’ll see models divided by their technologies. The only comparison charts are within the systems, such as Analog, GSM, CDMA, and TDMA. The good thing is that the charts are fairly comprehensive and easy to read and include information about talk time, standby time, messaging capabilities, and headset capabilities.

35

Motorola Analog Models range from the V3620, to the StarTAC, to the MicroTAC, to the 2950 Mobile model. Go to its Web site to see the chart for all the features.

Motorola GSM Models range from the Accompli 009, to the Timeport 260, to the Vseries Personal Communicator, to the Motorola Talkabout T2282. These are all digital models, and you can see some of these in Chapter 4. Or, you can go to the Motorola Web site and look at all the models.

Motorola TDMA Models include the Motorola Vseries, the Motorola Timeport series, and various StarTAC models.

Motorola CDMA Models range from the V200 personal communicator, to the Vseries, the Timeport, the StarTAK, and the Talkabout series. The Motorola model charts explain which carriers support which technologies and which models. So you might want to check this chart before heading to the carrier’s Web site if a particular Motorola model catches your eye.

Siemens Talk Therapy One of the areas that Siemens is moving forward with is using its off-the-shelf technology, including wireless networking, voice recognition, and Webcam-like devices, to help humans diagnose what’s wrong with machines. According to a story on ZDNet.co.uk, the system embeds sensors in machinery and a computer on the network checks the sensor readings. A wearable computer then converts the text to speech and talks back to engineers. It’s possible that the next-generation (3G) phones with built-in cameras can provide a similar interface for any user. In other words, your next-generation phone might be able to tell you when your refrigerator goes on the blink or why your water heater is leaking in the middle of a winter storm.

36

Siemens Phones

Sony Ericsson Phones

2

For information on Sony Ericsson models, go to http://www.sonyericsson.com/usa and click Phone Models. The Sony Ericsson T60LX features the capability to synch with your computer and an address book that hold 500 names and numbers, plus a calculator, an alarm, and ring tones via short message service (SMS). The T60d offers similar features but is a snazzy blue-tone that offers a stopwatch and supports voice dialing. The R300LX supports text messaging, three-way calling, and pop-up help texts. The A1228C model has a dynamic call log, a super-wide screen, a security lock, and an FM radio accessory. The R280di features quad-mode technology, one-button voicemail, and an ultra-thin design. The R380 world model features a built-in modem, 22 display languages, a world clock, and a range of PDA tools. There are also other models that you can check out on the SonyEricsson.com Web site.


The first Siemens model to hit the United States is the Siemens S40, which is a world phone. The model syncs with Microsoft Outlook and is infrared and wireless Web enabled. It includes many business solutions and a standby time of 260 hours (almost 11 days). It is a GSM model with trimode, meaning it supports GSM 900, 1800, and 1900. Siemens also features GPRS models; check to see whether they are available for use by your carrier in your region. For more information on Siemens models, check with your carrier. The Siemens Web site—at www.siemens.com—features a lot of company information, but it buries its information on phone models so I suggest using other sources provided in this book.

Audiovox Phones For more information about Audiovox models, go to http://www.audiovox.com.

Samsung Phones For information about Samsung phones, go to http://www.samsung.com and click Mobile Phones.

PHONES FOR TEENS Does your teen want to join the cell phone revolution? A survey from London says that mobile phones might replace cigarettes as a means for teenagers to seem more adult and individual, socialize with another, bond with their peers, and just plain rebel. Scientific American reports that between 1996 and 1999, smoking among 15-year-olds fell from 30% to 23%, while cellular phone ownership for teens 15–17 years old rose to 70% in Europe by August 2000. The researchers say that for teens seeking a gateway into adult life, smoking ultimately might be an “old technology” compared to text messaging, e-mail, and WAP.

37

What are the top phones for teens? CNET.com says to check out the following five:

• • • • •

Motorola V2282 Nokia 3390 Sprint TP 2100 Motorola V120c Nokia 5185i

Amazon.com picks for back-to-school specials include the following:

• • • • •

Nokia 5165—Has simple-to-learn features (is the successor to the 5181i).

• • •

Motorola V100—Has phone and messaging and weighs 6oz.

Panasonic ProMax EB TX210—Weighs only 3oz. Sanyo SCP5000—It’s pricey. Motorola V2282—This prepaid phone has a built-in FM radio. Ericsson T28 World Phone—GSM and works in more than 140 countries on six continents.

Motorola V2397—Has swappable fashion covers. Sprint PCS Touchpoint TP 1100—Has a minibrowser and PIM functions.

Cool Cell Phone Cases Want to wrap your cell phone or pager in something plush? Then consider covers from Hey That’s Cool, a Texas-based company, reports TechTV’s Sumi Das. You can turn your phone into a cuddly black or brown bear. The covers for the phones are called tchotchkes (pronounced chotz-keys), and the ones for pagers are called gegawz (pronounced geee gauze). To use your devices, you must remove them from these cases. You also can check out Hey That’s Cool’s Gelphone covers, which come in styles ranging from zebra to football designs. You can make calls with these covers on.

38

ALL ABOUT PAGERS


Yes, paging is still an option, and with two-way pagers it can now be the perfect substitute to carrying a cell phone 24/7 or to supplement your mobile. One-way pagers are being outpaced by the growth of the two-way. Motorola, the world’s biggest maker of pagers, says that it will stop producing pagers that work on the ReFlex two-way paging network technology, according to Forbes.com. The next generation of pagers with enhanced features is hitting the market now (see Figure 2.6). Two major manufacturers of two-way pagers are Motorola and Research In Motion. Note that some of the “smart” mobile phones also offer paging capability.

2

Figure 2.6 CEA market research shows that enhanced pagers are experiencing a solid rise in sales.

Types of Pagers The following are the main types of pagers:

•

One-way numeric pager—The most basic type of pager, where you get someone’s PIN number, you key in your phone number, and the paging company passes it along to the pager.

•

One-way alphanumeric pagers—These let you use both text and numeric messages. Some of these pagers come with flip-top screens so you can receive long text messages, 750–16,000 characters in length.

•

Two-way alphanumeric pagers—These let users send and receive text and numeric messages. Some even have small keyboards to enter the messages.

•

Satellite or global messaging pagers—These allow users to receive wireless messages in remote areas.

Check before buying your pager to see whether it offers e-mail access. Most people assume two-way pagers can be used to receive e-mail, but that’s not always the case.

Pager Costs As for the cost, pagers range from $50 (or less with rebates) to more than $400 for twoway pagers with PDA capabilities. Monthly paging service ranges from $20 to $50 per month.

39

NEXT-GENERATION MESSENGING DEVICES To compete in the smarter-device marketplace, pager-like devices are getting smarter and providing e-mail, Web access, and instant messaging services. Often called “pager-killers,” these new two-way messaging devices are increasingly popular in the business, school, and on-the-go sectors. The two leaders in this sector are RIM and Motorola. Because RIM devices are upgrading and adding voice and PDA capabilities, I also cover them in Chapters 4 and 8 for the traveler. There are also other GPS-type devices that provide paging to allow you to find out where your kids are at amusement parks, how the security is on your car, and why your equipment is malfunctioning. Internet-enabled two-way messaging is increasing in demand with devices and smart phones, of course. The total number of Internet users in North America is projected to hit more than 200 million by 2003, and wireless Internet subscribers are projected to increase from less than 1 million in 1999 to more than 70 million by 2003, according to research firm IDC in an article in BusinessWeekonline.com (see Figure 2.7).

Dueling Two-Ways I was fascinated by the New York Times story in the Sunday Style section titled “A World Divided into Two-Way Pager Camps,” which compares Blackberry users to Motorola TalkAbout pager users. Check out the full story at www. newyorktimes.com. They say that the hip-hop elite loves Motorola, whereas the blue chippers favor Blackberry. Now that I’ve brought the subject up, you’ll hear lots of VIPs talk in interviews on Oprah or during TV and radio interviews about how they “Blackberry” with colleagues. If you’re ever at Madison Square Garden, you might even see The View cohost Star Jones tapping out a message on her Motorola pager to Derek Jeter or Sean “P. Diddy” Combs. Rapper Jay-Z even wrote an ode to the Motorola pager in a song:

40

“Only way to roll Jigga and two ladies I’m too cold, Motorola two-way page me”

Internet-on-the-go is fast becoming a necessity for users who turn to two-way devices and smart phones for hooking up.

2

Motorola is the pioneer in the messaging marketplace. The term pager dates back to 1959 when the Motorola radio communications product was delivering a message similar to today’s pager device, according to a history of pagers at www.affordablephones. net/pager.htm. The first pager that some of you might remember is the Motorola Pageboy l, which dates back to 1974 (www.funkmelderservice.de/pageboy.jpg) and appears in Figure 2.8. By 1980, 3.2 million people were using pagers worldwide—mostly by medical workers and for onsite locations. A decade later, more than 22 million pagers were in use, and they were becoming more and more fashionable. By 1994, more than 61 million pagers were on the U.S. scene, and it was almost prestigious to have a pager dangling from your belt.


Figure 2.7

Blackberry enthusiasts insist they go for substance over style. Motorola pagers still outnumber RIM Blackberries about two to one, but some experts believe that’s just because Motorola came out earlier. Motorola fans believe that their service is more reliable; Blackberry users say the e-mail capability and virus firewalls and security are perfect for sensitive communiquès. The Blackberry features include the following:

• • •

PIM functions Works with Bell South nationwide network (same as Palm VII) Always on and ready to receive e-mail

High-tech enthusiasts for the Blackberry include former VP Al Gore (did you see him thumbing it on election night coverage?), Bill Gates, and Ben Affleck.

41

Figure 2.8 Note that Motorola’s early consumer pager, the Pageboy, does not include a screen.

Motorola Two-Way Communicators/Phones The leading Motorola two-way personal communicator devices include the following models:

•

The Accompli 009 Personal Communicator—Uses Cingular Wireless GSM networks and offers phone, messaging, and PDA capabilities.

•

The V200 Personal Communicator—Uses Verizon Wireless CDMA network and allows you to send and receive text messages and Internet mail. It also enables you to make phone calls and talk hands-free with a headset.

•

The Talkabout T900 2way—Allows you to send and receive text messages; allows you to send and receive Internet e-mail; supports Motorola’s MyMail wireless email software; and provides On Demand Internet-based news, sports, and more.

•

The Timeport P935 Personal Communicator with Skytel Service—Features twoway messaging, PC connectivity, and desktop synchronization, and supports Motorola MyMail wireless e-mail software.

•

The Vseries Personal Communicator Model 100—Uses Cingular Wireless and VoiceStream Wireless GSM networks and enables you to send and receive text messages and Internet e-mail. Also has the capability to make phone calls and talk hands-free with a headset. You can also create personal voice messages or record your calls.

RIM Wireless Handhelds RIM Blackberry handheld devices allow you to send and receive e-mail from the handheld. With the RIM wireless handheld, your e-mail finds you, according to its Web site http://www.rim.net.

42

You can go to the Web site http://www.blackberry.net and click the emarketplace link to find the list of resellers in the United States or Canada. (The product is also being launched in Europe.) Blackberry enterprise solutions are also available through government resellers.

Resellers in the United States include Aether Systems, Cingular Interactive, Compaq, Earthlink, GoAmerica, Motient, and AOL.

For the RIM/Blackberry models, you can go to http://www.blackberry.net to see the RIM models, which include the RIM 850, RIM 857, RIM 950, and RIM 957. You’ll also see a photo for the Blackberry 5810. To compare these models, you can check with your carrier or refer to the comparison shopping Web sites noted earlier in this chapter.

TRENDY HYBRID DEVICES

2

A new market is evolving for communicator hybrid-type devices aimed at the teen, college, and active adult marketplace. These handhelds sport snazzy names like Cybiko, HipTop, GITWIT, Pogo (available in Europe only at this time), and Uproar.


The RIM devices work primarily with BellSouth and Blackberry services. At press time, RIM was making agreements with major wireless carriers to also offer its devices to those audiences, so check your carrier to see whether it offers a RIM Blackberry device that includes voice capabilities.

HipTop HipTop, from a firm called Danger, is a “live device that seamlessly connects to wireless networks, providing consumers the freedom to browse the Internet, exchange instant messages, and send and receive e-mail with attachments and includes a full-featured phone, personal information manager (PIM), entertainment applications, and a camera accessory,” according to its Web site at www.danger.com (see Figure 2.9). At press time, Danger was seeking product testers.

GITWIT According to GITWIT’s Web site at http://www.gitwit.com, the firm is developing the world’s first Smart Skins technology that snaps on the GITWIT-enabled handset. GITWIT, like HipTop, will be selling through wireless carriers.

Cybiko Cybiko is one of my favorites. It was the hit of the 2001 CES and is one of the only products in this category already rolling out in the United States. Go to http://www.cybiko.com and click the U.S. flag; you’ll go directly to the Cybiko Web site. Take a look at the Cybiko Xtreme, which says it’s being designed to “hold the PHAT apps and games you choose.” The Cybiko Xtreme package includes a handheld computer, two NIMH rechargeable batteries, a power adapter, a USB cable, an installation CD, an MP3 rebate form, and a quick start guide. Cybiko fans say one of the best features is the friend finder mode to search for and find people.

43

Figure 2.9 Apple Computer cofounder Steve Wozniak is on the board of directors of the firm that produces the Danger combo device, which he shows off in this photo.

The Cybiko operates on its own proprietary RF wireless network (CyRF). The firm also says it has a powerful operating system for mobile handheld devices (CyNIX) and is the owner of the first true peer-to-peer wireless network based on Cybiko Wireless Computers. Check the Web site, and you’ll find downloads, a Cybiko Community, and product upgrades. The MXD MP3 player attachment allows users to download MP3 clips and play MXD (Music Xchange Digital) still-motion video clips in black-and-white and audio clips.

Pogo Pogo is available only in Europe, but it hints at the 3G devices that are evolving now. It includes such features as e-mail, multimedia messaging capabilities, full-color screens, network contact lists, and a diary. To take a peek, go to http://www.pogo-tech.com. I called the Pogo executives, but they could not provide me with any information about when the product would be available in the United States.

Wheels of Zeus Wheels of Zeus (wOZ) is a new firm that is launching, and it’s headed by Steve Wozniak— cofounder of Apple and, yes, board member of Danger. For more information, go to www.woz.com, and you’ll find press releases and updates on the consumer wireless products they are planning. The Web site says, “wOZ is designing new consumer electronics wireless products that will have universal appeal among consumers and corporations 44

alike.” The site hints that the firm will use GPS systems and antenna technology to harness two-way networks to make these devices and services “really exciting.”

Samsung Uproar

When You’re Through with Your Cell Phone

2

Chances are you have an old phone or pager hanging around the house or office. What about that one you’re using as a doorstop or a paperweight, or the one in the bottom of the kitchen junk drawer? Get it out of there today; you could help save a life tomorrow by donating it to charity. Analysts estimate 24 million inactive wireless phones are in people’s homes and businesses.


Samsung became the first company to launch a mobile phone and an MP3 player with the SPH M100 Uproar (see Figure 2.10). TechTV.com’s review says it features CDMA 1900MHz and AMPS 800MHz dual-band (so you can roam outside a digital network), a 229-entry phone book, a calendar, a to-do list, an alarm, a world clock, a calculator, voice-dialing, and voice memo. It has no synching software upload from a PC (consider FoneSyncPro for uploading).

A program sponsored by Motorola and founded in 1999 by the Wireless Foundation, Motorola, and the National Coalition Against Violence (NCADV) collects phones for victims of domestic violence.

As Seen in the Movies… Films are getting more “phony” by the minute. Expensive product placement deals mean you’ll often see new handset models in Hollywood movies long before they hit the retailers. For example, Ericsson spent more than $10 million to partner with Paramount Pictures for a promotional campaign and to use its products in Tomb Raider. You can buy the R310 phone heroine Lara Croft uses in rough terrain, but alas, the Communicator is only a concept. In Charlie’s Angels, you couldn’t miss the Nokia ring tone when the gorgeous trio went off on exotic missions using their Nokia 9110 and 8210 models to help fight crime. The créme de la créme of all movie tie-ins might be Tomorrow Never Dies, in which James Bond uses his Ericsson SmartPhone to start his BMW. That might have shaken awareness of where new phones were going and stirred up some interest in what you could buy in the future. But then, that’s the way 007 likes his martinis, too, right?

45

Figure 2.10 You can take MP3 tunes anywhere with the Samsung Uproar phone and player.

Motorola refurbishes the used handsets and programs them for dialing 911 and one preprogrammed, non-emergency number that lets women in danger of becoming victims of violence become wirelessly equipped. They’ve already recycled 200,000 handsets for use by victims of violence throughout the United States. Check out the Web page www.wirelessfoundation.org for more information. Or, see whether your local social services program has another recycling campaign going on. Some communities give pagers to social workers, who use them to help homeless people find shelter or medical assistance. Some carriers also offer recycling programs for batteries. You can also recycle your phones (wireless or landline) at your local recycling waste center, too, so that you don’t clog up the environment with the “oldies.” Check with your carrier or your local recycling organizations.

WEARABLE COMMUNICATORS The next stage in the hands-free revolution is the launch of new wearable communicators—phones and wireless systems. You’ll find reference to these wonders in other chapters, but I want to include them here because they are not just science-fiction like Star Trek Communicators but are available for use at home; on the road; and in your company whether you work in a hospital, in a warehouse, or are out in the field (such as a park ranger or firefighter).

46

Check out the following Web sites to see some wearable communication devices: TechTV.com/FreshGear Nextgear.com Wearablegear.com Mobilix.org Charmed.com Xybernaut.com

For more on this new category and the potential for wearing your computer, MP3 player, and video screen, see Chapters 4 and 8.


• • • • • •

NEXT-GENERATION COMMUNICATION 2

New wireless devices and handsets will include all types of new features, including system identification module (SIM) cards, mobile commerce credit card processing systems, location-based GPS identification and scanners, syncing systems to use with other devices, Bluetooth chips to connect with other devices, and even such features such as body mass indicators. See Chapters 4 and 8 for details on some of the latest trends, including upgradable software. The term phone soon might become a word of the past as we move into an era in which new devices and technologies include voice applications in all kinds of appliances and applications. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is also being included in many twenty-firstcentury visions. For a quick overview of the types of devices you’ll see in the future, go to any of the major electronics makers’ Web sites, such as www.compaq.com; you’ll see futuristic styles of communicators, PDAs, handhelds, and mobile devices—many of which are voice-capable (see Figure 2.11). Why do you need to communicate using a device? Why not explore how you can use your body for your own personal area network (PAN)? Someday, you’ll truly be able to reach out and touch someone by using embedded chips and other electrodes to talk to your pals and colleagues. You’ll see more examples in Chapter 4, but meanwhile, I want to include how extraordinary research is exploring the next generation of how our senses work. Take a look at the “seeing eye” tongue experiments being done at the University of Wisconsin, Madison at http://wwwkaz.med.wisc.edu/tdu.htm. Their experiments are showing that the tongue might be the second-best place on the body for receiving visual information and transmitting it to the brain. Although it’s being designed for the blind, this system might someday be powerful enough to send video and still images to our brains, giving new meaning to mobile imaging.

47

Figure 2.11 Voice capabilities are being added to all types of devices, including many of those shown here.

FOR EMERGENCIES ONLY Do you know someone who refuses to carry a mobile phone? Want them to be safe and have access for emergencies? Then, you might want to look at the latest models of recyclable phones that are entering the marketplace. Originally, the press was calling these disposable phones, but the concept is being revised to emphasize the recyclable aspect and their use as emergency communication devices (see Figure 2.12). For more information on the style shown here, go to http://www.hoponwireless.com.

Figure 2.12 Recyclable cell phones such as Hop On might be valuable for on-the-road emergency use.

48

TURNING IT ALL OFF Now that I’ve told you how to be always on, I feel some responsibility to give you some hints on how to turn it off.

• •

Know when to get off the phone. Use your phone as a news medium.

Check out the rest of his top 10 ways to save yourself from drowning in a sea of productivity tools and get a free copy of his e-newsletter at http://www.wdfm.com.


My colleague Larry Chase, who edits a free newsletter for marketers at WDFM.com, shares a couple of tips:

My personal tips for turning off the world include the following: Let all calls go to voice mail.

2

• • • •

Keep a daily/weekly and monthly phone log with name/number/date and topic. Check your voice mail only once per hour. Return some voice mail via e-mail.

I’d love to hear your suggestions for turning off the world. Please e-mail me at [email protected].

49

C H A P T E R

3

THE WONDERS OF THE WIRELESS WEB

You’ve seen the commercials and advertisements that tout that in the coming years, more than 1 billion Webenabled wireless phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs) will be in use worldwide, according to consulting firms such as Accenture. Headlines promise that soon more consumers will have wireless access to the Internet than have a landline or network connection today. Just a few years from now in 2005, there will be 730 million wireless Internet users internationally representing 62.1% of total projected Internet users around the world, say researchers at eMarketer.com. The millions of people using mobile devices daily will force at least half of the Fortune 2000 companies to support wireless systems, according to research firm Gartner. (For more details on the wireless workplace, see Chapter 10, “The Wireless Workplace.”) I believe the phrase wireless Internet is an oxymoron today because Web access via cell phones and other devices is at best a clunky process, but viable wireless email options are here now; wireless messaging is skyrocketing; and access to wireless versions of popular Web sites provide on-demand access to sports scores, weather forecasts, news, and traffic reports regionally and nationally.

In this chapter, I’ll continue to help you compare today’s wireless data services with the promise of the next-generation technologies. I’ll also help you sort through the sea of acronyms and standards, such as WAP, GSM, HDML, and WANs. You’ll also get a peek at the following:

•

How IEEE 802.11b (Wi-Fi), wireless hot spots, and community access networks could change your mobile world

•

Why wireless technology is moving to third- and even fourth-generation delivery systems

•

Which features and advantages General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) offers you and your business

• • •

Hints for buying the best Internet-enabled device How to get the best deal with major wireless Web providers What’s next in mobile commerce, m-banking, and wireless bill paying

WHY THE INTERNET UNPLUGGED? Wireless Internet use is on the rise at a compound annual growth rate of 73%, according to an IDC Research report in the fall of 2001. With all the wireless promotion out there, it’s almost hard to believe that, even by the experts’ count, only 2–5 million wireless Web users exist in America, while more than 135 million of you are regularly connecting to the Internet with dial-up and broadband services. The projected growth for wireless Web services is so dramatic that if some consumer electronics manufacturers have their say, more people will use the Internet for the first time on a wireless device, notebook, or phone versus a PC. Chances are that you’ll buy a new handset or device before you get your next computer. Wireless networking systems, such as IEEE 802.11b (Wi-Fi) and Bluetooth, are making it increasingly appealing to connect wirelessly at work or in the field. You might not want to use the Internet on the go yet, but soon it will be an important part of everyone’s lives. Trust us, we were there when the World Wide Web evolved. I suggest that now is the time to seriously consider getting an Internet-enabled device or phone. The peace of mind and safety value alone that connecting to news alerts and traffic updates offer could outweigh the fees it will add to your monthly budget. What are U.S. subscribers accessing the mobile Web for? TNS Intersearch says a survey of 100 people shows that these are the services they are using:

52

• • • • •

E-mail—69% Research—32% Games—26% News—25% General entertainment—24%

Shopping/purchasing—21% Sports scores—20% Travel arrangements—19% Stock quotes—19% Paying bills—8%

(Note that the total is more than 100% because people use multiple applications.) If you plan to use your Internet-enabled phone, device, or laptop for your job when at home or when traveling, check with your IT manager before buying to be sure your phone is compatible for accessing your company’s network and check whether you’ll need to access a virtual private network (VPN) for security reasons.

3

Improved cell phone designs, the proliferation of PDAs and Pocket PCs, upgraded networks, and better software and voice recognition systems promise to make wireless Web browsing easier. Will its popularity in the U.S. ever match its popularity in a country such as Finland, where users call their mobile phones kanny, meaning an extension of their hands? No doubt we’ll have to wait a few years to see how the mobile Web really takes off here, but meanwhile, be assured that more options are available for cutting the cord and still getting your e-mail and messages almost anywhere.


• • • • •

HOW WILL YOU CONNECT TO THE WEB? What are the primary options you have for accessing the Web wirelessly? And what will you need to hook up? Basically, you’ll need the following things:

•

A wireless enabled device (with a built-in or add-on modem). Your choice is getting wider by the month, including the following:

• • • • • •

Web-enabled phone

•

Internet-enabled appliance (see Chapter 9, “Home Sweet Wireless Home,” for more information on Web pads, kitchen devices, and more)

Web-enabled pager PDA or Pocket PC (Internet-enabled or add-on modem) Hybrid device (PDA/phone) Laptop or notepad device (with built-in or add-on modems) Vehicle telematics service (Web-enabled phone or other device, portable or installed)

53

•

Wearable Web-enabled device (wristwatch, embedded computing devices, and even jewelry)

•

Customized Web-enabled device (for your company, fleet, or profession) such as those that UPS drivers use

•

A wireless ISP (WISP), such as Internet phone service from a carrier such as AT&T Digital Pocket Net, Nextel Online, Sprint PCS Wireless Web, Verizon Wireless, or VoiceStream’s iStream, for a phone or hybrid phone/PDA device.

•

Connection for PDAs and Pocket PCs to WISP services such as Go.America, Earthlink, or Palm.Net.

•

A WISP such as Go.Web or SkyTel or other digital phone network such as Motient, Bell Mobility’s Data TAC, Cingular, or AT&T’s Mobiltext Network for Internetenabled two-way pagers such as RIM’s Blackberry, AOL’s Communicator, Motorola Timeport, or Talkabout models.

•

A PC card for your laptop or PDA that accepts PC cards (or has one built in) to hook up to a wireless LAN, such as one powered by IEEE 802.11b wireless networks, or hot spots at airports, hotels, or other public spaces from a firm such as Wayport (http://www.wayport.com). Macs use 801.11b for their AirPort wireless Internet access devices.

For details on what equipment you’ll need to set up a home or an office wireless network, see Chapters 9 and 10. Look for other options for connecting wirelessly in the future, including a revival of Ricochet Network from privately held Aerie Networks Inc., which purchased the assets of Ricochet from bankrupt Metricom Inc., in November 2001. According to a Newsbyte’s story, Aerie president and CEO Mort Aaronson said the cost of reactivating the system will vary from market to market. For more specifics, go to http://www.aerienetworks.com. (As noted later in this chapter, AOL has made an investment in Aerie Networks Inc. How this will affect AOL’s wireless services is yet to be seen.) VoiceStream Wireless struck a deal to acquire equipment and contracts from MobileStar, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Perhaps best known as the company that helped provide the wireless connection to Starbucks locations, MobileStar uses wireless connections to let people surf the Internet with their handhelds or laptops while in hotels, airports cafes, and other locations. At press time, VoiceStream Wireless was providing financial assistance to keep MobileStar in business. Microsoft Corp. is launching an e-home division that will no doubt feature appliances and home theater devices that can be hooked together wirelessly.

WIRELESS LANS AND OTHER STANDARDS Wireless local area networks (LANs) are growing. According to an article on Network Computing.com, wireless LAN revenue toted up to $487.5 million in 2001. 54

The good news is that it promises ubiquitous Internet connections. Almost any location that is wired for Ethernet access can be turned into a wireless area network by plugging a Wi-Fi network access point into the existing jack.

3

How did 802.11 evolve? The best history I found on this was on a trade publication Web site called Unstrung.com in the fall of 2001. Writer Ben Guderian explains that the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) set up this standard to create compatibility in the fast-growing local area network technologies. (You might have heard of 802.3, which is the Ethernet standard for networking computers and other technology together.) The IEEE set up task groups that would check out advancements or deficiencies in the original 802.11 standard and, like writer Guderian says, here’s where the alphabet soup stuff started happening. Different task groups in the organization took on different titles, from Task Group A to Task Group J. The following sections explain the terms in this “alphabet soup.”


The term you’ll probably be hearing most for wirelessly hooking up laptops, PDAs, and other technology in a local area network is 802.11. What is it? And why could it change your mobile access at home, at work, and on the go?

Home RF Home RF is another wireless standard that was set up by another industry group called Wireless LAN Interoperability Forum (WLIF), and it is derived from Open Air, an FH standard developed by Proxim and then promoted by the Home RF group.

Wi-Fi Wi-Fi is a name that most of the 802.11b devices are also known as today. An industry alliance began organizing to promote this new term and was optimistic that it would replace the awkward numeric 802.11b, but alas, not even everyone in the wireless industry knows what it is today, so you’ll still hear the reference to the numbers 802.11b. Wi-Fi5 is the new term for 802.11a (you’ll get more information on this later in the chapter).

802.11a—802.11i You might start hearing about some of the results from the other task groups in the future. (I mention 802.11a and 802.11g in this chapter.) What do these terms stand for? Basically, 802.11a is the standard for wireless communication over a 5GHz (radio frequency) band (54Mbps), and 802.11b is the standard for wireless communication over 2.4GHz frequencies (11Mbps). Note that the FCC permits technology at the heart of 802.11a to be used at 2.4GHz in the U.S. The article on Unstrung.com says that everything else from “C” to “I” is attempting to improve the performance, functionality, and security of 802.11a and 802.11b.

55

OFDM Still another 802.11 standard is OFDM (orthogonal frequency division multiplexing), according to Jim Poirot at Wireless Careers.com. He says that research and development into this standard is being done by some firms delving into 4G (fourth-generation) wireless. Poirot mentions such companies as Infineon, Intersil, and Flarion.

Local Free Wi-Fi Networks Community groups across the nation and around the globe are making news by providing free Wi-Fi networks that are often called access zones or free metro wireless data networks. These let neighbors and passers-by equipped with an inexpensive networking card share the wireless high-speed access. (The Wi-Fi signal does not itself access the Internet; instead, it provides an avenue for people to share an existing broadband Internet service such as a cable or DSL connection.) People using these services could connect to other services such as free alternatives to fee-based cellular networks such as voice services (VoIP) and free e-mail. These often-controversial networks are available in New York; San Francisco; Seattle; Aspen, Colorado; Portland, Oregon; British Columbia; London; and other cities. The system is also referred to as the symbiotic grid or parasitic grid and is seen by many as an underground movement to deploy free wireless. What’s going to happen with these free networks in the future? I talked to Alan Reiter, president of Wireless Internet and Mobile Computing consultancy, who says, “Large corporations are going to see this grassroots effort and try to crush it so they can make their own money.” Reiter and I agree that VoiceStream’s acquisition of the MobileStar network might be a precursor of VoiceStream or other carriers rolling out their own Wi-Fi networks regionally and even nationally. The bigger question is how the Wi-Fi access points operated either by communities or by carriers will impact cellular networks in the future. In other words, will you want to pay a wireless carrier for next-generation services if you can get higher-speed wireless 500 feet down the road with Wi-Fi access? Next-generation Wi-Fi standards such as IEEE 801.11g could provide even faster speeds. Plus, if more invehicle services take a page from Mercedes Benz (see Chapter 4, “Maximizing Use of Your Device,” for more details), who is demonstrating an 802.11b system for distributing information in transit, Wi-Fi could really take off.

802.11g TechTV’s story on 802.11g’s tentative approval by the industry standards group IEEE says that the technology promises data transfer rates of up to 54Mbps compared with 11MBps at the current 802.11b standard. As they note, the standard is increasingly popular in airports, Internet cafes, hotels, and other public spaces. These Wi-Fi hot spots help you connect to the Internet on the go without having to depend on cellular services.

56

The good news is that the 802.11g standard is compatible with 801.11b (Wi-Fi) because the two standards both run in the frequency spectrum of 2.4GHz. Why does this matter to you

WIRELESS WEB SECURITY

3

Many experts feel that wireless security is inadequate and does not scale well. Using your phone or laptop with any IEEE 802.11b network can mean leaving yourself open to hackers. Wireless Equivalent Privacy (WEP)—a wireless security protocol—is often mentioned, but the challenge with that is that it might not use strong enough encryption and leave you vulnerable to attacks. Plus, all users of a particular access point share the same encryption key (or code), which can be a weakness. Before transmitting any classified, sensitive, or financial information, be sure you have a secure connection. (For more information, see Chapter 7, “Privacy, Personalization, and Security.”)


as a consumer? Primarily because 802.11g allows you to maintain compatibility with all the current 802.11b products. So you can invest in 802.11b networks in your office now and not be concerned that future upgrades won’t be compatible. Expect products with the 802.11g standard to hit the market by late 2002, including access points and computer receiver cards you put in your desktop PCs or laptops and other devices.

FROM 1G TO 4G: NEXT-GENERATION DEVICES Most of us who use super-fast T1 lines at the office would also love to get this swift and reliable network that can play video, provide voice, and transfer data on our cell phone or handheld devices. That’s the allure of the much-promised and talked about thirdgeneration (3G) wireless connections of the future. Some carriers are beginning to roll out 3G in the United States in 2002. Of course, to get this new generation you’ll need 3G handsets and PC Card modems for your laptops and handhelds (unless they’re built in by then). Those could cost $200–$400 or more. 3G wireless networks are already in operation in Japan and some parts of Europe. Meanwhile, many U.S. networks are rolling out always-on wireless networks that can send faxes, show simple graphics, and offer voice and text via an interim solution called 2.5G (generation) networks. Confusing? Possibly. But with 2.5G, you could get wireless connections 10 times faster than what we have now. 3G could deliver video and multimedia messages that rival some props like futuristic intergalaxy communicators we see in sci-fi movies and television shows. The following is a quick recap of what each wireless delivery generation does or will provide.

1G: Going, Going, Gone First-generation wireless technology is really any analog device, but the leading analog system in America is Advanced Mobile Phone Service (AMPS), which offers only analog voice service. Note, if you travel to rural areas or live where there are mountains, you might still want at least one handset that offers access to analog for times when your digital service does not connect. Note that a dual-band phone will work on one of the digital networks as well as an analog network.

57

2G: On the Way to Three Digital voice service, 9.6Kbps–14.4Kbps connections, and enhanced calling features (such as caller ID) are what 2G offers. Most of today’s wireless service is delivered over secondgeneration (2G) systems, but 2.5G is coming fast. The current 2.0-generation digital system is slow for Web connections because it offers access to the Internet at only 9.6Kbps–14.4Kbps, which is about 15%–25% of the speed of your home landline link.

2.5G: Coming Soon to You 2.5G is an interim solution that makes connection available today at higher speeds until the much-promised 3G networks are rolled out. To complicate it even more, 2.5G services are being rolled out in two standards—GPRS and CDMA1000 (based on CDMA). To use 2.5G, you’ll need a phone enabled for GPRS access and a provider that offers the services. You’ll get wireless access at speeds that rival landline connections. Some services promise even faster speeds but often don’t deliver that consistently. With 2.5G you’ll get not only wireless Web browsing, but also access to instant messaging and wireless video games. Note that some experts feel that the move to packet switching is more important than raw speed. Venture capitalist, former Internet analyst, and Fortune magazine columnist J. William Gurley believes that 2.5G is more important than 3.G.

GPRS Is Growing General Packet Radio Services (GPRS) is already live across much of Europe. The system adds a constant Internet data connection to existing GSM technology and is much faster than existing networks. Experts say that GPRS gives you a better experience with Internet via wireless especially using WAP. See more on WAP later in this chapter. Both wireless carriers and consumers in Europe and the United States are interested in GPRS because it promises to provide a constant connection so there’s no need to dial up. You can stay online all day and probably will get higher connection speeds, but that depends on your network. Plus, GPRS subscribers can also make and receive voice calls while using Internet services. Business applications of GPRS are getting lots of press featuring in-field workers who use GPRS to access corporate intranets and databases. Watch out for security issues with GPRS, though. If your handset is stolen, someone could have access to your company’s proprietary information. AT&T Wireless and Cingular Wireless are giving the U.S. its first try with GPRS. In fact, Seattle’s AT&T customers are using Motorola’s Timeport 7382i and were among the first U.S. users to try GPRS cell phones (see Figure 3.1). 58


3

Figure 3.1 Motorola Timeport 7382i GPRS phone features voice activation.

GPRS-enabled phones such as the Motorola Timeport 7382i offer the following features (features will vary based on the GPRS handset model):

• • • • • • •

Micro browser that uses WAP Capability to switch between data mode and voice calls without interruption Infrared Data Association (IrDA) connection Data port $199.99 initial pricing Speeds of 30Kbps–40Kbps (compared to an average 56Kb for dial-up) Starfish True Sync software that syncs with many PIM devices and desktop applications

AT&T execs say they expect to roll out GPRS to most of the nation by the end of 2002. AT&T is aiming its rollout services to businesses and small/home offices. Cingular Wireless and VoiceStream Wireless are also rolling out GPRS. Verizon Wireless and Sprint PCS will offer their 2.5G services but in their competing highspeed CDMA2000 1XRTT format. Nextel Communications is deploying a data version of its proprietary iDEN Network mostly for the enterprise sector.

59

3G: How Great Will It Be? Waiting for 3G is a bit like waiting for Godot in the theater world. 3G (third-generation) devices and technologies promise applications at speeds up to 1Mbps or higher under optimum conditions. Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA) and CDMA-2000 (based on the IS-95 CDMA standard) are 3G networks that will provide always-on data connections, great voice quality, and broadband services including streaming audio and video. If you want faster wireless data delivery in your corporate environment, check out some of the data optimization software mentioned in Chapter 10, including such brands as BlueKite, BroadCloud, Fourelle, Idetic, XOSoft, and Inktomi. These systems speed up transmission over existing cellular networks, but they can be very expensive and can cost up to $1–$2 million to set up.

4G: Looking Ahead These fourth-generation networks are expected to offer high-performance streaming of multimedia content, such as video and embedded ID applications that could turn your mobile phone into proof of identification. Reuters says that Japanese cell phone giant NTT DoCoMo has a relationship with U.S.-based Hewlett-Packard to deliver multimedia and network applications over 4G wireless broadband networks.

INTERNET-ENABLED PHONE BUYING HINTS In a general review of Internet-enabled phones, Bruce Brown, a contributing editor of PC Magazine, gives TechTV.com readers these hints:

•

A digital phone’s limitation of just three to five lines of text displayed on the screen and use of telephone numeric keys for entering text means you can’t read much at one time.

•

Entering URLs or other information is cumbersome at best. Don’t expect much (if any) graphical content either.

• •

Internet phones have quicker response than Internet-connected two-way pagers. If you have a choice, don’t get locked into a long-term service plan because prices will probably fall rapidly during the coming year.

WEB-ENABLED PHONES Scores of new Web-enabled phones are hitting the market every month. Be aware that carriers see your Web access as a potential new revenue stream for them. So they are now pricing it based on flat fees in most cases, with some additional fees for high use. Before buying a new phone, be sure to check which carriers service your geographic area and which phones they offer. You’ll also have to get up to speed about new technologies they are rolling out, including GPRS. Be aware that most of the carriers charge additional fees (beyond the monthly voice plans) for Internet access and, in some cases, charge 60

Data Services Remember that each carrier offers different plans. The carriers want to see you using what they call data services, which can include Internet access, messaging services, ring tones, message alerts, and more. Some of these services come only in text formats; others are available in interactive voice recording (IVR) services, which allow you to access information such as stock prices, sports scores, and news services via audio reports. In almost all cases, you will be paying extra for these services.

CAUTION

3

If you are a gamer or your teens are, be sure to explain to your children that some of the mobile games using text messaging can get very expensive. I met a Swedish phone executive who was running up bills of hundreds of dollars playing a chase-the-robot game using short message service (SMS). Of course, he didn’t worry because the telephone company he worked for was picking up the tab as research. However, you probably can’t write off your family’s gaming expenses. Some carriers charge separately for each message sent, and playing just one round of some games involves dozens of messages!


additional fees for interactive messaging systems. Also, some companies such as Cingular offer more than one Internet access plan. It’s up to you to find out which is best for your usage patterns.

Laptop or PDA User? Many of the data offerings are available for PDA, Pocket PC, or laptop users also. In some cases, you pay extra to connect your phone to your laptop or Windows CE-based PDA. For example, it costs $4 per additional megabyte using VoiceStream’s iStream wireless service. For more information about Pocket PC and PDA Web access and wireless systems, see Chapter 4.

Text Messaging Might Not Be Included Text messaging systems such as SMS, wireless instant messaging (WIM), and multimedia messaging service (MMS) probably will not be included in your monthly fees for wireless data services. You might, however, get other wireless voice recorded information such as sports, news, or movie schedules for your region as part of your provider’s wireless data package.

AT&T WIRELESS DATA SERVICES AND DEVICES The information in this section provides an overview and sample prices and packages in some regions. Check the companies’ Web sites, or call the provider for latest packages and prices.

61

AT&T Digital PocketNet Basic Plan Cost: Free with domestic AT&T wireless service The Basic Plan is available free at no monthly charge to AT&T domestic plan subscribers. But you get only the e-mail wireless feature with the Plus Plan, which adds another $6.99 to your monthly bill. The basic Digital PocketNet service provides unlimited access to AT&T featured sites on the wireless Internet, including Charles Schwab, E*TRADE, ESPN.com, CBS SportsLine.com, ABC News, and CNN. Plus, you get a system to bookmark your favorites. A personal Web site is provided to manage your personalized information. See more at www.att.com/mypocketnet to get started.

AT&T Digital PocketNet Plus Plan Cost: $6.99 per month This plan includes the following:

• • • •

All services listed in the previous section AT&T Digital PocketNet e-mail account Ability to access e-mail from other ISPs, including AT&T WorldNet, AOL, and Yahoo! Wireless e-mail so you can send, receive, and forward wireless e-mail messages, including attachments in Microsoft Word

Printing via any fax machine is available also—150 pages per month included, plus 20 cents for each additional page. If your phone is being used as a modem connection to a PC, AT&T says that rates are separate and not included in unlimited use. Details on AT&T’s Web site say that it is charging $.05 per kilobyte (about 150 characters) of information; check the site for current rates.

AT&T Digital PocketNet Premium Plan Cost: $14.99 per month The Premium Plan includes all services of the Basic and Plus Plans and also such organizing services as the following:

• • • • • •

62

Calendaring system To-Do lists Contact list for 5,000 names Access to portals already set up on your Web page Ability to access and update information with your phone or device Synchronization between phone and PC using free FoneSync software

AT&T Featured Internet-Ready Phones AT&T features two models of Internet-ready phones on its Web site at press time. Check with your AT&T representative to find more compatible Internet-ready phones. In most cases, if a rebate is offered, your phone must be active on AT&T Wireless for at least 30 days before the rebate will be processed. (This provision also might apply with other providers.)

Ericsson R289LX

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

3

The Ericsson R289LX comes with a mAh NiMH Ultra-Slim battery and a rapid travel charger with an AC adapter (see Figure 3.2). It generally costs $79.99, but check for a rebate. Features include the following:


For more information, check www.attws.com/personal/pocketnet/ or call 1-800-8887600.

Two-way text messaging capability Five-line LCD screen One-button access to data mode T9 predictive text input Built-in clock Alarm and stop watch SuperSpeedDial for nine numbers Storage for 40 incoming and outgoing calls Phone book that holds 400 entries (with assignable ring tones) 30SMS message storage Caller ID and call mute Any-key answer Low battery alarm One-hour rapid recharge One-year warranty on phone Phone lock, programmable unlock code, keypad lock, and emergency dialing when locked

Standard battery life in voice mode is 4 hours talk time and 160 hours standby (digital). Standard battery life for data mode is up to 10 hours active and up to 290 hours standby.

63

Figure 3.2 The Ericsson R289LX offers 26 ringing tones.

Mitsubishi MobileAccess T250 Features of the MobileAccess T250 include the following (see Figure 3.3):

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Large 10-line×16-character bitmapped LCD display

• •

IS136 authentication and encryption

Dedicated keys for certain functions Voice and data mode icons T9 predictive text input Text messaging notification Local phone book that can hold 99 entries Caller ID Nine super speed-dial and 99 speed-dial numbers Last 10 dialed, received, and missed call lists Backlighting Signal strength and battery level indicators Date/time display LCD contrast control Electronic locking, programmable unlock code, keypad lock, and emergency dialing when locked

IS91 fraud protection

Standard battery life for voice mode is up to 120 minutes talk time and up to 120 hours standby (digital).

64


3

Figure 3.3 Mitsubishi MobileAccess T250 features RSA 128-bit encryption to secure your data.

SPRINT PCS WIRELESS WEB SERVICE AND DEVICES No sign-up cost is required to use the Sprint Wireless Web browser. However, if you do subscribe to its Wireless Web Option, you get to use your voice/data minutes for wireless Web browsing, which could be more economical than the Sprint PCS Wireless Web default per minute rate. You can try the Sprint PCS Wireless Web with the connection kit or browser to see how you like it (no sign-up needed) and pay a $.39 per minute rate. You can also add the Sprint PCS Wireless Web option to any Sprint Wireless plan (of $29.99 or more) for $9.99 per month. The option lets you use your calling plan minutes for voice calls and accessing the wireless Internet, and you get 50 Sprint PCS Wireless Web updates included. Each additional minute of Sprint PCS Wireless Web access is based on the additional minute usage of the plan you have selected. Each additional update costs $.10 per minute rate.

Accessing Sprint PCS Wireless Web Existing Sprint PCS Wireless subscribers should check www.sprintpcs.com to see whether their phones are wireless Internet-ready. Some phones can be upgraded. You’ll also need the latest version of Sprint PCS Dialer software, available on Sprint’s Web site. To access Sprint’s Wireless Web, use one of the following:

65

•

Sprint PCS Wireless Web Browser—View specially designed text versions of wireless Internet sites to get information about stocks, travel plans, weather, and headline news.

•

Sprint PCS Wireless Web Messages—Select content from Internet information services and have it delivered at the times you choose to your Sprint PCS Phone.

•

Sprint PCS Wireless Web Connection—Connect your wireless Internet-ready Sprint PCS phone to your laptop, PC, handheld, or palm-sized computer to surf the Internet and receive e-mail. (See more details in Chapter 4.)

Sprint PCS Web-Enabled Phones Sprint features the following models of Internet-ready phones on its Web site.

Sprint PCS CDM9100SP The Sprint PCS CMD9100SP costs approximately $99.99 and features the following (see Figure 3.4):

66

• • • •

Caller ID

• • • •

One-touch voicemail access

•

Speaker that can be used while on hold or when checking voicemail and for hands-free access

• • •

Fifteen melody and traditional ringer options plus silent vibrating ringer alert

•

Approximately 3 hours talk time

Dual band Security lock Tegic technology that matches your keystrokes with words to predict the word you’re typing

Numeric and text message capability in areas that offer messaging services Recall of most recent outgoing and incoming numbers, including missed calls Data-ready condition, which gives customers circuit-switched data and fax connectivity

Storage of hundreds of numbers in internal phone book Standard 2.5mm headset jack and Sprint PCS Wireless Web browser to view text versions of popular Web sites


3

Figure 3.4 Sprint PCS CDM9100 offers 6 days standby time in digital mode.

Sprint PCS Touchpoint 1100 Note that this phone is not made by Sprint but rather by an outside company. The Touchpoint 1100 features the following (see Figure 3.5):

• •

Caller ID

• • • • • • •

Security lock

• • • • •

Dual/external LCD screen and 17 distinctive ringer options

Operation on Sprint PCS national CDMA network or anywhere Sprint PCS has CDMA roaming agreements (check with Sprint PCS Wireless for details)

Tegic predictive word technology One-touch access to voicemail Numeric and text messaging in regions that offer the service Recall of most recent outgoing and incoming numbers, including missed calls Filing system that uses folders for organizing and accessing text messages Personal information manager (PIM) that features a calendar, scheduler, and calculator

Sprint PCS Wireless (SM) browser to view text versions of popular Web sites Data-ready condition, which allows circuit-switched data and fax connection Standard lithium-ion battery and desktop charger with AC adapter charger Approximately 2.5 hours talk time or 135 hours of standby time in digital

67

Figure 3.5 Check out the silent, vibrating ringer alert on the Sprint PCS Touchpoint 1100.

Samsung SPH-N200 Sprint says this is its bestseller; it’s available only at Sprint PCS. It costs $179.99 and includes the following features (see Figure 3.6):

68

• •

Caller ID

• • • • •

Security lock

• • •

Voice-activated dialing for up to 20 phone numbers (in digital service areas only)

• •

Twenty-five distinctive ringer options plus a silent vibrating ringer alert

Capability to be used anywhere on the Sprint PCS Phone Network, on other selected PCS CDMA networks, and on other analog cellular networks

Tegic Software that predicts words you are typing One-touch voicemail Numeric and text messaging in regions that offer that service Enhanced call log that recalls most recent ongoing and incoming numbers, including missed calls

Data-ready condition, which allows circuit-switched data and fax connectivity Personal information manager (PIM) functions that include calendar, to-do list, calculator, and countdown feature

Sprint PCS Wireless Web browser that allows you to view text versions of popular Web sites and more


3

Figure 3.6 The Samsung N200 comes with a dual-slot desktop charger.

The battery life is approximately 3.8 hours of talk time or 130 hours of standby time in digital. It includes a lithium-ion battery and dual-slot desktop charger. Kyocera models, including QCP 2035, QCP 3035, and QCP 2035, will also work with Sprint PCS Wireless Web. See Chapter 4 for details.

NOTE

Sprint PCS Group offers what it calls the nation’s first GPS-enabled phone that will be capable of locating a mobile caller within 50 meters (in other words, e911 enabled) after the company completes the network infrastructure. The new phone is manufactured by Samsung Telecommunications America. (See Chapter 6, “Telematics: The Web on Wheels,” for details on e911.)

Sprint PCS and British-based Virgin Group are also offering a pay-as-you-go wireless telephone service in the U.S. Before buying, check to see whether you can add the Sprint PCS Wireless Web service to this service, which is aimed at the under-30 crowd. For more details on wireless Web access, advanced voice services, management tools, and smart devices, see www.sprintpcs.com or call 1-888-253-1315.

VERIZON WIRELESS MOBILE WEB SERVICES AND DEVICES Verizon Wireless’s Mobile Web provides personalized information via your Web-enabled phone plus e-mail and alerts. Mobile Web is available in most Verizon Wireless digital markets nationwide for a monthly access fee. You must subscribe to a Verizon Wireless digital 69

service plan and have a CDMA data-capable phone. Normal airtime charges still apply. Verizon’s Mobile Web includes information on such topics as finance, online trading, news, entertainment, sports, movie listings, games, horoscope, shopping, yellow pages, and travel. At press time, Verizon Mobile Web service was $6.95 per month including 100 alerts. If you want to get more alerts, the monthly price goes up. For example, for $8.95 you get 200 mobile alerts, and for $12.95 you get 600 mobile alerts. Watch out because there are also alert overage fees of $.02 for receiving each additional alert beyond your plan and $.10 for sending additional alerts beyond your plan (this requires a two-way messaging-capable handset). What else do you get? According to Verizon Wireless’s Web site, you get the following:

• • • •

Personal MyVZW.com page Access to Web data from Verizon Wireless leading content providers Personal e-mail address at [email protected] Personal organizer tools, including calendar, address book, and to-do list

Note that Verizon Wireless includes a customer tutorial on its Web site and details about other Mobile Web features at www.verizonwireless.com/mobileweb/mw_features.html.

Verizon Mobile Messenger Verizon Wireless Mobile Messenger SPK N TXT users can send and receive text messages via phone. Most digital phones can receive text messaging. Before buying your next handset, check whether it’s two-way capable so you can receive and send messages. If you have only one-way messaging, you can receive messages from friends with Internet access, messages from two-way-capable phones, news, sports, weather, horoscopes, and e-mail alerts. With two-way messaging, you also can exchange text messaging with Verizon Wireless Mobile Messenger users and two-way-capable phones. You also can send e-mail messages to e-mail accounts directly from your phone. Mobile Messenger SPK N TXT Monthly Plans require that you also have a Verizon Wireless digital service plan and messaging-capable phone. Some Verizon Wireless digital price plans include Mobile Messenger SPK N TXT service at no additional charge, but you must pay $.02 per message received and $.10 per message sent (after included messages). For an additional $2.99 month you get 100 messages, and for $7.99 per month you get 600 messages. You can also select other bundled price plans. Of course, you can also block text messages entirely, but be aware that that will also block your Mobile Web alerts (such as stock updates and so on).

70

Vtext.com

Verizon Wireless Mobile Office

3

Verizon Wireless Mobile Office connects your Verizon Wireless data-capable digital phone to your PDA to provide wireless access, including e-mail and the Internet, when you are in a Verizon Wireless area. There’s no additional fee for Mobile Office because it’s included in your Verizon Wireless digital service. Calls are taken from your monthly package just like voice calls.


Verizon Wireless is setting up a special short text messaging Web site that allows its customers to send text messages to individuals and groups at www.vtext.com. This service is available with all digital phones and calling plans and works with Verizon Wireless’s Mobile Messenger text messaging service. You can now confirm delivery, and the system provides a date and time stamp. Plus, two-way messaging-capable phones can reply to the vtext.com Web site creating an interactive chat session. Customers also get to create a special text messaging nickname, such as [email protected].

Verizon Mobile IP To get mobile Internet access for your laptop, Palm organizer, or Pocket PC device, Verizon Wireless offers several Internet access plans and PC-card-style external modems (see more in Chapter 4). You can download the Verizon Wireless Mobile IP User Guide (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader) at www.verizonwireless.com/mobile_ip/user_guide/index.html.

Verizon Wireless Web-Capable Digital Handsets Eight Web-capable digital phones are featured by Verizon Wireless on its Web site at press time. These include dual-mode and tri-mode phones. These are available with Nationwide Service Plans: Motorola StarTAC 7868W, Audiovox CDM9000, Kyocera QCP 2035A, Motorola V2260 (Shark), LG V111, Samsung 850, Audiovox CDM4500, and Motorola V8160 (Vulcan). Note that some models might not be available in all markets. For prices and details on these and other Web-enabled phones featured by Verizon Wireless at this time, see www.verizonwireless.com/mobileweb/mw_equipment.html. Verizon Wireless also offers a new three-in-one wireless device that features voice, twoway text messaging, and Internet browsing—the Motorola V200 (see Figure 3.7). The palmsized, CDMA-based device can be used as a speaker phone or with an earbud. The Motorola V200 also features a PC-like keyboard for text messaging and a WAP browser. It costs $199.99 online and at Verizon Wireless Communications stores.

71

Figure 3.7 Verizon Wireless offers exclusive access to Motorola’s V200.

CINGULAR WIRELESS INTERNET SERVICES AND DEVICES With Cingular Wireless Internet service and your wireless Internet-capable phone, you get all the features of Cingular Interactive messaging (text messaging) and Cingular Wireless selection of content for the wireless Internet, including ability to check your e-mail from anywhere; find movies, restaurants, and more; search specially formatted Web sites; get directions; book flights; shop online; and play games (by yourself or against others). You can customize the content you want to see through the My Wireless Window portal page.

Cingular Wireless Internet Cingular Wireless Internet packages come in three choices:

• • •

$6.99 (including 100 messages) $9.99 (including 250 messages) $13.99 (including 500 messages)

The overage price per message is $.10. At press time, Cingular was featuring eight Internet-enabled phones on its Web site, including Nokia 7160, Motorola T2282, Ericsson 278d, Ericsson 300Z, Motorola V.100, and Siemens S40 (see Figure 3.8).

72


3

Figure 3.8 Nokia 7160 works with Cingular’s Internet plan.

Cingular Wireless Internet Express If you want an upgraded version of a Cingular Wireless Internet package, Cingular Wireless Internet Express is available in some U.S. locations. The Express includes such features as the ability to stay connected to the wireless Internet as long as you like without using airtime charges (you pay for the data you send and receive). Plus, you’re connected all the time, meaning you don’t have to log off to answer calls and then log back on to the Internet. You can switch between data and voice sessions without using your connection. For details on where Cingular’s Wireless Internet is available, check www.mywirelesswindow.com/availabilty. At press time, it was available in some cities in Georgia, Nevada, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Washington. The following three packages are available for Wireless Internet Express:

• • •

$14.99 includes 500KB of information (see the following jargon) and 100 messages $17.99 includes 500KB of information and 250 messages $21.99 includes 500KB of information and 500 messages

Overage per kilobyte is $.07. The Cingular Wireless Internet Express package translates to roughly 500 average wireless Internet pages. See the following tip for more information on estimated kilobytes per task.

73

E

Cingular Wireless defines a kilobyte as 1,024 bytes of digital information. A byte is equivalent to a single alphanumeric character.

Cingular provides a chart on its Web site to help you determine how many kilobytes a typical task might take using its Wireless Internet Express service. Here are some of the tasks included on that chart: Task

Rounded Kilobytes

Checking stock price

6

Checking sports scores

7

Finding movie/theater/show times

10

Checking top news/reading an article

10

Sending an e-mail (10 five-character words)

4

To access Cingular Wireless Internet Express, you need a special GPRS/WAP-enabled handset, such as Cingular’s featured phone—the Motorola P7389I (see Figure 3.9).

Figure 3.9 Motorola’s P7389i is a GPRS/WAP combo phone.

Cingular Wireless Data Connect Cingular also provides a Wireless Data Connect service that enables you to connect your phone to your laptop or PDA to browse the Internet, check e-mail, or send files or faxes at $4.95 per month or $.15 per minute.

74

VOICESTREAM WIRELESS SERVICES AND DEVICES VoiceStream offers wireless services through a personal portal called MyVoiceStream.com. The portal is custom-designed for its registered users with InfoSpace for VoiceStream; according to the VoiceStream Web site, it integrates Internet functionality with wireless services in a manner that complements both technologies. VoiceStream operates on the GSM platform and is deploying high-speed network data using GPRS. Start at http://www.voicestream.com/, and go to the links for Products and Services.


For more information on Cingular Wireless messaging, Wireless Internet, and Wireless Internet Express, see its Web site at www.cingular.com or www.mywirelesswindow.com or call 1-866-463-6272.

iStream 3

VoiceStream calls its wireless data network iStream. It allows you to send e-mail or access the Internet from your phone, PDA, or laptop. It notes in its explanation of its GPRS service that because GPRS is based on the Internet Protocol (IP), this provides ease of connectivity of data terminals to the Internet and IP-based company intranets. (Check with your IT manager to see whether your company is planning to use any new handset to connect with your corporation’s network.) In a press release announcing iStream, VoiceStream says that the connection speed (about 40KBps) is comparable to average home modem hookup. The iStream service runs via the WirelessInBox technology of Seattle-based firm ViAir.

Cingular Wireless is undergoing an estimated $3 billion renovation of its current wireless network, according to an October 30, 2001, article on CNET News. The prevailing standard for the technology switch will be GSM, which is now in an estimated 70% of the world’s wireless phone networks. According to the article, Cingular Wireless network—a joint venture of BellSouth and SBC Communications— is currently based on two different wireless technologies. About 30% of the network uses GSM, and the rest uses Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA). A Cingular Wireless spokesperson says the changeover should be complete by 2004, and about half of the Cingular Wireless network will use GSM by the end of 2002. So check with your Cingular Wireless representative to see when the implementation of the changeover will occur in your region and whether you already have access to GSM. Cingular said Nokia, Ericsson, and Siemens are developing network gear that lets handsets using either TDMA or GSM get the new service. Make sure any new handset you buy is compatible with Cingular’s services.

75

As for iStream’s service plans, Smartphone service is a phone-only rate plan that charges $2.99 per month (in addition to VoiceStream nationwide long distance and digital roaming services). The $2.99 fee includes 1MB information and 300 Ping Pong (VoiceStream’s term) text messages. Overage charge is $10 per additional MB. PDA (Windows-CE based Pocket PC) and laptop iStream plans are also available (see Chapter 4 for details or refer to www.voicestream.com/products/services/istream/ rateplan.asp).

RIM (Blackberry) Users Research In Motion (RIM) has a deal where VoiceStream is becoming a reseller of next-generation BlackBerry devices including software to run on VoiceStream’s GSM/GPRS network (RIM currently runs on pager networks). Some experts believe that by turning to GSM/GPRS, RIM could be setting the stage for a new voice feature in its devices. RIM has approval from the FCC for a Blackberry device running on GSM/GPRS.

AOL E-mail Access With a Motorola T193 Internet-ready phone, you can access your AOL e-mail account directly from your phone using VoiceStream services for a $2.99 additional fee per month. Note that this does not include AOL Instant Messenger service (AIM).

AOL Instant Messaging Using a Nokia 3390 Gold messaging phone, you’ll get AIM preloaded, and for $2.99 per month you’ll get 500 messages per month using VoiceStream’s AOL Instant messaging service. Note that this service does not include access to AOL e-mail accounts. For more details, check out www.voicestream.com/aim/default.asp.

VoiceStream iStream Featured Phones At press time, VoiceStream was featuring the following iStream phones:

•

Motorola T193, with built-in capability to contact AOL e-mail accounts and support of AOL Instant Messenger Service (see Figure 3.10)

• • • •

Motorola P280 featuring triband technology Motorola V.100 Motorola V2282 Motorola P7382

For details on these and other phones, check out http://orders.voicestream.com/ phones/index.cfm.

76


3

Figure 3.10 Motorola’s T193 includes multilingual display options.

The VoiceStream Wireless Smart Card (computer microchip) comes with a VoiceStream phone. It can be inserted into the phone or transferred to other phones while retaining your phonebook and personalized service information.

NOTE

For more information on VoiceStream’s iStream data wireless data services, call 1-888STREAMS (1-888-787-3267) or go to www.voicestream.com.

NEXTEL WIRELESS SERVICES AND DEVICES Nextel says in an October 8, 2001, story on Allnetdevices.com that it is working with Motorola to prove a system that will enable users to purchase and download Java-based (written for the Java 2 Platform Micro edition J2ME technology) applications to its Internetready wireless phones. The article says that the technology will enable even small businesses to easily wirelessly enable their employees.

Wireless Web Services Nextel is offering Wireless Web service in at least five plans, including the following:

•

Web Access Only—Nextel Online allows you access to a variety of wireless-enabled entities as well as your Hotmail account. The cost is $5 per month (it’s free with Nextel National plans).

77

•

Web Access Plus E-mail—Nextel Online Plus provides access to your office e-mail, calendar, and contact lists; search capabilities; and the ability to customize a phone home page with Nextel’s myView. The cost is $10 per month.

•

Mobile Office E-mail—You can use a Nextel Internet-ready phone to access your MS Outlook, Lotus Notes, and ISP e-mail accounts so you can read and send e-mail and access your contact information and appointment calendar.

•

Nextel Two-Way Messaging—You can add two-way messaging services to any wireless Web service plans or purchase it separately. The cost is $5 per month.

•

Nextel Direct Connect—This is a digital two-way radio feature (see more on this service in Chapter 2, “Your Device of Choice”).

Nextel Internet-Ready Featured Phones Nextel

offers

a

good

chart

showing

featured

phones

and

services

at

www.nextelonline.nextel.com/phone_services/phonecomparison.shtml.

This site shows such Internet-ready phones as the i550plus, i700plus, i1000 plus, i2000 plus, i50sx, i85s, i80s, i90c—all ranging in price up to $199.99. Note that Nextel also offers service credits and a free Slim Battery with some models. Nextel operates on both GSM and iDEN networks and phones.

NOTE

BEYOND PHONES: GOING TWO-WAY Wireless Internet devices are booming. Cahners In-Stat Group says that Internet-ready, two-way paging unit shipments will exceed 10 million by 2004. Why go two-way? (Note that some manufacturers such as Motorola do not like to use the term pager anymore; they simply refer to their devices as two-ways.) Here are just some of the features two-ways offer:

• • • •

Alerts for voicemail, faxes, and e-mail received at other locations SMS messages with other pagers E-mail, updates, alerts, and query-and-response information Capability to send preprogrammed or custom responses

Two-way pagers use networks that blanket most of North America to give you fairly comprehensive coverage, which is better than most mobile phone users get nationally. In a case of an emergency, a two-way can provide excellent means of communication with office and family. It is often more reliable than voice service and can even be used from a plane sitting on a runway in case of an airline delay. For more details on Internet-enabled two-ways and pagers, see Chapter 4. 78

WELCOME TO WAP

Questions About WAP Want the best information on WAP? I found several great sites that take the mystery out of it. The following sections are based on information from WAP.com.

What Exactly Is WAP?

3

WAP is an open global specification that gives mobile users with wireless devices the opportunity to access and interact with information and services. WAP is the main standard (outside Japan) for the development of cell phone–accessible data services. The protocol is being developed by WAP Forum (http://www.wapforum.org), an organization of powerful Internet and telecom leaders.


Wireless Access Protocol (WAP) is a way to reformat and send graphic-rich content from the Web to a portable device. WAP was created by Ericsson, Motorola, Nokia, and Unwired Planet (which is now called Phone.com).

WAP programming is being developed in the Wireless Markup Language (WML), which adapts pages to small phone or PDA displays by writing cards, which are small pages specifically written for small displays and devices with limited processing and battery power capabilities. WML, formerly called the Handheld Devices Markup Language (HDML), is a language that allows the text portions of Web pages to be presented on cellular telephones and PDAs via wireless access.

How Do I Use WAP? Get a WAP-enabled phone. Find the option called Services or Internet on the menu, and tap on that. One of the options is called Home. If your phone is already set up for WAP, it will take you to your wireless provider’s home page. If it doesn’t work, you need to set up your phone yourself.

What Kind of WAP Content Is Available Today? You’ll find news, tickets, schedules, maps, dictionaries, address books, calendars, and more that can be integrated into your phone. Plus, there are even free greeting cards, graphics, and so on.

What’s the Difference Between WAP and the Web? WAP phones don’t have a lot of memory capacity, and connections aren’t as fast. WAP mobile sites are written in WML instead of HTML (which is used for the Web), and not all HTML Internet sites offer WML versions.

WAP Browsing If you have an Internet-enabled phone, you know that it already features preselected news and entertainment content via text or voice access. Despite some early critics, Gartner

79

Group projects that by 2004, 95% of new mobile phones will be WAP-enabled. How do you get to the additional WAP sites and bookmark them when you arrive so you can find them later? Cellmania.com suggests you follow these steps to make the most of your phone’s mini Web-browsing capabilities: 1. Launch the mini Web browser. 2. Under the bookmark links, select Go To. 3. Enter the site name or phone URL (universal resource locator or name of the site) using the phone keypad. 4. To bookmark the site, either access the Browser menu or use your phone’s predetermined bookmark keys. 5. If your phone uses the Browser menu method to bookmark, you’ll need to pen the Mark Site option. 6. When the browser prompts you for a name, enter or alter it and select the Save option.

Some mobile devices feature address book systems that can be used instead of book marks to access WAP sites. You enter the WAP site name just like the name of a pal in your mobile address book and then just click it after you scroll it up.

WAP Phone Choices As noted earlier, there are scores of choices available. The model you choose will depend on what you want to do with wireless. Do you trade stocks and want to get quotes hourly or more frequently via phone? Are you one of those who hate to wait until pages download? Do you use your mobile address book frequently? Is a calendar important to you? Obviously, the most expensive WAP devices are smart phones, combo devices, PDAs that have optional phone attachments and PDAs with built-in phone capability (for more information, see Chapter 4).

Phone-Capable PDAs and Pocket PCs Are these devices worth their price? That depends on who’s paying for them (your office or you) and whether you already have a PDA or Pocket PC and don’t mind continuing to juggle two devices (phone and PDA). If you need some of the PDA functions, you can check out hybrid devices in Chapter 4, which gives more details on some of these.

Finding a Phone That Fits What’s the best phone for you? The answer depends on what you’re going to be using it for. Also, your lifestyle and age have something to do with it. Web sites such as 80

MOBILE COMMERCE Mobile commerce (m-commerce) brings the Web and a world of information and opportunity to you—whether you use an Internet-enabled phone, a PDA, a handheld computer, or a wearable device.

3

In the future, chips, bar-code scanners, location sensors, car transponders (such as EZ passes), and special software will all enable you to swipe (or beam) and go. Already, special Coke machines let you buy sodas with your mobiles. (See Chapter 8, “Connecting on the Go,” for information on how transponders are changing mobile commerce in cars in pilot programs across the U.S.) Telecommunications analysts at the Yankee Group estimate that 50 million users of wireless phones will use these devices for Net-connected content and physical goods. They say that cell phones could account for the spending of $15 billion by 2006.


www.letstalk.com, www.point.com, and www.cellmania.com offer interactive quizzes that help you determine what is the best plan and phone for your lifestyle. Be sure to indicate that you want an Internet-enabled phone. If they don’t give you an Internet option, you can find Web-enabled phones by clicking the Data Services’ option.

Of course, wireless carriers are pushing early mobile commerce applications and data services to you now because they are seeking a share of those revenues. The Yankee Group says that a carrier’s likely cut would be 10% and that will increase their revenue per subscriber by nearly 60 cents each month by 2006.

Cool WAP Greetings Want to send some cool greeting cards via your WAP phone? I found a terrific Web site at www.wapcardz.com that has cards with scores of choices, including more than 20 categories ranging from birthday to work styles to computer humor. Check out how the site looks on your WAP phone.

81

Finally, you can cut the cord and be at the center of the process, whether it’s using an ATM, buying tickets, or checking train schedules. In the business world, sales reps, delivery persons, and maintenance technicians will have easy access to statistics, facts, and information that was once hidden in corporate mainframes and the purview of only IT managers. Mobile commerce will reach out to you in at least a half dozen ways. It is driven by a transaction model. In the e-commerce world, you choose to search and find Web sites and want them to show you something worthwhile. Mobile commerce is about the following:

• • • • • • •

Alerts Contacts Sending you information Opting-in (selecting information or offers you want) Messaging (e-mail offers you request) Coupons you want Enhancing your buying patterns

M-commerce will reach you via these technologies:

82

•

Phones—So you can use your Internet-enabled phone or cell phone via WAP, voice, or other systems to access information, entertainment, and transactions.

•

Telematics—In your car via phone, screens, and transponders (such as EZ passes) that let you shop and go on demand. Watch for billboards that will beam information into your car on demand with special offers like discounts on motels or other location-based services.

•

Devices—PDAs, personal shopping devices (such as scanners), and bar-code systems.

•

Enterprise solutions—Inside your corporate environment and through networks for free agents (small business/home office networks).

•

Public space systems—These are things such as kiosks, shopping center terminals, shopping carts, airport portals, and more.

•

Special applications—For example, POPspot Wireless, Bluetooth systems, and Vindigo (see Chapter 8) will be used for window shopping and more. POPspot Wireless beams customized messages to Palm OS and Windows CE devices. The hardware for these is smaller than a Post-It note.

•

eTV (enhanced TV) and radio and PC opportunities—Using your cell phone or device, you’ll link to your television screen or to LCD screens in public spaces such as bars, hotels, restaurants, and airports and use them as transactional tools for infomercials, commercials, and on-the-go shopping networks.

•

M-commerce is not just about selling; it’s about making you a part of the whole ecosystem of commerce and transactions. It will let you do the following:

• • • •

Track purchases

• • • •

Manage your finances

Find lost luggage (or stop losses) Order in advance (food or services) Stand in line (you’ll get a number in advance and hold your place via your cell phone until you get the alert that it’s your turn)


M-banking and bill paying—You’ll be able to pay on the go, anytime, anyplace, 24/7/365.

Get entertainment and education on demand

3

Tell your pals about special offers Train employees

So, what are you going to buy? In Japan, which is leading the mobile commerce arena, consumers are not buying goods but rather games, screensavers, ring tones, and instant messaging. I think multimedia messaging with greeting cards that include video or animation will also be a hit. Plus, as SMS evolves in the United States and elsewhere, watch for many carriers to make additional money from that feature. But most folks might end up using mobile commerce for what they used to get for free online, such as paying to be able to download your e-mail (New Zealand’s Telecom Mobile charges 15 cents per e-mail whatever the message size) and getting alerts that say you have mail.

Mobile Banking and Buying If you think ATM machines revolutionize the way you cash checks, make deposits, or get quick money for the weekend, you will be thrilled with the potential of mobile banking, bill-payment systems, credit cards, and more that are evolving now. The best presentation I’ve seen on the future of wireless payments was by James Van Dyke, Research Director, Financial Services and Payments for Jupiter Media Metrix. I’ve included some of his information in this section of the book.

Wireless Payment Options Wireless payment methods will include the following:

• • •

Cards—Credit and debit cards Virtual credit cards—For instance, American Express Blue and Cybercash Direct pay—Systems such as Paypal (used on eBay) 83

• •

Accumulating balance—Trivnet or IPIN Stored value—Such as Paybox and Mint

Paybox and Mint are sorted value systems for micro-purchases and micro-payments, Web purchases, taxis, retail stores, parking garages, and more. Paybox is primarily used in Europe and owned by Deutsche bank, whereas Mint is used in Sweden. Paybox authenticates via phone number and a dial-back system using a PIN code. Merchants must install devices, and it’s still in the trial stages.

Financial Messages and Transfers Soon you’ll be able to transfer money from a savings account to a checking account wirelessly. After the remaining security issues are resolved, your bank will be able to warn you when your checking account balance is low or if your next mobile check will overdraw your total credits.

International Mobile Commerce As you can see from the information here, many of these mobile payment systems are hitting Europe or Japan first. In Denmark, customers of GSM operator Orange pay for flowers, pizza, and theater tickets simply by pressing buttons on their cell phones. In Germany, passengers use handsets to pay taxi fares and transfer money. In New Zealand, Telecom Mobile subscribers who also receive Internet access from Telecom’s ISP Xtra can pick up their e-mail via their cell phones. According to the trade publication Card Technology (www.cardtechnology.com), Japanese wireless operator NTT DoCoMo is distributing handheld computers to consumers in a trial that encourages them to use the PDAs and their electronic purses to pay for subway fares, concert tickets, and vending machine purchases. Watch for vendors to work with new wireless technologies, such as Bluetooth, to link mobile phones and PDAs with point-of-sale terminals in stores. Palm is joining with two point-of-sale manufacturers, Verifone and Igenico, to store credit or debit account information on devices and beam transactions via infrared or radio waves. Soon you could be using your phone to pay for merchandise in real-world stores. How does that work? You make a purchase using a system such as the Mobipay service in Europe and hand your phone or ID number to the merchant, who enters it into a terminal or GSM phone. There’s also a barcode on the consumer phones that merchants scan. In a few seconds you, the customer, receive a message on your handset screen with the amount of the purchase and approve the transaction with your special PIN code. What’s this all about? Micropayments, of course, which eliminate all those coins in your pockets and can enable virtual mobile e-purses or wallets to reside on a chip inside your phone’s handset. Many carriers are skeptical of processing individual micro payments and want to bundle these services and charge a flat fee in the future. 84

U.S. Mobile Commerce

3

What you do see in the U.S. is an increasing use of transponders in cars (often called EZ Pass) to pay tolls and for use at fast food merchants (see Chapter 8 for examples). If you’re a Mobil Gas customer, you know that Speedpass is a popular way to just wave a wand and pay for your purchases in more locations than just gas stations. Check out 2Scoot, which provides consumers not only a fumble-free way to use their credit cards, but also a patentpending method for paperless coupons and more. Consumers use a small tag that attaches to a key chain, or what’s called a SmartCover, that is easily attached to Nokia’s 5100 series mobile phones. The firm also promises on its Web site that this will soon be available as a feature on other mobile phones, PDAs, and consumer electronic products (www.2Scoot.com).


American Express and Visa issuers Providian Financial Corp. and First USA and discount retailer Target Corp. are moving into the area of smart credit cards. You’ve probably seen the ads for the Amex Blue Card. But did you know that, according to Card Technology magazine, Blue cardholders are having big problems installing readers for their PCs.

FreedomPay (www.freedompay.com) is another option offering you a small plastic tab for your key chain that will work on a base station near a cash register. You can go to FreedomPay.com, check out a record of your purchases, and replenish the account using your credit card. Another venture-funded startup, etensity.com, is planning to enter this field with its own mobile payment system. Most of these swipe-and-go payment systems use radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, which is really the same method that retail stores use with their antitheft tags. One of the challenges of using this type of technology is that, similar to credit cards, it offers a method to track your actions no matter where you are worldwide. However, these technologies are almost all tied to credit cards or bank accounts, so it’s probably not too dissimilar to what’s happening already.

Mobile Payment Systems What are some of the other popular mobile commerce applications in America? Take a look at MasterCard’s mobile commerce initiative information at www.mastercard. intl.com/new technology/m-commerce, and you’ll get a clearer idea of how mobile payments are evolving. MasterCard offers four ways (note, not all methods are available in the U.S. yet) to make wireless payments from a Web-enabled mobile phone:

•

Smart Card Phone—You insert your smart credit card into mobile phone that has a built-in reader.

•

Mobile-Accessed Bank Wallet—You access your electronic wallet at your bank using your mobile phone.

•

Smart Card Data in your Phone—You access payment card data stored on a chip inside your phone.

85

•

Mobile Phone Verification—You use your mobile phone to confirm your order and verify your payment card data (similar to the Mobilpay system described in this chapter).

MasterCard reinforces that the future of e-business is wireless on its mobile commerce Web site. The MasterCard mobile commerce pages also explain that the firm is working on encryption and security measures, including technology that is public key infrastructure (PKI) based and that will become more widespread so you can use digital signatures in the future. The firm is also launching a new Mobile Payment Forum that includes other firms such as American Express and Visa, who are working together to “develop secure global standards for wireless transactions.” For more information about that forum, go to www.mobilepaymentforum.org.

Mobile Commerce Terminology If you’re looking for a glossary of mobile payment terms such as smart card, SIM, and SET, check out the MasterCard Mobile Commerce pages, which include a page on the terminology of mobile commerce. Here are just a few of the terms defined there:

•

SIM—Stands for subscriber identity module, which authenticates the user of GSM phones and typically resides on smart cards (chips).

•

Smart card—A card with a small computer chip embedded in it. The chip enables applications such as security, electronic purse, history, loyalty, identification, and so on.

Infrared Beaming One San Francisco firm, WideRay (www.wideray.com), offers a product called Jack that exchanges information between Palm and Pocket PC handhelds via infrared (the same technology used in remote controls for TV access). Businesses can use the Internet to update information that gets distributed wirelessly through Jack. The beaming stations (on display as of the fall of 2001 in the Bay Area’s PacBell Park) can serve up statistics, late news, digital scoring sheets, and more. The beaming stations can be upgraded for IEEE 802.11b and Bluetooth. Other beaming stations could be useful at airports or even for window shopping (see Chapter 8 for more beaming technologies). Although most of these systems simply provide information today and much of that is free or sponsor-driven, this could be a way to eliminate standing in lines forever.

86

•

Sound complicated? Remember when you were in elementary school and learning how to make change? Or what about that holiday season you received a play cash register from Santa? Learning about the new mobile commerce payment forms is as important as knowing the difference between a nickel and a $50 bill. Makes sense, doesn’t it?

e-Commerce and m-Commerce Cards Soon you’ll see more firms rolling out credit and debit cards and electronic payment systems especially for Internet and wireless use.


Electronic purse—Generic term for cash value stored in electronic form on the chip of a smart card. The value transfers from the consumer’s chip to the retailer’s chip.

One example of a card designed expressly for Internet use is CyberCredit (www. cybercredit.com), shown in Figure 3.11. CyberCredit is currently working with Pocket PC

• • • • • • • • •

3

manufacturers to embed its system in PDAs so that no card is necessary in the mobile arena. Bonnie Mossannen, head of marketing, says that the card and payment offers unprecedented safety, security, convenience, and value made possible by patent-pending technological innovations. The card and embedded system will include features such as the following: A unique encryption system Embedded information Privacy protection Transaction integrity (for consumer and vendor) Online payments and account balance information Statements that can download into Quicken or MS Money Transaction history review systems Customized spending reports Frequent user rewards

You can transfer as many or as few dollars as you want into your account. Because the cards are virtual, you are transferring into an account with special identification codes that only you know. Actual use of the card itself is optional, adding to the safety and security of your balances and transactions and making it perfect for an on-the-go society. For more information or to apply for CyberCredit, go to www.cybercredit.com.

Authentication Methods Crucial to the success of mobile commerce are security and authentication systems. Most wireless commerce programs today use these methods:

87

• • • • •

Phone number/SMS address Biometric identification (your thumbprint or iris scan) Digital certificates Smart cards/SIM cards PINs/passwords

Figure 3.11 With CyberCredit, you don’t need to have your card with you to charge online or on the go.

Cashless Society? Will we ever be a cashless society? Take a look at Singapore, where people will soon be able to pay for almost any purchase using their mobile phones or gadgets. In a story on Asia One, the chief of IDA (Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore) says that the cashless trials will cost about $20 million. Some 10,000 participants are set to use these systems in 2002. Here’s how it will work step-bystep: 1. Consumers register with banks and specify preferred payment methods, such as direct bank account, debit card, or credit card. 2. Merchants also register and can add special software or hardware to their shops to execute the mobile payments. 88

Your Consumer Dashboard

Personal Digital Hub Jupiter’s Van Dyke says that personal digital hubs will evolve to digitally integrate your life and commerce habits, including the following: Financial management Personal identification Security Contacts with family/friends

3

• • • • • • • • • • •


On-the-go commerce means you take your dashboard with you everywhere, not just in your vehicle. Major players in the device, credit management, Internet portals, telecommunications, and banking arena are going to duke it out for the ownership of your new mobile dashboard.

Banks Medical services/professionals Merchants Co-worker contact Privacy Consolidated communication Transactions and more

The goals are to consolidate your payment and purchasing methods and to connect you to buying and service options worldwide.

3. At the point-of-sale (POS), the buyer presses a key on a handset to indicate he wants to use mobile pay. That information is routed through the mobile payment service to the payer’s bank. The bank verifies identity with a password the buyer keys in and the transaction is then approved. Companies involved in the Singapore experiment include Citibank, ST Electronics, mPayment, MasterCard Intl., Visa, and others. Does this system mean all payments will be cashless? Nope. It just gives the buyer another option. Sci-fi novels often depict a future in which your wealth is totaled with credits and debits. Remember, lots of folks thought that after credit cards and debit cards became popular coins and small bills would disappear, but they are still here.

89

THE FUTURE OF THE WIRELESS WEB Where is the wireless Web going? Soon, all appliances will have individual IP addresses, and you’ll be able to control your house, office, and even your car via your phone or handheld device. For a peek at the future, read Chapter 4 and find out what the new world of intertainment (information and entertainment) holds for you and your children.

90

C H A P T E R

4

MAXIMIZING YOUR DEVICE

Maximizing your device is the official title of this chapter. According to Webster, “maximum” means the highest degree or point reached or the greatest quantity. This is appropriate because no single wireless device seems to be enough anymore. For most users, a basic digital mobile phone offers more features than they can ever use. Why not just maximize the use of THAT device? Don’t worry, I show you how to do just that in this chapter. But soon, you might want, or need, a smarter device such as a wireless handheld that offers you computing capabilities on-the-go, such as being able to get e-mail anywhere, hear and record digital audio, or even video-conference with your office. As you’ll also see in upcoming chapters, wireless is no longer device dependent. By the next decade, the concept of disparate devices might seem as antiquated as using a combination of candles, gaslights, and coal lanterns to light your way in an age of electricity for everyone. In this chapter, you can find out

•

How to get the most from your current phone, pager, or PDA

•

When to upgrade to a smart phone or wireless handheld

•

Why Bluetooth, a new local area wireless system, is going to be everywhere

•

Why even “mouse potatoes” will jump for joy with new wireless entertainment that goes beyond the device

In summary, this chapter covers the latest in wireless hardware, software, and services. Get ready, get set, and go ahead, cut the cord! Whether you’re a cell phone fanatic, a pager person, a handheld honcho, or new to wireless, the tips and examples found in the following sections will help you get your money’s worth from your current device.

MAXIMIZING MOBILE PHONES How do you maximize your current handset’s features? The challenge can start even before you buy the phone. The most important features on a wireless phone are battery life and screen readability.

Getting the Most from Your Phone Here are some tips to maximize phone screens, batteries, and other features to get make your mobile strut its stuff:

•

The next time you buy, be sure to try the screen (in sunlight and a dark room) before you purchase. If you don’t like your current phone’s screen, try compensating by activating voice-command features (if available) or adding voice messaging if the text print is too small to read.

•

Try a system such as AT&T’s Wireless #121 Service. You get current updates on stock, news, lottery, traffic reports, sports, and more just by pressing #121 on your handset. And the good news is that it’s included in your service so you pay standard usage charges only, such as airtime and roaming. AT&T calls it VoiceTouch service, and it’s provided by TellMe Networks. Note, other carriers also offer voice information and content services, but some charge an additional monthly fee.

•

Voice concierge services or virtual receptionist systems help you place calls, check messages, and receive faxes. One of the ones I like is Wildfire. For more information go to www.wildfire.com; you even get to hear the receptionist. One of the features is that she’ll track you down and forward your calls (you can screen before answering) if you want.

•

Pronto from i3 Mobile turns any mobile phone (wireless or analog) into a mobile personal assistant. It even lets you create buddy lists so you can notify the whole soccer team or announce your new baby to up to 50 people with one message. Pronto charges a monthly fee. For more information, go to www.Pronto.com.

Too Many Features Confused about your handset’s features or your carrier’s services? Then be sure you do at least two things: 92

Review your handset user guide—Lost the guide? Then go to the handset manufacturer’s Web site or another Web site, such as www.cellularphonenews.com/ manuals.htm, to download the user guide for free.

•

Check your carrier’s Web site for cheat sheets—AT&T Wireless offers a wallet card you can download and carry with you. You can even tape these cards to your phone or handset case for easy reference.

Battery Always Dying? If it seems like your battery always dies before you can finish dialing a number, there are a few things you can try to extend your phone’s battery life: Check your battery and signal strength frequently—Charge your phone nightly; most Europeans put their phones in chargers as soon as they walk in the house.

•

Carry backup power—Use something like Electric Fuel’s no electricity Instant Power zinc-air fuel cell, which can charge almost any cell phone or PDA up to three times without an external power source. The firm is also offering new travel charging kits with up to three additional charging adapters for use with alternative power sources. For more information, go to www.electric-fuel.com.

•

Try a new charger—For example, try the Motorola FreeCharge, which cranks like Great Grandpa’s old phone. The 11 oz. charger with a flashlight is rolling out now for about $65. For more information, go to www.motorola.com.

4

•


•

Gorillas and Phones Hollywood film star Leonardo DiCaprio is organizing a campaign to get people thinking gorilla-friendly when purchasing their next mobile device. What’s the connection between the movie heartthrob and animals? It’s a metallic ore that can be refined to get tantalum to make capacitors that store energy in mobile devices. The official name is Columbite Tantalite (Coltan for short). The gorilla population in the area where Coltan is being mined is being reduced from 8,000 to 650. Some experts predict that the quest for Coltan could mean these rare gorillas will face extinction in the next decade. DiCaprio is urging consumers to be gorilla-friendly and avoid devices made with Coltan. For information on which digital technology makers are environmentally savvy, go to one of the sites for the funds involved in this environmental cause (www.gorillas.org).

93

Confused about batteries or chargers? Refer to Chapter 8, “Connecting on the Go,” or go to www.accessorysolutions.com, where you’ll see a glossary on battery types and chargers.

Case too Fragile? Are you so active that your sun and fun threaten to wipe out your handset? Then, take a look at new, tough mobile phone cases such as NiteIze Boxit. A universal case, it comes with two easy-to-change lids and will fight dirt and moisture. It even floats! You can hear, talk, and even dial through the case. It also comes with antenna extensions and plugs. For more information on this case, go to www.niteize.com, and for other cases, check out your favorite accessory store.

Mobile Radiation Scare You? If you’re one of those folks who wants to zap out radiation before it zaps you or your kids, consider a new phone shield named the 2002 product of the year by SARdata, a consumer advocate group. G-Tel Wireless is distributing the shield, which has been tested in an FCCapproved laboratory. On its home page, it says the company is the first to offer a cell phone safety device that can shield up to 98% of cell phone radiation. For more information, go to www.g-telwireless.com or www.SARDATA.com. You can find additional information on mobiles and health in Chapter 5, “Wireless: Safety Net or Health Hazard?”.

Using Your Mobile Phone at Home Mobile phones don’t cease functioning when you walk in your front door. So, why is it that the second we kick back in an easy chair to call some friends or relatives, we immediately reach for the land line? Your cell phone can be just as good, and there are products that can make it even better for home use.

CellSocket Tired of missing your mobile calls at home? Can’t find your cell in your purse or pocket? You can use your leftover monthly minutes especially for night or weekends with a cool accessory called CellSocket. This desktop docking station turns your wireless phone into an additional line. Plus, you can make and receive cell voice calls on a standard phone in your home, office, dorm, or even your RV or boat. It also features an optional antenna to boost your cell phone’s signal for optimal indoor use. For more information, go to www.cellsocket.com. One of my colleagues, Lisa Osborn, CEO, Traffic 411.com says, “The CellSocket acts like a charger too, so when I get home I place my phone in the docking station, and it enables me to never miss a call. Plus, I save lots of money now on long-distance charges since I can use unused free night and weekend minutes from my cell phone.”

94

Vox.Link

MAXIMIZING PAGERS Pagers might seem like a dying breed in a world filled with cell phones, PDAs, and all manner of other digital gadgets. You can, however, still get some use out of these venerable little boxes by following these tips: Check with your service provider’s Web site so you understand what capabilities your device offers, including e-mail, faxes from a message center, and online portals.

•

Use a call center solution Web site, such as www.clientelplus.com, to get troubleshooting tips for paging devices, including how to deal with water damage.

•

Learn how to set up and use advanced features on two-way pagers (check the device’s Web site), or check out a site such as refreq.com.

4

•


Another firm offering a cell phone base station is Vox2.com, which calls its system Vox.Link. It notes on its home page that you can choose one of six distinctive rings to identify cell phone calls. It’s available at Radio Shack stores or at www.radioshack.com, or you can go to the firm’s Web site at www.vox2.com.

See suggestions from other pager users and pros at sites such as eopinions.com and DIYnet.com (Do It Yourself Network).

MAXIMIZING YOUR SMART PHONE Is your phone smart? Although there is an industry-standard definition, it’s generally understood that smart phones feature the capability to send and receive data in addition to basic voice services. If your phone is digital instead of analog, you should be able to use some of these tips to upgrade your handset.

Smart Phone Case Studies Go to the helpful portal on customer relationship management (CRM) solutions at www.destinationCRM.com to get some case histories and more information on how the next generation of smart phones is moving from novelty to must-have in the enterprise zone for such functions as remote surveys; checking inventories; and deliveries for your sales, marketing, and customer relations team members. Entrepreneurs can choose a smart phone so that they not only can keep up with e-mail on the go, but also send messages to contractors, get updates from remote offices, and hook into client files and histories in just a couple of clicks.

PC Ephone I first saw the PC Ephone in the fall of 2001 at a Comdex press conference. The company describes its product as the first wireless convergent device that combines the capabilities 95

of a handheld personal computer with full Internet access, a cellular phone, a PDA, and an organizer all in one. For more information, go to www.pcephone.com.

Smart Phone Sales Most research firms believe that smart phones will increase dramatically versus conventional wireless phones in the coming years. Datacomm Research states that, looking back to 1999 when it saw .2 million smart phones compared to 250 million conventional wireless phones, it can predict a growth in 2003 to 330 million smart phones and 40 million conventional wireless phones.

What Can Smart Phones Do? The primary driver of smart phones is the increasing opportunity to use wireless data applications such as messaging, mobile commerce, financial services, intranet (within the corporate environment), Internet, entertainment, and better navigation. Most of us would agree that one of the keys is also the ability to send and receive e-mail.

Upgrade Tips

•

Find an accessory that helps you communicate better, such as a hands-free headset, an add-on camera, a GPS system, or a plug-in module or modem for your handheld.

Pagers to the Rescue Motorola is also working with the Personal Communications Industry Association (PCIA) to expand its LifePage Program, which provides patients and doctors with wireless communications services so that patients awaiting organ transplants can get necessary notification and exchange e-mails (www.pcia.com/foundation/ lifepage.html). The system has been working for more than two decades now, and an expanded program will enable all parties to communicate more efficiently. PocketBlue—a product that works with Palm VX handhelds, RIM’s Blackberry 950 and 957 pagers, and Symbol’s SPT 1733 handheld computer—lets police officers use wireless devices to access data from various databases. The product is being developed by Aether Systems, which also develops PacketCluster Patrol (a new wireless and silent communications technology that connects laptops in patrol cars to headquarters or other data banks). The software runs over CDPD networks or

96

Upgrade software or add programs to your smart phone or wireless handheld, such as word processing, personal information management features, and other updates your carrier or handset manufacturer features on its Web site.

• •

Upgrade your battery or charger system.

•

Sign up for additional services from your carrier, such as instant messaging, text messaging, and wireless Web access.

•

See whether your device can be modified or maximized with software or accessories for your profession or trade. Talk to your CTO or IT division head, or invite a wireless systems integrator to do a workshop in your workplace.

Swap your phone for a more intelligent model or handheld wireless device the next time your plan is up for renewal.

4

MAKING PHONES, PAGERS, AND PDAS SMART


•

What’s the difference between a regular mobile phone, a smart phone, and a PDA? The best article I found on this is at The Motley Fool’s Web site (www.fool.com) in its wireless buyer’s guide section. “There’s no black-and-white answer to this one,” says the guide. The article explains that in the next few years (and I’d add by 2003) all phones will be smart phones to a certain degree and a plethora of other wireless devices will offer voice and data capabilities. The Fool.com explains that “most regular mobile phones can receive data, but only in the form of text pages limited to around 150 characters.”

conventional radio frequencies. These new wireless systems enable police or other public safety officers to be mobile, work without waiting for dispatchers on twoway radios, and work silently in stealth operations. ChoicePoint is a new technology that enables images and statistics of missing children or persons to be distributed to police and other public safety agencies through Motorola interactive pagers.

97

Of course, you’ve probably noticed that most wireless carriers are offering two-way paging on phones, or what they call two-way direct or some other fancy term for two-way audio or text messaging. Many experts feel this will someday replace pagers. Pagers, too, are getting smarter, and if you go to Blackberry.net, you’ll see pagers featuring phone capabilities.

Sample Smart Phones The challenge in upgrading to a smart phone is finding out what the handset does and then matching it with services your carrier offers, or vice versa. Smart phone is a generic term—not an industry standard—so you’ll also see reviews referring to these same models by terms such as digital, Web ready, and multi-function. Some even talk in terms of the services the devices can receive, such as 2.5G or 3G-Ready or optimized for 1XRTT. Two of the best sources I like for finding smart phone models include

•

Mobile Computing & Communications—The April 2002 issue (at www. mobilecomputing.com) includes a chart that compares handsets by weight, talk time, wireless Web, 1xRTT or GPRS capability, voice dial capability, and price. It compares 60 digital cell phones from numerous manufacturers. Of note is that at least 10 models listed do NOT offer wireless Web access, so I assume they are not as smart as the other 50 or that they offer some other benefits instead.

•

About.com’s Portable Entertainment Guide by Ric Manning—Manning profiles some top models, including the Ericsson R280d, the Microsoft Stinger, the Mitsubishi T250, and the Motorola Timeport P8167. For more information, go to http://portables.about.com/cs/smartphones/index.htm.

Smart and Digital Phone Makers To help you more easily find a smart phone, I’ve included a list of manufacturers who may call their next-generation handsets smart phones or digital phones, or even something else. Check out their sites for specifics:

• • • • • • • • • • 98

Audiovox Communications Corp. (www.audiovox.com) Ericsson (www.ericsson.com) Kyocera Corp. (www.kyocera.com) LG InfoComm U.S.A., Inc. (www.lginfocomm.com) Motorola, Inc. (www.motorola.com) Nokia Corp. (www.nokia.com) Panasonic (www.panasonic.com) Samsung Telecommunications America (www.samsungusa.com) Sanyo North America Corp. (www.sanyo.com) Siemens (icm.siemens.com)

Why Upgrade to a Smart Phone or Mobile Handheld?

I, however, believe that it will be digital video and audio formats (what many call streaming media) and mobile imaging that makes forking over more bucks for a new device worthwhile. You’ll be able to record meetings and capture your kids’ precious moments anytime and anywhere, and the clearer color screens will make mobile entertainment almost too good to resist.


What will drive this new love affair with smarter mobile handhelds? Most experts agree it will be messaging applications such as instant messenger (IM); short message services (SMS); wireless data such as news, entertainment, and games; and the ability to take your desktop with you wherever you go.

Smart Voice Command Center 4

Are you a small business person who works so long the stars are out by the time you leave your office? Now with a space-age communications system from ArialPhone, you can set yourself free from the drudgery as you imagine you’re piloting your own rocket ship. To call someone using this device, you just say the person’s name and the device’s voice recognition technology dials the number. ArialPhone’s Tom Pirelli uses a souped-up system to control his entire home/office enterprise, including ordering TV stations, opening and closing doors, and automating his 5,000-song music library, according to an article in the The Chicago Sun-Times.

Landlines Sliding More consumers than ever are disconnecting their home land lines and opting to use their wireless phones not just on the go but at home, too. According to Business Week’s April 1, 2002 issue, “Wireless accounted for 12% of all telephone minutes in 2002, and that’s expected to hit 25% of all minutes in 2003.” The article explains that, although less than 5% of the U.S. population has disconnected their home phones in favor of wireless, the rate is growing and, “more people are using mobile phones for second and third lines.”

99

Want more information on the ArialPhone (and yes, despite the spelling, it’s named after Disney’s Little Mermaid)? Then, go to www.arialphone.com, or order it from one of my favorite telecommunications catalogs, www.hellodirect.com.

UPGRADING TO A WIRELESS HANDHELD If you’re buying your first PDA or smart phone/PDA combo, it can be daunting. What if you don’t have the latest model and still want to turn your handheld into a wireless wonder? Here are some tips and sources to further maximize your device and upgrade it with add-on modules, sleighs, or whatever the manufacturer calls these plug-in attachments.

Modems and Wireless Cards Be aware that external modems add physical weight and extra cost to your device. You have to pay for not only the device but a new wireless Internet service (WISP) in addition to your regular ISP. They also use power, so you might have to replace batteries or recharge more frequently. Plus, you might have more batteries to replace or recharge more often. For sources on the latest add-on modems and cards, go to your handheld’s Web site. Compaq.com includes lists and sources for all upgrades for its iPAQ models. Plus, you’ll get previews of the latest models and attachments, such as cameras and printers, that the maker offers. Some sites even offer wireless kits. For a good comparison chart, go to http://www.compaq.com/products/handhelds/ pocketpc/index.html. You might decide you want a new model rather than adding wireless to your old style.

Palm Sources Palm offers clip-on modems and Springboard slot modems for almost all the Palm or Handspring devices. Check out SierraWireless.com for models or NovatelWireless.com. You can also look to such providers as GoAmerica, Verizon, and Earthlink for deals. Jay E. Gold, columnist for the PDAMD.com site that offers great advice for healthcare professionals who want to make their handhelds wireless, says, “The MobileModem from Motient (www.motient.com) converts your old PalmV/Vx into a mobile e-mail/alert unit that automatically alerts you with e-mail on the go ala Blackberry.” Gold acknowledges the battery challenge by saying, “With an extended battery that can easily go 24 hours, this may be the solution for those of you with BlackBerry envy who can’t bear the thought of parting with your Palm.”

Pocket PC Options Pocket PC modem options include clip-on styles for the Jornada and PC card options (as noted previously) for the iPaq, Casio, and URThere models. For information on PC cards, go to SierraWireless.com, Novatel Wireless, or Enfora.com. A lot of my pals seem to like 100

the SierraWireless Aircord 300, which almost all the wireless networks support. You’ve probably heard of the Merlin wireless PC Card modems from Novatel and its Minstrel line of wireless handheld modems, but the company also offers Sage Wireless serial modems and Lancer 3W ruggedized modems. Enfora’s PC card is called SpiderII, and it also offers a Pocket Spider modem.

Some online modem and PC card add-on sources include www.mobileplanet.com, which offers some charts for Casio and Compaq models, and the Solutions Stories at SierraWireless.com.

4

At SierraWireless.com, you’ll find dozens of case studies of how its add-on modems save money and improve productivity for cities, companies, and entrepreneurs. Plus, it shows some terrific ways to combine notebooks with PDAs for integrated mobile solutions. For example, Glendale, California, city inspectors now combine Fijitsu notebook computers and HP Jornada 690s for quicker response to customer’s building permit and inspection requests. The bottom line in the case study, as the site explains, is that in the first 2–3 days per month, the mobiles pay for their monthly airtimes based on productivity and efficiency gains.


Success Stories

If you’re confused about the options, go to these sources or ask your wireless carrier. More carriers are offering solutions that connect in-building devices with on-the-go mobiles. A great article on CDMA and GSM PDA modems is at www.mbusinessdaily.com. You can search for it by inserting the title “PDA Modems Proliferate.”

Ask Before You Buy Here are some questions to consider before you go wireless with an old handheld model. You might want to upgrade to a new Pocket PC or Palm OS device instead of spending money to soup up your old version:

•

Are you going to use this device instead of a phone some of the time?—If so, consider upgrading to a handheld that features a built-in phone. Figure 4.1 shows the new AudioVox Thera and the HP Jornado 928, which both feature built-in phone capability.

•

Can you talk your company or even your team at work into going wireless as part of a pilot program for your firm?—If so, they might pay for the handheld or trial versions so you don’t have to shell out the big bucks.

•

What features do you absolutely NEED?—Will you be doing word processing? Do you need a device with a built-in keyboard, or can you use an add-on keyboard? Handhelds with built-in keyboards are generally more expensive.

•

Where will you be using your device?—Will you use it on the road, in your office, in a field office, or in your car? Your answers can influence your product and wireless choices. 101

Figure 4.1 AudioVox’s Thera (left) is a wireless Pocket PC that works on CDMA networks; on the left is the HP Jornada 928, which also features a phone.

HANDHELD WIRELESS ACCESSORIES AND UPGRADES The following sections discuss some wireless accessory and upgrade options.

Keyboards Whether you call them thumboards or keyboards, having a portable attachment that slides onto your PDA so you can literally type like you would on a PC is a great benefit. One of the best sources I’ve seen for discovering the latest keyboard models for both the Palm OS and Pocket PC is PriceScan at www.pricescan.com. The site lists at least two dozen models ranging in price from $10.39 to more than $100, depending on styles. Of course, you can also go to your handheld’s Web site to see what it offers as a keyboard add-on for your wireless device.

Targus Thumbpad One style that caught my attention was the Targus Thumbpad that folds up into a single piece measuring approximately 4”×3”×1/2”. This device excels at, and is designed for, short messages and personal information management systems. So, you won’t want to type your next book on it.

102

Fastap

Foldable Keyboards Watch for the launch of flexible keyboards that go way beyond the foldable ones you’ve probably seen for PDAs. One of these products, the Flexis FX-100, is popular with TechTV.com reviewers who list it as one of the finalists for the TechTV Best Of CES 2002 awards.

4

Compatible with most new Pocket PC devices and many Palm-based PDAs, the keyboard from Man & Machine offers incredible tactile feedback, according to one review on TechTV.com. It measures 9”×3’ and is flexible and water resistant. It includes no moving parts and ships in a small neoprene case with a clip. You roll it up, shove it into the case, and are ready to go. To see it, go to TechTV.com and search for “Flexis FX-100,” or go to www.man-machine.com.


The Fastap is a keypad that fits in a mobile phone to give you a more powerful interface; it’s perfect for short message services. Try an interactive demo at www.digitwireless.com, and ask your carrier when it will be featuring this product. It’s the size of one-third of the area of a credit card—so, small is good in this case.

Devices for the Blind Some of you techies out there might remember that Ray Kurzweil created the first reading machine for blind people. The inventor, who is well known for such books as Spiritual Machines, won the Lemelson-MIT prize in 2001 for his work in inventing technologies in areas as diverse as pattern recognition, artificial intelligence, and speech reading. Kurzweil is now working in the arena of virtual reality, and he has one of my favorite innovators on his site, a firm called LifeFX.com (more on them later in this chapter). For more information on Kurzweil, go to www.kurzweilai.net and look at www.lifefx.com to see how some of these concepts adapt to the PDA world.

Palmtop Helps Blind What’s new in the field of reading for the blind? A handheld computer is being used by villagers in India that also can help the blind and visually impaired in the future. According to Itasiaone.com, the “Simputer” is a rugged personal digital assistant that can read aloud the contents of a Web page. It is being developed by Encore Software and uses parts manufactured by electronics specialist Sharp. The device features a Linux operating system. For more information, go to www.ncoretech.com.

Guiding Lights Steven Leeb, founder of Talking Lights, Inc., vows in an article on mpulse (the www.cooltown.hp.com newsletter) that “every light will be a talking light” in the future. Dr. Leeb, an associate professor of engineering at MIT, says his start-up company is developing a system that uses a network of fluorescent bulbs to transmit information that is heard 103

through an earpiece, seen on a handheld device, or processed as data or control signals by a computer. The technology is getting its first wide-scale test at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston, where patients with traumatic brain injuries are using PDAs that receive instructions via overhead lights. For more information, go to TechTV.com and search for “talking lights.” Or go to the National Institute of Child Health and Human development Web site at www.nichd.nig.gov.

Dialpads Go Virtual You don’t need a keypad attached to your PDA or even a smart device to call home. Take a look at the Pocket PC 2002 Phone software in Figure 4.2 to see how easy it is to use; note the call log and speed dial features.

Figure 4.2 Pocket PC phone software allows you to send short messages and longer e-mails, and even beam contact information. (Photo courtesy of Brighthand.com.)

Phone/Handheld Combos Scores of wireless handhelds now feature built-in telephony capabilities. Now there’s no need to add on phone modules or sync with your mobile handset to handle your voice mail. Wonder what these devices look like? Take a peek at Figure 4.3, and you’ll see Pocket PCs featuring phone capabilities from Siemens, SyncSys, LUXian, Sagem, Trium, and mm02 (not all these might be available in your region). 104


4

Figure 4.3 Pocket PC users can choose from several models with telephony capabilities. For more details, go to www.brighthand.com.

Uses for the Pocket PC Want to see more than 100 case studies of how companies use Pocket PCs? Then turn to Microsoft’s Mobile Device section on the Web at http://www. microsoft.com/mobile/enterprise. Ranging from the Association of Train Operating Companies to Nabisco to Vail Resorts in Colorado, the success stories include such applications as sales force automation, meter reading, mobile transactions, patient care, loan processing, and package productivity. You’re sure to find a case study that can help you optimize Pocket PCs in your company. One of the best I saw is a video case study about Wagamama, the popular noodle restaurant that uses Compaq’s iPaq Pocket PC 2002 devices to speed up ordering. Customers even see an image of the food they are ordering and view the ingredients of the meal they are about to enjoy.

Wireless Palm Tips Subscribe to Palm’s enewsletter to find out what the community leaders are doing, or join Palm’s discussion groups. You can also collect Palm “bucks” to get more goodies with the virtual bucks you collect by upgrading.

105

UPGRADING TO NEXT-GENERATION PDAS The latest wireless handhelds include added features such as digital audio and video playback, packet versions of desktop software, more memory, and even color screens.

Handspring Treo Review According to TechTV’s review of the Handspring Treo from a February 2002 article on its Web site, “Mesh the Handspring VisorPhone with the Visor Pro and the result is the Treo.” Handspring’s new Treo line is a series of PDA/phone hybrids that feature a see-through flip-lid design. The first version of Treo debuts for GSM networks like Cingular and VoiceStream, but you can expect a CDMA version to appear eventually as well. Handspring integrates a speakerphone and a standard 2/8” mini-jack for standard hands-free kits. For more details, go to TechTV.com and do a search for “Handspring Treo.”

HP Jornada 560 HP’s Jornada 560 series has a huge hardware improvement over the 540 series, says TechTV’s lab in its first look in Fall 2001. The new Jornada is now 6.1 oz. less than its predecessor and about the same size at 5.2”×3.1”×.6”. The biggest changes are inside, where you’ll find a 206MHz StrongARM processor and 32MB of flash ROM. This model is among the first to adopt the new Pocket PC 2002 operating system from Microsoft. You’ll find 32MB of ROM, with 24MB occupied by the OS and applications and 8MB reserved for users to store their own applications and data. The 16-bit color reflective TFT display

Women and Wireless Space-age fashion shows featuring wireless wearables are increasingly popular at industry conferences. Tall, android-like models (male and female) strut their technostuff and give you a peek at the lifestyle in 2030 and beyond. But is it style that women want, or does function outweigh form? When I contacted Helen Marie Graves, research analyst for Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), she was quick to support wireless as a tool for women worldwide. At the 2002 CES show, Graves was a panelist at a terrific seminar titled “What She Wants: Winning the Loyalty of the Female Consumer,” which was about selling to women. “Retailers ignore women at their own peril,” says fellow panelist Kim France, editorin-chief for Lucky Magazine.

106

Despite figures that show the numbers of women and men buying electronic products are evenly split, retail stores are often seen as intimidating by women. Perhaps that’s why DeeDee Gordon at Look-Look’s youth market research firm says that

boasts a resolution of 240×320. TechTV saw crisp images and vibrant colors that rival the Compaq iPAQ. You’ll also see a large LED for reminders and a voice recorder as with the previous versions.

Research in Motion (RIM) will provide AT&T Wireless with Blackberry handheld devices that can place phone calls and check e-mail messages, according to a story on TechTV.com. The handheld will work over AT&T’s high-speed network using general packet radio service (GPRS) and its GSM voice network. The device looks similar to a regular Blackberry but offers the capability to attach an earpiece and a microphone to enable it to work as a hands-free phone.

4

RIM is also working with Nextel Communications to develop a voice-enabled version of the Blackberry handheld that runs over that operator’s iDEN network. The new handheld will use the Nextel Direct Connect digital two-way radio service rather than operating as a standard mobile phone does. This system uses a system that is voice over IP (VoIP) based so that users will be able to call only those people who have Direct-Connect-compatible phones and devices. The Nextel-RIM device will support numeric paging and Nextel wireless Web services.


Blackberry Phone

Watch for new systems from RIM and Motorola too because these two firms are signing a licensing agreement “allowing specific iDEN and RIM technologies to be incorporated into ‘certain devices’ from each company,” according to a story on ComputerWire via COMTEX.

girls and women are turning online to buy gadgets. “After all, there are no pushy salespeople, no techo-jargon, and you can find out more by yourself,” she says. Gene Kelsey, vice president and general manager of the brand strategy group at Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company, points to Club Panasonic at www.Panasonic.com as a resource for both male and female buyers. Maybe it’s the growing number of female CEOs in the IT arena—such as Laura Rippy, CEO, Handango; Patricia Russo, CEO, Lucent; Susan Swenson, President and COO, Leap Wireless; and Carly Fiorina, Chairman and CEO, Hewlett Packard—that will help retailers realize that they should never underestimate the power of a woman.

107

Palm i705 Review Here’s an excerpt from TechTV.com’s review of the Palm i705: The Palm i705 offers design cues from the m500 launched early in 2001 and the wireless features of the VII…while the new model fills a void in the modern Palm lineup, the company has chosen to play it safe by opting for mostly cosmetic changes, leaving us waiting for more. For Web browsing and downloading e-mail attachments, for example, the product lags in speed and flexibility. An always-on antenna, however, is an attractive plus. For more details on e-mail, instant messaging, and hardware on the Palm i705, go to TechTV.com and do a search for “Palm i705.”

TRENDY HANDHELD DEVICES The following sections discuss some of the trendier handhelds available today.

Hiptop The Hiptop, from Danger Research, tries to combine several mobile gadgets into one ultraportable unit. It does a nice job, but can it really live up to its claim? TechTV says that the pre-alpha version looks much like the Motorola Accompli 009 with data entry through a keyboard. Applications include e-mail, a Web browser, image browsing, instant messaging, and a PIM.

A Palm Reading International Data Corporation researchers project that by 2003 market share will be divided at 70% Palm devices and 28% Windows CE (2% not accounted for). In January 2002, Reuters news service forecasted that Palm will roll out a $2,500 server-based system that will allow companies to securely transfer information to and from workers in the field. The Palm i705 can, “surf the Web, grab e-mail, and communicate without wires,” according to Reuters, who says that Palm hopes, “corporate executives will see the devices as a must-have business tool and order lots of them.” Palm is pitching to customers the capability to add customizable features to its devices via a memory card expansion slot.

108

Wildseed (Formerly GITWIT)

Cybiko Since first seeing it at the CES in Las Vegas in January 2001, I’ve been a Cybiko fan. This handheld product is aiming at the youth market, and its Xtreme product for wireless gaming is a big hit. Plus, it offers wireless messaging, and some say it’s like a “teenage PDA.” For more information, go to www.cybiko.com.


The Wildseed firm is pioneering intelligent faceplates and has a deal with CinemaElectric.com, a mobile entertainment firm, for its SmartSkins that cover phones. This partnership could lead the way to digital cinema experiences on wireless phones. For more information, go to www.wildseed.com and www.cinemaelectric.com.

Other Wireless E-mail Devices 4

Some of you might have seen other e-mail devices that are often called e-mail and Internet appliances. If you’re just looking for a device you can use to send e-mail to Grandma, you might consider the Earthlink Mailstation models.

Earthlink Mivo Appliances This system operates on the 900MHz frequency that some cordless phones use. It includes an integrated keyboard, antiglare screen, and intuitive button layout. For more information, go to www.earthlink.net.

A Bright Insider’s Advice My colleague Steven G. Bush is well known in the PDA world as the editor of Brighthand.com. So, I turned to him to ask his advice on selecting your device. His answer was direct: “Device selection is not a simple task.” He says it’s important to understand the kind of network you’re going to use, such as personal area networks (PANs), local area networks (LANs), and wide area networks (WANs), as well as your demands for security and which wireless applications you’ll use. “Wireless applications will eventually be what it’s all about,” Bush explains. He adds that many current applications also run on wireless networks but might not be optimized to do so effectively and securely. That’s why some of the most popular wireless applications today include the Wireless Access Protocol (WAP), SMS, HTML applications, proprietary solutions, I-mode, and Terminal Services. Bush is also a big believer in Bluetooth. He reminds us that until Bluetooth came along, there were basically just two options for connecting your devices: Hook them together with cables or let them wink at one another using infrared light.

109

Landel Mailbug The Mailbug, similar to the Earthlink appliance, lets you check e-mail without a computer. You must subscribe to the accompanying service for $9.95 per month, though. For more information, go to www.mailbug.com.

Next-Generation Wireless Widgets There are plenty of entirely new types of devices on the wireless horizon. In the following section we’ll take a look at gadgets that can do anything from locating your meandering children to shoes that conform to how you use them.

Wherify Creators of a GPS (global positioning system) Personal Locator, this firm is moving into a new SMART-PAK battery pack that enables you to turn your mobile phone into wireless personal location devices. You might have seen its product for children, which is a wristwatch–type system that lets parents identify their child’s location, within a few feet, in about a minute via Internet or any phone. For more information on these products, go to www.wherify.com. Ellen Roth, VP Marketing, promises that you’ll soon see Wherify products in your local retailers, but meanwhile, you can preorder on the Web site or by calling 1-877-LOCATE1.

FitSense Speedometer The FS-1 Speedometer gives you instant feedback while you walk and run. Styled like a watch, it displays your pace, distance, calorie burn, and heart rate. A “foot pod” on your shoe tracks the speed and distance, not just step count. For more information, go to www.fitsense.com.

ThinkShoe Soon you can have shoes that think. The Raven features VectraSense ThinkShoe technology, is powered by Motorola Digital DNA, senses your activity, and adjusts the shoe to your performance. It is said to provide 300% more cushioning. For more information, go to www.vectrasense.com.

Lightglove Replace your joystick, mouse, and more with a wireless device that you strap around your wrist and under your hand from Lightglove LLC, a Virginia-based firm. Using tiny light sources and detectors, it can serve as your next-generation interface for computing. Initially, it will cost $400, but the company anticipates the price to drop to about $99 with full-scale production. See it at www.lightglove.com.

110

Bodymedia

CORDLESS ENVIRONMENTS

4

Immersive video and audio technologies are revolutionizing the electronic entertainment experience, according to a recent article on TechTV.com. Researchers at the University of Southern California’s Integrated Media Systems Center in Los Angeles are making major advances in how we watch and hear television, movies, music, and more, and wireless plays a big role. For this research, students control what they see by merely moving their heads. TechTV.com quotes Albert “Skip” Rizzo, a clinical psychologist working with USC who believes immersive audio and video innovations create much more realistic environments than traditional virtual reality and can even have an impact on, “how psychology will be done in the future.”


Bodymedia creates the SenseWear Pro Armband, which is a sleek, wearable body monitor that gathers information on movement, heat flow, and skin temperature and which can be coupled with a heart rate monitor. It also features software and transceivers that can be useful in designing other wearables. For information, go to www.bodymedia.com.

CUSTOMTAINMENT: THE NEXT GENERATION OF ENTERTAINMENT Wireless technologies will allow new ventures into such areas as tele-immersion (see Chapter 2, “Your Device of Choice”), 3D environments, robotics, and location-based entertainment. Experts believe that tele-immersive systems have the potential to significantly change educational, scientific, and manufacturing paradigms. Personally, I feel it will be a real boon for training and what I call “customtainment” (customized information, entertainment, and more). Wireless headsets, wearables, stereo-immersive surfaces, and geographically distributed environments combined with evolving peer-to-peer and next-generation interfaces will make customtainment affordable in public spaces, schools, and even our own homes. Although much of this still falls into the category of being on the distant horizon, many new technologies are practically on our doorstep. The following sections break them down with references to specific products that you might soon find yourself purchasing to make a part of your digital lifestyle.

Portable MPEG4 Players The portable MPEG4 player folds up like a cell phone, but it plays full-length motion pictures in files compressed using the MPEG4 format. I first saw it online and then got a peek in person at CES. According to the Web site for Impactra Co. Ltc., a digital solution provider based in Seoul, Korea (www.impactra.com), there are two models—Motion L and Sync I (see Figure 4.4).

111

Figure 4.4 Using a swivel-design on the MPEG4 player, Impactra from Korea allows great viewing of full-length movies and music videos. For more information, go to impactra.com.

These devices not only store and play back motion picture files, but also provide features of a digital audio player that supports MP3, AAC, and WMA files (all digital music formats popular on the Internet). In addition, both models provide voice recording features and simple PDA features, such as PIM, e-mail, and games. Users can also attach an optional digital still camera. The firm is also planning to introduce a cellular phone feature. The good news is that the Impactra plays motion picture files continuously for 4 hours and up to 7 hours in the case of music files using a reinforced lithium polymer battery. To download the content, you connect it to your PC via the USB port. The product is available directly to consumers, and sources say the firm is brokering deals with carriers and consumer electronics makers.

Wireless Web Tablets Central to the concept of entertainment anywhere are new wireless technologies like Microsoft’s Mira, which enables you to take your new light-weight desktop monitor (flatpanel display) and carry it anywhere, in a tablet PC format. Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates explains, “This is the idea of using a PC without sitting down at a keyboard.” Gates believes that devices without screens will become peripherals to those with screens. Sources say that Mira will use a Microsoft Terminal Server, which is software that controls the exchange between a central computing device and a central server. Some experts feel this might actually be the next stage for the Microsoft XBox. 112

New-Era Remote Controls These new portable video screens will demand a new kind of remote control. Soon these and other wireless devices might be capable of serving as remotes for controlling entertainment, household management, and more. The best Web site reference I see for couch potatoes to stay up-to-date on their latest zappers is www.remotecentral.com. It includes reviews, tips, and even a Clicker Picker that lets you check out options.


Some experts feel the Web tablet concept bridges the gap between laptops and desktops. Personally, I feel that the Web tablet is part of the “disintermediation” of computing and one of the links to the next stage of pervasive customtainment where PC/TV mobile devices, communication appliances, and video-on-demand handhelds glowingly create a new virtual Yellow Brick Road to an electronic “Oz” that is always-on from Kansas to Calcutta.

4

Pocket Remote The Pocket Remote TV remote controller is a Pocket PC and Pocket PC 2002-compatible application that lets you use your PDA as a universal remote control for your TV, VCR, cable, satellite, DVD, and other equipment. For a great description and features, refer to www.pocketgear.com and search for “TV remote controller.”

Philips Remote Controls Philips continues to expand its lineup of remote controls (see Figure 4.5). At the 2002 CES in Las Vegas, Philips won the 2002 Innovation Award for the pricey Pronto Nec TSU500. For those on a budget, it offers the more affordable lines of Pronto Tsu2000 and Pronto Pro TSU6000. Philips’ intelligent remote controls lead us into the next generation of interfaces because they replace all remotes no matter how complex your home theater system may be. For details on various types of wireless input and control devices, refer to www.remotecontrol.philips.com/products. You’ll find multimedia input and control devices and more.

Invoca Remote Control No more pressing buttons. With a voice-activated universal remote, you control your TV, VCR, DVD, cable, satellite, and accessories with the sound of your voice. Wouldn’t it be great to have a similar unit in the office that does what you want it to, such as turn on your fax machine, turn off your computer, and even lock your door behind you? Check out Invoca’s product line at Invoca.com.

Wireless Surround-Sound and Sight The convergence of Internet, digital media, entertainment, and consumer electronics is bringing all types of new devices to the marketplace. One of Tech TV’s favorites is SONICblue, which is becoming a leader in the portable audio category. 113

Figure 4.5 Philips has produced a significant line of high-end, powerful remotes that allow you to finally take control of your home theater.

SONICblue TechTV includes SONICblue’s RioRiot digital audio player in its Best of CES award winners and also names the Rio Advanced Digital Audio Center as a category finalist in its Home Audio Best of Show award. RioRiot is capable of storing an entire music collection because it is built around a 20GB hard drive that can hold 5,000 songs or 400 CDs worth of digital music. It includes an FM tuner, music management software, and more. You can order it at www.SONICblue.com (their estore). For a full review, go to TechTV.com and search for “RioRiot.” Watch for more from SONICblue, Inc., in the home entertainment arena, especially in systems that offer media players and storage.

MP3 Video Player Like MTV evolving from radio, soon plain-old digital audio will seem boring without some sort of accompanying visuals. Watch for Vosonic Technology’s V-MP3 Player, which offers a view to a future where we can take our music videos along anywhere. The unit reads a number of video and audio digital formats and includes a 2.5-inch color LCD monitor.

Satellite Radio In House and Out With all the choices of radio stations available, why is Satellite Radio with pay-based subscriptions taking off? According to a press release from XM Satellite Radio 114

(www.xmradio.com), America’s first nationwide digital satellite radio network, the service ranks as the fastest-selling new audio product in 20 years, with 30,000 paying subscribers in the first 60 days of national availability.

Satellite radios are available at major electronic retailers such as Best Buy, Radio Shack, Good Guys, and The Wiz. Leading manufacturers such as Sony, Alpine, and Pioneer offer more than 20 models to choose from.

Take XM Home

4

Satellite radio doesn’t have to be confined to your car anymore, according to TechTV.com. The Sony DRN-XM01C designed for the XM Radio system can move between your car and home entertainment service to ensure you get full use of your monthly service plan. For more information on the review, go to TechTV.com and search for “Sony DRN-XM01C.”


This is surprising because not only do you have to subscribe to get the audio goodies, but you also have to buy a satellite radio receiver (unless it comes built in your new GM 2003 model car).

Getting Sirius The competitor to XM, Sirius Satellite Radio broadcasts 60 commercial-free music channels and 40 news and entertainment channels via its three satellites orbiting the Earth. Its service launched in February 2002 in four cities: Denver, Houston, Phoenix, and Jackson, Mississippi. Before you buy, keep in mind that some satellite radio operators are expressing concern that the reception could get static from users of the new wireless networks such as IEEE 802.11b (WiFi).

Updating Media Centers Wouldn’t it be great if your stereo system could hook up with your TV, PVR, and speakers without the need for a rat’s nest of cords? Soon it will be a no-brainer as new media centers become the central focus of home theatres (see Chapter 9, “Home Sweet Wireless Home” for more information). Companies like Magis Networks are leading the way with their Air5 chipsets in set-top boxes using WiFi5 (IEEE802.11a). For information on the electronics makers using this system, go to www.magisnetworks.com. Magis’s flexible wireless connections could offer connection at rates up to 54Mbps, according to its Web site (see Figure 4.6). Now the only question is which set-top box or media center to use as your centerpiece. While this book was being written, two media center makers—Moxi Digital (winner of TechTV’s Best of CES Home Video Category) and Digeo—combined forces. This is an extremely competitive category as PVR companies, cable providers, and others strive to be the center of your media universe. For up-to-date information, go to www. tvpredictions.com and see what is being forecast for the future before you buy a media center or subscribe to a service offering to replace your current set-top box.

115

Figure 4.6 Magis Networks Air5-based chipsets supporting multiple data/audio/video streams might lead to better wireless home networking.

MAXIMIZING CONTENT All these gadgets aren’t good for much if there’s nothing to use them for. That’s why developers specializing in coming up with applications for our digital device-ridden future are sprouting up everywhere we look.

Live Streaming Video As we wait for the seamless home networking of video, audio, and data, we have to go to Japan to see the best-quality live streaming video on a wireless device. There NTT DoCoMo and PacketVideo Corp. offer a preview of what the new mobile entertainment world holds. The new FOMA network is a third-generation mobile service that enables content providers to stream from Web sites over the Internet to a FOMA-enabled cellular phone. The streaming data is based on the MPEG4 format, which is the best encoding and compression method available so far. The company will experiment with delivery to PDAs via NTT DoCoMo’s PHS headsets. To get the goodies, though, you’ll need to have the Packet Video (PV) player installed in advance. Meanwhile, you can look at some other options that may bridge the way to the next generation of content. Watch for some of these Japanese systems to debut in the U.S. during 2003 or even sooner.

116

Mazingo PDA Video, Audio, and Text


San Francisco-based firm Mazingo (www.mazingo.net) is offering video, audio, and text to your PDA daily (see Figure 4.7). The Web site notes that you can get more than 500 channels of movies, classic TV shows, radio news, comics, updates on new technology, and more. The Mazing software delivers updated content to your device or storage card wirelessly or on every sync (depending on your choice). The site is also offering special bundling deals if you don’t have your own device. You can choose from text, audio, and video channels. There is also a premium entertainment network.

4

Figure 4.7 Pocket PC users can turn to Mazingo.net to subscribe to 500 channels of wireless, rich multimedia content including audio and video for mobile use.

AvantGo A relatively new name in the custom solution business for handhelds, AvantGo says it has 28 of the Fortune 100 companies using its products. The site, located at www.avantgo.com, offers special sections for individuals, small and medium businesses, enterprises, and government groups. If you’re in charge of your firm’s mobile initiative, AvantGo is a good starting place to see what kinds of back-end systems, processes, and remote accesses you’ll need. It offers custom solutions on AvantGo’s M-Business Server software. If you want a special mobile network for your company, AvantGo helps you create custom channels for content, too.

117

Is all this new content going to grow a new generation of couch potatoes? Not if one company has its say. Proteus is leading the way to the next wave of interaction and connection to content via TV with its mobile trials.

Proteus: Couch Potato Revolt One of the firms leading the “revolt of the couch potato” is Proteus, a leader in interactive television applications. The firm is helping to define the future of television, according to Craig Dalton, Proteus’s director of business development. For a really cool example of how it is interfacing wireless phones to empower TV viewers, go to www.proteus.com to see its Virtual Coach program done in conjunction with FoxSports and Motorola. Although Proteus currently uses phones for this system, it could use PDAs in the future.

Handango Entertainment content isn’t enough for most mobile device owners who want to use their handhelds to take work home and maximize productivity on-the-go. That’s why portals such as Handango.com are becoming real sources for buying and subscribing to enterprise software applications. Handango’s Web site at www.handango.com exclaims that it is “the world’s leading publisher of handheld software.” You can choose titles perfect for almost any handheld ranging from Palm to Symbian OS. There’s even a special section for first-timer users so that if you’re new to the handheld software world, you can get a quick overview. I like this site because it gives handheld news updates, offers an opportunity to shop by manufacturer, and features new titles on the front page. It’s easy to read and appears to be a trusted name in the handheld community. I was impressed with the executives I met from the firm at the Pocket PC Expo in Santa Monica, California in 2001. They seem to really care about their products, services, and users (you and me!).

CROSS COLLABORATION So, you now have better software, have the best handheld you can afford, and want to use it to connect to your colleagues and friends. Cross-collaboration is becoming increasingly popular as we learn to “beam” information to workers across the office and even in public spaces. Demonstrating how all this works is a challenge for some of the makers. That’s why I am so interested in a project that combines art and commerce to show the benefits of how collaboration works. What’s more collaborative than dance? Not much—it certainly takes two to tango. If you want to turn your device tapping into dance steps, you’re sure to want to try the performance art initiative called Tap (see Figure 4.8).

118


4

Figure 4.8 The Dia Center for the Arts in New York Tap project demonstrates live collaboration between technology, art, dance, and you using PDAs from Palm, Inc. (Courtesy Diacenter.org.)

Tap: Beaming Web Video An early-stage experience in collaboration using Web video productions and animations, the project Tap was commissioned by Manhattan’s Dia Center for the Arts, which is hosting the home page. Creator and digital artist James Buckhouse says Tap enables users to download and control two animated tap dancers on the Web or from Palm beaming stations throughout New York City. For more information on the project, go to http://www.diacenter.org. This beaming project is a precursor to the interactive and collaborative art and entertainment experiences that wireless handheld and specialized devices will play in our “mobiletainment” experiences in the future.

Wireless Gaming According to some industry experts, the next new wireless thing promises to be networking mobile gaming. Revenues, according to Datamonitor researchers, by 2006 will grow to $17.5 billion in the U.S., Europe, and Asia (which is more than the current annual total for video game play). Gamers are everywhere, and they don’t fit a stereotype of just young kids and teens either. An astounding 120 million people worldwide play some type of wireless game, and favorite playing times are evenings and weekends—not during the day as some offices would have you believe.

119

Downloadable games are growing, and graphics are getting better each month. Some games are free now, and others are on a pay-per-play business model. Some attempt to pay for themselves through the use of ads, and others even feature product placement. Even the Hollywood studios and established brands can see the value of what is starting to be a fad called m’tertainment (mobile entertainment).

Versaly One of the more adventurous entrepreneurs in this growing mobile entertainment scene is Matt Feldman’s company, Versaly (www.versaly.com), a production company that enables you to play big entertainment on a small screen. This mobile entertainment firm is a licensee of Paramount Pictures’ Star Trek and is providing a Star Trek game and other content on mobile phones and devices (see Figure 4.9). It has an agreement with Sprint to provide wireless customers with Star Trek images that they can download. Feldman says, “Our goal is to unite content, carriers, and smart phones for next-generation entertainment.”

Figure 4.9 Go where no one has gone before with Star Trek games and images from Versaly on Sprint PCS’s Ringers & More wireless service. (Courtesy Viacom.)

nGames Some of the best wireless games are from the U.S., and they tend to tie in with movies, such as N Games’ Rat Race multiplayer racing game for mobile Internet-enabled cell phones based on the Paramount Pictures comedy of the same title. Up to six players can 120

Jamdat Mobile This hot Los Angeles-based company says it is creating a new generation of entertainment for the wireless world. Its Gladiator game is one of the most successful multiplayer mobile games in the world. Log on to www.jamdat.com from your Web-enabled mobile phone, or check into its folder to see whether your carrier already lists it on its deck of installs.

4

Other Jamdat game products include Home Run Derby, Riddlemaster, Rock Paper Sizzer, Roshambofu, Krazy Konundrum, Trivia, Golf, and Tarot. Some are already out, while others should be available soon. Watch for more, such as Chess, 3G Golf, Soccer 3G, and one called Speakeasy.


join in, with each assuming the identity of one of the zany stars of the film. Rat Race is reminiscent of the classic Stanley Kramer picture It’s a Mad Mad World, where lots of zany folks head across the country to beat each other to a stash of money socked away in a locker. nGames’ other classic pastimes include BlackJack, Craps, HangMan, Roulette, Slots, and that ever-addicting VideoPoker. Check its site at www.ngames.com to see availability on different platforms, such as Palm, Pocket PC, and various mobile phones.

Mobile Pets Just what you need to take along with you—a wireless pet. In Wireless Pets, a game from Digital Bridges (www.digitalbridges.com) pets live virtually in Petville and you can adopt, feed, care for, and play with them anytime you want on your wireless phone. Plus, you get to choose from a variety of critters—cats, dogs, turtles, dinosaurs, and more. For the latest in mobile gaming, go to www.wirelessgamingreview.com or check what TechTV.com reviewers are trying on their mobiles. Of course, you can always go to your carrier’s consumer Web site or portal to check out what it is offering on its entertainment service and download special time wasters at sites like Handango.com.

BLUETOOTH: CONNECTING WIRELESSLY The next generation of wireless systems will enable not only networked gaming but networking of all of our devices, appliances, and even communication wearables. Researchers Frost and Sullivan explain that interoperability across various products and applications is one of the biggest hurdles. Those who attended the 2001 Bluetooth Developers Conference in San Francisco believe that this wireless technology is finally for real. In a nutshell, Bluetooth technology enables the creation of devices that can use a radio frequency to communicate wirelessly with each other within an area of 30 feet. So far, the market of devices with Bluetooth capability includes headsets, cell phones, printers, and computers. Check out www.bluetooth.com, the official Bluetooth Web site; you’ll see lots of promises, including how the technology will revolutionize personal connectivity by providing freedom from wired connectors. 121

Another research firm, Cahners In-Stat Group, predicts that 955 million units of Bluetoothenabled equipment will be sold by 2005. Among the early adopters will be mobile professionals in finance, banking, insurance, real estate, education, and entertainment. A survey by Cahners In-Stat shows that when they survey more than 1,000 people, about one-third respond they will pay a premium greater than $25 to get Bluetooth capability in their hardware, as noted in a story in the December 2001 issue of Mobile Computing and Technology. Why go Bluetooth? What makes this technology so important? The key feature is that it is an “embedded” technology. Because it is integrated into an appliance or a device, you don’t have to do anything to activate it. If this is a technology you want, all you have to do is make sure when you buy new devices and electronics that they include Bluetooth chips. Ask before you buy. Here are some of the Bluetooth-enabled devices you’ll see soon:

•

Anoto Pen—A tool that, in coordination with paper, enables you to transmit, store, and transfer your information.

•

Q-Zone—A new technology that allows people and organizations to create quiet zones within conference rooms and other public spaces.

•

TravelNote Connect—A digital recorder that will integrate recording and playback in vehicles when it is installed in overhead consoles or sun visors.

•

C Tech Pen—A cross between a PDA and a text scanner. It includes an infrared port.

•

Sony’s Bluetooth Camcorder—This camcorder requires no PC and is among the lightest and smallest of camcorders. The new camcorder sends image data through the Internet to a PC or other storage device.

Bluetooth Cars Ford is working to include Bluetooth in its cars so that passengers can make phone calls, play video games, and browse the Internet. Experts are predicting that a basic Bluetooth chipset will fall to just $5 in the near future, meaning that all but the least expensive devices can include the technology. Apple, Palm, and Epson are all introducing Bluetooth-enabled devices.

Plantronics Bluetooth Headsets Of special interest is the M1500 Plantronics, the first Bluetooth headset that can connect with multiple mobile phones. A self-contained unit, the model clips over the ear. Watch for it to launch with enterprise telephony systems, too.

122

Bluetooth Standard

CROSS-PLATFORM DEVICES Interoperability is a key issue in today’s marketplace. Can your camera talk to your phone, and will your PDA be capable of communicating with your game or home entertainment system? As you’ll read in the following sections, these questions will soon disappear.

4

From Book to Video


A standard from the IEEE is evolving to pave the way for wider acceptance of Bluetooth to link devices. The 802.15.1 standard for wireless personal area networks is fully compatible with the Bluetooth 1.1 standard the group promotes, according to ZDNET’s U.K. Web newsletter. For more information on Bluetooth-enabled devices, see your device maker’s Web site or refer to www.bluetooth.com, the official site. This site includes the latest Bluetooth news.

Soon new forms of “hyperlinking” will make it possible to cross from the printed page to a video or an Internet site. Sound fantastic? Believe me, I know it’s possible because several years ago I saw TVI (Touch and View Interactive), which was a predecessor to a new crossplatform device that you can see at www.smartpaper.net (see Figure 4.10).

Figure 4.10 Smartpaper Networks technology enables you to connect the printed page to electronic media like audio, video, and the Internet through its NetBook.

123

Both NTT (creators of DoCoMo’s popular iMode) and Intel were investors in the early-stage development of TVI. Today, Smartpaper Networks is a touch-and-go system. The Smartpaper technology does not change ordinary paper according to the Web site—it just brings paper to life. It allows print media to access and navigate electronic media—audio, video, and the Internet—with the touch of a finger. Although you’ll need a password to learn more about the technology, I can reveal that it does use Bluetooth to transmit to the host device. It is proprietary and patent protected. For more information, e-mail [email protected].

eBook Devices With two models, Gemstar eBook Devices is one of the leaders in eBook devices. Both products can carry thousands of pages of reading material, according to its Web site at www.gemstar-ebook.com. What’s so fascinating about Gemstar is that the firm also owns TV Guide and is a leader in the development of the Electronic Program Guide for television. At this point, unfortunately, its eBook devices do NOT interact with TV screens or electronic media other than the eBook text software. Aside from Gemstar, plenty of eBook developers are vying for your hard-earned dollars. Because there are literally hundreds of eBook reader software and hardware systems, I’m going to refer you to www.planetebook.com and its section on eBook tools. There you’ll see a description and click-through to almost 40 eBook devices, ranging from the Aero 1550 to the Xerox Gyricon. Be sure to check to see what is available today, and not just in product concept form.

Future Books Okay, okay, so books do not generally come with a cord. But today if you’re reading a printed encyclopedia and looking up, for example, “apples” and want to see a video showing all the varieties of apples, you still must transfer to another platform or medium such as the Internet, a video cassette, a CD-ROM, or a DVD.

Jetson Style Wireless Reading Xerox’s Palo Alto Research Center (PARC) is exploring reading-technology prototypes in an interactive exhibit called Experiments in the Future of Reading that was shown at the Tech Museum of Innovation in San Jose, California. Research in Experimental Design group (RED) manager and researcher Rich Gold says in an ABCNews.com story that “we believe the digital explosion actually creates more reading than before.” What are some of the solutions from RED? Here’s a quick look:

•

124

The Fluid Reader—A large monitor featuring a touch screen. A story such as Harry the Ape features triangles in the text. When you touch the triangle, the sentence changes.

Hyperbolic Reader—A long, octagonal screen that projects a cartoon world. By moving a trackball, the user moves the cartoon world on the screen. The goal is to explore narrative spaces that are neither linear (such as a book) or discontinuous (such as hypertext).

•

Tilty Table—A 3’×3’ white screen on a metal podium, on which images are projected onto the screen. When visitors tilt the table, the surface changes in direct response. This technique might be great for reading blueprints, maps, or other large documents.

You can see more at www.thetech.org/xfr/xfr-red/xfr_guide.html.

4

In a series of animated essays on the Xerox PARC Web site, Rich Gold talks about his vision of “the real revolution.” In one of the series he says, “Far from convergence, there will be an explosion of new media and genres created by new digital manufacturing technologies.”


•

LeapFrog One of the most innovative publishers in the children’s arena is LeapFrog. LeapFrog considers itself to be the leading developer of interactive learning toys and books. The firm’s NearTouch technology is a touch-sensory, radio-frequency system. To make the story come alive, you touch the “magic” pen anywhere on the page of a LeapPad book. The audio system, called “Truespeak,” utilizes human voices that are digitized, compressed, and stored in memory chips.

Reading the Future If you go to Barnesandnoble.com and look at a review of the Guinness World Records 2002, you’ll find a preview of a new system that the publisher calls “techno-iconography.” This system challenges you to turn a two-dimensional image into a three-dimensional one using a television, the Web, or your own wireless gadgets. Today you still must use different devices to do this: printed page, Internet sites, and Fox streaming media clips. Using some of the systems in this section, this could all change in a couple of years or even less.

125

To find out more about LeapFrog and its more than 80 products, go to www.leapfrog.com. You’ll discover that this firm is the inspiration of lawyer Mike Wood who, working with Dr. Robert Calfee, Professor Emeritus of Education at Stanford and other early childhood learning experts, developed a patented Phonics Learning System. The firm merged with Knowledge Universe, LLC, a global education company, in 1997. Knowledge Universe was founded by some major corporate names, including Michael Milken, Lowell Milken, and Larry Ellison. Watch for how this firm moves forward in carving out a niche in the future of books.

Bits Versus Books Versus Bits Nicholas Negroponte, the author of the groundbreaking printed book Being Digital, explains that more than 50,000 titles are published in the U.S. each year; rather than issue his book electronically, he chose a printed version. Taken out of context, in an essay on the future of books, he explains, “The existence of books is solace to those who think the world is turning into a digital dump.” According to Negroponte, “What weighs less than one millionth of an ounce, consumes less than a millionth of a cubic inch, holds 4 million bits, and costs less than U.S. $2? What weighs more than 1 pound, is larger than 50 cubic inches, contains less than 4 million bits, and costs more than $20? The same thing: Being Digital stored on an integrated circuit and Being Digital published as a hardcover book.” For more on his essay on the future of books, which touches on the future of Web sites, see www.media.mit.edu~nicholas/wired.

Digital Ink/Radio Paper The experiments into the realm of digital ink are many. One that is getting lots of press is the concept created by Joe Jacobsen, a physics PhD at MIT. Although he has been hushhush about the details, he’s talking about creating a book out of the air. In a story on www.wired.com back in 1997, he says, “We want to make radio paper.” He explains later that his goal is to print a complete radio circuit on the paper itself so it can receive news via FM-sideband transmissions like a pager network. For more information on what is now called eink, go to www.eink.com.

WIRELESS NETWORKS AND SERVICES It seems like everyone wants wireless everywhere. Now that they’re tasting the sweetness of cordless connections at work and home, they want it all the time. Wireless Internet access is definitely growing via the expanding wireless technology known as IEEE 802.11b (or WiFi). (Read more about it in Chapter 8; Chapter 9; and Chapter 10, “The Wireless Workplace.”)

Boingo-ing Forward Start-ups like Boingo (www.boingo.com) by Earthlink’s founder Sky Dayton promise to seamlessly connect you to wireless across the country at coffee shops and other public 126

The one catch to these new wireless systems is that some satellite radio operators say the WiFi systems could interfere with their reception. According to a Wall Street Journal article at press time, the Satellite VI’s want the Federal Communications Commission to impose new restrictions on the WiFi technology.

Souping Up with Software

4

Software-defined radio (SDR) is new technology that promises to transform mobile phone networks into systems that can easily upgrade or change. Carriers can then deliver new services more quickly and at lower prices. As Stephen Blust, director of wireless standards for Cingular Wireless, says in a USA Today article, “You put the right software on the handset and it does anything you want it to do.”


spaces. Newer firms like Joltage (www.joltage.com) are planning to franchise a competitive concept, aiming at small businesses and consumers. To cut the cord as a franchise owner, you’ll need a high-speed connection, special software, and special gear. All consumers need to get online is an 802.11b card in their mobile laptops (or PDAs) and a subscription to a service such as Joltage or Boingo. Fees vary, but they are generally by the hour or a monthly flat fee.

Widespread SDR could be 7–10 years ahead, but some experts say that one-fifth of all networks could benefit in the next two years. Here’s what this system could do for you:

• • • •

Update your phone so you can roam outside your region Boost network power and speed Ease spectrum crunches by letting carriers move to different bands available now Download software, including music, video, and other goodies, to handsets

The biggest challenge is FCC approval and new SDR towers or phones that cover standards and features for the future.

Fixed Wireless Offers More Choices In areas that cable or fiber forgot, you’ll soon discover more fixed wireless systems. Fewer than 5% of U.S. office buildings have fiber or coaxial cable connections, so fixed wireless equipment is demonstrating the value of local multipoint distribution service (LMDS) in areas around the world. LMDS supports very high data rates (up to 1.5Gbps downstream to users and 200Mbps upstream), but the cells span only about a 2-mile radius. You might have heard of MMDS (which serves a radius of 35–50 miles at lower data rates). It’s possible that a fixed wireless system could turn your condo building wireless in days. In more rural areas, the connection sails over trees without forcing a local carrier to dig ditches or plant poles. It’s still an expensive proposition, though, because multipoint base stations run about $100,000–$150,000. However, that’s a lot less than running optical fiber that costs up to $250,000 per mile. Some say this could be a way of beating the 127

digital divide because it can provide wireless to rural areas yearning for better phone connections than current land lines provide. Leading providers of LMDS in the U.S at press time include Teligent, Advanced Radio Telecom, Winstar, and XO Communications. Check with your building manager to see who offers service in your area and who is surviving in this competitive arena.

GPS for Devices Getting your content anywhere you want customized for your personal desires is the goal of GPS firms that are delving into the location-based services area. A Finnish firm called Fastrax Ltd. is moving into the world of providing GPS for your devices. (Check out Chapter 8 for more information on GPS and mobile payment systems.) This firm’s product is said to be the smallest—about the size of a postage stamp—and lowest power-consuming GPS receiver system, so it can be embedded in mobile phones, sports accessories, and handheld computers. This new technology might help carriers roll out e911 (enhanced 911) emergency systems that the FCC has mandated to locate mobile phone users within 75 meters. The company’s iTrax02 module is shipping in the U.S., Far East, and Europe. At this time, it’s planned to be embedded in your device, so you unfortunately can’t buy it as an accessory. Watch for the rise of location-based services (LBS) from your carrier. These will include gaming, travel information, such vital navigational systems as traffic and mapping, and of course mobile commerce opportunities. For information on how these may affect your privacy, see Chapter 7, “Privacy, Personalization, and Security.”

Standards in Wireless Technology Think you’d like an overview of all this next-generation wireless networking? I certainly want one, so I am offering you a quick cheat sheet to the various wireless systems, courtesy of this book’s technical editor Allan Thompson. The following list includes the current standards in wireless technology and their key components:

128

• • • •

Cellular/PCS—Licensed frequency bands, roaming, and so on

•

3G Cellular and PCS—Digital, talk, mobility, much faster data, more new services, new networks

•

4G Cellular and PCS—Digital, talk, mobility, even faster data, even newer services (all still being defined now)

1G Cellular—Analog, talk, mobility, no real data 2G Cellular and PCS—Digital, talk, mobility, very slow data 2.5G Cellular and PCS—Digital, talk, mobility, faster data, some new services, overlay on existing 2G networks

IEEE 802.x LAN (Like Boingo)—Unlicensed frequency bands, IP networks, no talking (except VoIP talking between any two computers), limited mobility (you must take your computer or device from one cell to another), fast data

•

Bluetooth—Unlicensed frequency bands, PANs, includes provisions for voice channels, not as fast as IEEE 802.x

ACCESSORY HEAVEN

4

Gizmos, gadgets, and add-ons abound on the new digital frontier. One accessory maker says it has more than 4,000 different goodies to “soup up your devices.” Chargers, faceplates, and cases similar to those shown in Figure 4.11 are certainly well-known upgrades, and you can find them at shopping center kiosks or at such online sites as www.accessoryoutlet.com, www.accessorysolutions.com, www.wirexgroup.com, www. cellularart.com, and www.justwirelssintl.com or by calling 1-888-express.com, who can lead you to local outlets.


•

Figure 4.11 You can choose from thousands of accessories to maximize the use of your PDA, Pocket PC, mobile phone, or other wireless devices.

In addition to the usual PDA and cell phone add-ons you might already have in mind, there are plenty of accessories available for the other gadgets in your life.

Printer and Camera Accessories Printers, still cameras, and even digital video cameras offer yet another shopping spree’s worth of available accessories for your device. Because these often mean a hefty investment, you’ll want to check them out in a store or online at one of the handheld sources in this chapter to see what other users say before you buy. It’s impossible to do justice to these high-end accessories in a quick review here, so check TechTV.com’s Fresh Gear or product reviews for details on wireless video cameras, mobile camera attachments, and wireless printer hookups. 129

Next Wave Wireless Add-Ons Who knows what the next generation of add-ons for wireless devices will be? One of the most fascinating ones I’ve seen is the Olympia Soundbug, which turns almost any surface (desk, window, wall, and so on) into a speaker for your digital audio player. This futuristic accessory plugs into almost any device headphone socket to create a “sounding board” from the surface to which it attaches. A suction device attaches the system firmly to most any surfaces. On the Web site, it says that a single Soundbug can generate sound levels of up to 75dBM peak. Check out www.soundbug.biz for more detailed information. From rollable keyboards, to Yo-Yo size speakers, to SmartPaper, to digital ink, the wireless world is certainly transforming our idea of what hardware is.

EMERGING WIRELESS MEDIA If you’re a sci-fi fan, you’re probably already familiar with the concept of holograms, holodecks, and synthetic environments. Go to Disney Adventure or the Luxor locationbased game experiences in Las Vegas and you’ll get to experience holograms “jumping out” into the audience with you. There’s little cooler than trying to catch one with your hand. In Figure 4.12 you can get a snapshot for how Philips researchers envision this exact experience brought home for the living room of the future.

Figure 4.12 Philips’ researchers show how you will be able to reach out and wirelessly touch holographic images in immersive living or learning spaces.

130

Wireless Digital Personas

Watch for companies such as LifeFX (www.lifefx.com) to join forces with hardware manufacturers such as Whirlpool and Kodak to bring you wireless virtual characters and avatars (graphic simulations) that you can insert in enhanced messaging and use to greet your callers. With this kind of technology, nobody needs to know that you came into the office in shorts and a ratty white T-shirt that reads, “I dig breaks.”

4

Chops Live Animation


A digital persona is a virtual representation of ourselves. Think of one as your avatar in a virtual world. For those of us who don’t have daily access to Hollywood’s special effect labs, the cool tech of wireless digital personas is still in the future. However, while we wait, emerging animation systems and software are bringing us to the new collaborative world where our digital personas can change hourly, daily, or by the minute. Didn’t you always dream of being a butterfly in your next life?

One of the most fascinating live animation companies is called Chops & Associates. These guys bill themselves as the home of Pentium-based performance animation. The firm offers virtual reality experiences that bring 3D characters to life using real-time animation and customized location-based displays. Founder Gary Jesch is a pioneer in this arena, creating such well-known and loved characters as Virtual Mark Twain and even Brash Landau, who “ran” for virtual vice president at the Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles. One of his newest virtual team members is Cybrina, who is popular with advertisers and is often used to launch new products and services (see Figure 4.13). Now, if I can only get Gary to create me a Tom Cruise character, I’ll be really happy!

Near Life-like Innovators such as NearLife (www.nearlife.com), the creators of Boston’s Virtual Aquarium (www.virtualaquarium.com), are already creating wireless virtual environments where you can play a role. At the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry, I saw the future as I walked through the Internet with my avatar using next-stage technology from NearLife and Motorola’s radio frequency identification system (RFID) cards. What fascinates me most is that, at the museum, everyone not participating in the venture (which cost a small additional fee to get a card) was pointing at my image projected on the screens and asking, “Is that you?” This made me wonder whether it was me, a reflection of me, a projection of me, or just an image of my face that was traveling in cyberspace for a few minutes that day. Great questions to ask as we move into an era where we are now going to be concerned about not only our physical images but also our digital personas. Personalization, digital rights, and privacy questions will prompt us to rethink who owns what in the future. Meanwhile, can I make my avatar look like I did at 17? I need to be sure to add some blond highlights, too! 131

For a peek at a couple of today’s mobile imaging creators, go to www.eyematic.com and www.emblaze.com.

Figure 4.13 Cybrina, a 3D character from Chops & Associates, promotes products for Procter & Gamble as she kisses hosts on TV in Columbia. (Courtesy, www.chops.com.)

EXPERIENCE TOMORROW TODAY The museum exhibitions and virtual aquariums are just the tip of the iceberg for wireless immersive environments. The word in Hollywood is that if director James Cameron has his say, you’ll soon be able to explore the Titanic via a wireless 3D expedition. Mary Duda of Dudadesigns.com is exploring the world of networked, immersive gaming and environments that could simulate space travel and even turn such mundane training as learning how to drive a car into a virtual adventure.

132

At the University of Southern California, the Integrated Media Systems Center (IMSC) is the National Science Foundation’s Engineering Research Center for multimedia and Internet research. As seen on TechTV and in the columns of TechTV.com, IMSC is developing immersive technologies including 3D face modeling and panoramic video that wirelessly lets us move into the area of Immersipresence where we can experience the future and transform our 2D world of computers, TV, and film into 3D immersive environments. Doing this is not simple, and it involves lots of research and some pretty bright folks who know their math. Now, if only my geometry teacher had told me why I should learn about trapezoids! Soon we’ll all be able to wirelessly reach out and experience new environments for training, communication, and entertainment—the truest forms of what we now call multimedia.

C H A P T E R

5

WIRELESS: SAFETY NET OR HEALTH HAZARD?

Cell phones, often labeled status symbols, social nuisances, and even health hazards in the past, are now seen as necessities and lifesavers by more people since September 11, 2001. Verizon says that cell phone charger and battery sales are up. Some media even report wireless sales increasing more than 10%. Yet, as people clutch their pocket-sized devices tighter and begin to install wireless LANs in the workspace, concerns about radiation emissions and possible health problems still lurk. The challenge throughout this book is to provide you with the facts, not the hype. Bottom line, there are no studies that prove that cell phones cause cancer or other diseases in humans. I encourage you to stay alert and informed on new reports. Many experts say that the worst wireless danger comes from driving and talking at the same time. In this chapter I’ll guide you through some of the stats and info on hands-free wireless communications systems and regulations. e911 (enhanced 911) emergency services, networks, and handsets are on the way, and you’ll find a preview of how they could improve personal and highway safety in this section. Public safety is not just a concern for our officials anymore; each of us is trying to do our share to stay connected and serve as eyes and ears to protect our

families and communities. The biggest challenge of all might be preserving our privacy and not confusing safety for security. (See Chapter 7, “Privacy, Personalization, and Security,” for updates on wireless privacy and security systems.) In this chapter, you’ll find

• • • • •

Summaries of cell phone health studies Sources for updated information on e911 enhanced emergency systems Checklist for safer car cell phone use Information about hands-free systems and driving laws Public safety wireless advances

A NEW ERA OF WIRELESS SAFETY SYSTEMS The perceived connection between wireless and safety is demonstrably stronger since the fall of 2001. Can the network operators and wireless technology leaders match reality to that perception? Politicians, the public, and emergency service personnel all now realize that wireless can be a crucial lifeline-type service offering real-time alerts and updates during a crisis regionally or nationally. Challenges to maximizing wireless’s potential, however, include the following:

• • • •

Managing increased traffic loads Ensuring communications priority for rescue personnel Overcoming networks’ spectrum limitations Ensuring reliable systems

Preparing for Emergency Traffic Overloads On September 11, 2001, AT&T Wireless and most other carriers saw their highest call volume ever. “Traffic doubled in every switch we have,” says Jim Roberts, VP of Network Operations at Alltel in an interview with “The Net Economy” newsletter. Wireless carriers went into overdrive to service unprecedented demand by consumers and public safety personnel. Increased wireless traffic involves both the radio network, which includes cell sites, and the wireless backbone network, which carries the calls from the radio networks to local and long-distance wireline networks. Normally, to deal with additional traffic needs in cases of natural disasters, such as floods or snowstorms, providers borrow capacity from other markets because there is generally advance warning. Plus, as you know by now, more than a dozen Manhattan cell sites were knocked out, so adjacent sites were adjusting their coverage to handle those calls. AT&T Wireless installed more than 860 radios at its cell sites in Manhattan and Washington D.C., and Verizon 134

What can the wireless carriers do in the future to ensure our safety and communications options? Here are a couple of methods that could help:

•

Adjust the vocoders—They turn speech into digital signals, and networks can accommodate more calls by diminishing the vocoder rate so each call takes up less bandwidth. However, that often means less voice quality, which can be a bigger problem.

•

Add new load balancing software that can distribute the calling loads—Switch a call on a cell site that’s approaching capacity automatically to a less busy neighboring cell even though the original cell is emitting a stronger signal.


brought in COWs (cellular sites on wheels) and free wireless pay phones. (These operate just like a regular wireless phone but first establish a radio connection with the wireless network. Also, when dialing is complete, calls are connected over wireless facilities.) And still there was not enough to meet demand.

5 The good news is that the next-generation wireless networks you’ll read about in this book—such as CDMA’s 1XRTT and GSM’s GPRS—actually feature vocoders that boost capacity even normally. To get maximum capacity boost, you’ll have to wait until most of your provider’s customers are switched to these next-generation handsets and networks. Experts say that when all subscribers in a market are using 1X phones, capacity could even double. How do we ensure that emergency personnel and public safety officials get priority calling services in times of crisis? That issue might not be a problem because next-generation wireless standards support something called access classes. This enables providers to be assigned higher classes in an emergency so their communication becomes a priority. There could also be a special channel for the public’s crisis contact system to local authorities.

Wireless Data’s Most Dependable System Which wireless works best in a crisis? Because data networks need less bandwidth than voice, text messaging is becoming a crucial tool in ensuring safe and reliable communication. Chosen by businesses and displaced workers, BlackBerry two-way pagers operating on Cingular Interactive’s wireless network became one of the best ways to communicate in New York. Cingular says it was able to handle a 60% jump in traffic. AOL fans should note that the AOL Communicator works on the RIM system, the same as a Blackberry. At press time, AOL was offering the Communicator for a special fee of $99, plus monthly service charges (in addition to your AOL annual membership fees). Many networks are adding text messaging capabilities to their wireless data services. Sometimes the service is free, but it often costs extra. Consider adding this service to your package because it could be a lifesaver if voicelines are overloaded.

135

Public Safety Wireless Network To be effective before, during, and after their response, public safety officials throughout all levels of government must be able to communicate with each other. Back in 1996, the nation’s Public Safety Wireless Network (PSWN) Program was created. Read more about its services and mission at http://www.pswn.gov/about.htm. The goal is to “plan for and foster interoperability among wireless networks that meets the requirements of local, state, and federal safety organizations. To achieve this mandate such challenges as spectrum, funding, organization, and operations need to be handled.” Check with your elected officials for updates on the PSWN implementation.

The Internet Continues to Work Internet networks are increasingly important tools in emergency response systems and public safety communications. Designed originally as a military and educational network, one of the goals of the Internet creators was to provide communications capable of withstanding nuclear attack. Redundancy is built and maintained today so that even if a major hub is destroyed, messages can be rerouted. Instant messaging (real-time, online text messaging) becomes crucial in an emergency to provide instant alerts and directions. Increasing capability for Web-enabled phones to access the Internet could mean better access to regional and national news updates, traffic problems, and other up-to-date information during and after an emergency. New data-enabled content services can also provide text alerts from government and law enforcement anyplace and anytime.

The Role of e911 and Safety As you’ll discover later in this chapter, enhanced 911 emergency services are going to make it easier to pinpoint the locations of wireless phone users in times of distress. Most wireless providers are in the process of updating networks to deliver this capability. Following September 11, journalists asked what effect e911 could have in saving lives in the future. Consumers need to know that not only must the new networks be in place, but also new handsets will be needed to take advantage of e911. The first e911-enabled handset to hit the U.S. market in October 2001 was the Samsung SPH-N300. Samsung is a hardware partner for Sprint PCS. At press time, Sprint is selling the phone for $149. The phone is compatible with the GPS (Global Positioning System) that uses satellites to triangulate a user’s location within an accuracy of 10–100 meters. Before buying this model, check to see whether Sprint is rolling out e911 in your region yet. Rhode Island was first on Sprint’s implementation program, with the rest of its markets slated for service throughout 2002. The FCC is requiring that all wireless phones work with enhanced 911 by the end of 2002.

136

THE CELL PHONE HEALTH CHALLENGE Despite the obvious safety value of cell phones and pagers, health concerns persist. Even if you’re familiar with the literature and studies on potential health hazards, you might want to review the suggestions here on how to limit cell phone risk and also check out developments in hands-free phones and built-in telematic systems for your vehicle.

How to Limit Cell Phone Risk

•

Limit cell phone usage—Until we have all the findings, you might want to limit cell phone use to less than 5 hours per month. Yes, that’s per month, not per day.

•

Buy a hands-free kit for your car—Consider buying a car that has a separate external antenna.

•

Consider a radiation shield—Although we have no good evidence to determine their effectiveness, if you’re concerned, you might want to get a radiation shield.

•

Use a landline if it’s available—Aside from lessening your risk, it still probably offers the surest connection.

5

Is it possible to limit your risk if you’re a cell phone user or want to go wireless at work or home? Here are suggestions I developed based on the research on TechTV.com and from other published studies:


The ability for emergency personnel to locate you in times of crisis is not the only safety benefit of e911. The service will also be capable of directing you to the nearest gas station and hospital while you’re traveling.

Digital Angel Tracking It would be great if cars came equipped with their own guardian angels to guide us safely along our way. As location-based technologies evolve with the implementation of e911, it might be possible to simulate that heavenly assistance wirelessly. A Palm Beach, Florida firm called Digital Angel (a subsidiary of Applied Digital Solutions) says it is developing a new technology with “advanced biosensors” with GPS to locate cars, people, and even pets in distress. The firm says it is beginning to ship orders for their devices that come in two forms—a wristwatch and another that resembles a pocket pager that can be clipped to your belt. The cost is about $300 plus a $20–$50 monthly fee. VeriChip Corp., the firm providing miniaturized, implantable radio frequency identification devices for implanting in humans, is also a wholly owned subsidiary of Applied Digital Solutions. For more on Digital Angel devices—from the pager to the VeriChip and the Global VeriChip Subscriber Registry launched May 1, 2002—go to www.digitalangel.net. 137

•

Move the cell phone antenna as far from your head as possible—This reduces access to the brain.

•

Check the radiation information on the chart at www.domode.com or at the FCC Web site.

• •

Buy a cell phone with the lowest radiation output.

•

Try not to use a cell phone if the signal is weak—The phone might emit more radiation to compensate for a poor signal. For even better transmission and less radiation use the phone outside. Sources say that use inside a vehicle (except cloth-top convertibles) or a building (with metal frame) requires extra power boost to reach the nearest antenna, thus you could be getting a much higher dose of radiation.

If you’re pregnant, limit cell phone use—Don’t put the phone near your stomach (for example, having daddy talk to the child before birth).

Still concerned about cell phone health and hazards? Take a look at excerpts from these findings in this chapter. Do your own research to check out the radiation level of the phone you are using or intend to buy. Check the SAR (specific absorption rate) level now on a label or printed on the handset box before you purchase. Want to search even further? Then, go to TechTV.com and enter the words “cell phones health” in the search window; you’ll find dozens of articles that relate to the topics covered in this chapter. Note that none of the TechTV.com stories or reports show that wireless can cause cancer or other diseases. It seems important, though, to include some of the reports here to help you better decide how to keep you and your family safe from any possible radiation emission potential danger. Under Federal Communications Commission safety standards, cell phones sold in the United States can emit no more than 1.6 watts of energy per kilogram of body tissue, a measure known as the specific absorption rate (SAR), or the amount of radiation absorbed by the body. The SAR gives only the maximum emission from a phone, which occurs when the user reaches the outer limits of a transmission tower’s range. According to Robert Cleveland, Ph.D., senior scientist with the FCC’s Office of Engineering and Technology in an interview with intellihealth.com in May 2001, the standard was set far below the absorption level demonstrated to cause any biological change in laboratory animals. Reassuring the public, Cleveland says that he expects long-term studies will demonstrate the safety of telephones. Meanwhile, he is taking no special precautions and uses a plain old handset cell phone without an earpiece. Sources for this chapter include some of the best in the world, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the World Health Organization (WHO), the U.S. Journal of the National Cancer Institute, the Journal of the American Medical Association, and the International Journal of Radiation Biology from Britain. To avoid bias, we didn’t include mention of all of the dozens of studies available from industry trade associations.

138

Still in progress is the cellular industry’s own study commissioned under the auspices of the FDA. Three research institutions chosen for phase one studies were Integrated Laboratory Systems of Research (Triangle Park, NC), the Interuniversity Center on Interaction Institute Between Electromagnetic Fields and Biosystems (Naples and Rome, Italy), and the Fraunhofer research on the impact of cell phone radiation. The institutes in the FDA study will research the impact of cell phone radiation and other sources that can lead to what researchers call micronucleus formation, believed to be an indicator of structural changes in genetic materials. Sources say the first phase of the studies could take two years to complete.

5

The Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA) is footing the bill, which will reach $l.5 million. What prompted this study? Newsbytes—a Washington D.C. news wire service—reported that the FDA said more studies might be warranted because industry research has been inconclusive in previous surveys. However, one study conducted by Wireless Technology Research LLC, an industry-funded but independent lab, came up with data suggesting cell phones cause damage to genetic material of blood cells called lymphocytes. You can check out the progress of this CTIA study at http://www.wowcom.com/consumer/issues/health/articles.cfm?ID=165, which is the industry trade group’s Web site for the public (see Figure 5.1).


The Studies

Figure 5.1 CTIA World of Wireless (www.wow-com) Web site for the public.

139

Scientists don’t know how phone radiation affects humans. A Wireless Technology Research study found evidence to suggest that cell phone radiation actually decreased the incidence of brain tumors in laboratory animals. A paper published in the International Journal of Radiation Biology found that cell phone radiation had no effects on short-term memory. And wearing an ear piece that generates analog cell phone radiation actually increased the response time to yes-or-no questions. For up-to-date information, check out the CTIA Web site at http://www.wow-com.com/ consumer/issues/health/articles.cfm?ID=153. You’ll find that the site explains the following: “Information on SAR levels has always been available to the public. However, in the past, consumers seeking this information could only obtain it directly from the FCC. In an effort to make this information more easily accessible to consumers, the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association (CTIA) has launched a program requiring manufacturers to identify SAR levels in product packaging of new CTIA-certified phones.”

CAUTION

Always look for a cell phone model that has an antenna that directs the signal away from the user’s body. As noted earlier in this book, companies are developing cell phone antennas that direct the signal away from the user’s body, which can be valuable in diminishing exposure to cell phone radiation. Be sure to not put the phone extremely close to your head.

How Cell Phones Work To get a clearer understanding of how cell phones, cell phone base stations, and wireless connections at home and in the workplace can affect the health of you and your family, you should understand how cell phones work. For details on this topic, go to www.howstuffworks.com (see Figure 5.2) or to the CTIA Web site and read the information under the section How Wireless Works. You might enjoy reviewing this with your spouse, teens, and children because the sites are fascinating and provides valuable links to other Web sites and information about studies on cell phones, mobile base stations, and radio frequency (RF).

Cell Base Stations and RF Studies In many countries, more than half the population already uses mobile phones, and the market is growing rapidly. In some parts of the world, wireless phones are the only phones available. Because of the increasing numbers of users, additional mobile base stations have had to be installed.

140


5

Figure 5.2 Howstuffworks.com digital cell phone facts.

What are cellular base stations? You’ve probably seen their antennas on the side of the road; they are low-powered radio antennas. A base station includes the transmitters and receivers (transceivers) as well as the antennas that communicate with users’ handsets. In early 2000, the United States boasted 82,000 cell sites, with each cell site holding one or more base stations. The World Health Organization (WHO) fact sheet on electromagnetic fields and public health encourages users to keep in mind several considerations:

•

Radiation differs between RF fields and X-rays or gamma rays—WHO says current mobile phone systems operate between 800MHz and 1800MHz. Unlike ionizing radiation of x-rays or gamma rays, RF fields can’t cause radioactivity in the body.

•

RF levels differ between mobile phone handsets and base stations—RF exposure for a mobile phone user is higher than for a person living near a cell base station.

•

RF levels differ between mobile phones and radio and TV antennas—WHO says that in many urban areas, television and radio broadcast antennae transmit higher RF levels than do mobile base stations.

WHO says that RF fields penetrate exposed tissues to depths that depend on the frequency—up to a centimeter for mobile phones. The body absorbs RF energy and produces heat, but our normal thermoregulatory process carries this heat away. According to WHO studies, all health effects of RF exposure are clearly related to heating.

141

On the TechTV.com Web site, you’ll find a December 2000 story reporting that the amount of time spent using a phone does not affect a person’s chances of developing brain tumors. And using a cell phone does not boost your chances of developing brain cancer according to the December 2000 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, which publishes up-to-date findings on U.S. health concerns. How did the research in the AMA journal study evolve? Here’s how:

• •

891 cell phone users were interviewed in a case-controlled study.

•

Researchers came from such prestigious institutions as the American Health Foundation, the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, and four other U.S. medical centers.

Half of the group was comprised of men and women diagnosed with brain cancer; the other half was a cancer-free control group.

Here are the study results: “The data showed no correlation between the use of cell phones and the development of brain cancer,” according to Dr. Joshua Muscat, of the Division of Epidemology of the American Health Foundation, the study’s principal investigator. The study also found “no association between the amount of cell phone usage and brain cancer.” Monthly phone usage didn’t vary significantly between cancer patients who on average used their phones 2.5 hours per month and the control-group subjects who talked 2.2 hours per month. JAMA researchers focused solely on users of analog cell phones, not digital phones (which generally operate at lower power and higher frequencies and thus produce less radiation). The JAMA study followed only 831 people, and half of those already had cancer. How projectable is that to the general population? To be frank, no one knows. But in Denmark, a study of more than 420,000 mobile phone users between 1982 and 1995 found no increased incidence of cancer. Why go to Denmark to get the answers? First, Scandinavia has a system of compulsory registration of citizens who’ve been operated on as well as national cancer registries dating back to World War II. Data on 420,095 users identified from Danish mobile phone operators’ subscriber lists were linked to information at the Danish Cancer Registry via the central population registry. A total of 3,391 cancers were observed in the sample group, which is remarkably close to those expected on the basis of incidence rates in the general population according to study researchers. The study did not support any link between phone use and brain tumors, cancers of the brain or salivary gland, or leukemia, according to the report published in the U.S. Journal of the National Cancer Institute in February 2000. 142

The Danish data was gathered before the link between cell phones and cancer became a public issue. Some experts feel this gives the study greater credibility because the cancer patients were unbiased as to what caused the tumor.

Ear Pieces and Headsets: Good or Bad?

5

Chances are you’ve seen people walking down the street talking to themselves. Most of the time, they’re using ear pieces or headsets. How safe are these accessories? Researching them, we found that their use seems just as controversial as cell phones.


The Danish study provides evidence against a link between cell phone use and brain cancer. However, researchers also reported that radiation at sufficiently high levels could cause heating of parts of the body, but it’s a very low rise in brain temperature. Also, the study did not clear cell phones of other health risks that still need to be determined, including correlation between Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and various forms of dementia and skin diseases at point of contact to flesh.

One British government study showed that hands-free kits cut exposure levels. Another British consumer-research magazine said that using hands-free ear pieces could more than triple the brain’s exposure to radiation compared to a conventional mobile phone call.

Handheld and Laptop Risks It’s tougher to find specific stats on potential health hazards of handheld computers, new Pocket PCs, and laptops that are equipped with Bluetooth chips or wireless local area network (LAN) cards. Most people don’t use their laptops on their laps or near their brains. In addition, with a wireless LAN, most of your time is spent in a receive mode rather than a transmit mode, which can reduce risk dramatically.

Don’t Worry Too Much…Yet According to James Walsh, author of True Odds: How Risk Affects Your Everyday Life, information about risk often is presented in a misleading way. Consumers frequently jump to conclusions that the available data doesn’t support. In his book, he examines the gap between the data about the risks of cell phone radiation and the public’s perception of that risk. He points out that you can’t say that cell phone radiation causes abnormal tissue growth. Establishing that exposure of human tissue to certain types of radiation causes abnormal tissue growth, and that cell phones cause some level of radiation, doesn’t prove anything, according to Walsh.

143

Cell Phone Health FAQs You already know that computer geeks are fond of FAQs (frequently asked questions) because they’re a fast way to cut the hype and get to the answers. We answer 10 of the most frequently asked questions about cell phone usage in the following:

144

•

Can using wireless phones cause brain tumors or cancer?—No one knows for sure. Right now we have no definite evidence linking wireless use to any disease in humans. However, research continues in Europe, in the U.S., and around the world.

•

Is it safe to use a wireless phone with a pacemaker?—Check with your doctor, but you should probably consider not using a phone or dramatically limiting use. Consumer’s Union research has shown that a cell phone can confuse a pacemaker into improperly altering its stimulation of heartbeats and can cause palpitations and lightheadedness. The New England Journal of Medicine reports that when the phone is used in its normal position over the ear, no symptoms are detected. So, the issue might be holding handsets too near the pacemaker. Technology advances might soon enable pacemakers to send information via a patient’s home phone to a central database on hospital computers, and there it will be forwarded to the doctor’s office. One such device is the Biotronik Home Monitoring System that is FDA approved.

•

Do phones with shorter antennas or internal antennas mean less risk?—Both a handset’s ear piece and its antenna emit radiation, so the length or antenna’s position in the device doesn’t lessen the risk.

•

What does SAR mean and how reliable is it?—SAR stands for the phone’s specific absorption rate, which is the amount of radiation absorbed by body tissue. A phone’s SAR value can’t exceed 1.6 watts of energy per kilogram of body tissue according to FCC standards. This was also explained in Chapter 1, “Most Frequently Asked Questions About Going Wireless,” along with references to the FCC Web site, which provides up-to-date charts to help you rate your cell phone model’s SAR ratings.

•

Are cell phones the only devices that emit EMR (electromagnetic radiation)?—No. Many household appliances, computers, power lines, building electrical wiring, and even battery-powered toys emit EMRs. TVs, radios, landline phones, and cordless phones are all what the FCC calls “non-intentional transmitters.” Cell phones are labeled “intentional transmitters” and have to meet other FCC regulations before they can be sold.

•

Can my dad use his wireless phone with his hearing aid?—Some analog cell phones don’t interfere, but some digital mobile phones can cause problems. Hearing aid wearers should ask their doctors about hearing aid telephone interconnect systems (HATIS).

•

How dangerous is it to live near a mobile base station?—Mobile base stations are similar to multichannel two-way radios. Most scientists say that power from mobile phone base station antennas is far too low to produce health hazards, as long as

Can RF radiation cause miscarriages or birth defects?—The Medical College of Wisconsin report by John E. Moulder, Ph.D., professor of Radiation Oncology, says that exposure to RF radiation sufficient to cause whole body heating can cause miscarriages or birth defects. The power produced by mobile base stations is far too low to cause full body heating.

•

How reliable are radiation testing and the SAR levels?—No one knows for sure. What is generally agreed upon is that you should choose a phone with a rating (SAR) of 1.6 or lower. If your phone is an older model, you might not be able to find its FCC rating (see the section “Want More Information?” later in this chapter to learn about FCC ratings).

•

Is it dangerous to use cell phones near gas pumps?—Mobile phone manufacturers have warned consumers against using devices near gas pumps. Exxon and Shell have begun posting signs at their service stations in Europe and the U.S. warning against the use of cell phones near gas pumps. A CNN report says the companies regard the risk of explosion as “extremely unlikely” but wants to err on the side of safety.

5

•


people stay away from direct access to antennas. FM and TV antennas send out 100–5000 times more power than base station antennas, but they usually are mounted on much higher towers and operate at lower frequencies. The FCC has set limits on the RF radiation exposure from mobile phone base station antennas.

Are Kids at Greater Risk? Mobile phones top the must-have list of most pre-teens and teenagers. But kids can be at more risk than adults, according to a story on Time.com.

20/20 Cell Phone TV Show You might still remember ABC’s 20/20 television show in 1999 that reported that radiation measurements differ depending on how the testing equipment is used and how the phone is positioned during the test. It appears to be true that we have no uniform guidelines for the radiation tests, leaving procedures to vary. Labs measure SAR on a test dummy head filled with a liquid that stimulates the absorption of qualities of human cells. The FCC is developing new guidelines to establish a standard distance between phones and the testing medium (inside the phantom head). SAR levels can vary depending how far you are from the nearest cell phone tower. FCC regulations are based on the phones’ maximum power levels. If you’re closer to the cell phone tower, the radiation might be much lower.

145

In fact, more than 10 million children in the U.S. aged 10–19 own a wireless phone (note, that’s own, not just use their parents’ phones) according to researchers at Yankee Group. That’s 1 out of 4 kids in the age group. Within four years, it’s estimated that 2 out of 3 children in the 10–19 age group will have their own cell phones. Why are children more at risk?

•

Kids’ skulls are thinner and their brains smaller, so radiation can penetrate their heads more easily.

•

A child’s brain is still developing and is sensitive to outside interference. Cell phones can affect your youngster’s brain rhythms.

•

Children can be more at risk to suffer memory loss, sleeping disorders, and headaches.

Most of these findings are based on reports from the British government whose Stewart Commission found no direct indication that cell phones are harmful, but urged that children be discouraged from using cell phones and that wireless companies stop marketing specifically to kids. The good side of giving kids cell phone access is that parents can keep tabs on their offspring and know they are carrying safety devices with them at all times because phones offer instant access to Mom and Dad and to 911 in an emergency situation. You might want to consider a two-way pager for your child or explore two-way radios for communicating in your neighborhood. (Check Chapter 8, “Connecting on the Go,” for details on twoway radios for family use.) Kids and adults alike are turning to other wearables, such as a watch that offers cell phone access. Siemens has a watch that looks like that famous Dick Tracy timepiece our grandparents know well from the early sci-fi movies and serials that appeared in theaters in the ‘30s and ‘40s (see Figure 5.3). Note that the watch works on GSM wireless networks only. If you are not on that system, it will not work in your area. Check with your carrier before buying any wearable to be sure it is compatible with your provider. Timex and other manufacturers are also designing wearable devices for work and play. Still in development from IBM’s pervasive computing division is digital jewelry, such as aluminum watches or bracelets that include microdisplays similar to a desktop computer screensaver. The watches not only keep time but also have caller ID and a PDA so users can access their calendars and phone books. To use the bracelets, users wear a ring that flashes a certain color depending on the urgency of the call. No research was available on the RF emissions of this jewelry, which is still in the labs as concept prototypes.

146


5

Figure 5.3 The Siemens wristphone is one of today’s versions of the famous Dick Tracy communicator.

Cell Phone Lawsuits If the studies haven’t alarmed you enough, you might consider looking at some of the lawsuits that have been filed alleging that cell phones do cause disease. Neurologist Chris Newman, 41, filed an $800 million lawsuit saying that companies failed to inform the public of the dangers posed by radiation. Newman has said he has a tumor behind his right ear, which according to his doctors is just the spot one would find a tumor caused by frequent cell phone usage. His attorney says his is the only case that has documented long-term cell phone use. He used his phone for 20-minute intervals several times per day from 1992 to 1998. The facts? Brain cancer strikes about six in every 100,000 people in the U.S. each year. Human studies have shown no significantly higher rates of brain cancer among cell phone users, although according to the TechTV.com story on this case, one study did show that tumors appeared more often on the same side of the head where the phone was used. The attorney for this case says her client hopes that the lawsuit will prompt the FDA to mandate that all cases of cell phone users who develop brain tumors be reported to the agency. That request brings up privacy issues because, unlike Denmark and other European countries, the United States has no national health coverage and master file system of cancer patients. Norm Sandler, spokesman for Motorola, says his company expects the courts to dismiss the lawsuit. 147

Want More Information? Here’s a list of Web sites and sources where you can get more information on the latest studies on cell phones and health:

•

The World Health Organization—You can find its Web site at www.who.int/ peh-emf.

•

Point.com—www.point.com offers a consumer site that includes ratings for selected phones, including the modes they operate in.

•

The FDA—Check out its updates on mobile phone models at www.fda.gov/cdrh/ocd/mobilphone.html.

The FCC One of the most important and informative places to find more information is the FCC. Visit www.fcc.gov/oet/rfsafety, or call the FCC at (202) 4l8-2464 for the latest SAR ratings. You can also copy down the FCC number printed on the outside of your cell phone box and then check the FCC Web site displaying the SAR reports at http://www.fcc.gov/ oet/fccid (see Figure 5.4). Refer to the handset number to find the phone’s official SAR report. Beware, though, some of these reports are often as long as 100 pages. Plus, not all phones models are listed. To double-check, you can always call the phone’s manufacturer and request the model’s SAR levels. Don’t you love it when you look all over your phone and still can’t find the serial number? Well, the FCC ID number is not the manufacturer’s model number, nor is it the serial number. To locate the number, you might have to try a few steps. Remove the battery pack; the number might be behind the battery. The FCC ID number is composed of a code (3 characters) followed by an equipment product code (1–14 characters). According to a helpful tip from About.com’s consumer advocate Nicolette Parisi, a typical FCC ID number might be GMLNSW-4DX.

What’s Average for Cell Phone Usage? Is there any average for cell phone usage? According to an FCC report, Americans spend an average of 221 minutes per month talking on their cell phones. So, doing the math quickly, that translates to about 4 hours per month and actually less than 10 minutes per day. If you’re using your phone more, you might double-check the emission ratings and keep closer track of developments on cell phone radiation and health. 148


5

Figure 5.4 Check out the FCC Web site for answers to wireless health questions at www.fcc.gov/oet/rfsafety.

The FCC ID page includes typical labels to help you identify the FCC ID number because many package labels now include the number. The FCC page features an ID search form. You must include hyphens and dashes to get the right results. If your phone’s not listed, About.com’s Parisi suggests checking the Grant of Equipment Authorization. Be sure to click View Grant. For cell phones authorized between mid-1998 and June 2000, SAR max levels should be in the Exhibits section of the Grant of Equipment Authorization page. Click View Exhibits. For cell phones authorized prior to mid-1998, the FCC does not have data online. To obtain information on these phones, contact the manufacturer or customer service offices. Check with the cellular industry trade group CTIA at www.ctia.org for the latest manufacturer contact information. Most cell phone manufacturers include some SAR data on their own Web sites, and many have article links to SAR information. If you don’t have a chance to go to the FCC Web site www.fcc.gov right now, here’s some information summarizing important points from its pages “Cell Phones and Your Health”:

•

In consultation with federal health and safety agencies such as the FDA, the FCC has adopted limits for safe exposure to radio frequency (RF) energy.

•

The FCC requires cell phone manufacturers to ensure that their phones comply with these objective limits for safe exposure. 149

•

Any cell phone at or below the SAR levels (that is, any phone legally sold in the U.S.) is a “safe” phone as measured by these standards.

•

Information on SAR levels for many phones is available electronically at the FCC’s Web site (www.fcc.gov/oet/rfsafety) or by calling the FCC’s information line for RF safety, at (202) 4l8-2464.

The FCC’s health and safety page notes the following: “There is no scientific evidence to date that proves that wireless phone usage can lead to cancer or other adverse health effects, such as headaches, dizziness, elevated blood pressure, or memory loss.” The site does note, though, that studies are ongoing and key government agencies, such as the FDA, continue to monitor the results of the latest scientific research. The FCC site refers readers to the FDA mobile phone pages at www.fda.gov/ cdrh/ocd/mobilphone.html (note no “e” in mobilphone).

CAUTION

If you or your spouse or children suffer from any chronic illness, you might want to check with your physician for her findings or research on how cell phones can affect someone with your particular concern. Our research in this chapter is by no means a complete survey of the thousands of articles and studies that have been or are being conducted on cell phone use.

FCC Official Pacemaker Caution The FCC site does make one health caution, which we have mentioned in our FAQs. According to the government, cell phones have been known to have an indirect effect in one health area, in that they potentially can cause some interference to implanted cardiac pacemakers under certain conditions. The page recommends that pacemaker patients “may want to avoid placing a phone in a pocket close to the location of the pacemaker.” As noted earlier, we recommend that you check with your physician if you have a pacemaker or have a relative who has a pacemaker.

150

As noted in the opening section of this chapter, most people buy a cell phone, at least in part, because it gives them peace of mind that they can call loved ones 24/7, locate emergency help without getting out of the car or finding a pay phone, or be available for kids to contact anytime and anyplace. And cell phones do provide that peace of mind for most users. More than 140,000 emergency calls are placed daily via cell phones according to the CTIA. That averages to about 96 calls per minute. “Be prepared” is a good scout motto that you should follow to make sure your phone and you are ready for an emergency. Use the following checklist:

•


CELL PHONES AND SAFETY

Phone number—Learn your cell phone number. As silly as that seems, many people don’t know their cell phone numbers by memory.

•

Call 911, not a pal—Some stranded motorists call spouses or pals instead of calling 911 when a crisis hits. Be sure to call 911 first. You can always call your family later, after you know that help is on its way. Don’t underestimate the severity of your problem. Even a flat tire can be dangerous because once your car is on the side of the road, you might easily be hit by another car.

•

Battery—Be sure your battery is charged. A cell phone is useless if it’s dead. Some people carry extra batteries in their glove compartments or car trunks. Or, consider carrying a disposable cell phone for use in emergencies.

•

Adapter—A good mobile adapter can be a savior. You simply plug it into your cigarette lighter and connect it to your phone so there’s instant power. Most adapters keep charging while you’re using the phone.

•

Dual mode—If you’re out in the sticks, your fancy digital phone just might not work. Analog networks still offer wider coverage, and chances are an analog phone will work outside of city areas. To ensure you’re set for a crisis, consider buying a dual-mode phone (analog and digital).

•

Booster kit—Live in the country or off the beaten path? Love to camp? Then you might want to buy an antenna or a booster kit for your phone. These amplifiers increase your phone’s transmission power. Alas, adapters help only when you’re within range of a cell site and mountains or tress aren’t blocking the signal.

5

Write it down on a piece of tape on the back of the phone if you have trouble remembering. In a crisis, even the best memories go blank. It’s valuable because if you’re in an accident or call 911 for another reason, the operator will want to know your phone number. Even AAA requires a phone number to provide road service. The most important thing that you can do to protect yourself is to know your phone number and to give it to the authorities when there is a problem.

151

It’s always a good idea to keep a map in your car or a reference book of streets in your area, such as the Thomas Guide. That way, if you get lost or are stranded when you call for emergency backup, you’ll be able to tell the officials the nearest cross street. Have trouble reading a map? One of the best tips we know is to use Mapquest.com or other online map service regularly. That way you get step-by-step directions that you can print out online. It might not always keep you from getting lost but it can be very helpful in describing where you are if you can tell the officials how you got there. Also, be mindful when you drive. Know your location at all times, especially at night or in bad weather. Watch the freeway exits. If you’re stranded on Interstate 5 heading from San Francisco to Los Angeles in the middle of the night, it’s helpful to know whether you’re closer to Bakersfield or another city. When you dial 911 on your cell phone, the operator still can’t tell exactly where you are located. Stay in your car until help comes. Don’t think you can flag down another motorist or about hitching a ride to get assistance. Authorities sometimes encourage you to walk to call boxes located on freeways. But in the dark, it’s hard to tell whether the nearest box is located ahead or behind you. It’s better to stay in the car, even if it takes a while for help to find you. Take-out food is hard to find when you’re lost or stranded, so you might want to keep an emergency snack pack of water, crackers, and dried fruit in your car along with your extra battery or adapter. If you dip into the stash during traffic jams, be sure to replace the goodies. When you do, check your adapter and battery to ensure that moisture has not corroded them. If you live in bad weather climates, this is even more vital. If you’re interested in how e911 (the next stage of 911 emergency services in the United States) can help you, check out the e911 page on the FCC Web site (http://www. fcc.gov/e911/). You’ll see news on these new standards and how they are progressing in each state and various cities.

Automating Your Safety Needs Telematics is a term you’re going to hear more and more about. In-car navigation systems can be very helpful in keeping you from getting lost. Want to try one before you buy a car with a system such as OnStar? Next time you rent a car, ask for the optional navigation system. It might take a couple of trips to get used to these systems. Most use voice navigation, and some people find it takes time to get used to the machine giving you directions. For a complete guide to telematics, see Chapter 6, “Telematics: The Web on Wheels.”

152

Soon, frequent travelers might buy disposable paper phones from vending machines. These phones are designed to work in that locale and come with prepaid minutes. If you’re lucky, you might even get one as a freebie from your local store as a promotional gift. (Would you like a free cell phone with your smoothie?) One company already making these disposable phones is Dieceland Technologies Corp. (www.dtcproducts.com). They call it a phone-card-phone. It’s made by printing circuits onto a paper substrate using metallic, conductive inks. The paper is then folded to make a small phone. It comes with a headset jack that accepts a small ear piece, making it wearable. Sound far-fetched? Well, most of us have used disposable cameras, especially when we’ve forgotten our good camera at home. The disposable phone manufacturer estimates the new phone will cost about $10 and will include an hour of talk time (see Figure 5.5).

5

To search for other paper cell phone suppliers, go to TechTV.com and enter paper phones in the search window; you’ll see a couple of stories about these “fresh gear.”


Disposable Phones Enter Market

How to Drive and Talk Remember the old joke about the guy who couldn’t walk and talk at the same time? Many experts feel that it’s impossible to talk on your cell phone while driving.

Good Samaritans Abound Owning a cell phone brings with it the opportunity—or, some say, the responsibility—to be a good Samaritan. Here are some ways to take advantage of these opportunities:

• • •

Local radio stations welcome car phoner tips regarding traffic snarls.

•

Don’t endanger your own safety by slowing down and talking out of your window to a stranded car, either. You might lose control of your own auto in the shoulder area.

Don’t assume someone else called to help a stranded motorist. Be safe. Don’t stop to help the car’s occupants yourself; call emergency services for them instead.

153

Figure 5.5 Disposable cell phones can be good backups for travel.

The scary stats are certainly out there. Most frequently cited is the New England Journal of Medicine 1997 study, which says the following:

•

The risk of having a traffic accident while using a cell phone is the same as while driving drunk.

•

Cell phone users are 400%–500% more likely to get into traffic accidents than those who do not use them.

•

The odds increase for several minutes even after you conclude the call, apparently because your mind is still preoccupied with the conversation, not your driving.

A 1998 study in the Accident Analysis and Prevention Journal found that cell phone drivers in accidents were nine times more likely to have a fatal crash than those who weren’t talking on the phone.

Risks Not Defined Despite the hundreds of stories and studies that show a correlation between talking on the phone while driving and crashes, a 2000 study by the Harvard Center for Risk Analysis says that the risks have not been clearly defined. This study, funded by a grant from AT&T Wireless, estimates that the chance of having a fatal accident while driving and using a cell phone is about 6.4 in l million per year—surprisingly low.

154

AAA released a report in June 2001 that said eating, drinking, or tuning your car’s radio were far more likely to cause accidents than cell phone talking. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety examined 26,000 North Carolina police reports from 1995 to 1998 and found the use or dialing of a cell phone was a cause in just 1.5% of crashes.

Chances are you’ll join more than 85% of approximately 120 million U.S. cell phone users who do talk on their mobiles while they drive. So, even though you should stop or limit your cell phone use while driving, you’ll want to be prepared for when you do have to use your phone on the road. One of the best lists of safety tips I saw online was on Oprah.com. I’ve added some of the suggestions to my tip list here: Keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.

•

Don’t take notes while driving; use new voice command systems so you can record the information for retrieval later when you’re parked.

•

Let voice mail pick up—you can always check your messages later.

Be sure your phone is within easy reach. Be sure to use a hands-free system if you must talk and drive. Use the speed-dialing feature so you can make a call by touching only one or two buttons. Or better yet, be sure you have a voice-activated model or telematics that works with voice commands.

5

• • • •


Rules for Phone Driver Safety

Best Phones for In-Car Use So, you know that you’re going to talk and drive despite the risks? No matter which phone you get, look for these qualities:

• • • • • •

Easy-to-read large screen Caller ID Phones that convert to hands-free with car kits Auto redial Call timers (to limit that crucial conversation) Programmable emergency dialing

Here are Cars.com’s suggestions on the best phones to use when driving (see Figure 5.6). These recommendations are from October 2000. Newer models might fit your needs even better, so check with your vendor or the manufacturer’s Web site.

•

Nokia 282—Has an easy-to-read large screen, caller ID, silent ringing, and voice mail and can be converted to hands-free

•

Nokia 5160 and 6160—Have caller ID, voice mail, and one-touch dialing and can be converted with complete car kits to hands-free

•

Nokia 918—Comes with separate buttons for emergency dialing and voice mail access, one-touch last-number redial, call timers, speed dialing, and a hands-free car kit 155

Figure 5.6 www.cars.com Web site features driver safety tips.

•

Audiovox MVX480—Has speed dialing, programmable emergency dialing, caller ID, silent incoming calls, and voice mail access key and converts with a cigarette lighter adapter to hands-free

•

Audiovox MVX480XL—Has a large LCD screen, speed dial, caller ID, voice mail access key, and one-touch emergency dialing and can be converted to hands-free with a cigarette lighter hands-free option

•

Motorola StarTac ST7790/StarTac ST7760—Has caller ID, voice mail, and one button callback and can be converted to hands-free with optional units

•

Motorola MicroTac 650E—Features easy-to read displays, last number recall, auto redial, and one-touch dialing and can be converted to hands-free use with an optional kit

Talking Might Be Illegal More than 38 states have bills pending related to cell phone driving. The laws range from prohibiting use of mobiles by school bus drivers to broader bans on handheld cell phones. So far, only California, Florida, and Massachusetts have enacted any laws related to cell phone use in cars. California’s law requires rental companies to provide clients written instructions on how to use wireless phones safely but not specifically while driving. Only four states require law enforcement officials to track the use of cell phones in traffic accidents: Minnesota, Montana, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania. 156

Beware of Local Laws Even if it’s okay to drive while talking in your state, it still might be illegal in a local community. About 10 cities or counties in the U.S., including New York City, have laws that allow only hands-free cell phone devices. Some manufacturers support statewide laws aimed at requiring hands-free cell phone use. Check out the telecommunications provider Verizon at www.verizon.com and you might find a special on headsets and other hands-free devices. At one time, it offered hands-free devices for $15 with free shipping. We can’t guarantee this offer will still be available when you read this book, but it might still be valid.

5

Banned on Vacation


Bills such as California’s AB 911, which bans standard cell phones but allows hands-free phones, are under discussion in 30 states.

Using cell phones while vehicles are in motion is already banned in Australia, Spain, Israel, Portugal, Italy, Brazil, Chile, Switzerland, Great Britain, Singapore, Taiwan, Sweden, Japan, and Austria. One advocate for cell phone bans says that the number of accidents caused by drivers using cell phones fell by 75% in Japan after the law went into effect.

Beware Smaller Cities If you head to the suburb of Cleveland that’s named Brooklyn, you better not be using your cell phone. That city’s law against hand-held phones and driving went into effect in September 1999. (Brooklyn was also the first U.S. city to require seat belt use.) You might remember seeing Brooklyn, Ohio police officer Rich Hovan on The Oprah Winfrey Show when he met the parents of Morgan Lee Pena from Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Pena was killed by a driver who ran a stop sign while talking on a phone. Other communities with cell phone bans include Conshohocken and West Conshohocken in Pennsylvania; Marlboro Township in Monmouth County, New Jersey; and Suffolk County on New York’s Long Island. Proposals on cell phone bans have been floated in 37 states and more than 300 cities, including San Francisco and Chicago. So far, however, only a handful of bans have passed. If you’re traveling on vacation or visiting the relatives for the holidays, it’s best to be safe and use a hands-free system.

Advocates for Cell Phone Safety Everyone talks while they drive, right? Why should you be deprived? You’re busy, too. Morgan Lee Pena’s family Web site might change your mind. Check it out at http://www.geocities.com/morganleepena/??.

157

Morgan was born in May 1997 and died two years later in November 1999. The family is committed to raising public awareness and includes not only Morgan’s photo album but also cell phone safety tips, news, research, and suggestions on what you can do to help.

Tom and Ray: Cell Phone Opponents Two of the most vocal advocates to stop car cell phone use are PBS radio show hosts Tom and Ray from the popular Car Talk. The brothers have mounted an ongoing campaign on their show and Web site, at http://www.cartalk.cars.com (see Figure 5.7).

Figure 5.7 PBS CARTALK Web site at www.cartalk.cars.com is where you can vent on careless cell phone use.

At this site, you’ll find links to such additional information as scientific and nonscientific evidence about the risks of cell phones, legislative status of cell phone regulations, calls to action, articles about telematics, and other resources.

Taking Action Tom and Ray are practical guys. After all, they’re the ones who know exactly when you should change your oil or what that ping is that your mechanic can’t identify. I’ve added some of their tips to our recommendations of how to take action against cell phone using drivers who are driving you crazy.

• •

158

Write or call your local law enforcement authorities. Give someone a “talking ticket.” Check out the Tom and Ray Web site at www.cars.com for a sample of the kind of tickets they use. Of course, you have to wait until the person parks to give him the ticket. Note that this could also be dangerous because drivers might not appreciate you touching their precious cars. It’s

•

•

To find phone numbers for reporting impaired, aggressive, or unsafe driving in your state, go to http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/outreach/safesobr /16qp/phone.html. Many states have two- or three-digit numbers or letters you can dial from your cell phone directly to authorities. For example, in Alabama you dial *47, in Iowa it’s *55, and in Florida it’s *FHP. Of course, you also can always report dangerous drivers to 911. Visit the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety’s Web site at www. trafficsafety.org to get its toolkit for distracted drivers (see Figure 5.8).


probably better to give people “virtual tickets” by posting information about the erratic driving habits you observe on the Tom and Ray Web site.

5

Figure 5.8 Turn to www.trafficsafety.org for its toolkit to help distracted drivers reform.

CAR COMPUTING—BEYOND CELL PHONES The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released a study in 2000 that reported on the hazards of using mobile handsets while driving. One of the basic conclusions is to install more ergonomically viable cellular phone designs into cars so drivers will be less distracted. Less distraction leads to lower accident rates. Delphi calls this new system a mobile productivity center (MPC). It uses a combination of speech recognition, wireless 19.2Kbps CDPD packet transfers, and basic cell phone connectivity to provide access to the Palm or Pocket PC. The center also features Web-based information clipping and hands-free phone calls (see Figure 5.9). For other versions of this type of hands-free system, see the ones MobileAria are using in their demo cars across the country (see Chapter 6). 159

Figure 5.9 Delphi’s Mobile Productivity Center is a hands-free safety option.

THE FUTURE OF CARS Before you buy your next car, look into which telematics systems are available either as standard equipment or as an optional upgrade. It might be the best accessory you ever add to your auto for you and your family’s safety. Check out some of these systems in Chapter 6. Some of this “future tech” is already here. You can find in-car systems that offer screens— on the passenger’s side only—that you can use if you pull to the side of the road and activate it. Want to get a closer look at these new cars? Go to the auto show when it comes to your convention center or local arena. Most dealers welcome an opportunity to let you take a test drive of a car that has a telematics system installed. Aftermarket telematics and GPS systems are also available for some older car models at your dealer or electronics supplier if you want to update your vehicle.

160

So, if you’re going to buy a new car in the next six months, you might want to look at the car before replacing that cell phone you lost last week. The new car’s features can influence your choice of phone or device and the model you choose. For example, DaimlerChrysler AG is adding Bluetooth-enabled technology in its Chrysler vehicles as part of the onboard communications system. The new system will offer a hands-free cellular phone in vehicles that wirelessly connects to an owner’s phone, allowing drivers to make calls with voice commands. The Chrysler system includes a processor and voicerecognition software integrated with the dashboard and a rearview mirror with a microphone built in. To use that system, you need a Bluetooth-enabled phone. Using Bluetooth

One of the advantages of the Chrysler system is that it provides multilingual (English, Spanish, and French) and multi-voice recognition. Be aware, though, that the phone audio is fed through the vehicle’s existing speaker system and overrides the car radio.


(a standard for short-range wireless data communications), the system automatically connects up to five Bluetooth-enabled phones in the vehicle, allowing the driver to make and receive calls and control the phone with voice commands. Available now as a dealer addon option, factory installed systems will be included in 2003 vehicles. Note that soon more Bluetooth-capable cell phones will be on the market, and adapters will be available for some older models.

5 161

C H A P T E R

6

TELEMATICS: THE WEB ON WHEELS Car keys. To most Americans, they unlock not only our automobiles but also a world of freedom and mobility. From young teens yearning to get their licenses to senior citizens dreading the day when they might have to give theirs up and no longer be independent, mobile, and free, we are a nation of drivers and passengers. New wireless technologies promise to revolutionize how we drive, where we drive, when we drive, and maybe even if we drive. Keeping safe and secure is becoming our number one priority. The ability to communicate information to the proper authorities and the ability to communicate among ourselves is crucial in today’s changing world. Advanced security systems for drivers and passengers are much more than just fancy wireless car keying systems. During the twentieth century, autos became part of our daily lives and extensions of ourselves, perhaps even symbols of who we are as people. Is it any wonder that, according to recent National Safety Council estimates, 60% of all cell phone calls are made from our vehicles? New breakthroughs in intelligent highway systems will revolutionize emergency response programs and how we travel and communicate on the road. Telematics is a fancy word that evolved in the 1980s from the French term telematique. It has come to mean the equivalent of information technology with greater emphasis on telecommunications. Today, it’s the term

used to describe data-capable wireless communications in cars. What’s that mean to you and your car? That’s what we’ll explore in this chapter. Wireless communications in your car and on the road can provide you with new services and assistance in these areas:

• • • • • •

Safety, security, and roadside assistance Navigation Car maintenance Information and communication Entertainment Location-based commerce and services

THE WORLD FROM OUR AUTOMOBILES Our cars are connections to other points of our lives—work, school, and leisure. New wireless technologies weave the threads of our worlds together seamlessly by enabling our vehicles to become browsers on wheels. Until engineers design a true self-driving car, you’ll still have to keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. Hands-free wireless systems are your keys to discovering the wonders of telematics. In the twenty-first century, ours is an increasingly mobile society. According to Forrester Research, there are more than 220 million cars in North America, and their owners spend 100 million—yes, that’s million—hours a day in them. More than 125 million Americans commute to work daily and drive 3.4 trillion miles annually. The average time spent in vehicles as both driver and passenger totals some 540 hours per year in the United States and 270 per year in Europe. Time in cars represents 9% of our days. So, is it any wonder in today’s multi-phasic society, where we are driven to do at least two things at once, that we want to power our cars with information, not just gasoline? The first sign of mobile phones most Americans saw were the mobile phone antennas on limousines and luxury cars. According to James B. Murray, Jr., author of the book Wireless Nation, it was way back in the summer and fall of 1983 that the public buzz over cell phones slowly built. Waiting lists for car phones started. Some of the early gizmo lovers bought their cell phones before the radio towers were turned on. By that fall, Motorola had sold 3,000 units. The price was surprisingly similar to a whole navigation system in a car today—about $3,000 premium over the regular sticker price for GM’s Buick Riviera coupe. (you had to add on a monthly fee of $45 plus per-minute charges for chatting nonstop as you cruised along). Most mobile phones were after-market additions in the early days, meaning that consumers bought them after they purchased their cars from electronics stores or as upgrades 164

6

Many Pocket PC fans are already shaving dollars from their telematics totals by stocking their handhelds with software and features that are similar to expensive in-car systems and docking the Pocket PC on the dashboard. Suddenly, mapping software, messaging systems, and entertainment services are available at a flick of the wrist and a fraction of the installed telematics. It took cellular phone service 37 years to become commercially available in the U.S. Now the evolution of the Pocket PC might shave decades from telematics adoption as road warriors opt to use their Pocket PCs as extensions of their in-car navigation or entertainment systems. Experts tell us many more families are opting to sign up for basic in-vehicle systems to help them deal with increasing fear and uncertainty as they travel.

TELEMATICS: THE WEB ON WHEELS

from the dealer who then installed them in the new car. Not surprisingly, many experts feel this is how telematics will evolve in our vehicles in the near future. Vehicles might come with a standard safety feature, such as crash notification or emergency service assistance options. But to get other telematic features, such as car navigation, entertainment, and location-based services, there will be subscription fees and new equipment that has to be installed or signed up for after you buy the car.

At one time, it was so prestigious to have a cell phone in your car and have that telltale antenna mounted on the fender that fast food restaurants and novelty companies started selling and giving away fake cell phone antennas you could mount on your auto. If you couldn’t afford the phone, at least you could have an antenna and fake out the less fortunate guy next to you. (These imitation car phone antennas are still available online to order as gag gifts.) “The car is the next big platform in the evolution of the Internet,” says Ken Enders, the vice president of marketing at Mercedes-Benz USA. He looks forward to a world in which ad hoc networks let you chat with or play games against people in other cars, in “communities of like-minded commuters who happen to be stuck in the same traffic jam.” And, of course, when you drive by a supermarket, the car will tell you what you need. “If your refrigerator knows you’re out of milk, your car could know that, too,” he says. The Internet is just one of the technologies being adapted for four wheels. Others include global positioning satellite (GPS) systems, vehicle tracking, voice-activated controls, radar, entertainment systems ranging from MP3 players to back-seat DVD movie theatres, and improved digital security and stolen-car tracking systems. Mobile telephony will move light-years ahead as e911 (the improved emergency response network) evolves because that system will also open the door to location-based services, including real-time traffic reports, discounts for nearby entertainment attractions, and personalized commerce such as coupons or ads. You’ll have no need to hire a tour guide in the future—as you whiz by the Arch in St. Louis, your car communication system will offer you historical highlights and tell you more trivia than you need to know. Just a button away. Soon you’ll be able to click to a version of the Web and even download and print a blueprint of the monument with a discount tourist coupon attached without leaving your car. 165

MOBILE MANIA For now, though, vehicle manufacturers and mobile electronics developers are striving to create and sell new applications and services that start with safety and lead to entertainment upgrades later. Of course, the biggest benefit of the new navigation and personal security services might just be peace of mind. High-tech gadgets that turn your car into the envy of James Bond or even George Jetson are already installed in luxury models and are coming to more brands soon. Telematics is a big business estimated to grow to a $47 billion global market by 2010, according to forecasts by UBS Warburg. Finnish telecom equipment maker Nokia forecasts that all new cars by the end of 2005 will have at least one Internet address. Nokia also said in 2000 that it aimed to be the number one supplier of such equipment. Alas, wireless reality has not yet caught up with fantasy. Television’s Knight Rider-style KITT cars that drive themselves and the Jetson’s fold-up-into-a-suitcase auto are still techno-geek dreams. What’s available today on car lots across the country and around the world? In Europe you can already buy cars fitted with an AutoPC. The AutoPC looks like an audio CD player, is voice controlled, and reads out your messages and e-mail. In the U.K. you can purchase a Jaguar with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) that lets the driver set the speed and distance from the car in front, so if someone cuts in front of you, the car slows down by itself. Mercedes already has a prototype that allows hands-free autobahn driving in Germany. In Finland, tire maker Nokian Renkaat is developing “smart tires” that use chips on each wheel to monitor pressure, temperature, and wear. If something goes wrong with the tires, the car’s mobile phone reports the problem to the driver.

The Origin of the Car Radio

166

The idea of including a radio in a car was first solved by lugging along a batterypowered radio designed to be carried in a car. In the 1920s, inventor William Lear (who later invented the eight-track cassette and the luxury jet that bears his name) created what many believe to be the first practical car radio. In 1924, Lear sold the rights to his invention to Paul Galvin’s Galvin Manufacturing company. In 1929, Galvin unveiled the “Motorola,” the first practical car radio. The official Motorola history defines the name as a word suggesting sound in motion; many early fans thought it was short for “motor Victrola.” For more information, check out http://www.motorola.com/General/Timeline/.

Other auto manufacturers have already signed agreements to build in OnStar devices, including Audi, Honda, and Toyota. OnStar is also available on some Lexus and Acura models.

6

Since 1996, Ford Motor Company, working with ATX Technologies, has built telematics hardware into vehicles such as the Lincoln Continental. With the 1999 model year, Mercedes-Benz made its ATX-powered TeleAid system standard on all vehicle brands. ATX provides telematics services to Mercedes, Infiniti, Jaguar, and Ford. Ford also has an advanced concept car known as the rescue car.


The American telematics leader appears to be GM’s OnStar system, with 24-hour access to human representatives. OnStar, started in 1995, has more than one million users who pay from $199 a year for roadside assistance to $399 for a package that includes a special concierge service offering event and restaurant reservations. One in every four GM cars is loaded with OnStar, now covering 32 of 54 models. The system is factory-installed as a standard or an optional feature. One of OnStar’s many features is that it automatically alerts police if an airbag is deployed.

Wingcast—a joint venture formed by Ford and Qualcomm in 2000—enables Ford to predict that by 2005 it will have nine million cars with wireless services.

CAUTION

All telematics systems are not the same. If you’re buying a new car or looking to add an after-market system to your present vehicle, compare costs closely. Don’t forget that in most cases you pay an ongoing monthly fee to maintain the service. These fees can range from $9.95 and up and are usually sold as part of a package when you’re buying your vehicle. Be sure you know what that monthly fee includes and which wireless services the system you’re interested in provides. Many motorists are surprised that few companies provide e-mail or even phone services without additional per-message or per-call charges. Most systems do not even offer Internet connection yet. Be sure you know what is available today, not just in the future.

In 1931, fewer than 1% of cars had radios. Only about 100,000 car radios were sold in the United States, fewer than 3% of all radios sold. By 1940, though, some 7.5 million cars, more than one-fourth of all cars on the road, had radios in their dashboards. Now, just try to buy a new car without a radio. Still think telematics sounds farfetched?

167

Working together, Motorola and BMW showed an integrated telematics communications system at the 2001 New York Auto Show. The BMW digital CPT phone system features the Motorola Timeport digital telematics phone, which operates on most digital cellular networks nationwide and can be used both in and out of the car. The portable phone snaps into a custom-made cradle. As of 2001, the integrated system is a standard feature on BMW’s 7 series vehicles and is available as a dealer-installed accessory on other 2001 models. Motorola says it has shipped 1.5 million telematics systems since January 1999. To see what BMW is doing in Germany with its service called BMW Assist, go to http://www.bmw.com/bmwe/products/equip/telematics/index.html. After-market suppliers also offer a wealth of niche products and services that let you add GPS and other voice-activated messaging and information systems to your cars after you buy them. Don’t forget to check out what your new Pocket PC or handheld device can do in your vehicle. Mapping systems, travel resources, and even games are all just a touch away when you mount your new handheld in a docking station on your dash or in another convenient location while you drive. According to Delphi Automotive research, 36% of computer owners surveyed say they use their handheld computers while driving. A total of 73% of handheld computer owners expressed interest in having activated access to the handheld computers in their next vehicles.

What Do Consumers Say They Want? A February 2000 Strategis survey of wireless handset owners said that 33% of users are interested in emergency response systems and 34% are somewhat interested. Those interested in roadside assistance totaled 39%, and those very interested in real-time traffic equaled 18%. Thirty-five percent said they were somewhat interested in real-time traffic. When the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) did market research, they found that only 15% of consumers polled wanted e-mail, with 50% citing step-by-step directions as a preference and 64% choosing emergency distress signals. JD Power, a noted auto research firm, says that interest in automatic collision notification is highest among married 35- to 44-year-olds who have children.

168

Manufacturers want to know what services you’d like to see in your car, which ones you’ll use, and (even better) which ones you’ll pay for. It seems to be a given that safety is a high priority for most drivers. Controversy is arising as to whether some of the in-vehicle features could be distractions themselves. Anyone who has a talking clock knows how disconcerting it can be having it tell you the time when you are trying to get to a meeting on time.

SAFETY ISSUES

To modernize all equipment in cars, on roads, and in buildings—From voice-centric to voice and data. Text messaging was one of the most reliable communications methods on September 11, 2001.

•

To increase network capacity and network reliability for wireless and wireline needs—To expand networks so that if you’re on the highway or in a tunnel, you have communication access.

•

To facilitate training and updates—Not only for emergency responders but also for private citizens in the new world of civil defense. Everyone can be a good Samaritan if they are prepared with telematics in their cars and wireless devices that work 24/7.

•

To create new devices—Devices such as environmental monitors need to be networked so we have on our streets and in our cities the new millennium version of wireless canaries in coal mines to detect any sign of biological chemicals. Alerts can then be sent wirelessly to cars, trucks, buses, and other vehicles en route to a possible danger area.

6

•


“The ability to use twenty-first century information technologies is more clear than ever to all Americans after the tragedies of September 11, 2001,” says Christopher A. McLean, counsel for the ComCARE Alliance. He says that the best weapon for fighting terrorism is up-to-date information. Plus, emerging technologies can provide resources in at least four areas:

Why have all the safety telematics systems in your own car? McLean says that it’s one of the primary weapons to protect you and your family or employees in the new war on terrorism. “And it’s part of the ongoing effort to doing your part to being alert and vigilant,” he explains.

The ComCARE Alliance ComCARE Alliance (www.comcare.org) is a national coalition dedicated to deploying and linking technologies in a chain of survival to reduce the impact of auto injuries and improve transportation efficiency. It’s concerned about the number of health emergencies and crashes in the United States each year (see Figure 6.1). The ComCARE coalition of more than 50 organizations includes nurses, physicians, emergency medical technicians, 911 directors, wireless companies, consumer groups, and many more associations. To learn more about how you or your organization can get involved, visit its Web site (see Figure 6.1). ComCARE says the challenge to improved safety services is to get all the right groups around the table. They underscore that no one can do it alone, so they’re seeking to find allies and develop a common vision. Goals include educating public officials about opportunities to integrate 911 services, emergency medical services, and telematics and transportation companies and groups. 169

Figure 6.1 The ComCare Alliance Web site is a central reference point for information on transportation safety services.

For specific information on the number of car crashes annually and the causes of these accidents, look at the charts on http://www.comcare.org and the National Highway Traffic Safety Web site at http://www.nhtsa.gov.

A Primer on e911 You might have heard the term, but what is enhanced 911 (e911)? Roughly 25%–30% of all 911 emergency calls are currently placed from wireless phones, and this percentage is expected to increase dramatically. The FCC has ordered cellular carriers to address the issue to help 911 centers handle calls more efficiently. Under FCC rules, wireless carriers must begin to activate systems that make location information for each cell phone available to 911 call centers. In phase one of the FCC plan, which went into effect in April 1998, carriers were required to transmit a number for each call. In addition, if additional information is required, the 911 dispatcher can call them back if needed. Phase 1 location information is based on the location of the cell site or base station the caller is using, not her exact geographic location. Phase 2 requires more specific caller location. For extensive information and updates, see the Federal Communication Commission’s (FCC) Web site at http://www.fcc.gov/e911/factsheet_requirements 012001.text. Basically, under the rule, when you call 911 from a wireless phone, the 911 centers will get your latitude and longitude. Some carriers will use a network-based solution for determining location, and others will use a handset-based solution. The handset approach generally uses a GPS chip in or attached to the phone to fix the location using GPS satellites. 170

The accuracy standard for the handset solution is 50 meters (note, a yard is about a meter in length) for 67% of the calls and within 150 meters or yards for 95% of the calls.

At press time, several carriers had filed for waivers with these rules. Voicestream already received a waiver citing that there was no location technology solution for their GSM technology.

6

If you’re calling 911 for yourself or an accident you’ve witnessed, provide the location, including street address or cross-street information. Also include the license plate number and car model if possible. Stay on the line until the 911 operator tells you otherwise, speak clearly, and be as specific as possible. Do not assume that any technology can replace human input at this time. There might be more than one street with the same name, and machines do malfunction occasionally.


The network solution will fix location using elements of the network and not require new phones but additional investments in their carriers’ networks. The accuracy standard for the network solution is within 100 meters for 67% of the calls and 300 meters for 95% of the calls.

Use common sense before making your call. Pull over to the curb if you’re on a side street, or pull over onto the shoulder if you’re on a freeway before making the 911 call. Be sure to turn off the motor of your vehicle and put your blinker lights on to avoid problems. Stay on the line until you have given the full information, and call back if you get disconnected. Also, be sure the authorities have the correct information so they can get as close a location as possible. Call 911 first—prior to calling the auto club or other road service—if it is more than a fender bender or if you need injury or other assistance.

Big Brother might soon know where you are at any time of the night or day as a result of these e911 FCC rulings. On the other hand, if you flip your car over a bridge on a dark embankment, you won’t be stranded for four days like some victims are today. Under the Wireless Communications and Public Safety Act of 1999 that made 911 the universal emergency call number, carriers cannot disclose wireless location information (outside of an emergency situation) without the consent of the subscriber.

Key Car Safety Features The two key car safety features you might want to learn more about are

• •

A mayday or SOS button to summon help Automatic crash notification

Read the manuals of your new car’s system for details, but here is a basic description of both of these features.

Mayday or SOS Button You place a call to a private emergency call center. Note that in most cases your call is sent to a central processing center for the telematics system you are using. For example,

171

OnStar’s national call system is located outside Detroit, and ATX’s system is outside of Dallas. A built-in GPS provides the car’s location and identity to the call center. The call center asks whether you need help, and then they guide you to the nearest hospital, dispatch a tow truck, or alert 911 for you. There is some controversy as to whether all call centers will be operated by humans or by automated voice systems. Ask what the plan is now and for the future for your new car’s SOS center.

Automatic Crash Notification Automatic crash notification systems automatically call for help when your airbag deploys or, in the case of cars made by Mercedes-Benz, when a certain seat belt tension is measured. Figure 6.2 shows an example of an automatic crash notification transcript.

Figure 6.2 Automatic crash notification sample transcript shows step by step how and when assistance is contacted and responds. Courtesy Veridian Engineering and ComCare.Alliance.

Experts at ComCARE tell us that current generation mayday systems represent a dramatic improvement in safety. Car location and car identification are two of the biggest problems to responding to vehicle emergencies. Medical experts say that it’s critical to be doing treatment within the first 60 minutes of traumatic injury—known as the “golden hour.” The sooner treatment can begin on an injured crash victim, the greater the likelihood of survival and the avoidance of permanent injury. Cars of the future will give more information about the forces of impact of a crash, including such data as the angle of the collision, the speed of deceleration (measuring force of impact), whether a rollover occurred, and where the car was hit. These data points will be 172

The availability of these services will also open up a new world of medical records management. Companies are evolving that will provide medical professionals with key information about the crash victims’ current and past medical profiles, so local medical teams can immediately begin the delivery of care and avoid drug conflicts, allergies, and other conditions that could affect care options. Half of the 42,000 annual deaths from car crashes occur before a patient reaches the hospital; 30% occur within minutes of the crash, and 70% occur within the first two hours after the crash. Getting help as quickly as possible is a key concern in car crashes.


matched with a medical database to predict the likelihood of severe injury. A ComCARE spokesperson explained that in a case like supermodel Niki Taylor’s car accident, the urgency algorithm would alert emergency responders to the likelihood of internal injuries given the force of the crash.

6

HANDS-FREE PRODUCTS One of the first wireless products most drivers consider buying is a hands-free unit. These products range from $15 to hundreds of dollars. Before you go shopping, it’s good to know about both categories of hands-free products available for wireless phones: portable hands-free accessories and hands-free car kits. Which one should you buy? For the millions of consumers who have not gone hands-free yet with their wireless phones, Radio Shack shares these tips:

•

Determine whether your phone has a 2.5mm headset jack—This is where handsfree devices plug in to the phone. If it doesn’t, your phone can often be upgraded with an adapter. However, not all adapters fit all phones.

•

If your phone has a jack, determine how and where you use your wireless phone—Is it used for driving? Do you want it for walking, shopping, sitting at your desk, or traveling? Two categories of units are available: the integrated earpiece with built-in microphone and an earpiece/boom mike combo.

Wireless and EMS Professionals In the EMS world, experts are seeing more hand-held computing and wireless devices available. A private company called Medmedia is demonstrating a Palm device with medical information in a project with the ComCARE Alliance in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Another project in that area is using wireless video contact between EMS and medevac helicopters. Montgomery County, Maryland is working with the corporate firm TRW to demonstrate an ambulance with real-time video feeds to hospitals. A new stretcher can measure vital signs, which could be hooked to a wireless device in the future.

173

•

Integrated earpiece model—Provides a near-custom fit in the outer ear and has a built-in microphone. These devices are completely portable and can be used in almost any situation. Prices range from $19.99 to $39.99 at Radio Shack and other sources.

•

Earpiece/boom mike combo—A device with a microphone on a short boom. Many headsets have an integrated earpiece and microphone. These combo units are also transportable, and prices range from $19.99 to $29.99.

•

Decide whether you want an earpiece—What if you don’t want an earpiece? Then you might want to look at speakerphone kits, which can be used with most phone models and are limited to inside-the-car use. These devices plug into a car’s cigarette lighter to provide hands-free use without an earbud or a headset. They also recharge the wireless phone’s battery while the phone is in use. Some newer phone handsets provide built-in speakerphone capability. Prices begin at $59.99 at Radio Shack.

•

Select your hands-free device for comfort as well as convenience—If you’re not comfortable with an earbud or a microphone, choose a speakerphone kit.

•

Of course, you can consider upgrading your handset too—New wireless carrier services are becoming available, including voice-activated dialing, which enables the phone to dial a number when you say the name or number of who you’re calling.

At these prices, you can afford both a speakerphone unit for your car and an earpiece for other uses. It’s not really an either/or question—it’s best to have both unless you have a built-in telematics system that works on voice commands.

PDA Hands-Free Use Do you use a personal digital assistant such as a Palm, or are you entranced by the mobility and power of the new Pocket PCs suddenly available? A Palm accessory that turns your device into a mobile office is Revolve Design’s RoadWriter, which combines a docking cradle and keyboard to transform a Palm handheld into an in-car computer. It mounts on a windshield or dash. The base of the unit has a pair of serial ports for plugging in extra hardware, such as a GPS unit or wireless modem. The unit costs between $130 and $250 depending on options and is compatible with the Palm III series and Palm VII. Versions for Handspring’s Visor and Palm V are also being developed. There is a version for Symbol devices, too. Check them out at http://www.revolvedesign.com/product/home.html. Ram Transportation, a New York limousine company, has installed RoadWriters in three of its limos and says that some of the VIPs who are “crazy for it” include such stars as Denzel Washington, John Mellencamp, Chris Rock, and Stevie Wonder. Check the Web site of the manufacturer of your PDA or mobile phone to get updated information on the newest accessories before you buy any generic gizmos. Many docking stations or adapters work only with certain brands. 174

Other New Hands-Free Systems

The technology reads Web-based content such as e-mail, news, stock quotes, and directions to drivers via voice commands. To use the service, customers need a laptop, a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone, a laptop card, and MobileAria’s hardware kit with a microphone and speak. Monthly service fees based on a subscription model will cost $20–$40 per month based on a press release on its Web site.

6

This differs from OnStar’s service because MobileAria’s system allows people to read e-mail or get directions from their laptops through secure Internet connections in their cars. By contrast, OnStar requires people to register their preferences through the Internet and then go through GM’s Internet servers to retrieve e-mail or surf the Web when they’re on the road.


MobileAria, Inc., is a new breed of automotive OEM (original equipment manufacturers) independent that aims to deliver wireless content and applications for the in-vehicle environment. The firm delivers services through a hands-free, voice-activated interface. The company is partnering with content providers such as MSNBC and Go2, as well as founding investors Palm and Delphi Automotive Systems. The firm’s first services target realestate agents, salespeople, and service workers who are road warriors in the San Francisco Bay area.

Follow the developments at www.mobilearia.com (see Figure 6.3).

Figure 6.3 MobileAria offers mobile wireless Internet solutions.

175

E

Voice recognition, simply said, is the capability of computer systems to recognize spoken words. Voice recognition services for wireless phones are growing in popularity even though many users say the devices have reliability problems. AT&T Wireless and Sprint PCS offer voice command (same as voice recognition) services for a monthly fee. Comverse’s Voice Solutions provide the technology for Sprint PCS’s voice command offerings, which enable you to navigate through voice-mail systems using voice commands and even to access e-mail. Other systems are also available. When driving a car, however, most people using voice recognition also need a headset to get accurate speech recognition. The key is to ensure that the microphone and earpiece on your handset function as well as a microphone and headset would. Check out the receptivity before you buy a new handset by trying a pal’s phone that has a voice command system in advance if possible. A telematics system from Cellport Systems, Inc., and Airbiquity, Inc., (http://www. cellport.com/products.htm) is designed to provide hands-free calling, turn-by-turn directions, roadside emergency assistance, and other services. According to news reports, the in-car service combines the Cellport 3000 universal hands-free system with Airbiquity’s aqLink and GPS technology. This system is also designed to meet the requirement for wireless carriers to provide e911 services as mandated by the FCC. This combo system enables you to change and upgrade to different cell phones in the same vehicle, and it is compatible with most popular phone brands and all wireless links. The system features in-car pockets—designed for many wireless phone models—that snap into a universal docking station so no hands-free system professional installation is necessary. Some car models offer built-in hands-free systems. Cellport plans to offer its system as a dealer-installed option. So be sure to ask your car dealer about installing a hands-free system in any new car you plan to buy. Also, ask to try a car that has a similar system before you pay for the installation. Most systems use the car’s existing speakers, so you should make sure that you can easily use voice commands inside the car. Also ask to see any integrated services the car manufacturer is offering on other models. Some systems offer display phone options on the dashboard instead of the small handset screen. It is especially helpful for parents of small children or seniors who find it easier to use display screens. Sony Ericsson, a joint venture between the two electronics makers, is launching a new wearable device that eliminates a wire between your phone and your hands-free set, linking the two through a wireless connection. About half the size of a credit card, it clips onto your clothing. The only caveat is that your phone must be equipped with Bluetooth, the short-range radio link. Ericsson phone users can buy an adapter for $130 to add Bluetooth capabilities. Watch for the Bluetooth Handsfree HBH-20; a report from Reuters said it could cost $200 or more to cut the cord and buy this one.

176

CAUTION


An Internet search for hands-free devices did turn up cautionary stories of lab tests that confirm that hands-free kits can increase radiation from mobile phones. This is a controversial area, and most of the tests were done in the U.K. It appears that when the lab moved the hands-free kit wire as much as possible, they found a variance with the hands-free kit’s specific absorption rate (SAR) reading. The tests seem to vary when the kits are at the ear or near the jaw and cheek. Currently, little evidence suggests that mobile phone radiation damages health, but research has not given it the all-clear. Previous lab tests showed that hands-free kits could reduce SAR readings. Now these new lab results say the kits both reduce and increase the ratings depending on the angles and placement of the kits during the studies. Our experts tell us that wire shielding is important, but basically anything that puts distance between your head and the antenna is good.

For more information on hands-free products, check out www.wow-com.com/consumer/ devices, where you can do a search on your phone manufacturer and find out which

6

hands-free accessories are available. Be sure to note when the database was last updated. You might want to refer to your manufacturer’s Web site for the latest products. That Web site is provided courtesy of Cellular Telecommunications Industry of America (CTIA) and is for CTIA-certified phones only.

Calling the Future Experts predict faster, more versatile phones for the future. Even the notion of what a phone will be in the future is completely different, says Jay Wilpon, director of advanced speech technologies at AT&T Labs. Wilpon tells us, “You’ll talk to a machine agent that will direct the call or activate something you want; everything will be done by speech recognition.” Just as in the commercials we see on television, people will talk to their computers or phone devices in their native languages and communicate instantly worldwide with other people speaking other languages. Many experts think that wireless devices will replace land-lines and that voice-only conversations might seem as antiquated as the telegraph. Multimedia, including video, audio, and graphics, will be part of our future conversations. One phone number per person is the future, say some experts. Each person might be assigned a phone number or communications number at birth that will stay with him for life. (Sounds a bit like Orwell’s 1984, doesn’t it?) Some futurists believe that it might be technologically possible in the future to embed a computer chip under one’s skin to communicate as a link with networks and one another. In that case, the computer chip functions like a miniature radio or transceiver.

177

A Look at a Sample Hands-Free Device Parade Magazine’s column “Inside Dot.Com” printed one of the best reviews we’ve seen for a hands-free device. Reviewer Lamar Graham says that after his field test of headsets, he found it hard to beat the stylish line of products from Jabra (www.jabra.com). Figure 6.4 shows some Jabra headsets.

Figure 6.4 Be sure to buy headsets for each family member or staffer in your office because sharing headsets can spread germs that are present in ears or mouth area.

Jabra headsets come with an assortment of soft polymer earpieces (for both left and right ears, but you use them in only one ear) that are crafted to firmly fit the whorls of the outer ear, ensuring a comfy fit and clear hearing. The removable, cleanable earpieces come in three hands-free configurations: the lightweight EarSet (about $40), which combines the earphone and microphone in one tiny package; the EarBud (about $20), which has the mic on the wire separate from the earpiece; and the EarBoom (about $25), which features a short, lightweight boom mic that extends toward your mouth.

HOW TO MAKE YOUR CAR SMARTER For most of us, smart cars are still a fantasy. As my pal Gary Arlen says in a Washington Techway column (Washtech.com), “Grand visions turn into mundane utilitarianism. For decades automotive pioneers have whetted appetites with cars that drive themselves and highways that are accident proof.” As it turns out, Gary notes, reality starts with collisionwarning devices and automated tollbooths tied to online payment processing systems. One wireless device Gary doesn’t mention in that column is GPS, which you can buy as an add-on or a handheld. GPS helps you navigate in unknown territories. 178

The federal government is challenging the car industry to step up its efforts to make cars smarter and use technology to help drivers avoid accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than three-quarters of all accidents are due to driver error. More specifically, alcohol and speeding seem to be the primary causes of fatal accidents. See details at http://222.htsa.dot.gov/people/ncsa/pdf/TSFovr99R.pdf. Smart technology is not confined to vehicles. Communication systems at intersections and even road or traffic signals could detect the position and motion of vehicles using wireless technology. These systems will alert systems in oncoming vehicles to avoid dangerous conditions.


Gary also mentions car area networks, which he encourages you to think of as mini-mobile versions of local area networks or home area networks. “CAN actually stands for ‘controller area network’ in the lingo of automotive system designers who are working on smart cars and smart highways,” he reports.

6

Here are some devices that are available today to make your car smarter:

• • • •

High-tech cruise control Crash-avoidance systems Night-vision enhancements Emergency Notification Systems

Toyota, Ford, Mercedes, and Jaguar now offer on some vehicles adaptive cruise control systems that track the cars ahead, slowing down or speeding up to maintain a safe distance in variable highway traffic. General Motors offers a night-vision system as an option on its Cadillac DeVille. This system uses infrared technology to detect people or animals in the darkness or past the glare of an oncoming car’s headlights. The images appear in black and white on a small screen projected on the windshield. Honda has said it is developing an Intelligent Driver Support system to “see” the road through a tiny camera on the windshield and help steer the car down the middle of a lane. A computer picks out lines on the highway surface and nudges the car’s steering wheel in the right direction. Some commercial trucks use a system called VORAD (vehicle onboard radar) from Eaton Corp. that detects stationary objects through fog, rain, snow, darkness, and smoke.

CAUTION

Do we need to apply the brakes to new technologies in cars? Some experts believe that the gizmos are dangerous to your driving. Will you be confused if your Palm is yapping directions and your GPS device is blinking and your spouse is on the voice-activated phone telling you what to pick up for dinner? Common sense says that you still need to keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

179

Adding a Global Positioning System to Your Car Even if you don’t have a navigation system in your car or decide you don’t want to pay as much as $2,000 extra to add telematics systems to your new automobile, you can still use GPS and new wireless technologies to guide you along your route.

E

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite system, a global tool for navigating information worldwide. It allows you to determine your position 24 hours a day in any type of weather and in any place in the world. Whether you’re a city bloke or country folk, there’s a GPS device for your navigational needs. GPS is faster and more accurate than ever since the Department of Defense removed “service availability,” which was used to hinder the accuracy of GPS satellite signals to consumer devices. Now GPS users can enjoy accuracy that at one time only the military could use. What GPS device you buy depends on what you’re going to use it for. Some outdoorsy types might want to keep a GPS in their cars and then use it for mountain climbing or camping. City slickers, on the other hand, might want a GPS that works better inside the car than out. Be sure to check how usable the device is and how easy it is to read in your car before you buy it. TechTV Labs measures numerous features on a GPS device when its testers want to evaluate one. They look at product weight, battery life, floatation ability, accuracy, range, price, and more. If you’re in the market for a GPS device to use either in your car or when hiking, you’ll want to check out the competition before you buy one. Amazon.com lists numerous GPS products and current prices. GPS had its day in court when New Haven resident James Turner sued Acme Rent-a-Car in New Haven Small Claims court after the rental car firm charged $450 to his debit card for charges related to speeding in the rental vehicle. Because the fleet of Acme cars is equipped with GPS technology, Acme officials were able to pinpoint the exact spot where Turner exceeded the company’s speed limit of 79 mph. Yep, you read right. Acme’s speeding limit is stated in bold at the top of the rental agreement. Hertz and other car dealers say they use GPS only for navigation, not to track speed limits in their rental cars. But the point is clear: Be sure to check with the office before you drive away to see whether it has a GPS system installed or is using similar methods for tracking your car speed and location. Sometimes the policies vary state to state.

Automated Maps and Directions If you have a handheld computer based on Microsoft’s Pocket PC software, you can get 75% of a navigational system’s function for about a quarter of the cost with the Pocket CoPilot from TravRoute, according to Stephen Wildstrom, author of Business Week’s “Tech & 180

You” column. The columnist includes this advice, “Warning to bank robbers or errant spouses: The software maintains a detailed log of your movements.” TELEMATICS: THE WEB ON WHEELS

The Pocket CoPilot includes a little GPS receiver that sits on the dashboard of your car, two CDs with software and map data, and a clip that lets you hang your Pocket PC from the dash (see Figure 6.5). The basic model costs $299 and includes software for the Casio Cassiopeia, Compaq’s iPAQ or Aero, and Hewlett-Packard’s Journada PocketPC. It also bundles in U.S. map data. You might need some additional accessories, such as a car charger. Check it out at www.travroute.com.

6

Figure 6.5 The Pocket CoPilot from TravRoute enables your handheld computer to provide navigational advice inside your vehicle.

Other systems available for your handhelds offer GPS capabilities, including the Geode from GeoDiscovery (www.geodiscovery.com).

Lara Croft’s Land Rover GPS In the June 2001 film Tomb Raider, adventurer Lara Croft (actress Angelina Jolie) gets behind the wheel of the Land Rover-built Tomb Raider Defender. Within this vehicle, Croft has access to the hottest new navigation system and all manner of gadgets to take her safely through the challenges of being one of the first female computer-game superheroes. Alas, most of us have to settle for simplified versions of these systems until the sci-fi fantasy gizmos arrive in our stores and cars.

181

In-Car Telematics Systems How do you choose which models of telematics work best for you? Well, most of the time, the make and model of car you want to buy determines the availability for you. As we’ve discussed before, three or four systems are being built into cars at this time. This section reviews the options from OnStar, TeleAid, Wingcast, and ATX.

OnStar OnStar (www.onstar.com), according to the press room at its Web site, is an “innovative invehicle safety, security and information service that uses the Global Positioning (GPS) satellite network and cellular technology to link vehicle and driver to the OnStar Center where advice is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to offer real time, personalized help.” OnStar is now available in many GM, Lexus, Acura, Subaru, and Audi vehicles. Toyota is offering OnStar service that it brands as the Lexus Link on some Lexus models. OnStar is generally available as a factory-installed option. Research firm JD Power and Associates says nearly half of the people who bought Cadillac’s Escalade SUV said OnStar, which is standard equipment in the vehicle, was a factor in their decision. GM is projecting that OnStar will be standard equipment in at least 20% of its new vehicles (see Figure 6.6). The firm partners with such leaders as Motorola, America Online, and Verizon Wireless. Visit the OnStar Web site for details on what is available for current vehicle models. You can find information on specific model years at http://www.onstar.com/visitors/ html/va_availability.htm. The basic level of service, called Safe and Sure, costs $199 per year or $16.95 per month. Be sure to ask your dealer whether there is a special promotion at the time you buy or get it installed. At press time, OnStar was offering the first year free. It offers the following:

182

•

OnStar Med-Net—Provides personal information such as a physician’s name or important medical facts. And access to your medical information!

•

AccidentAssist—An OnStar advisor provides support and guidance after a traffic accident. The OnStar Web site says that an advisor can contact your insurance company, police, and other emergency services if requested. Furthermore, they have developed a best practices list with leading insurance companies to assist you through most accident situations. Advisors can also notify a family member or friend if you want.

•

Emergency Services—The driver touches the emergency services button, the vehicle’s position is located on a digital map, and it alerts the nearest emergency services provider.


6

Figure 6.6 OnStar availability for GM Cars chart.

•

Remote Diagnostics—A warning light flashes and you can contact the Center. An advisor can send a signal to your car asking for the status and recommended action.

•

Air Bag Deployment Automatic Notification—When the vehicle’s air bag deploys, an emergency signal notifies the OnStar Center, which attempts to communicate with the car’s occupants. If there’s no response, the advisor determines the exact location and contacts the nearest emergency services provider.

•

Roadside Assistance—If the car has mechanical trouble, OnStar dispatches the nearest GM service provider. You don’t even need to leave your car.

•

Remote Door Unlock—If you lock your keys in the car, you can call the OnStar Center toll-free. After a quick security check, the advisor sends a call to the vehicle that instructs it to unlock itself at a specified time.

The basic package also includes stolen vehicle tracking services. Premium service is available at two levels: Directions and Connections and Luxury & Leisure, ranging from $34.95 to $69.95 per month. See http://www.onstar.com for the features included in each level of premium service. At press time, the service plans included options such as

•

Concierge Services—Offers subscribers vacation planning, business assistance, or tickets to hard-to-get events, just like a prestigious hotel concierge.

•

Routing and Location Assistance—You call OnStar to request assistance and get voice navigation, including help finding a better route if you’re caught in traffic. 183

•

Information/Convenience Services—OnStar advisors offer a wide range of special information from restaurant suggestions to hotel reservations. OnStar says advisors can also assist drivers with point-of-interest information from a seven million–listing database.

•

OnStar Personal Calling—A hands-free, voice-activated cell phone service through a nationwide wireless network in cooperation with Verizon Wireless. You just press the OnStar White Dot button in your vehicle, say the phone number you want to call, and the system dials it for you. You can also use the memory feature to store numbers and speed-dial by name if you want. Payment is via an advance pay program billed to your credit card. Call 800-ONSTAR-7 for more information. No extra phone is needed; you call through the three-button system embedded and wireless equipment in your car.

•

OnStar Virtual Advisor—Enables drivers to access personalized Web-based information and their e-mail hands-free, and with a click of a button you can turn on the voice-activation/recognition system. Subscribers can build personalized profiles on the OnStar.com Web page by entering information about favorite sports, stocks, ZIP codes for weather, and more. Note that Virtual Advisor does not read attachments to e-mails. Virtual Advisor is also part of the Personal Calling package and is provided at no additional cost; however, you do pay for the wireless minutes you use to interact with the network. As noted previously, you must buy the calling packages in advance.

Call OnStar for prices for Virtual Advisor and to check availability in your area. Also check with OnStar for prices for the Personal Calling feature. Both features require basic OnStar service packages.

CAUTION

OnStar is battery-operated. So, if your vehicle’s battery is damaged or disconnected, the service might not function according to OnStar.com’s Q&A section. Also, you can’t use your audio system for other purposes while using Virtual Advisor. However, because it works off the car battery, it could have much more power than your cell phone would at this time.

OnStar Real Traffic and Road Condition Reports OnStar offers consumers in such areas as Detroit, Phoenix, and San Francisco metro areas real-time traffic and road reports through the hands-free, voice-activated OnStar Advisor Service. The traffic reports check for traffic incidents within a 15-mile radius of the vehicle’s location. OnStar spokespersons say this service will roll out to other geographic metropolitan areas soon. The information provided by Tele Atlas North America Inc., and Metro Networks—a Westwood One company—includes reports on accidents; road congestion; travel delays; construction; weather-related road conditions; and major events such as sports, concerts, and festivals that might affect the local flow of traffic. 184

As for OnStar’s Privacy Policy, its Web site says it takes the privacy issue seriously. You must use the PIN or SCW. Only at the subscriber’s request will the vehicle information be provided to 911, police, fire, or roadside assistance providers. OnStar says that it knows where the driver is only when the OnStar button is pressed, the airbags deploy, or the car is reported stolen. Note, that OnStar requires an external 9° antenna and GPS receiver and might not function properly if the antenna is broken off in an accident.

CAUTION

6

Also, if you have a 1996 or 1997 Cadillac or a 1998 GM car, truck, or minivan, you might be able to outfit your car for OnStar at an authorized GM dealer. If you don’t purchase OnStar when you buy your car, you might be able to add it later.


OnStar Additional Information When you buy OnStar you are asked for a personal identification number (PIN) or security code word (SCW). Your PIN is similar to an ATM PIN (one PIN per car). You also can choose a word with as many as 20 characters. Your PIN or SCW is used if you’ve been locked out or stolen, so you’ll need it to get the Advisor to provide assistance. If you forget your PIN or SCW, the OnStar Web site says it will send it to you in the mail (U.S. mail), so be careful to remember it.

It might be hard to try OnStar in advance. Business2.com writer Jack Boulware said in a column, “Wish Upon OnStar? Dream On.” He spent a day calling local GM car dealerships in the San Francisco area to take the latest OnStar—and a car, of course—for a test spin to see if he would get what Batman gets in the ads. It wasn’t easy. Most managers reported to him they didn’t have any cars with “active” systems available because OnStar is turned on only after a car is purchased. When he did locate a car with working OnStar features at a Chevrolet dealership showroom, the salesman pushed buttons at random until he got the sad news that “I’m sorry. All circuits are busy.” To get a real demo, you might want to check out a local auto show or ask a pal who subscribes to give you a demo.

ATX Vehicle Applications ATX, a leading independent telematics service provider, provides many manufacturers with its services, including Mercedes-Benz, Ford, Jaguar, Lincoln, and the Infiniti division of Nissan. They serve an estimated 300,000 subscribers. According to the ATX Web site, “The industry’s most extensive database keeps ATX in the lead.” The Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) database was created by ATX for the launch of Lincoln RESCU. It continuously updates for zoning, area code, and phone number changes. Map screens are amended regularly to reflect new streets and route changes. And thanks to our participation in the National Emergency Number Association (NENA), ATX says it stays up to the minute on changes and developments within the 911 agencies. It is also linked to NavTech, GDT, and Etak digital navigation technologies to ensure its ability to provide assistance anywhere it’s needed.

185

ATX Nationwide Traffic Reports In June 2001, ATX Technologies launched the first nationwide real-time traffic telematics service, providing drivers with route information. Coverage for 78 markets is planned by the end of the year. A subscriber can check actual traffic conditions along her route prior to entering the vehicle by accessing her car company’s telematics Web site. ATX hosts the Web site traffic information. ATX updates will initially be delivered via text to the in-vehicle screen but will migrate to interactive voice-response systems. Motorists have the option to give a verbal command to the ATX Response Center anytime they need personal assistance. ATX spokespersons say that the information provided will be the following: traffic incidents, congestion points in traffic flow, road construction, and adverse weather conditions. The service will also report the location of incidents between cross streets or exits.

Mercedes-Benz TeleAid System Mercedes-Benz press releases exclaim the automaker as the first to debut an “Internet on Wheels” research car in 1997. This system, which provides in-car convenience and emergency services at the touch of a button, ships standard on all 2001 Mercedes-Benz vehicles (see Figure 6.7). As of model year 2001, Mercedes-Benz says it offers more than 200,000 vehicles per year with TeleAid capability. Current acceptance for “first year free” services is close to 100%. TeleAid provides these services:

•

Emergency help—You use an SOS button above the rear-view mirror that immediately establishes voice contact with ATX Technologies, Mercedes-Benz’s provider. The button transmits the location, model of the car, and its color. The ATX response specialist can then notify the closest emergency service and local police, fire, or EMS if voice contact is not established.

•

Airbag deployment notification—If your airbag deploys or the ETR tensioner in the seat belt registers a certain level, the system automatically establishes contact with ATX, relaying the information.

•

A crash-secure back-up antenna.

Features introduced in 2001 include the following:

186

•

Remote diagnostics—If you report a problem, the status of the car’s electronic systems can be accessed remotely via TeleAid from Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance.

•

Emergency door unlock—If you lock the keys inside the vehicle, arrangements can be made to unlock the car from either the client assistance center or the MercedesBenz USA Web site.


6

Figure 6.7 Mercedes-Benz TeleAid system offers remote diagnostics so a mechanic can check out your car’s electronic system while you’re miles away.

•

Anti-theft alarm notification—If the anti-theft alarm is triggered, the system notifies ATX, who contacts the owner.

The following are non-emergency use TeleAid buttons:

•

Roadside Assistance—The button marked with the symbol of a wrench puts the customer in contact with Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance. The button sends customer profile and mapping/location information directly to the company’s Client Assistance Center in Montvale, New Jersey, where company representatives can either resolve your mechanical situation or dispatch a technician to your location.

•

Car Information—A button marked with the letter i (for information) connects to the Mercedes-Benz Client Assistance Center for help in setting up and programming your vehicle or any other information you want to know about your vehicle.

The command center featured in the 2001 C Class Mercedes displays e-mail, stock quotes, maps, weather conditions, and more. The console is a $2,035 option. TeleAid free connection and 30 minutes of airtime are included for the first year on new vehicles. Additional airtime is charged to the customer, and additional years cost $240 each. The optional information package is $125 plus airtime. This package includes Web-based, customized news, stocks, sports, weather, traffic, and calendar reminders that can be delivered to COMAND and MCS-equipped vehicles. 187

Mercedes-Benz owners can personalize content on their own Web pages at the www.mbusa.com site.

Ford Motor’s Wingcast Wingcast is a joint venture formed by Ford and Qualcomm in summer 2000. Executives there predict that they will outfit nine million cars with wireless services by 2005. Wingcast press materials say it will offer communication, information, navigation, entertainment, safety services, and Internet access to drivers of Ford vehicles. Ford’s concept car was reviewed by TechTV.com in 2000. In her article, Sumi Das said that the Ford car was unlike others we’ve seen in the past. Gone are the familiar knobs and switches; instead, the dash is a screen upon which all information is displayed. Voice recognition allows drivers to operate the system without taking their eyes off the road. The system also offers personalized profiles that store your favorite settings, GPS to help you find your way, and Web access for e-mail and constant connectivity. Ford demonstrated technology that lets you update your phone list by beaming the information to your car’s system. Wingcast says in its corporate materials that “it is dedicated to the development and delivery of advanced wireless applications and telematics services that deliver on the promise of connected freedom for mobile users both in and outside of vehicles.” Ford and Qualcomm formed Wingcast to develop a broader set of services over CDMA networks, including infotainment and mobile commerce according to Wireless Week. The joint venture is in operation in Germany with SOS, roadside assistance, phone services, and portal services. Wingcast sources say that its services will launch in model year 2003 vehicles including Ford Motor Company and Nissan vehicle lines available in market to consumers in mid2002. Oracle is joining Wingcast in a strategic alliance to jointly develop and bring to market next-generation wireless telematics services. As part of the alliance, Oracle and Wingcast are forming the Accelerated Development Center (ADC) in San Diego to develop, test, and implement advanced telematics services. Nissan is working with Ford and Qualcomm to bring Wingcast into certain luxury vehicles. They might extend use of these applications to a broader selection of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles in the future.

Jumping on the Bandwagon: BMW and Jaguar As of January 2001, integrated telematics communications systems are a standard feature on BMW’s 7 series vehicles and available as a dealer-installed accessory on all other 2001 vehicles. As noted earlier, the BMW digital CPT 8000 phone system features a Motorola Timeport digital telematics phone, which operates on most cellular networks nationwide 188

BMW’s concept car was also a hit with TechTV.com when we looked at it in 2000 for a column on concept cars. Its TX5 prototype sports an open-architecture, in-vehicle computer with a joystick-like controller that lets you navigate through different menus and cruise the Internet. In addition, the entertainment screen lets you play games and listen to tunes. Of course, it also sports GPS. Also joining the telematics game is Jaguar Motors. The new Jaguar X type sedan will be updated with antennas from Andrew of Orland Park, Illinois to enhance the safety services. The product includes the following:


and can be used both in and out of the car. The portable phone snaps into a console cradle in the armrest. Voice activation is available as an accessory. Advanced digital signal processors are said to detect and eliminate background noise and echo for enhanced call clarity. The system even provides caller ID information on a display on the instrument panel. See more information on BMW’s home page at http://www.bmwusa.com.

6

•

Bumper-mounted antenna system for clear RF signals for the in-car digital phone system

•

Glass-mounted cellular antenna system that connects to JaguarNetAssist Program

JaguarNetAssist automatically notifies a Jaguar service center if the car’s air bag system is deployed. The system can also be accessed manually if the car breaks down. Jaguar spokespersons say the antennas have been located out of the impact zone, and after extensive testing, the rear windshield was considered the best location. Voice activation is already available in the Jaguar F type so you can say “phone home” or tell the radio “volume up” or “volume down.”

Other Car Manufacturers Volvo is testing a call center service called OnCall in Sweden, and Honda is installing its Internavi travel information service on 40,000 cars. In addition, Italian automaker Fiat is developing telematics through a joint venture with Seat Pagine Gialle called ViaSat. With an attached phone, drivers will be able to get directions to restaurants and other locations or use GPS for emergency solutions. Honda and NTT DoComMo are developing an information system that lets drivers exchange e-mail via a voice system and listen to information about nearby restaurants and stores while driving. An in-vehicle voice system will read the most important part of the e-mail message using preregistered keywords. After information is stored on servers, as the car approaches the locations, the specifics such as hours and specials will be read aloud, according to “Asia Pulse” newsletter.

189

Wireless Traffic Reports To get an update on how wireless services will provide you with better traffic information and updates, we interviewed Lisa Osborn, CEO, Traffic411.com and veteran KFI Radio traffic reporter. Here’s the transcript of the Q&A: Q: What kinds of traffic services are available for wireless users today? A: It’s possible to receive wireless traffic alerts via cell phone and pagers today. To do this you enter the route(s) you travel and what time of day, and you’ll be notified of any trouble spots as they evolve. When GPS becomes widely available, it won’t be necessary to enter your location. Q. How soon can I see traffic flow on my in-car video screen? A: Traffic411 partners with San Diego-based PacketVideo to deliver live freeway video to handheld computers such as Compaq’s iPAQ and Casio Cassiopeia. PacketVideo’s wireless technology streams the video real-time to the devices via wireless connections. Motorists can use this service before they get on the road. Q. What is 511 versus 911? A. Local governments are also starting to provide traffic information over the phone. In 2000, the FCC awarded the three-digit dialing code “511” to local municipalities to use to deliver local traffic information. 911 is the universal code for emergency services (see other listings in this book). Traffic411 makes traffic reports available over phones. See our Web site for updates. Q. As a former traffic reporter, what tips do you have for when I see an accident or our readers are in an accident?

1-800 How Are You Driving?

190

Want to check how your teen really got into that fender bender? Or have proof that a crash was not your staffer’s fault? Check this out. TechTV found San Diegobased DriveCam Video Systems, which is developing a palm-sized video recorder that automatically records everything a driver sees and hears in the 30 seconds before, during, and after an unusual driving event. A bit pricey at $895, it is mounted on the vehicle’s rearview mirror and starts recording only if the car is being driven in an unusual fashion, according to DriveCam CEO Ed Andrews. As he explains, “That would be something like braking too hard, jackrabbit starts, swerving to miss something, having a crash or collision, or backing into a pole or tree.” A security key prevents tampering with DriveCam recordings. Companies that operate fleets of commercial vehicles are using DriveCam to assess their drivers’ skills and to determine fault in the case of a collision or alleged insurance fraud.

A: If you’re involved in an accident, follow these guidelines:

•

Keep a camera and a pen and notepad in your vehicle. Take a photo of the damage to the other person’s vehicle. Write down the other person’s license plate number, driver’s license number, and insurance information.

•

See an accident? If you spot an accident and want to call 911, note the exact location and provide as much information as possible. If the crash occurred on a busy highway, chances are the Highway Patrol has already received multiple calls on the accident already.

•

Dial the phone only if it is safe. Do not slow down to rubberneck.

Call the highway patrol or 911 to alert the law enforcement authorities. If no one is hurt, you can exchange driver’s license and insurance information with the other motorist involved.

6

Move out of the traffic lanes if possible. TELEMATICS: THE WEB ON WHEELS

• • •

Q. How soon before I can get personalized traffic reports on my TV? A. As interactive or enhanced television becomes more popular, consumers will be able to check with their TV for a traffic update before hitting the road. A traffic icon on the TV screen will provide an overview of current road conditions. If you’re looking for traffic reports, you don’t have to wait for fancy telematics equipment or expensive voice-activation services to catch up to your budget or your new model car. You can turn to voice portals, such as BeVocal.com and Tellme.com, to provide you with traffic and news updates via your land-line phone or cell phone. Both companies and others in the voice portal arena offer additional customized services for companies. For more information, check out these portals at their Web sites today. In-Car Cell Phone Safety Tips We’ve included tips in the safety and health section of this book, but just in case you miss those suggestions, we’re including tips from Advocates for Cell Phone Safety here, too:

•

Use your cell phone only when parked—Yes, that’s the best recommendation, even though we’ve spent pages talking about voice activation and other services.

•

If your phone rings while driving, let the voice-mail service take the call—Another reason to make sure you hook up your voice mail and frequently check to make sure that it’s working.

•

If you must answer your phone, let the caller know you’re driving and ask him to wait until you pull over before continuing the conversation.

•

Do not engage in stressful or emotional conversations on your phone or with passengers in the car—It can divert your attention from the road.

•

Rely on hands-free devices. 191

Note, Advocates for Cell Phone Safety was created to help family members of victims of phone-related auto accidents by the parents of Morgan Lee Pena, a 2-year-old who lost her life when a cell-phone driver who ran a stop sign at 45mph struck the family car. You can check out its Web site and additional driving tips at http://www. geocities.com/morganleepena/.

THE INTERNET ON WHEELS—A WORK IN PROGRESS Net-ready cars appeared onsite at the 2001 International Auto show, and TechTV was there. The Fresh Gear staff covered the story. We looked at BMW’s Z9 concept car sporting iDrive. This new in-car technology has a central control center that helps keep eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. Using an LCD screen, iDrive merges radio, climate communication, and driving controls into a single unit. In Europe, BMW owners are alerted to real-time GPS messages that tell owners about traffic developments along their routes and offer alternatives. Another system uses the in-car navigation to find parking lots at the driver’s destination.

Offerings from Microsoft and Clarion Don’t rule Microsoft out on in-car Internet developments. Microsoft Windows CE for Automotive is working with such industry leaders as Clarion, Visteon, and others. Microsoft’s Web site says its AutoPC takes computing on the road in a car-radio–sized form that fits into a car dashboard and combines high-end audio with the power of computing and pioneering speech technology. Microsoft also maintains an initiative called car.NET, which has at its center Windows CE (WinCE) for Automotive—an auto-centric version of the Microsoft operating system. The company is said to be testing its technology on a fleet of its own cars. The prototypes include a car PC that uses 802.11b technology to become part of a nearby home or office computer network, just like any other PC in the local area network (LAN). You can transfer PowerPoint presentations, CD-quality digital music files, and more. Supposedly, Windows CE for Automotive prevents crashes—the computer kind, that is—by automatically detecting and recovering from system failures. Microsoft has also introduced MyCar, a service that delivers live traffic reports to computers or cell phones when the user wants to receive them. It can be tailored to report on traffic in certain communities and deliver information in the morning and evening. The service made its debut in fall 2001 as part of an overall upgrade to Microsoft’s MSN Internet service. According to a report in the Seattle Times, “MyCar gathers traffic info from various sources, compiles it into a format that can be displayed on a variety of electronic devices, and delivers the info to whichever device the user has selected.” At press time, the service was free to users, but some experts believe it’s a sign that the company is delving into products that could generate recurring fees, especially when added to phone, cable, and Internet bills. 192

Clarion’s director of engineering and technology says his firm is “waiting for the 3G (thirdgeneration) phone networks to be deployed throughout the U.S. because the wireless infrastructure is not robust [enough] to support a lot of the applications that we would like to offer such as online roadmaps.” As a stepping stone, both Clarion and Mercedes are using CD-ROM road maps that integrate GPS. Citroen’s Xsara is now offered in Europe equipped with the Clarion AutoPC, allowing users to have e-mail and SMS messages read to them while driving.

6

Clarion wants to use Bluetooth wireless technology to provide seamless integration with devices such as MP3 players. That way, your car audio system can download songs from your PC at home.


AutoPCs are available from Clarion Corporation of America and are Microsoft Windows CE devices. Voice-activated Internet consoles similar to Mercedes are available with the Clarion AutoPC system ($1,500—$3,000 depending on options installed, plus installation fees for your private mechanic). Experts say that Clarion is updating its AutoPC to include DVD and MP3 capabilities.

Intel Architecture Labs (IAL) designed an Intel Connected Car PC that offers voice-activated input, roadway directions, real-time information for drivers, and a multimedia entertainment system for passengers. DaimlerChrysler’s Jeep division has developed a wireless peer-to-peer networking system that will enable cars to exchange insurance details automatically following accidents. At some stage, experts believe, peer-to-peer car networks could be developed to forewarn drivers of a crash up ahead.

Motorola’s Trafficmaster in Europe Only Trafficmaster, a leader in real-time traffic information, and Motorola, Inc., joined in Europe to introduce the first offboard dynamic navigation systems. Motorola’s navigation server, part of its iRadio navigation application, melds with Trafficmaster’s real-time traffic flow data to create the Trafficmaster T-nav service. T-nav will be offered to automotive manufacturers and wireless carriers in Europe. No date has been set to introduce the service in the United States. Watch for it when you’re vacationing in Europe, or ask your relatives there to try it for you. Visit http://www.trafficmaster.co.uk/ to learn more. Motorola is providing telematics technologies to Nissan Motor Corp., for its Infiniti vehicles and is introducing AirMobile, which is designed to provide over-the-air software updates to fleet vehicles.

IN-CAR SATELLITE RADIO According to Red Herring magazine, demand for satellite radio is expected to be slow until 2003. The Yankee Group, an IT research firm, predicts that satellite radio will have 12 million subscribers in 2003. 193

Two broadcasters, Sirius Satellite Radio (www.sirius.com) and XM Satellite Radio (www.xmradio.com), are opening up a new world of satellite radio to consumers desiring more than the programming available on traditional radio bands. For a monthly fee, subscribers will have access to more than 100 channels of eclectic digital sounds from hip-hop to opera. It’s possible that satellite radio could at some time in the future transmit traffic and other information to cars. The real questions are whether car manufacturers will install these radios and if consumers will pay subscription fees. Some experts aren’t sure the early movers such as these two satellite radio companies can survive until the demand increases. A service that is popular with regional dealerships of major auto manufacturers is remote vehicle diagnostics, which alerts a driver when the car needs servicing and helps the driver schedule an appointment with the dealer. Motorola is said to be adding this feature to its telematics services in BMW cars, and Mercedes-Benz already features its own version of this system. Dealers like the new technology because it links their customers to them by a lifeline that not only troubleshoots vehicle problems, but also starts to build a bridge between car and dealer for special offers, coupons, and upgrades to after-market add-ons, and news on new models.

GM’s Futurama World’s Fair Exhibit This innovative exhibit, created for General Motors by industrial designer Norman Bel Geddes, took the people of 1939 on an imaginary trip to 1960. Seated above the exhibit, visitors felt like they were flying, swooping down on skyscrapers with round edges and glass wrapping. Cars moved at ground level through the future cities, with pedestrians walking one level up. Bel Geddes predicted a future with more cars but no traffic congestion because he envisioned that along highways there would be lookout towers at five-mile intervals. Speeds would be maintained and entrances, exits, and merges would be carried out automatically by a collaborative partnership between the car and highway. Perhaps soon intelligent transportation systems and smart cars and highways will make his dreams come true. 194


6

Figure 6.8 George Jetson fans will love the Moller Skycar Web site.

Skycar Is Here Journalists describe it as a scene from the sci-fi classic Buck Rogers. California engineer Paul Moller of Moller International says he has built a car that flies. It weighs 2,000 pounds, seats four, and takes off from any hard surface like a jump jet. It streaks through the clouds at better than 350 mph, has a range of 900 miles, and gets l5 miles per gallon on regular gas. Eventually, he says, you’ll be able to drive it like a car after you land. The M400 Skycar results from 30 years and more than $l00 million in research and is prohibitively expensive, costing around $1 million for the prototype (see Figure 6.8). But Moller says not to worry; if it’s mass-produced, Skycar could retail for less than $60,000. Before Skycar flies, it will have to get FAA certification and pass political and public muster. Moller calls it the world’s first VTOL vehicle (vertical takeoff and landing) on his Web site at www.moller.com/skycar. Alas, the Web site does not say whether it has wireless phone access installed.

195

DRIVER DISTRACTION UPDATE Cars that fly, PCs in your auto…how much distraction can you deal with? We looked at recent studies to see how consumers are holding up in our increasingly noisy and connected world. Preliminary results of a new study conducted by the American Automobile Association (AAA) Foundation of Traffic Safety found that of the 26,000 traffic accidents analyzed, less than 2% of those caused by distracted driving involved wireless phone use (see Table 6.1). For more details, see the CTIA Web site at http://www.wow-com.com/consumer/ Index.cfm?textOnly=1. This study shows that passengers and snacking while driving are more distracting than talking on wireless phones. TABLE 6.1

Causes of Traffic Accidents per AAA Foundation Study

Distraction

Percent of Distracted Drivers

Outside object, person, event

19.7%

Eating and drinking

18.8%

Adjusting radio, cassette, CD

11.4%

Other occupant in vehicle

9.4%

Moving object in vehicle

3.2%

Using/dialing cell phone

1.5%

Using other device in vehicle

1.4%

Adjusting climate controls

1.2%

Smoking related

1. 2%

CAR SECURITY—AS PERSONAL AS YOUR FINGERPRINT Technology one day might enable you to start your car with the touch of your finger. That same touch, with your fingerprint acting as the key, could trigger the check of the mirrors, steering wheel, radio, and temperature for each driver in a family. The convenience of fingerprint recognition comes with heightened security—no need for PIN numbers or passwords or for reaching call centers for lost keys. To initiate the fingerprint-recognition process, you’d have to enroll in your car’s personalized security system, which would scan the fingerprint and store the data on the car’s CPU. Fingerprint technology is the ultimate in personalization according to a spokesperson at Visteon Corp. You can stop your teenage son from using the car or ensure that your 6year-old doesn’t have Internet access. DaimlerChrysler AG in Germany is leading the way in the use of smart cards and fingerprint-recognition systems. Smart cards are more popular in Europe than in the United States. The size of credit cards, they hold embedded fingerprint scanners that can verify your identity and send a short-range wireless signal to unlock doors.

196

WIRELESS PAYMENT METHODS FOR CARS AND DRIVERS

6

Wireless systems promise to revolutionize our banking systems and financial transfer methods in the future. One of the first options for trying these new methods might be in your vehicle. Already, hundreds of thousands of commuters take advantage of electronic toll-paying systems. These systems are paving the way for using wireless payment methods for other purchases, such as snacks, gasoline, convenience items, and more. Without thinking about it, drivers are trying mobile commerce just by swiping a keychain or moving through a drive-through restaurant. They are getting their first taste of “micropayments” that someday might eliminate the need for coins and cash on the go inside and outside your vehicle.


Booster kits and bag phones are available to improve your reception if you live in rural areas. One Web site that features these systems is Earthvisioncellular.com. The Web site suggests that you can use a passive repeater antenna to pick up signals more easily. Booster kits cost about $200. They also might be available from your cell phone manufacturer or dealer. One source is at http://www.earthvisioncellular.com/ ebook/rural reception.html.

Electronic Toll-Paying Systems New ETC (electronic toll collection) systems help drivers pay for tolls more easily than ever before. Watch for this arena to explode as a big business, according to Frost & Sullivan. This automotive analysis firm projects that the industry, which generated $264.9 million in 2000, will reach $750.9 million by 2007. You might know these technologies better by their brand names, such as EZ Pass and SpeedPass, or by a system called 2Scoot (see details at http://www.2scoot.com). Thousands of Southern California electronic toll system users are already testing this method to purchase items at McDonald’s drive-through via a partnership with SIRIT Technologies and McDonald’s restaurants. This field test will help determine the viability of using this method as a way of paying for retail items and parking fees. For more information, check it out at http://www.ettm.com/news/tca bigmac.html.

Speedpass The Speedpass system is similar to the technology used by many tollways. Many of you have probably seen it featured in Mobil gasoline commercials on television. It is a small wand-shaped device about 1° long, and made of metal, and attaches to your keychain or wallet. You wave the Speedpass wand across the area of the gas pump or in-store cash register labeled Place Speedpass Here. It should be clearly marked. The Speedpass uses an electronic system located in the pump or register to “talk” with a miniature radio-like device (a transponder). Together these electronic devices provide instant access to gasoline, food, and merchandise by charging purchases to a credit card or debit card you

197

designate to the Speedpass processing system when you signed up for the device. Your credit card or debit card information remains outside the Speedpass signal system. For more information, go to http://www.speedpass.com. Protect your Speedpass smartcards and payment transponders in the same way you would your credit cards, cash, and other wallet contents. Report the loss immediately and don’t let it out of your sight. If you leave your car, hide the transponder or take it with you; otherwise, it could be stolen and used without your permission.

2Scoot 2Scoot is a patent-pending system now available as a small tag for consumers that attaches to a keychain or a SmartCover and can be attached to a mobile phone. The 2Scoot technology integrates into a retailer’s existing point of sale terminal and process.

Figure 6.9 Shell SmartPump designed by ISE to “gas and go.”

Shell SmartPump Refuels with Ease Shell Oil unveiled its first SmartPump in 1997. The Shell SmartPump is a robotic system to refuel autos (see Figure 6.9). The first test site was in Sacramento, California, and developed in conjunction with ISE Solutions. The pump is designed so that the control panel moves to the customer and fuels your car no matter on which side 198

LOCATION-BASED SERVICES

The good news about the improved in-car communication systems is that they not only let you know your exact location at any time, they also open you up to a world of locationbased services—yes, even when you’re stuck in traffic. Some of the simplest of the geographic-based services operate today and include phone systems you can call to get information on local services and shops. Some of these include the following: eWireless—Upon hearing an ad on your wireless (hands-free, of course) phone, you can dial the digit 333 to talk to a live operator who will patch you over to an advertiser. The advertiser can then give you the special of the day while he gathers your e-mail or street address to send you coupons or other information.

•

CD—A division of ConneXus Corp. enables radio listeners to learn the name of the artist currently playing on the radio and then buy the selection over wireless phones. It is said to be rolling out into 30 markets, including Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Miami, Boston, and Nashville.

•

511—We mentioned 511 earlier because that is the new national dialing code for reaching traveler information. Using a touch-tone menu on a phone, callers can reach information on their areas, corridors, routes, and more. Cincinnati and the northern Kentucky metropolitan area launched the nation’s first traveler information service using 511 on June 11, 2001. Arizona, Minnesota, Utah, and the city of San Francisco are on the way to establishing their own services, as well. Watch for announcements about 511 services in your own area.

6

•


Ask any real estate person what is the most important factor in buying a house, and you get the answer emphatically: location, location, location. If you’re ever stuck in traffic in a logjam on the 405 freeway in Los Angeles, you know that location is the only thing that matters.

the fuel door is located. It was designed with significant sensor and control redundancy. The unit has 11 patents pending and gives us some idea of how wireless technology and robotics might combine to change the way cars are refueled and perhaps even serviced in the future. For more about the SmartPump, see http://www.usatoday.com/life/cybertech/review/crg985.htm. 199

Mobile Commerce This whole area of location-based commerce and services is getting another tagline: mobile commerce, or m-commerce. Both online and offline retailers look forward to it with great delight. Already, Japanese consumers can download maps onto their wireless phones. A firm called Cybird Co. Ltd., wants to send ads to consumers when they are near a store, but privacy concerns are still an issue. Most m-services aim for a graphical look for new phones and in-car devices that allow pop-up menus similar to those used on most PC software programs. Many are also voicedriven. Unfortunately, no standards have been set, so most phones and in-car systems will use lots of different approaches to entice you into buying goods and services while you’re driving along each day. M-commerce is big business. Remember e911, the enhanced emergency service mentioned earlier in this chapter? The other side of the fact that new emergency services can locate you is that your phone carrier will also know your whereabouts within 125 meters or so when you place a call. So it’s possible that carriers could provide your location to m-commerce companies, perhaps even selling it for a fee to local retailers such as gas stations and fast food restaurants who can beam you coupons or discounts. Of course, to do so they must get your permission. Be careful when signing up for a new carrier or when getting a telematics system installed in your car so you don’t sign away your rights in the future to spammers without your permission.

Beaming Billboards adAlive Inc., announced it will begin making the location-based product Vindigo content platform available to handheld customers at major airports. The adAlive device is attached to billboard ads in airport walkways. PDA users approach an adAlive access point marked with a red I and point their handhelds’ infrared ports at the device to access e-mail, personalized content, and downloads. Tests of adAlive were recently performed at Pittsburgh International Airport and plans are to expand it to JFK in New York soon. Right now this system is limited to PDA users of Palm, Handspring, and Sony Clie Pocket PC devices are drafting agreements with Vindigo and other location-based commerce systems. Experts predict you’ll soon be able to use your in-car phone system or cell phone to receive special deals from billboards as you pass them on highways. Yes, the billboards in the future will talk to you and your family. Vindigo already has 300,000 registered mobile users who use its local restaurant reviews and information and offers location-based information in 20 major U.S. cities and London. Using Vindigo on your handheld device, you can find information on bars, restaurants, nightclubs, stores, and movies in each city. Check out http://www.vindigo.com to see what is available in your geographic area for your phone, PDA, or pocket PC.

200

Taxi Billboards

6

ZIP codes, neighborhoods, or specific districts can be targeted with ads that change. For example, if the cab drives through a Spanish-speaking area, the ads can change to Spanish language. Regulations on taxi ads vary by municipality, and so far no one is trying to entice consumers to post digital billboards on their own cars. That day too could come in the ever-evolving world of mobile commerce. Plus, new systems using wireless technologies, such as Bluetooth or 802.11b (Wi-Fi), could enable you to hail a taxi or bus by beaming your PDA or cell phone at the wireless billboard or a special hot spot designated on the side or bumper of the cab.


Mini-billboards on taxis are a common sight around airports and other high-traffic areas. These signs are being retrofitted to provide banner ads wirelessly, along with weather and stock reports. You’re most likely to see these moving billboards in Las Vegas, New York City, or New Orleans where the taxis can cover 2,000 miles per week or more and reach thousands of viewers in cars or passengers nearby. Full-motion, full-color video, wireless Internet, and GPS are all used to create the digital screen ads.

Traffic Priority Systems Glendale, California has implemented one of the most fascinating location-based traffic systems, called the “transit priority” demonstration project. Iteris, a subsidiary of Odetics Inc., worked with that suburban area of Los Angeles to create the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) project. ITS continuously monitors vehicle position and status reports from the city’s equipped transit and emergency vehicles. The system, called SCTDM, determines whether a vehicle is eligible for traffic signal priority because it’s an emergency or a police vehicle. Based on the request for priority, the traffic signal determines when to provide green to correspond to the vehicle’s expected arrival at the intersection to allow it to proceed unimpeded. For details, go to www.iteris.com. Of course, this system is just for emergency use. You can’t use it to get priority for your own car if you’re late for an appointment.

AAA Wireless Location-Based Services American Automobile Association (AAA), the nation’s largest motoring and travel services organization, is field-testing a portable location services device that attaches to existing cellular telephone handsets from a firm called Airbiquity Inc. The test includes 200 AAA Response center employees in all major metropolitan areas using seven wireless carriers and 18 wireless phone types. Under the pilot program, when participants call the AAA Response call center, operators will be able to view the subscriber’s precise location on a computer map display and deliver customized location services. AAA has more than 44 million members. Marshall Doney, VP of AAA Automotive Services, says that the group is actively pursuing highquality, affordable, location-based services for members, especially in the categories of safety, security, and convenience.

201

Wireless Car Insurance? Yes, even car insurance is going wireless. Progressive Casualty Insurance recently finished a 30-month trial in Texas of a new telematics network called Autograph. This system feeds information to the company about how far and when participating drivers operate their cars. By verifying low usage claims of policyholders, the test cut premiums by as much as 25% for many of the several hundred volunteer drivers. What about Big Brother and privacy concerns? The Mayfield, Ohio company spokesperson says the whole program is voluntary. Sounds perfect for many seniors who drive only to and from the store or church—all of them except that famous “Little Old Lady from Pasadena” who speeds through the highways and byways of music memorabilia.

CARS SMARTER THAN DRIVERS? Some Japanese automakers are trying to replace the most accident-prone part of driving— drivers. In a recent study by the Tokyo-based Institute for Traffic Accident Research and Data, researchers determined that human error was at least partially to blame for every accident they examined over a three-year period; only 10% were related to mechanical failure. The Japanese estimate that widespread adoption of intelligent systems could halve fatal accidents in 30 years. Almost half the new cars sold in Japan come with navigation systems, and Japanese automakers expect driver support systems to become standard equipment in the future.

Who’s Talking Now? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that at least 500,000 drivers talk on their cell phones simultaneously during the daytime. Rates nearly double during non-rush hours (more people talk when they’re not in a rush). That’s still only 3% of drivers talking on handheld cell phones. The agency collected the information by surveying 12,000 vehicles at 640 intersections and then projecting that to the total Americans using cell phones. The survey did NOT cover hand-free phones. And who talks the most? The following are statistics courtesy of an Associated Press story: 202

The Honda Intelligent Driver Support (HIDS) system “sees” the road through a tiny camera on the windshield and helps steer the car down the middle of its lane. So far these “smart” car features are pricey, adding $5,000 or more to the base price.


Japanese automakers include bumper-mounted infrared radar units on Toyotas as options along with Active Drive Assist, which besides adjusting cruising speed, sounds an alarm if the car drifts out of the lane or enters a curve too fast. On the curve, it downshifts even before the driver starts braking.

6

•

If you drive a van or an SUV, you’re most likely to use a cell phone while driving. At 8%, this was the highest use rate of drivers of vans and SUVs during non-rush hours.

• • •

Pickup truck drivers are least likely to use a cell phone while driving.

•

Suburban drivers use cell phones while driving more than rural drivers, 3.4%–3%.

Women use cell phones more than men, 3.4%–2.7%. White drivers use cell phones 3.7% of the time compared to 2.3% for black drivers and 1.7% for drivers of other races.

203

C H A P T E R

7

PRIVACY, PERSONALIZATION, AND SECURITY

Convenience and safety are key reasons for cutting the cord and going wireless. Yet, 24/7 mobility brings a challenge to safeguard your personal information in the always-on world. In the wireless environment you’ll want to know how to protect your privacy and make your kids’ wireless Web experiences safer. Only then will you be ready to cash in on personalized-for-you coupons, alerts, and news. A new era of location-based commerce is bringing the convenience of shopping on-the-go and new cashless payment methods to your device. Expanded cybersecurity programs offer solutions, but it’s up to us to take personal responsibility to protect our data and wireless networks against use and abuse. That’s why this chapter delves into these critical issues in the wireless world:

• •

Steps to guard your privacy

•

Tips for making your kids safer on the wireless Web

•

Cautions on how to cash in on mobile offers and still protect your identity

•

Software and systems you should know about to guard your devices and wireless networking

A guide to Web sites that help you protect personal data

PROTECTING YOUR PRIVACY Developing this chapter and creating hints, guidelines, and recommendations for protecting your privacy in the wireless world took numerous hours of interviewing experts, reviewing key Internet and online privacy organizations and Web sites, and then updating and adapting that information for wireless technology. Let’s start with some basic guidelines on privacy and then move on to personalizing your content while protecting your identity. Then, we’ll delve into the latest developments on wireless security systems and software.

Privacy Guidelines Here are some basic steps to follow to protect your privacy:

•

A privacy statement is a legally binding document that describes personal information gathering and disseminating practices. If you have any questions about a firm’s privacy statement, be sure to call or e-mail them for details. Note, though, that wireless Internet providers and carriers usually post their privacy policies on sharing information with marketing partners. Check for the policy they will follow if their firm is sold or acquired, and ask what their policy is for their data if they go out of business or file for bankruptcy.

E

206

Read privacy statements—All Web sites list a privacy statement, and all wireless Internet providers and wireless carriers should list privacy statements on their Web sites, too (see Figure 7.1).

•

Watch for seal programs—Many Web sites post approval seals indicating that their privacy policies are being monitored by an outside agency. These programs provide direction of how to turn to that monitoring third party if you feel your privacy has been violated. Check to see whether your wireless Internet provider or carrier offers the same service on its Web site.

•

Be m-finance savvy—Understand your carrier or provider’s mobile finance, credit card, and check card policies. In most cases the same consumer protection laws that apply in the mall apply on the Internet. Experts believe that the federal law that limits your liability to $50 for purchases made with stolen credit cards should apply in the mobile world, too. You should be able to contest any charges if the merchandise or service you order wirelessly does not live up to the promotion.

•

Remember, no Web site is hack-proof—You should place credit or check card orders only through secure servers. Most carriers and wireless providers offer stepby-step instructions for mobile commerce purchases in their manuals or on their Web sites.

•

Keep your information private—Don’t disclose data you don’t want merchants or your provider to know. Safeguard your Social Security number and your mother’s maiden name, which are crucial information to your personal identity. If you’re


asked for that information, you can usually substitute another personal identification number (PIN) or password.

7

Figure 7.1 Virginmobile.com, like most carriers, covers marketing, billing, fraud protection, and other consumer information on its privacy policy posted online.

How Private Are You? An American Demographics magazine survey in its Spring 2001 issue shows that women are less protective than men are about their food preferences, but are much more protective of body weight information. Different age groups and income brackets are more sensitive about guarding their privacy. Women are more sensitive than men, seniors are more fearful than the young, and married people are more wary than singles. What you think is personal might not be what I rate as private. For example, 73% of the American Demographics respondents say that their home address is personal, 69% say health information is personal, but only 23% of people rate food preferences as personal information. What concerns consumers most about disclosing personal information? The same poll shows that 66% of respondents are extremely or very concerned that their children will be targeted, 55% are extremely or very concerned that they will be robbed or cheated if they reveal information, and an overwhelming 64% agree that they are extremely or very concerned that they will be bombarded with solicitations after disclosing personal data.

207

Privacy and Your Device One of the key things you can do to protect your privacy and security is to keep your device visible to you at all times and guard against misuse by fellow co-workers or intruders. Here are some tips we’ve developed with additional assistance from Verizon Wireless to help you keep tabs on your wireless phone:

•

Store your device in a designated space at home or the office when not in use (think of it as being as valuable as your keys).

•

If you carry it, consider using a belt clip or carrying case that can attach to your purse, briefcase, or backpack.

•

Don’t tempt a passersby to help themselves to your device. If you leave it in your car, make sure it’s not visible.

Some areas offer wireless insurance programs. Verizon Wireless has teamed up with Lockline to offer this option to Midwest subscribers. Those who choose it pay a premium of $3.95 per month and have a deductible of $35. Coverage includes lost, stolen, and damaged (out of warranty) phones and select accessories with a $1,500 limit. Check with your carrier or the retailer where you bought your phone.

CAUTION

If you think your phone is stolen or missing, act quickly:

•

Dial your phone number (if the device has a phone) to see whether you can hear it ring. It might be out of sight but nearby. Or, someone might answer it and help return it to you.

• • •

Retrace your steps, physically and mentally.

•

If you believe it was stolen or lost for more than a few hours, call your provider to suspend the service. Alert the provider when you find the phone.

•

Call your local police department to report the loss if it has been stolen.

Try calling the location where you last had your device, such as a store or bank. Forget when you last used it? Call a friend or family member; they might remember when they talked to you last via the wireless phone or got a text messaging from you via your two-way messenger.

Consider offering a reward if your phone is left in a cab or other public place. Frequent travelers say a $20 reward will often inspire a cab driver to deliver a missing phone to your door at your hotel faster than numerous queries to taxicab companies without such incentive.

208

TRUSTe (www.truste.org), the leading privacy seal program, is an independent organization dedicated to building consumer trust and confidence in the Internet. The TRUSTe coalition of participating companies includes such biggies as America Online, Intel, Intuit, Microsoft, and others. More than 2,000 Web sites are certified throughout the world.

7

Watch for TRUSTe to move beyond the Internet into cell phones, PDAs, and other devices that collect personal information. Because Internet Web site privacy statements are lengthy, under this new program, icons will be created to help you make choices based on specific privacy practices (such as opt-in versus opt-out). In addition, these icons will be translatable to a variety of different media. According to TRUSTe spokespersons, its initiative aims to develop a Privacy Label, similar to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) nutritional facts panel found on virtually all food labels. The group promises that the Privacy Label will be a useful, consumer-friendly summary of key privacy practices of consumer concern (see Figure 7.2).


Privacy Protection Symbols

Figure 7.2 Privacy seal programs such as the one posted at www.truste.org guide consumers and publishers to safer online and wireless Web access.

NOTE

Other groups, such as the Better Business Bureau, also have privacy labeling systems. Check to see what their standards are to ensure they match your privacy goals.

209

Privacy Resources The following Web sites and organizations serve as links to some of the building blocks for the next generation of privacy and security. Check the Web sites or e-mail the organizations to see what their suggestions are for wireless devices and networks if they don’t have information listed. You also should refer to your device manufacturer’s Web site, your contract for your wireless carrier or wireless ISP, or those firms’ Web sites to check out their privacy policies. Here are some sites to visit:

•

American Civil Liberties Union (www.aclu.org)—The ACLU advocates individual rights by litigating, legislating, and educating the public on a broad variety of issues affecting individual freedom in the United States. You’ll also find details on national security programs and “cyber-liberties” listed.

•

Call for Action (www.callforaction.org)—An international, nonprofit network of consumer hotlines. The goal of the group is to “empower consumers by giving them a voice larger than their own.”

•

The Center for Democracy and Technology (www.cdt.org)—The CDT works to promote democratic values and constitutional liberty in the digital age.

•

Consumer @ction (www.consumer-action.org)—A nonprofit membership organization that refers consumers to complaint-handling agencies through its free hotline.

•

Council for Better Business Bureaus: BBBOnLine (www.bbonline.org)—The umbrella group for 135 Better Business Bureaus throughout the U.S.

•

CyberAngels (www.cyberangels.org)—Says it is “your cyber-neighborhood watch.” The organization helps educate families about online safety and works with schools and libraries.

•

Direct Marketing Association (www.the-dma.org)—Offers information on online marketing protections and advice for getting rid of unsolicited commercial e-mail.

•

Electronic Frontier Foundation (www.eff.org)—A nonprofit organization that works in the public interest to protect privacy, free expression, and democracy online.

•

Electronic Privacy Information Center (www.epic.org)—EPIC is a Washington, D.C.based research center. Its site includes privacy-related news, online guides to pending legislation, encryption tools, and other privacy resources (see Figure 7.3).

•

www.consumer.gov/idtheft/index.html—The FTC’s site includes government

reports, Congressional testimony, law enforcement updates, and other links to sites with helpful information about identity theft.

•

210

The Federal Trade Commission’s Sample Opt-Out Letter (www.ftc.gov/privacy/cred-ltr.htm)—Offers a downloadable form that speaks to the three national credit reporting agencies. The form requests that your personal credit report information not be shared with third parties.


7

Figure 7.3 For more information on privacy laws, order the EPIC.org sourcebook.

•

Internet Fraud Complaint Center (www.ifccfbi.gov/)—IFCC is a partnership between the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C). Its mission is to address fraud committed over the Internet, offer a central repository for complaints, and provide timely statistical data of current fraud trends.

•

Junkbusters (www.junkbusters.com)—Its mission is to “free the world from junk communications.” The site includes information, resources, and links to rid yourself of junk e-mail, telemarketing calls, and more.

•

Private Rights Clearinghouse (www.privacyrights.org)—A California-based organization that offers privacy information through its publications and hotline. Information is available in English and Spanish on wireless communication, telemarketing, employee monitoring, and other privacy concerns.

•

Truste (www.truste.org)—An independent nonprofit organization dedicated to raising consumer confidence in the Internet and wireless communication. For more resources and online Web sites, see Truste’s reference pages, including www.truste.org/education/users_privacy-links.html (see Figure 7.4).

The Privacy Exchange’s online resource at www.privacyexchange.org/gpd/sites/ advocacysites.html also provides good information. In addition, the Electronic Industry Privacy Council offers more referrals at www.epic.org/privacy/tools.html.

211

Figure 7.4 Truste.org offers a free parents’ and teachers’ online privacy guide.

PROTECTING YOUR CHILD’S PRIVACY Almost three-quarters (73%) of U.S. children between the ages of 12 and 17 have Internet access, according to a study by Pew Internet and American Life Project. Pew’s research shows that more than 30 million Americans under the age of 18 are now online. Web access via wireless networks and devices promises to increase that total. Protecting your child’s privacy online is such a major concern that the government enacted the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPA) to address it. Enacted in 1998, COPA places significant restrictions on methods by which Web sites can collect personally identifiable information from children under the age of 13. The act became a law in April 2000. COPA requires that commercial Web sites obtain parental consent to gather information from those age 12 and under. This can include the grade or age of a child, full name, home address, e-mail address, phone number, Social Security number, or other information that the FTC determines could permit online or offline contacts for individuals. During the writing of this book, a ban on COPA was enacted. The Washington Post explains that "...a cautious Supreme Court partially upheld a 1998 Federal law aimed at stopping children from gaining access to sexual material on the World Wide Web," but said the law still can't go into effect until other questions about its impact on free speech are resolved.

212

For now, parents and child advocates are left wondering how to protect children using the wireless Web. Because young wireless subscribers will jump from 11 million in 2001 to more than 30 million in 2004, according to the research firm Cahners In-Stat Group

Kids’ Wireless Safety Tips

•

Never give out your last or family name, your home address, or phone number in chat rooms, during instant messaging, or in a voice message to people you and your family don’t know.

• •

Don’t tell other kids your user ID or passwords.

•

If anyone online or on your mobile device asks for more information than you know you can share safely, leave the Web site, end the instant message, or hang up on the caller.

•

Don’t give out your parents’ work addresses or telephone numbers or the name and location of your school without your parents’ permission.

•

Never agree to get together with someone you meet online or someone you don’t know who sends you an e-mail or text message or plays a mobile game with you.

•

If you get an e-mail or message that is mean or uses bad language, don’t respond to it. Report it to your parents or teacher (if you’re at school) so they can contact officials if necessary.

7

In developing these tips, I used a number of resources that you can also refer to. They include the FTC, which maintains a special privacy Web site for children at www.ftc.gov/bcp/online/edcams/kidzprivacy/index.html, and a list of rules for online safety at www.4j.lane.edu/safety/rules.html. These were created with help from a brochure written by Lawrence J. Magid, syndicated columnist for the Los Angeles Times. Here are the suggestions I’ve updated for the wireless world—pass these along to your kids:


(wwww.instat.com/insights/wireless 2001/wp007md.htm), and because millions more kids can access wireless content and Web sites via parents’ or pals’ devices, protecting privacy is an expanding challenge. Kids want the devices for socializing, and parents are willing to pay for services for safety reasons. Parental controls for the wireless are just starting to evolve. Meanwhile, here are some tips for online safety that apply to wireless access as well.

If you accidentally give out some information to a Web site when playing a mobile game or in response to an alert you receive that you feel was private (such as your name, age, or physical location), tell your parents who you gave it to so they can contact the Web site or content provider and ask them to delete or erase the information.

For more information about parents’ and children’s privacy issues, check out the following Web sites:

•

America Links Up (www.americalinksup.org)—Provides resources for parents and kids with information on safe and rewarding online experiences.

•

The FTC Kidz Privacy site (www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/edcams/kidzprivacy/ index.html)—A Web site produced by the FTC in conjunction with COPPA. It includes do’s and don’ts for children’s online privacy (see Figure 7.5).

213

Figure 7.5 KidzPrivacy is the FTC site for kids, parents, and teachers at www.ftc.gov.

How Much Information Should You Share? Some people—especially teens—seem to be more than willing to unlock a treasuretrove of personal information in return for a free gift, according to a recent University of Pennsylvania, Annenberg Public Policy Center study titled “The Internet and the Family.” Take a look at what information kids aged 10–17 who were polled were willing to give out in return for the free offer (courtesy of eMarketer.com):

• •

26% were willing to reveal what their parents do on weekends.

• • •

44% were willing to reveal the type of car their family owns.

39% were willing to reveal the amount of their allowance, how they spend their weekends, and whether their parents talk frequently about politics.

54% were willing to reveal the names of their parents’ favorite stores. 65% were willing to reveal the names of their own favorite stores.

For more details on the study, see the study’s Web site at 214

http://www.appcpenn.org/internet/family.

Parental Controls in Progress Parents worried about the content of video games for Microsoft’s Xbox have the option of accessing a parental control that can restrict kids’ access to violent or inappropriate content. Neither Sony nor Nintendo’s game consoles come with parental block options, although Sony’s PlayStation 2 offers a password-controlled parental block on the DVD player add-on. What controls do wireless devices/systems offer families? Parental controls set at a PC apply to the America Online mobile communicator device. Check to see whether your wireless provider offers a parental control option on its corporate Web site (see Figure 7.6). Many of the wireless home networking systems feature built-in or optional parental control systems. You’ll need to consider instant message filters and e-mail controls, too. Symantec’s Norton I-Net Security 2002 (www.symantecstore. com), at a $99.95 estimated retail price, offers Norton Parental Control for parents who want to protect children from receiving inappropriate content through online file sharing and peer-to-peer networks such as digital music file systems.


NOTE

7

Figure 7.6 AOL empowers parents through its keyword “parental control.”

Often, parents share their wireless networks and devices with their kids, so the wireless providers and carriers don’t even know children are using their mom or dad’s phone, PDA, or PC. That’s why you should understand more about how to guard your own privacy and security.

PERSONALIZATION VERSUS PRIVACY AND SECURITY How personal is your own information? If you’re online, you’re probably familiar with one method of gathering information on you and your surfing patterns—cookies, which develop 215

a more personalized approach to users’ returns to Web sites by serving up content or offers that will appeal more personally to you.

E

Internet cookies—no, these are not Oreos or chocolate chip—are small data items about you and your visit to Web sites that tell marketers what you looked at on the Web site, which information you read first, which site you came from, and which site you went to next. Also called Web bugs, these files usually are 1 pixel wide and 1 pixel long, embedded in a Web page, camouflaged in the same color as the page background, and invisible to the eye. You can think of them as your identification for that Web site that, when combined with information on the site’s database, are part of what forms your profile. So, if you use another computer and log in with your username and password, the site can find your preferences. Cookies look tame when you compare some methods next-generation marketers are planning. In an increasingly competitive cyberspace economy, wired and wireless networks, carriers, and service providers are seeking to know not only your numbers and demographics but also your psychographics—your habits, preferences, and beliefs—so they can personalize commercial alerts, offers, and even coupons for your location and interests. Perhaps you’ve seen the television commercial depicting an ISP’s cavalier attitude in handling subscriber information. The spot shows a guy at a bar who obtains the phone number of a gal next to him and then next shocks her and some viewers by selling that number to the guy sitting next to him and also to the bartender. In the past, some companies who were gathering phone numbers, addresses, and names of subscribers began to look at this information as a marketable asset. They began to sell or share this personally identifiable information (PII) with their marketing partners or even tried to include that data in their remaining assets when they were declaring bankruptcy. As a result of the junk e-mails and in some cases unauthorized credit card charges from this misuse, thousands of local bills and regulations are pending. On the national level, privacy legislation has become a key issue.

Privacy Legislation Sources For a complete list of federal privacy legislation pending and explanations, the best online resource I found was the Center for Democratic Technology. It lists legislation enacted and in progress for the 107th Congress (2001–2002). The Web site covers such areas as free speech, privacy, wiretaps, cyber security, domain names, junk e-mail, digital signatures, encryption, and e-government rulings and bandwidth concerns. For compete lists, go to http://www.cdt.org/legislation.

216

At press time, the site included details on the recent enactment of HR 3162, the U.S. Patriot Act of 2001, which covers “uniting and strengthening America by providing appropriate tools required to intercept and obstruct terrorism.”

Since September 11, 2001, some privacy advocates assert that public security issues are overshadowing privacy concerns. There’s no doubt that public safety is crucial, yet preserving your privacy is still a concern for many. New location-based wireless networks and technology might blur the lines between privacy, personalization, and security even further. Do you know the difference between these terms? You might want to check the following jargon, which I’ve adapted for the wireless environment.

E

Privacy is the capability to withhold or keep secret a body of information and personal information ranging from address and phone number to age, weight, and spending preferences. In the wireless world, this could also apply to personal data that evolves from wireless use and interactions.

7

Personalization connotes methods (often technological) to customize news, alerts, coupons, and offers that are available via your mobile device or wireless network based on your personal preferences.


Privacy and Public Safety

Security The Web site webopedia.com defines security as “the techniques for ensuring that data stored in a computer (or in this case in a smart handset or PDA) cannot be read or compromised. Most security measures involve data encryption and passwords. Data encryption is the translation of data into a form that is unintelligible without a deciphering mechanism. A password is a secret word or phrase that gives a user access to a particular program or system.” In a wireless world, security includes communication links, integrity of the channel, and accuracy of transactions.

You’ll find details, including the number of the bill, a summary, and its status. The CDT includes a valuable key to the status that tells you information such as changes to the bill, which legislation is on the fast track, bills the CDT urges you to take action on, a link for more information, and the legislation that has been enacted (approved as a law).

217

The Wireless Industry and Privacy The good news is that carriers and marketers know they make money only when you have your cell phone or device on. A spokesperson for the cellular industry organization Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association (www.ctia.org) is quoted as saying, “If people are constantly being spammed on their cell phones, they are going to turn them off.” That makes a lot of sense, doesn’t it (see Figure 7.7)?

Figure 7.7 Turn to www.wow.com for more articles on the CTIA.org consumer Web site.

The CTIA recommends the following wireless privacy guidelines to its members and third parties:

218

•

Consumers need to be informed that information on their locations is being collected.

•

Consumers need a meaningful opportunity to proactively opt in for location services, provide consent to the collection of location information before the data is used, and be made aware of exactly what is being collected.

Service providers must ensure the security and integrity of any data collected and must permit the customer reasonable access to it to ensure its accuracy.

•

The guidelines apply across the country and across all types of platforms, handhelds, wireless phones, and PDAs and across all businesses involved, including carriers, handset manufacturers, or third parties.

7

•


Online and mobile direct marketing have made the terms opt-in and opt-out part of the jargon used by direct mail moguls and new media marketers. Opt-in is where you tell the online service or mobile marketing company that you want to give them information about yourself or subscribe to a service, such as an e-mail newsletter or coupons. Opt-out means the marketers or services can track or mail to you unless you choose not to have them do so. Most of the location-based services and manufacturers we talked to said that giving customers the opt-in option is the only way to go. Maybe you’ve even seen Web sites who demand double-opt-in, meaning that you check off that you want to be on a mailing list or get a free newsletter and then you receive an e-mail asking you to mail back to them to confirm your interest.

E

What does this policy statement really mean in plain English? The CTIA proposes that providers of location-based information do the following:

• •

Inform customers about the collection and use of the information

• • •

Ensure the security and integrity of any data collected

Provide consumers with a “meaningful opportunity” to consent to the collection of location information before the information is used

Permit the customer reasonable access to ensure accuracy Provide uniform rules and privacy expectations so consumers aren’t confused as they roam or use different locations

Are You In or Out? If you’re shopping to upgrade your mobile services or getting new navigation systems installed in your vehicle, you need to take time to opt in or opt out and familiarize yourself with the privacy policy and security systems. Often in the mobile world, you’ll do this via phone or maybe even by keying in the information on your new device. For questions, be sure to ask your service representative—or if no “live” representative is available, refer to the mobile operator’s Web site. Trying a wireless network at a public space like a hotel or an airport lounge? Don’t be shy; check the privacy policy and ask about security before you log on. Keep a watchful eye on how these policies evolve or change in the future. Forbes.com reports that AT&T, Verizon Wireless, and Sprint PCS told the FCC that it’s premature to adopt rules governing location privacy practices, but if the agency decides to move ahead, the rules should treat handheld computers with wireless connections in the same way as mobile phones. The same Forbes.com report also says that the Direct Marketing Association urges the FCC to allow the industry to regulate itself on privacy. 219

All the emphasis on your location becomes more critical in an increasingly mobile world.

Location-Based Services and Privacy Expanded geographic and mobile technology innovations in devices and systems will mean your carrier and other third parties can launch location-based content, services, and offers. How all this will work is still being defined as we move to next-stage technologies, including wireless broadband and third-generation (3G) networks and equipment. According to www.WBT2.com, location-based services will come in three different forms:

•

Location-blind—You pull wireless content, such as news and sports scores, directly from content suppliers or from your carrier’s central Web site or gateway to your devices or home and office wireless networks.

•

Location-aware—You input a location on your device to receive information related to your surroundings, such as a recommendation for an Italian restaurant.

•

Location-precise services (LPS)—Services that are evolving as a result of emerging geographic technologies and the FCC’s E911 mandate that requires carriers to be able to locate you within 30 feet for emergency services. With LPS, your provider will be capable of pinpointing your location in nonemergency situations and sending relevant information to your device.

These new systems promise terrific benefits for the road warrior looking for a motel vacancy or a driver seeking a safe gas station open at 5 a.m. Yet, just like the online world’s personalization systems, they bring new challenges. Will these new location systems mean wireless spam as marketers battle for your attention? Michelle Slack at Jupiter Communications reminds us that “advertisers must first surmount the consumer privacy issue.” She adds in a TechTV.com article that “they’re painting a very pretty picture, but it’s just not a reality now.” She expresses a common doubt over whether customers even want such highly targeted ads. In the best-case scenario, location-based systems will serve as your personal concierge providing recommendations on shopping, points of interest, and specials nearby. See Chapter 8, “Connecting on the Go,” for details on how location services will enable vehicles to use systems such as EZ passes and transponders for paying tolls and purchasing fast food and more.

Marketers Adopt Privacy Rules The CTIA policy on privacy says companies should get permission from consumers before using location information from their cell phones and ensures the security of the data collected. The Wireless Advertising Association (WAA) says it is very concerned about privacy for consumers, especially in location-based situations, according to Barbara Sweetman, administrative director for the group. 220

The following are the wireless advertiser guidelines defined by the WAA: WAA members should adopt a privacy policy regarding PII that is readily available to consumers at the time that PII is collected and encourage partners to do the same.

• •

WAA members should notify subscribers of how PII is being obtained.

• •

The WAA does not condone wireless spam.

WAA members should give users notice and choice regarding the use of PII, and they should not use PII for purposes other than those for which it was collected without explicit consent. Such consent shall be by confirmed opt-in.

7

E

•


The WAA (www.waaglobal.org) says it has been proactive in developing a list of industry guidelines and establishing a committee on privacy and spam. According to the WAA Web site, its guidelines—although similar to some principals from the Online Privacy Alliance, the Internet Advertising Bureau (IAB), and the Network Advertising Initiative—in some cases require a higher level of permission from consumers, particularly for wireless “push” advertising.

WAA members shall make every effort to ensure that PII is accurate and secure and where reasonable and appropriate allow wireless subscribers to correct or delete such information. Personally identifiable information (PII) is defined as data that can be used to identify or contact a person uniquely and reliably, including but not limited to name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address. Non-personally identifiable information (non-PII) is defined as data not uniquely and reliably linked to a particular person, including but not limited to activity on a wireless network such as location or log files related to Web browsing activity on a mobile device.

The WAA recommendations cover such topics as privacy notices and disclosure, what the privacy policy must state, what the definition of wireless spam is (push messaging without permission and so on), data security information, data quality, and access procedures. For more specifics, go to http://www.waaglobal.org.

E

The WAA defines push messaging as including audio, short message service (SMS), e-mail, multimedia messaging, cell broadcast, picture messages, surveys, or any other pushed ads or content.

CONTROLLING PRIVACY AND PERSONALIZATION Another trade group guiding the future of privacy and personalization is the Personalization Consortium (www.personalization.org), a voluntary organization of dozens of major companies. 221

Bonnie Lowell, former co-chair of the group’s privacy committee and one of the pioneers in online privacy and personalization technology creators, says the consortium’s goal is to enhance privacy features and to make the process of sharing information safer and more convenient for customers. She explains that new services and intelligent systems aim to make privacy policies interactive. A system called Platform for Privacy Preferences (P3P) collects privacy preferences and then flags any discrepancies between your preferences and the firm’s actions.

NOTE

Now that you know the term, you can find out whether software, devices, your carrier, or your wireless ISP is P3P compliant before you make a purchase.

Lowell urges firms to work with consumers on what she calls participation management, which enables you to opt in, opt out, control your own level of personalization, and check the status at any time from anywhere.

Personalizing Offers As long as the customer is in control (or believes she is in control) of the content, frequency, and timing of communications, she will be receptive, enabling mobile and wireless marketing and commerce to succeed, says Barry W. Peters, director of emerging media and relationship marketing at the San Francisco ad firm Lot 21 Inc. Peters says that although the mobile medium offers tremendous potential, if one of the variables of “right offer at the right time to the right audience” is slightly off, the medium will instantly limit and perhaps kill its potential.

What Do You Want? What circumstances will convince users in the U.S. to accept wireless advertising? According to research firm Strategy Analytics, these incentives will drive mobile marketing acceptance:

• • • • •

43% of users said companies would have to give them all incoming calls free. 24% said they’d have to send them a coupon. 23% said the ads would have to be only from companies they approve. 11% said they’d have to offer a $10 bill reduction. 7% would settle for a $5 bill reduction.

Obviously, that adds up to more than 100%, so some folks would probably accept more than one alternative.

222

Researchers see mobile wireless advertising revenues rising to between $16 billion and $23 billion by the year 2005, according to groups ranging from Ovum to Durlacher of London to the Kelsey Group.

• •

Time-sensitive promotional coupons

• •

Sales alerts

Ads based on specific products (see the section “Actionable Offers,” later in this chapter)

Interactive branding offers

Wireless Coupons

7

How do these offers work? Sometimes they will be in the form of wireless coupons. Big brand names such as Procter and Gamble, Visa, NextCard, Kinko’s, HP Online, eCoupons, and even KFC chose wireless marketing pioneer SkyGo’s trial to try mobile marketing (see Figure 7.8).


“The winners in mobile commerce will be those firms that figure out how to make meaningful offers to consumers who hit them at the impulse time,” according to Daniel Springer, chief marketing officer for credit card company NextCard. His firm is using four types of mobile messages in trials:

Figure 7.8 SkyGo delivers wireless alerts to cell phones and PDAs. Check out Subway’s mobile coupons.

During their trials, SkyGo researchers found that what irritates participants most are alerts that are not targeted to their interests.

223

Actionable Offers Offers based on specific products will often be actionable in the wireless world. All you do is click the product logo or text name or video demo, and you are connected directly to a call center. For example, online gift retailer RedEnvelope (www.redenvelope.com) is just one of the marketers using actionable offers that let you connect directly to Red Envelope operators to buy a gift via your device. For example, are you a chocoholic looking for the nearest Godiva retail store? You can get an electronic map sent to you wirelessly that pinpoints your location and shows the path to the bonbons (see Figure 7.9). If you click a logo or an alert, you also might get a special sales offer.

Figure 7.9 Chocolate on the go and more at www.PDAcentral.net, where you can download applications to guide you to Godiva boutiques.

Protecting Yourself So, how do you protect your privacy while cashing in on these new meaningful offers? Many companies give users an opportunity to get wireless offers in return for special discounts on wireless services. Often, you’ll find similar incentives from wireless carriers that offer you free trial periods for their data services and that often include alerts or offers for sponsors of their content offerings, such as news or sports updates.

224

Watch when your trial period for free content or data services ends, and be sure you haven’t signed up for auto-billing without your consent. You might have to opt out to cancel the monthly subscription after the trial period.

Be sensitive to SMS alerts you get and check before clicking to see whether they are labeled “advertising.” Don’t click a logo or a video demo unless you’re really interested. If you do click and end up buying something you don’t want, be sure you call your wireless carrier or ISP to see that the purchase is deleted from your bill because many wireless purchases are added to your phone or ISP bill at the end of the month.

CAUTION

7

A report by Los Angeles-based ABC Channel 7 news says that dashboard devices called transponders are being stolen in Orange County, California from toll road customers’ cars and being used to buy food at local McDonald’s. These Fast Track transponders (made of plastic and the size of a wallet) are placed in your window via Velcro, so thieves have to get inside your car to steal them. Don’t leave your car unlocked or your device in the window when you leave your car, and treat the Fast Track devices like cash. The bad news is that $15,000 worth of charges have been racked up via thieves using these transponders. The good news, though, is that consumers who’ve been ripped off are not being charged for the purchases.


Bricks and mortar stores might ask for your wireless e-mail address when you sign up to win a prize. Don’t give it out unless you want an offer sent to it. By signing up for the contest at retail or online, you might be giving your permission to send alerts to you. If you use a “swipe-to-buy” scanner system, such as EZPass or SpeedPass, be sure you know their privacy policies in advance.

Location, Location, Location With the proliferation of handhelds and cellular devices, m-commerce business models are evolving, according to David A. Finck, editor-in-chief of Laptop magazine. He says that in the location-based services arena, you have two primary options. First, you can go whole hog where you, the customer, sign up with a push service and offer up detailed personal information. The service tracks your location via your cell phone, and sponsoring vendors can target you with discounts and sales notices in proximity to your favorite products. Wherever you go, you’ll be notified of relevant shopping information. In the second option, you open an account with a service and access it only when you need it, such as at lunchtime on the road. You dial in and get a list of restaurants in your current location. You’ll be able to find participating vendors, order a meal, pay for it, and drive over and pick it up; directions are provided too, of course. Most importantly, you’ll have a choice. If you love to shop, love bargains, and don’t mind receiving information, you can opt for the push services, where the advertisers can bombard you with product alerts. Or others can request specific information by signing up for user-controlled services.

So Who Owns the Customer? That’s the big question: Who owns the customer in the mobile environment? At least six categories of players are jockeying for your dollars, according to Lot 21’s report: 225

•

The carrier/FCC license holder/service provider—AT&T, Verizon, Nextel, Sprint, and the other big guys who provide your phone service say they own your communication gateway. Kind of like AOL owns the window to its subscribers.

•

Device manufacturers—Nokia, Motorola, Palm, and Ericsson are less aggressive in this customer battle, but they are also cutting deals with your carriers now. Meanwhile, they’re making money by getting you to upgrade to fancier and smarter phones and devices.

•

Content aggregators and providers—These companies, such as online and television names like AOL, Yahoo!, CNN, and CNET who aggregate content, want to gather new dollars from you in the wireless space. Plus, many plan to sell ads on top of the content they send you because they feel they own the relationship offline or on TV. Many ad experts think it’s an either/or proposition: Either give away the content for free and subsidize it with ads or ask consumers to pay and then provide it ad-free. It’s kind of like the cable television model.

E

What’s a content aggregator, you ask? These are the media giants of the future according to some experts. By slicing and dicing all the content they have online or on TV or radio and promoting wireless subscriptions, these content guys want to extend their brands. They spent millions or even billions of dollars aggregating (putting together in one place) their information in what some call walled gardens of media, and now they want to extend those walls to the wireless world.

•

Infrastructure—This is the enabler that allows users to access content through its wireless devices, such as Openwave (formerly Phone.com). Some people compare these guys to early browsers such as Netscape. Other consumers are turning to mobile portals online where they sign up for content in advance and get ads included if they opt-in for the free information.

•

Delivery networks—Aether Systems or AvantGo are just some of the delivery networks targeting businesses or consumers to deliver content to devices. Your device might come with embedded delivery networks or services.

•

Ad and content networks—Companies such as Doubleclick, WindWire, and Yahoo! are online networks that are now selling wireless ads for media properties. These networks also track who is seeing or hearing the offers and track other m-commerce applications.

So who owns the customer? Obviously, you know the answer you want to hear: You own you! That’s why it’s crucial for you to protect your identity and to watch so that you’re not swayed by bribes from opt-out systems that encourage you to give away your name and Social Security number without your informed consent.

226

So don’t be gullible. Choose wisely because not all offers deliver on their promises. No offer tastes as good as your privacy does.

Consumers want wireless multimedia now according to a survey by IDC commissioned by major firms Qualcomm Inc., Lucent Technologies, and Microsoft. The most popular application in the survey was accessing e-mail, and the second most popular was accessing images and audio content. About 31% of the 1000 people surveyed said they had more than 30 minutes of time a day to use such services. The challenge with such surveys is that they ask what would you do if. The real answers lie in what you are doing. Today, fewer than 1 million users can even access the World Wide Web via their cell phones. Some cynics think you won’t even want to use the Web via phone. Technological breakthroughs are making it easier than ever to access content and offers wirelessly without hooking into what we know as the Internet.


WIRELESS CONTENT AND OFFERS

Offers on the Go 7 If you live in New York City or plan to visit, watch out for outdoor ads that communicate to many devices that run the Palm operating system. Streetbeam wirelessly enables outdoor displays with interactivity. The infrared kiosks and bus shelters are equipped with infrared signals (kind of like your remote control signals) so they beam a small file of information to your PDA. They encourage you to go to the Streetbeam Web site later. There you can download the conduit and get updated promotional information from the vendors every time you hotsync your PDA (see Figure 7.10).

Figure 7.10 Hotsync your PDA to your computer to get mobile offers and updated wireless information.

E

You will hotsync a PDA—or perhaps even a phone in the future—by putting it in its cradle and hooking it up to a PC (or maybe someday a TV or another digital storage source) so that it gets not only power but updated information that goes from one device to the other—in other words, from PC to PDA, or vice versa. For example, you might enter a phone number into a PDA and then hotsync it to your PC master data phone address lists. Banana Republic, a division of Gap, Inc., is one retailer that uses the Streetbeam system. In one campaign, it says it generated 3,000 hits by posting ads on 100 Manhattan-based 227

phone kiosks to provide consumers with a list of store locations and information on sales and holiday gifts. Another pioneer in this mobile media delivery area is WideRay, a wireless tech firm in San Francisco. Saul Kato, CEO, says that you can use his system to walk by a closed store and instead of just window-shopping, get more information about a product displayed. Streetbeam was originally founded by outdoor media entrepreneur Udi Aloni with the vision of connecting outdoor media and the emerging wireless technologies. The company receives a monthly licensing fee for each media display enabled with its technology. “By enhancing powerful visual displays on the streets with wireless interactivity we provide consumers with a new way to retrieve and save valuable information,” says Jan Renner, Streetbeam’s president.

NOTE

Beaming systems built into devices including phones, PDAs, and Pocket PCs will soon allow you to send business cards by beaming virtual business cards to colleagues, send information across a conference table, and even window shop when a store is closed. Check with your device manufacturer’s Web site for its privacy policy, and be aware that security systems for cutting-edge technologies are still being defined.

Yankee Group researchers project that there will be 26.6 million PDA units by 2003. That doesn’t even count all the new types of wireless devices or networks that will be rolled out in the next few years. AdAlive, a Massachusetts-based company, is giving PDA users access to airport billboards, hotel ads, and mall ads for e-mail and data synchronization with partners such as cityguide Vindigo and content portal AvantGo. If you live in San Francisco and want to try this new technology, head downtown to Metreon, a Sony entertainment center. And don’t forget your PDA, so you can find out the latest information. For more information, check it out at www.metreon.com.

Wireless/Mobile Offers As noted earlier, offers in the mobile arena will not always be labeled as ads. Games and messaging technologies will entice you with special deals and freebies. To protect your privacy, think before you enter the contests and claim the free prizes. Advise your teens that if they play a mobile game or enter a wireless sweepstakes, they could be giving out personal information without realizing it. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take advantage of these new offers because some can be not only valuable but fun to participate in. However, you should check out some of the forms these mobile offers can take.

228

Agency.com’s Applied Concepts Lab in Europe is leading the way with a mobile phone–based trivia game that entertains pub-goers with SMS while promoting Heineken beer.

Holiday Inn At press time, if you go to the USAToday.com PDA channel, you’ll see Holiday Inn hotels and resorts offering free flight, free night promotional offers. Greg Price, VP of Marketing for Holiday Inn brand, says, “This targeted and technological savvy way of advertising is positively raising awareness and reinforcing the brand to a new consumer base.”

Travelocity.com

7

This travel Web site has partnered with electronic messaging firm Centerpost Corporation to provide an introductory service allowing for travel alerts on a wide range of wired and wireless devices. The system uses Centerpost’s SmartDelivery electronic messaging service to send travel advisories and messages to Travelocity.com members.


Heineken

NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes The National Hockey League’s Carolina Hurricanes are developing a strong local audience by sending offers to mobile Web devices. The team uses wireless ad network WindWire to push attendance to the season opener. To make the ads more traceable, the team offers discounts with a special event code. If you use the code, the discount is taken and the completed sale can be attributed to that wireless ad. Eventually users will also be able to link to the team’s wireless Web site.

Sephora.com Sephora’s Valentine’s Day 2001 mobile advertising campaign scored high with wireless users by toting up a 10.4% click-through rate, which wireless advertising solutions company WindWire says is 20–50 times the response rate for the average Web-based banner.

CAUTION

This is great for mobile shopping but, as you probably know by now, clicking a banner is like responding to an ad. Your click is being measured, and your browsing patterns are being recorded in some cases.

Old Navy As an example of how advertisers are trying to generate more traffic from consumers, WindWire has posted a mobile phone ad on its Web site from the clothing retailer Old Navy. The offer encourages users to enter a ZIP code to find the nearest Old Navy store. The added plus is a link to the latest fashion news. Always watch for the value-added information, in this case the free fashion news. After all, in this situation the only thing the retailer will know about you is your ZIP code, not your name, phone number, street address, or e-mail address—unless, of course, you opt-in to give them that information.

229

Fox Sports Interstitial WindWire uses what it calls interstitial ads as one of its branding methods with Fox Sports so that the message can appear while you’re waiting for the next page to load on your mobile phone screen. The timed interstitials appear between links in a wireless site. Right now these ads consist of logos or text, but soon they might include animation and video as the multimedia messaging capabilities of your phone upgrade with next-generation mobile devices. As we saw with the Web, you might not even have to click to find you’re facing pop-up offers.

Voice Offers Voice-centric versus click offers are expanding. You’ll hear more of this in the future when VoiceXML (a new way of describing data on the Web) with advanced voice recognition will provide interactive access to the Internet via phone or voice browsers. Look for systems that voice-enable Internet applications or content features via your phone or PDA. Some of the voice applications you’ll probably see soon include the following:

• • • •

Entertainment—Games, movie reviews, and horoscopes Enhanced directory services—Phone numbers, directions, and store hours Financial information—Stock quotes and bank transaction information Travel-related information—Flight schedules, flight delays, weather, and traffic

Some of these are available today. AT&T, Yahoo!, AOL, and Virgin Mobile are all partnering with third-party marketers and content suppliers to use voice-activation and voiceenabled systems to communicate with consumers. Some systems embed the ad or offer in voice-enabled e-mails, bringing you free e-mail or content in return for listening to the sponsor promo. Most voice systems require that you opt-in in advance, probably when you sign up for the service, so check it out at that time. Dad probably told you to think before you talk. Now it may be more important than ever to do just that. Wireless offer acceptance may be only a word away. Saying “yes” too quickly might be as bad as waving your hand at an auction. Most systems, though, give you a second chance to confirm your purchase before you buy.

GETTING TO ANYONE AT ANY TIME: PRESENCE-AWARE TECHNOLOGY Despite the proliferation of devices, wireless networks, and even in-vehicle communications systems, it seems to be getting harder to contact someone when you want to.

230

A system called presence technology (often called m-presence) should simplify the next generation of communication. After it’s installed it notifies you if the intended device user is available before you make the call. It could also reveal the device user’s location and

Presence systems will enable you to do the following:

•

Control your communications across multiple platforms (devices, laptops, PCs, and interactive televisions)

• • •

Establish priorities and interests Set up buddy lists (for work and play) Program filters for callers and date and time blocking

7

Searchnetworking.com tells us that the Internet Engineering Task Force’s (IETF) Instant Messaging and Presence Protocol (IMPP) Working Group is forming core standards that make presence technologies interoperable so that the systems will work across platforms and wireless networks.


enable you to click through to him even without making a call (similar to instant message buddy lists).

Presence and Privacy Issues Experts say that privacy issues will be addressed by allowing you a high degree of userdefined control. You select the conditions when you’re available or even detectable. Lucent, Novell, and Motorola are just some of the name brands with patent-pending presence messengering systems in the works. Most of these require GPRS phones, WAPenabled devices, and carriers that offer instant messaging services. In addition to person-to-person communications that enable you to locate anyone at any time, presence technology will also have mobile commerce applications that facilitate merchant-to-person offers, alerts, and personalization.

Privacy and Identity Alliances Representing more than one billion names, almost 40 major companies, including some of the world’s largest businesses and industries, are joining together to form the Liberty Alliance Project (www.projectliberty.org). The major players include American Express, America Online, Bank of America, eBay, Fidelity Investments, General Motors, Nokia, Sony, Sprint, United Airlines, Zkey.com, and many more. The goal is to create an open, federated solution for identity-enabling ubiquitous, single sign-on, decentralized authentication and authorization from any device connected to the Internet from traditional computers and cellular phones to TVs, automobiles, credit card sale terminals, and more. “The Liberty Alliance Project is driving an open standard for what we believe will be the defining issue of the networked economy: digital identity,” says Scott McNealy, Chairman and CEO Sun Microsystems, Inc. 231

According to the Web site www.projectliberty.org, identity refers to information such as phone numbers, Social Security numbers, addresses, credit records, and payment information. A Nokia spokesperson further defines identity as the basic information needed to identify a consumer, an employee, a business, a supplier, or even a machine or device when using the Internet and mobile Internet services. The spokesperson adds that “the inpoints of service identity leads to service data which may include name, address, phone numbers, work and home e-mail, credit cards, club memberships, Social Security number, health records, banking records or part numbers.”

E

Passport and Privacy The biggest rival to the Liberty Alliance service is Microsoft’s Passport system. More than 20 million users already have Passport accounts that provide master account logins and passwords, automatically pulling down mailing addresses and credit card numbers. A story on eweek.com explains that Microsoft sees Passport evolving into a system overseen by multiple companies or becoming one of several authentication systems that will work in tandem to facilitate the use of the Web. In announcing AOL’s addition to Liberty Alliance, TheStandard.com recounts that Microsoft is relaying its own plans to create a shared and open single sign-on service with Passport. According to the report, Microsoft will begin using a secure authentication technology called Kerberos in Passport that will make it compatible with other systems that also use Kerberos. If you’re an AOL user, you’re probably familiar with that service’s two authentication systems:

•

The Screen Name Service lets users sign on to AOL’s Internet services and partner sites without reentering a password.

•

An electronic wallet service called QuickCheckout enables users to make purchases online at participating e-commerce Web sites.

IndustryStandard.com says that AOL is continuing to develop a new authentication service, dubbed Magic Carpet. They say AOL authentication services will be interoperable with the Liberty Alliance system.

Certificate-Based IM Solutions VeriSign, Inc. (www.verisign.com) is working with Bantu (www.Bantu.com), a leader in instant messaging (IM) and presence technology, to integrate VeriSign’s Certificate Services and Secure Messaging Technology with Bantu’s platform to create the first certificatebased IM solution for enterprises, communications providers, and governments. Legal information on Bantu’s Web site (http://corp.bantu.com/bantu_legal.asp) says, “Bantu.com takes privacy and security seriously.” They add that the purpose of Bantu.com 232

The challenge with privacy and presence is that the data is generally automatic and highly dynamic. If you’ve used an instant messenger system, you know how fast your buddy’s name pops up and sends you a message. Some experts are developing an automated verification approach to ensure that systems conform to complex policies including privacy, security, verification, and coordination.

7

Why all this emphasis on presence technologies? Even if you’re not familiar with these systems, you will be soon (see Figure 7.11). Presence will offer immediacy for messaging and voice calling. The systems will work not only on today’s mobile wireless networks but also on peer-to-peer projects such as today’s file-sharing programs like Gnutella and others now being created.


is “for you to be able to confidently share important information with your colleagues, friends, and family.” The site says, “We know that privacy and security are important to you and accordingly, respect the privacy and security of the information you place into Bantu.com.” For specifics about registration, IP addresses, cookies, privacy policies, and anti-spam measures, check out its Web site.

Figure 7.11 Presence technology is moving to classrooms to allow students to hook up wirelessly for online discussions via laptops or PDAs.

Intelligent presence-aware technology could serve as the next generation of personal assistants for voice mail, reminders, alerts, and even auto-purchasing. One example is the smart refrigerator that records your purchases and consumption and then auto-orders milk when you’re down to the last carton.

INTELLIGENT CONCIERGES AND PRIVACY What are the advantages of mobile concierges, or intelligent agents, who assist you? They can help you save time; they might not be considered intrusive; and your wireless carrier gets several benefits, such as selling more tickets and collecting from the sponsor of the message that was sent to your pals for free. Beware, though, the wireless carrier is also collecting data because it could figure out which of your friends likes movies from these signals sent. Is all this artificial intelligence (AI) stuff light years ahead? Not really. Check out www. relatia.com to see how companies like Relatia are building in this interaction engine. They focus on human interaction in the mobile community. Is it good or bad? Depends on

233

how you use it and how paranoid you are about what people know about you and your buying habits. Don’t forget that your credit card company has known lots about your buying patterns for years.

MAKING MOBILE MORE HUMAN-CENTERED Hidden behind every cell phone instant message is a human. Stanford University professor Mary Baker says she is working on a “personal-level router” that creates a link not just to a network but to a person. Designed to act as a personal assistant, the router would know whether you’re available at your land-line phone, cell phone, or e-mail. Privacy protection from the MPA (mobile people architecture) would also filter and prioritize emergency messages from spam. The second part of the MPA is something called identiscape, which is a type of address book for personal proxies. Check out the current version at http://mpa.stanford.edu, which covers wireless telephones, e-mail, and ICQ (instant messaging programs). The MPA service doesn’t require a smart card to carry a user’s identity and works across all networks. Baker hopes that as technology continues to advance, the role of the person isn’t forgotten. So, the good news is that new technology is being developed daily that will not only protect you and your identity, but also will appeal to you as a human being.

Disposable Phones and Privacy You’ve probably already heard a lot of the concern being expressed by journalists and politicians about not being able to track you via your device if you’re using a disposable. What’s all this static about? Take a look at a couple of the new disposable cell phone systems out there, and you’ll see both advantages and disadvantages in using them.

234

Known as the phone-card phone from Dieceland Technologies (www.dtcproducts.com), the Altschul phone is an example of a disposable cell phone. These are also called recyclable in some circles. The gadget comes with 60 minutes of prepaid airtime. Supposedly, there are $100 million in orders for these devices already. The creator, Randice-Lisa Altschul, says she envisions teens and busy moms using Elvis phones or WWF-branded phones. The company didn’t reveal who has placed the orders, but watch for them coming to your nearest stores.


7

Figure 7.12 Try the Hop-On Wireless disposable phone demo at www.hoponwireless.com.

NEXT-GENERATION SECURITY New levels of connectivity in the wireless world come with increased security risks. According to RSA Security.com, “Wireless transmissions are susceptible to interception and

Hop-On Wireless (www.hop-onwirelss.com), another manufacturer of disposable phones, is launching its product with Hollywood tie-ins, including featuring free coupons on Jurassic Park III videos and DVDs (see Figure 7.12). The Hop-On phone includes call and end buttons. Outgoing calls are made by speaking a phone number into a microphone; voice-recognition software takes over and dials the number. An ear bud is included for hands-free operation. Because of network limitations, the phones can make only outgoing calls; they’re not capable of receiving calls. Watch for other disposable models from firms such as Telespree (www.telespree.com). Following September 11, 2001, the U.S. Attorney General’s office and the FBI indicated that disposable phones are one of the reasons they want to give the U.S. law enforcement community more legal power to fight terrorism, using techniques such as tapping phones. Other experts feel that calling cards are more of a security threat than disposable phones.

235

tampering.” Most experts agree that portable devices with no fixed connection offer tempting wireless access points to hackers and devices. Improved mobile devices now contain valuable information and credentials of users, and this information needs to be protected in case of theft or loss of the device. Wireless users are especially vulnerable to loss or theft of wireless devices, according to Compaq Computer International. Gartner researchers estimate that 250,000 mobile phones and handheld devices will be left behind at U.S. airports. According to analysts at TekPlus, when a mobile device is compromised, the total cost to the company can be more than 1,000 times more expensive than the actual device. And if an unauthorized user gains access to the network and plants a virus, the costs can be much higher. (Be sure to see the guidelines for protecting your device listed earlier in this chapter.)

Sample Cell Phone Security Features Devices are now featuring more security features. Know what your device offers you in terms of protection and encryption systems. Here’s an example of some of the features you’ll find on Nokia’s 9110 Communicator model, courtesy of Nokia.com in a security story on www.WBT2.com on:

236

•

SIM security—System Identity Module Security includes SIM lock and SIM change security PIN code.

• • • • •

Device locking—Includes capability to lock the device and lock the memory card.

• • •

Web browser that supports SSL version 3 and strong encryption algorithms.

Call barring. Radio interface security—Has GSM encryption because it is a GSM phone. Software installation security—Digitally signed software. Internet and intranet security features—These include dial-up security, callback systems support, and encrypted connections.

Mail support for TLS version 1, SSL version 3, and strong encryption algorithms. WAP security—Wireless transport layer security (WTLS).

E

Encryption is the translation of data into a secret code. Encryption is a method to make messages, data files, and electronic commerce transactions secure. Encoded blocks of data, called keys, are used to lock the message from outside view when it’s traveling across the Internet or network (source: webopedia.com and Computerworld.com).

E

Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) is a protocol that protects data sent between Web browsers and Web servers. SSL also ensures that the data comes from the Web site it’s supposed to originate from and that no one tampered with the data while it was being sent.

Transport Layer Security (TLS) is a protocol that ensures privacy between communicating applications and their users on the Internet. When a server and client communicate, TLS ensures that no third party can eavesdrop or tamper with any message. TLS is the successor to SSL (source: searchsecurity.com).

E

Mobile devices with WAP browsers are capable of securely browsing by using end-to-end Wireless Transport Layer Security (WTLS). Future Mobile Information 2001 Server editions will incorporate WAP processing capabilities (source: microsoft.com).


E

Secure Phones and PDAs 7

Which are the most secure phones and PDAs? I didn’t find any such list because most of the equipment manufacturers are continuing to strive to add more security features, develop security patches for holes, and create stronger encryption systems. I did find some solutions that can help you protect your devices and hint at what solutions lie ahead.

No-Tap Phone A German company called Rhode and Schwarz (no relation to the author) and cell phone maker Siemens are marketing a new device called the TopSec cell phone. Pricey at a whopping $3,000, the model is a modified Siemens S35i mobile phone. Alas, the model is not ready for The Sopranos yet because the company is not marketing the phone in the U.S. yet. For more information, see www.siemens.com.

Biometric PDA Security Identix (www.identix.com) is creating a biologon security application for Pocket PC-based PDAs that features a biometric identification for locking and unlocking PDAs. The PDAs are fitted with their BioTouch PCMIA cards.

E

Biometrics literally means “life measurement” in the realm of security. It refers to automated methods for identifying people based on their unique physical characteristics or behavioral traits. Types of biometric methods include fingerprint scanning, iris scanning, retina scanning, handwriting analysis, handprint recognition, and voice recognition (source: Computerworld.com).

Biometric Solutions (www.biometricsolutions.com) is rolling out two security products: BioSentry and BioHub. BioSentry is a portable biometric fingerprint reader designed for Compaq’s iPAQ pocket PC that attaches in place of the iPAQ expansion pack to increase security and prevent unauthorized access to both hardware and data on the device. 237

BioHub by Biometric Solutions uses portable fingerprint authentication for Compaq, Hewlett Packard, and Casio handheld devices where users can choose authentication with or without a smart card.

SECURITY BEYOND TECHNOLOGY Many of the experts I talk with believe security is more than specific technologies; you need to view it as procedures and policies. Four key security requirements they mention include

•

Confidentiality—So that you know your communications are private and confidential

•

Authentication—So that you know communicating parties are who they claim to be

•

Integrity—So that you know the information being communicated has not been accidentally corrupted or modified

•

Nonrepudiation—So that you know transactions can’t be denied or disowned by one of the parties involved at a later date

According to the Washington Post, in a poll sponsored by the Information Technology Association of America and security firm Tumbleweed Communications, more than 70% of Americans are at least somewhat concerned about Internet and computer security in the wake of the September 11 attacks. Security is the most commonly cited reason for consumer’s hesitation to use online services such as banking and shopping so it makes sense that their concerns will be even greater as we move to mobile devices. Compaq Computer International says that researcher IDC estimates the global market for overall information security services will more than triple over the next four years—from $6.7 billion in 2001 to $21 billion by the end of 2005.

DOWNLOADABLE THIRD-PARTY SECURITY APPLICATIONS Check out such Web sites and PDA portals as www.handango.com and www.palmgearhq.com for numerous utilities you can download to enhance password protection. Handango.com offers Handango Security Guard, a file encryption program, and Handango Vault, a secure database program that works with Palm OS, Pocket PC, and even RIM Wireless Handheld devices. You can also download encryption tools such as PocketLock, which is said to protect and encrypt Pocket PC files, and Sentry 2020, which offers transparent data encryption. CNN.com explains that for $3.99–$9.99 monthly (depending on the price of your handheld) you can insure your PDA against theft, loss, or breakage. Before signing up, check to see whether your homeowner’s or office insurance covers the price of your PDA because the deductible might be higher than the price of a new device. For one source, check out www.palmslostorstolen.com. 238

For more security information—including firewall installation; virtual private networks (VPNs); and new systems that will protect your corporate network, home office systems, and laptops and PCs that are wirelessly connected—see Chapter 9, “Home Sweet Wireless Home,” and Chapter 10, “The Wireless Workplace.” A firewall consists of hardware and software that lies between two networks, such as an internal network and an Internet service provider. The firewall protects your network by blocking unwanted users from gaining access and by disallowing messages to specific recipients outside the network, such as competitors (source: Computerworld.com).

E

•

7

Meanwhile, here are some references for antivirus Web site sources and for Web sites leading you to more security information and software:


ADDITIONAL SECURITY SOURCES

McAfee.com—Antivirus software developer McAfee is adding antivirus technologies for mobile phones to its wireless family of products. These include VirusScan Wireless, which provides virus protection for PalmOS; Windows CE and Symbian EPOC platforms; and VirusScan Wireless for Mobile, which scans applications locally on smart phone devices to help safeguard against potential attacks by viruses, worms, or Trojan horses. A Trojan horse is a destructive program that masquerades as a benign application. Trojan horses do not replicate themselves, but they can be just as destructive. One of the most insidious types of Trojan horse is a program that claims to rid your computer of viruses but instead introduces viruses into your computer (source: webopedia.com).

E

A worm is a special type of virus that can replicate itself and use memory but can’t attach itself to other programs. A virus is a program or piece of code that is loaded onto your computer or device without your knowledge and runs against your wishes. Viruses can also replicate themselves.

•

Symantec.com—You can subscribe to a free monthly newsletter that gives you tips, news, and promotions on new antivirus and security check systems. The site also offers a click-through to Symantec’s Internet Security Web site that includes information on surfing the Internet for your entire family.

•

Look.com—This is the search engine of search engines and leads you to more than 3,000 business, industry, and mobile security Web sites. It also has more than 180 references to antivirus information Web sites ranging from computer virus hoaxes to virus encyclopedias, if you want to read more about these nasty bad boys.

•

4security.com—This is a guide to computer security from 4anything.com. 239

•

Security.oreilly.com—O’Reilly’s Security Center offers computer books, security information, and product recommendations and evaluations.

•

Cerias.purdue.edu/hotlist—The Center for Education and Research in Information Assurance and Security, courtesy of Purdue University. It’s a great list that includes commercial site information, virus detection, publications, organizations, and cryptography click-throughs.

•

Lockdown.co.uk—This site labels itself the home security center and provides links to PC security, encryption, downloads, site information, and security updates. Note that the site is from the United Kingdom.

•

SecurityPortal.com—This is a Web site developed and dedicated to providing corporate security professionals with information and resources to protect networks.

PDA users can get additional references to PDA and Pocket PC Web sites for security and privacy updates in Chapter 4, “Maximizing Use of Your Device.”

PDA Virus Warnings TechTV advises that there are at least three ways bugs could attack your devices:

• • •

240

In hotsyncing your PDA up with your PC By beaming data between devices with infrared ports Via wireless Web access that automatically exposes your device to the normal security threats of the Net

The good news is that in a TechTV interview, Roger Thompson, director of malicious code research at security firm TruSecure, says that the risks of infection from Net access are low because the low bandwidth available on the wireless Web actually helps filter out potentially loaded files. Another source of infection is in the cell phone modules available for PDAs. A virus dubbed Telefonica spread through Spain in 2000 proving that mobiles could be vulnerable to attack. Palm officials say that the sync-up process is actually a safeguard for PDA users. Most Palm users regularly synchronize their data, meaning the data is constantly backed up, according to a Palm spokesperson, so that if anything were to damage it, users could instantly reset their devices and hotsync to restore their data.

C H A P T E R

8

CONNECTING ON THE GO

24/7/365 has become the mantra for the on-the-go lives we lead in today’s world. Whether you’re a soccer mom, an executive road warrior, a traveling senior, a suburban commuter, or a struggling college student, your wireless device is more than a link; it’s often your lifeline to peace of mind. The experts debate the value of various wireless systems, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and 802.11a, while more mobile connectivity is available through LANs (local area networks), WANs (wide area networks), PANs (personal area networks), and even CANs (car area networks). Meanwhile, you and I are left to figure out how to record cell phone voice mail greetings or use the camera attached to our personal digital assistant (PDA). That’s why this chapter covers such “Cutting the Cord” essentials as

•

How to cut the cord at the office, home, or on the road with new wireless devices

• •

Tips to make commuting easier with wireless

•

Why GPS (geographic positioning systems) can make sure you never get lost again

•

How to hook up with AOL anywhere

The difference between messaging systems, including instant messaging, short message service, and more

•

How to locate your family, co-workers, or team members in seconds with m-presence and wireless buddy systems

• •

Batteries and how to get reliable mobile power anywhere How to know whether you need a satellite phone for emergencies

THE NOMADIC WORKPLACE: WORK ON THE GO The good news in the wireless world is that you can work almost anywhere. The bad news is that your work follows you almost everywhere. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 12 million out of 131 million workers in the United States fit the description of “workers with alternative arrangements.” If you include teleworkers, the figures are even more impressive. The International Telework Association and Council provides statistics in its 2001 report that show the number of teleworkers is increasing. Almost one-fifth of the adult working population (28 million Americans) telework one day a week or more from home, a telework center (see the following for more details), a satellite office, the road, or some combination of these. The survey shows that another 14.46 million want to telework but believe that their employer wouldn’t allow it due to lack of trust or resistance to new ideas. Most also believe their jobs aren’t suitable for such arrangements. Maybe some of those also don’t know how wireless devices could make it a reality. Some employers and employees are redefining the traditional workspace. Financial and lifestyle factors are prompting change. Skyrocketing corporate real estate prices, demand for flexible work schedules, and increasing interest from part- and full-time employees who desire to be work-at-home parents are all impetuses for a flexible, nomadic workforce. Interested in teleworking or in providing your boss or Human Resource department with more specifics? Then take a look at some of the options of how wireless could make you more productive (see Figure 8.1). According to a terrific teleworker Web site I saw at http://www.youcanworkfromanywhere. com created by telework guru Phil Montero, a great place to learn more is AT&T’s Telework Guide, which lists alternatives to traditional office arrangements. Wireless technologies and tools make these options even more effective for work and communications needs:

242

•

Telecommuting—Offers you the option to work at home one or more days during regular business hours. Cell phones, PocketPCs, the wireless Web, and virtual private networks that offer increasing external employee security are encouraging growth in this category.

•

Virtual/Mobile office—Whether it’s at home, just down the hall, or in a far-off airport, cell phones, handheld devices, vehicle telematics systems, and new wireless LANs being built with Wi-Fi, IEEE 802.11b, and other wireless technologies are enabling people to be productive on the go.


8

Figure 8.1 Check out youcanworkfromanywhere.com for on-the-go hints.

•

Hoteling—Offers shared office space for use by teleworkers when they need it. Large cities and smaller towns are featuring new hoteling facilities offering wireless connectivity for laptops and devices. (See more about this in Chapter 10, “The Wireless Workplace.”)

•

Satellite office—More firms are building satellite locations in suburbs or even rural areas to reduce commutes and cut high urban real-estate rates. Wireless networks link these locations to headquarters and other regional offices. Handheld devices provide access to company databases and support services day and night.

•

Telework centers—Start-up entrepreneurs and growing local offices of international firms are discovering that joint-work areas offer not only wireless access and conference rooms, but also provide shared reception areas and flexibility that working at home can’t match.

Montero, who calls himself ”the Mobile Man,” says that wireless means you can take your office with you versus going to the office. “Communications is the crucial factor. As long as you stay in touch, it may not matter where you work from,” he explains. Top communications systems to make mobile work easier according to Montero include e-mail, instant messaging, pagers, fax, phones, and telephony systems (unified messaging, wireless PBX, and more). Alvin Toffler, author of Future Shock, maintains that “the single most anti-productive thing we do is to ship million of workers back and forth across the landscape every morning and evening.”

243

One of the gurus of the new American workplace is Daniel H. Pink, author of the bestselling book Free Agent Nation: How America’s New Independent Workers Are Transforming the Way We Live (Warner Business Books). We loved the book and Pink’s take on the future, so we contacted him and asked him how wireless will change the world even more. Here’s what he wrote, especially for you, our readers: Memo to: Cutting the Cord Readers From: Daniel Pink, author Free Agent Nation Subject: Retethering Yourself “The free agent economy is, in some ways, Karl Marx’s revenge. Workers can now own the means of production—the tools necessary for creating wealth. That has been perhaps the largest impact of PCs and the Internet. But as wireless devices proliferate, the means of production will become portable too. So along with being untethered from large corporations, more workers will become untethered from any particular place. Now, since human beings need connections and affiliations to survive, it will be fascinating to see how this century’s workers ‘retether’ themselves. We’ve already seen an upsurge in professional associations and memberships in other small groups. The wireless boom, coincidentally enough, will likely accelerate many of these forms of face-to-face connection.” In a survey that Pink developed for “free agents,” he asked the question, “In the past month, where did you do the bulk of your work?” The answer he got was 61% in my home and 39% outside my home. In 1993 when I was writing one of my earlier books, Successful Recareering, experts were projecting that as many as 60% of us would be telecommuting to work. The statistics today are a lot lower than that, and the sad fact is that most telecommuters feel left out or ignored by their offices. Even bosses often omit them on e-mail lists, forget to invite them to office parties, and even occasionally miss setting up salary reviews until being reminded by the human resources department. In the new information economy of knowledge workers, work is no longer contained in a Dilbert-like cubicle called an “office.” The wireless revolution is not limited to the whitecollar worker either. If you’ve sent a package by UPS or FedEx, you know that wireless tracking systems and wireless payment solutions are cutting across industries. Using a mobile transponder to pay for your food at McDonald’s can be easier than buying a book from Amazon.com off the wireless Internet. Mobil’s Speedpass device is faster to use than the cell phone bar-code reader still in development. More wireless LANs in offices and buildings will mean that you can carry your laptop to the conference room or take your device into the kitchen while you’re making coffee and still stay connected.

244

MOMA Workspheres Nomadic Office Exhibit

Want to see some of the best of the nomadic work technologies at the MOMA exhibit? Go to www.moma.org/workspheres to look at some of our favorites, ranging from personal cocoons (shown in Figure 8.2) to collapsible field offices to a high mobility Mercedes-Benz vehicle, all set for the next generation of wireless users from farmers to shepherds to you.


To delve into the new nomadic workworld, we visited the Museum of Modern Art in New York (MOMA) to experience the acclaimed design exhibition called “Workspheres.” Paolo Antonelli, the curator for MOMA’s Department of Architecture and Design who conceived the exhibition and the accompanying publication “Workspheres: Design and Contemporary Work Styles,” says that among work options, the nomadic one is the most technologically dependent and the most vulnerable to its idiosyncrasies and limitations.

8

Figure 8.2 A privacy cocoon for your calls in public.

“Differing standards for electricity, cellular telephones, modem connectivity, and television systems in different countries for instance, are still responsible for panic and frustration,” Antonelli explains. Most importantly, she ends her essay on the nomadic office by reminding us that “a well-functioning nomadic worksphere needs to count on a healthy mind in a healthy body and not only on healthy technology.”

Tips for Telecommuting The Telework study from ITAC shows that 24.1%, or almost one-quarter, of teleworkers work solely on the road. These telecommuters report the most substantial increase in productivity and quality of work since beginning to telework. Survey organizers Donald D. 245

Davis, Ph.D., and Karen A. Polonko, Ph.D., at Old Dominion University say that the typical road warrior works 4–5 days on the road for about 40 hours per week. They use shared workspace while in transit, and most have received some training to prepare them to work on the road. Even if you didn’t go to boot camp to become a road warrior, you can follow these tips to increase your productivity and connectivity. The ideas work just as well for college students and occasional road trips. And if you’re labeled a “stay-at-home” mom or dad, you’re always on the go and need wireless now more than ever to safeguard your family and your sanity. Here are seven road warrior tips I developed based on input from experts and during the more than 75,000 miles I log each year traveling from Los Angeles to New York and beyond:

246

•

Leave the laptop at home—You can get a PDA or PocketPC, add a stowaway keyboard, buy a word-processing system such as Wordsmith, and buy a wireless modem such as Minstrel all for $700 or less. You can then pay just $45 or so per month to have unlimited wireless Internet access.

•

Prep your PDA with contacts, calendar entries, expense reports, and e-mail messages via voice—Consider a system such as CopyTalk that allows you to call a tollfree number and dictate what you want to store in your PDA. The Copytalk staff transcribes the spoken information and sends it back to your PDA either wirelessly or via a PC during synchronization. To make this happen, you must load a small Copytalk program onto your PDA and PC. Check it out at www.copytalk.com. Make sure it works with your PDA model.

•

Get a smarter phone if you’re carrying both a wireless phone and a PDA or PocketPC—The Kyocera Smartphone includes a built-in Palm. Another good choice is Siemens S40, which syncs with Microsoft Outlook. It includes an infrared port that enables you to swap digital business cards with fellow travelers who use Palm or PocketPC devices. Siemens works on GSM carriers in the U.S., such as VoiceStream.

•

Depend on wireless e-mail and messaging as your main communications route—If you ride trains or subways during the day, you still might find it difficult to use your wireless phone. The Blackberry RIM 957 gives you almost constant e-mail access. You also can use Yahoo! Messenger on Motient’s eLink wireless service, which starts at $24.99 per month. Another choice is the Motorola Talkabout T900 two-way pager, which runs on the Arch Wireless network. Hotmail subscribers can send and receive e-mail messages and online content on the Talkabout by subscribing to monthly service plans. Or, consider AOL’s Communicator Device (see the section “AOL on the Go: AOL Anywhere,” later in this chapter). It’s a modified BlackBerry 950 pager that handles AOL mail and instant messaging. At press time the price of the device was down to $99 with unlimited wireless service for $29.95 per month. However, you’ll still need to pay the regular monthly membership fee.

Also check out Nokia’s 3390 phone, which features AIM (America Online’s instant messaging service) when you subscribe to VoiceStream Wireless plans.

•

Check out the telematics for your vehicle—Or, add GPS as your copilot for turn-byturn directions via voice, such as Garmin’s StreetPilot III and TravRoute’s Pocket CoPilot (see more details in the section “GPS Accessories,” later in this chapter). The Pharos iGPS-180 GPS receiver turns your PocketPC handheld into a navigation device. (You can find more about telematics in Chapter 6, “Telematics: The Web on Wheels.”)

•

Be sure to go hands-free no matter what you do—Choosing the right gadget is still a challenge for many drivers who don’t want stuff sticking out of their ears. Consider Plantronic’s M130, an over-the-ear headset or their M106-N2 earbud for about $19 (it hides in your ear). Motorola is launching a Bluetooth Wireless Headset that features a plastic wire that wraps around the ear to hold it in place. But remember: You’ll need a Bluetooth phone, such as the Motorola Timeport 270c which is a pricey $399. Many Los Angelinos prefer speakerphones. RadioShack offers a speakerphone that plugs into your cigarette lighter and connects to the phone with a cord.

8

Use some music to brighten your day—You might want to upgrade your car stereo so it can play MP3 tracks. Of course, you can always borrow your kid’s MP3 player if he lets you (see Chapter 9, “Home Sweet Wireless Home,” for information on portable MP3 players). A couple of in-dash players we saw include Sony Xplod CDX-MP450X, Aiwa’s CDC-MPE3, and Visteon’s MACH MP3, which all cost around $400 or less. PhatNoiseCar Audio System stores music on removable drives instead of CDs and mounts in your trunk. If you want to really upgrade, consider RioCar, which stores MP3s on its own internal hard drive. The $1,300 version offers enough storage space for 2,500 songs, and the deluxe 60GB style stores 15,000 songs at a pricey $2,200. Ericsson is launching what it says is the world’s first wireless Internet radio—the cordless H100, which sells for about $300 or less. It has a cool shape and can be used in your hotel room, too.


•

Talk and Toss Disposable phones are selling well in Japan. Three U.S. companies are offering their own versions. Hop-On Communications features 60 minutes of talk time; Dieceland Technologies models range from $10 to $30; and Telespree is testing a semidisposable phone where you keep the phone but replace a battery attachment that also tracks your minutes.

Commuter Mobile Kits As you know already, as many as 85% of people chat on their phones during their daily commutes. So, we looked for some great accessories for commuters to use in their treks to and from work, soccer practice, and school. At Amazon.com we found a special list of commuter essentials, including the following:

247

• • • • • •

Portable hands-free kits Installed hands-free kits Cell phones with speakerphones Voice-mail features Car chargers Car-mounted antennas

GPS—THE DEVICE THAT GOES AND GOES We figured that the best people to turn to for advice on which GPS device to buy are GPS enthusiasts who use their systems in a new adventure game dubbed geocaching (geo for geography and cache for secret stash; or you might know the word from the computer term caches). The hobby, which is a high-tech scavenger hunt, draws an estimated 30,000–50,000 participants who have logged more than 4,100 caches in 50 states and 60 countries on the http://www.geocaching.com Web site (see Figure 8.3).

Figure 8.3 You are the search engine in geocaching.

The new sport, in which you become a search engine yourself, became popular after May 2000, when the U.S. Defense Department stopped scrambling the signals beamed to GPS receivers from an orbiting network of 24 satellites designed to track U.S. military troop movements. From that point on, sailors, hikers, and other recreational users were able to

248

nail their positions anywhere on the planet within 25 feet versus the previous standard of 330 feet. Instead of a ballpark field away, you can now find a locale smaller than the diameter of many Redwood trees.

There are primarily four types of GPS devices:

• • •

Handheld devices—The kind you’ll need for geocaching or hiking.

•

Navigation systems—Also called telematics or mobile wireless systems, these mount in your car or on delivery trucks or airplanes that include GPS, chartplotters, voice activation devices, and much more.

Mounted GPS devices—To mount in your car, truck, RV, or even on your boat.


As for the actual GPS units, they range in cost from $l00 to $l,000 depending on such capabilities as an electronic compass, topographic maps, and memory. The Web site www. geocaching.com recommends Garmin eTrex GPS (costing approximately $119) or Magellan GPS 315 as good basic GPS units.

Chartplotters—More sophisticated devices that mount in your boat or car and allow you to plot your course.

8

Note that if you’re a PDA or PocketPC fan, you also might be able to get GPS software and receivers that work with your device (see the following for some examples). If you’re really into geocaching, you can go to the geocaching.com Web site and click through to Amazon.com to buy your GPS so that a 5% commission from the sale goes right back into the Web site to help them “enhance the game with new features.” You also can buy GPS devices and accessories at camping and sports equipment stores, or if you live near the water, you’ll find local marine or sailing retailers in every state (see Figure 8.4).

GPS Accessories The top-selling GPS accessories on Amazon.com at press time included Garmin PC Interface Cable and Car Adapter for eTrex and eMap, plus scores of carrying cases and other adapters. Need a GPS for your car? Check out the PNI V2000 Deluxe Vehicle Information Center by PNI, Inc. For about $79.99 you can use patented magnetic sensor and compass technology similar to that used in GM, Ford, and Chrysler vehicles. It mounts on your windshield with suction cups and comes with an adjustable bracket. It’s perfect for getting you to your next geocaching adventure. Street Atlas 6.0 with Earthmate GPS can make any MAC power book into a GPS tool. Of course, a laptop is not that portable so we found some handheld GPS tools that are attracting even more interest. In the past, GPS devices gave simple mapping coordinates and tracked movements. New, improved devices now offer street and highway mapping and routing.

249

Figure 8.4 GPS devices for every sport.

Special GPS receivers are available for Palm III or Palm V handhelds, including Streetfinder GPS from Rand McNally. The Streetfinder GPS receiver hooks onto the back of your device and has its own battery power. You also can use a regular GPS receiver and hook it up to your PDA with a serial port. Check with your GPS manufacturer and your PDA Web portal for software options. At the Beyond.com e-store I found PDA mapping software and PDA GPS receivers listed. StreetNav iGPS has numerous models listed for PocketPCs, such as Compaq’s iPAQ and HP Jornado and Palm models. Check out http://www.gps.beyond.com/category/0,1257, 3-17-1035.00.html for more details. Featured on the Adventure GPS Web site (http://www.gps4fun.com/main_mag.html), you’ll find Magellan PDA GPS products that include the GPS Companion for Palm V and the GPS Companion for Handspring VISOR. Be aware that most of the GPS receivers do not recharge PDAs nor supply voltage to the PDA even if they come with 12v cigarette/car adapters.

Does GPS Know Where I Am?

250

The most frequently asked question we get about GPS devices is, whether someone can track where you are if you have a GPS receiver. The answer is a resounding no. GPS receivers do not broadcast your location; satellites in the sky broadcast their own locations. The GPS receiver takes that information to tell you where you are in something called triangulation.

New location systems, such as SecuraTrak.com’s technology, can be used to track Alzheimer’s patients, fleet management, equipment in the field, and more. Also emerging are RF tags that enable radio frequency tags or implants to be used on animals or objects to track their whereabouts. See more on this new wireless system in Chapter 10.

BlueTags A/S, a Danish company, is featuring its new RFID and Bluetooth wireless technologies in North America and Mexico through eBags, according to thinkmobile.com, a portal for the mobile community. You register your bags online and then electronically sync the bags with active travel itineraries. If your bag is lost, you can identify it with a cell phone or PDA. It also can be used as a theft protection alarm and is great for notifying you that your bag is sitting at the other luggage carousel.

America Online is making it easier than ever to use AOL Anywhere wirelessly in a mobile effort that focuses on messaging. AOL reports that already as many as 44% of its members access their accounts while away from home. Here are some of the options you can use to get your e-mail and mobile alerts if you’re an AOL subscriber:

•

8

AOL TO GO: AOL ANYWHERE


Track Your Luggage

AOL Mobile Phone Service—AOL has chosen several authorized mobile service providers, including VoiceStream, Sprint PCS, Rogers (in Canada), and Telus (internationally). As noted elsewhere in this chapter, AOL is also working with AT&T Wireless. Check with your carrier for access to AOL Mobile Phone Service. Or, go to keyword AOL Anywhere at America Online’s Web site if you’re a subscriber. You’ll find up-todate information on voice and text messaging systems for getting AOL e-mail alerts and AOL content information. Note, though, that AOL lists known issues regarding instant messaging on certain Web-enabled phones, including Motorola Star Tac, NeoPoint 1000, Qualcomm QCP1960, Samsung 6100, and Samsung 8500. For more details, go to http://www. aol.com/aim/mobile/wap/using_wap_phones.htm.

•

AOL Mail Alert Service—AOL’s Mail Alert service sends a message to your mobile phone or alphanumeric pager when an e-mail has arrived in your AOL e-mail box. You need an alphanumeric pager and text messaging to get the alert, though. You also need an LCD display, of course, to read the text alerts. You can customize the service to send the alerts by the names of who sent them or by subject line.

•

AOL Mobile Indicator—If you’re an AOL 7.0 user, you’ll see an icon that appears next to your buddy screen name so you know whether that buddy is connected to AOL via computer or mobile device. That should be a hint to keep your instant message brief and not send her paragraphs and paragraphs of information like you might if you were instant messaging her online. 251

•

AOL Mobile Communicator—Lets AOL members access AOL instant text messaging and e-mail over a two-way messaging device. At press time, AOL was selling its Mobile Communicator for $99.95. The mobile communicator handles only e-mail and instant messaging and does not hook you into the wireless Web.

•

AOL for Mobile PDAs—Lets users access AOL e-mail and other features directly from Palm, Windows CE/PocketPC, and OmniSky-enabled devices. (See Chapter 3, “The Wonders of the Wireless Web,” for more information on how to use a PDA and how to connect the devices wirelessly.) Be sure you have a compatible PocketPC PDA (note that AOL says that PocketPC 2002 is not supported). You’ll also need a modem or network card and an AOL account, of course. You must download AOL Mail for PocketPC today, which is free for AOL members, so that you can sign onto AOL with your existing screen name and password and read your e-mail in your online mailbox from your device. You’ll also be able to reply to mail you’ve received; write and send new e-mail messages; forward, delete, and edit your messages; and use Auto AOL to automatically download new mail, send mail, and then sign off with one single step.

•

AOL by Pager—Sends an alert to an AOL subscriber’s mobile phone or alphanumeric pager when an e-mail has arrived in her AOL online e-mail box.

As noted earlier, AOL is doing deals with phone handset manufacturers such as Nokia to enable its users to access AIM. It’s interesting to note that AOL mobile systems use software called T9 that permits predictive text input. The device screen predicts what word you are trying to key in to eliminate unnecessary keystrokes. AOL bought Tegic Communalizations, the creator of this software, in 1999.

Wireless Graffiti via Phone One of the most fascinating on-the-go wireless applications was created by a San Francisco-based firm called Neoku. It created a service called HaikuHaiku, which enables you to leave wireless messages or graffiti for fellow mobile owners. Check it out at http://www.haikuhaiku.com.

252

Haiku, as you might remember from high school English class, is a poetic form of Japanese origin that consists of three lines of 5, 7, and 5 syllables each. Neoku describes its new system as a “platform-independent, location-based exchange for user-generated content.” How do you paint the graffiti? You “spray” your favorite tag or random symbol in the air using its service. When other mobile users pass

SMS—SHORT MESSAGE SERVICES ON THE GO

SMS is part of data services that are usually an additional revenue source for wireless carriers. In other words, you pay for the privilege of getting this information. Other carriers use advertiser-supported alerts to defray the cost of sending the information to subscribers (see Chapter 7, “Privacy, Personalization, and Security”).

8

In the U.S., text messaging is still in its infancy, according to a report in a September 2001 issue of the Tampa Tribune. That newspaper story said that analysts estimate only 2% of wireless customers use the service, sending about 150 million messages every month. The service adds $5–$10 per month to cell phone service, says Yankee Group’s analyst Roger Entner.


Although most of the wireless carriers are pushing the wireless Web and wireless Internet access as the next big thing, we think you should investigate short message services (SMS), which is immensely popular in Europe and Asia. More than 16 billion (yes that’s a “b”) text messages are sent globally each month. Most of that traffic occurs in Western Europe and Asia. SMS is also a much broader term used by carriers to mean the sending of SMS alerts (information packets such as stock quotes, sports scores, and news) to your phone or PDA at regularly scheduled intervals.

SMS is often called text messaging, mobile messaging, ping-pong messaging, or even alphanumeric paging. Why is it not as popular here? Because in the U.S. you can only send a message to someone with the same wireless carrier. For example, a Verizon Wireless subscriber can’t message a Sprint PCS customer.

the spot you have tagged, they can read your message via text or symbol on their own PDAs or mobile phones. No paint or chalk is used at all. So, people who hate graffiti can choose to not tune in to the taggers’ messages. Still, critics complain that it is cyberspace filth, but proponents call the new system art. Check out www.neoku.com more details on how these graffiti-painting phones work. You’ll probably have to wait for next-generation phones that include GPS services to find out where the wireless graffiti is posted. But even now, as a small retailer, you could use this service to leave coupons or promote a special event, so it does have practical applications, too. 253

How to Send an SMS To send an SMS, TechTV says you need a mobile phone that supports SMS (some carriers offer it free, but others charge a monthly service fee), a subscription to a mobile telephone network that supports SMS, and a destination to which to send the short message (another cell phone that supports SMS, a fax machine, or an Internet address). You can still send SMS to friends around the world from Web sites such as mtnsms.com or ICQ SMS Request. The SMS gateway that gets the SMS text message from you has to get the message to the other cell phone, pager, or PDA wherever it can. It operates the same way it gets a terminating call to a roaming cell phone. It is not instant, but most users feel that it is less intrusive than a phone call. Plus, you can’t place a phone call in a noisy restaurant or across the room at a meeting, but you can send a discreet text message. If an SMS message is sent to a phone that is turned off, the service center stores it or tries to redeliver it for a period of 3–7 days, depending on your phone carrier. If you own an analog cell phone or an older digital phone, you probably won’t be able to send or receive SMS or subscribe to SMS services. Check with your provider and retailer before you buy your next cell phone. Even if you think you don’t want to send SMS now, you soon might want to as this service grows in popularity.

SMS at Work SMS is especially good for sending transmissions to groups and is less intrusive than phone calls. AT&T offers SMS that lets subscribers send and receive text messages from their wireless phones, either directly to a PC e-mail address or to the wireless phone via the phone number. VoiceStream Wireless offers a similar service called eNotes, and Sprint’s service is called Short Mail. Sprint’s service enables customers to send short messages from and to a wireless phone and at press time was charging on a per-minute basis. Sprint also has a deal with MobileSys Inc., which sends the messages via a private network for customers sending corporate data from a central server.

Virgin Wireless Messaging Virgin Mobile is launching SMS and WAP services for its customers. The Virgin messaging and information displays are built on the InfoSpace platform with Virgin Mobile’s VirginXtras package. Its service offers information with a blend of voice, SMS, and WAP depending on user preferences.

Nextel Messaging Nextel’s SMS service lets you automatically click phone numbers in the text messages to link to those numbers, much like a hotlink or hyperlink in an e-mail.

254

SMS for the PocketPC

Cross-Platform Messaging Services such as Message Vine are getting funding to deliver real-time, cross-platform messaging that enables distribution among any number of machines without the need for network reconfiguration. For more information, see www.messagevine.com.

8

Wireless Village is an international organization founded in April 2001 by Ericsson, Motorola, and Nokia to define a set of universal specifications for mobile instant messaging and presence services. A Wireless Village spokesperson says in a Wireless News Factor story on September 21, 2001 that its instant messaging specs will be based on a variety of protocols and standards, such as SMS, MMS (multimedia messaging service), WAP, SIP (session initiation protocol), and XML (eXtensible Markup Language).


Primate Systems is offering a product called Monkey Messenger for PocketPC that allows users of PocketPC handhelds to exchange SMS text messages. You can beam the message from your handheld to an SMS-ready mobile phone. The software supports standard infrared beaming and beaming via Bluetooth if both the phone and handheld support that technology.

TCS (TeleCommunication) System, an Annapolis, Maryland-based firm, says it is creating a way for U.S. cell phone users to send short text messages to each other’s wireless devices, regardless of which carrier is providing that service.

Translating SMS Lingo To communicate more quickly and by entering fewer keystrokes, a new vocabulary of SMS abbreviations and symbols is evolving worldwide. Some locales or countries devise their own proprietary codes. Because SMS messages must be short—no more than 160 characters when using Latin character sets and no more than 70 characters for non-Latin sets such as Arabic and Chinese—most SMS users have developed their own shorthand or short numeric codes. (Note new SMS systems are evolving that will allow longer messages; they are usually referred to as ESMS [enhanced short message services].) Translating SMS lingo is a bit like deciphering personalized license plate symbols and abbreviations. You know, stuff like 2Gd4U. Many of you might be familiar with the SMS lingo from using instant messaging or IRC chat online. If you read this list of SMS lingo carefully, you might start to see some consistency in how words are formed. The following are some basic rules:

•

Numbers are not spelled out and are used for words that sound like the numbers themselves—For example, the number 2 is used for “to,” “too,” and two”; the numeral 4 means both “for” and “four.”

•

Using just the first letter of each word in the term forms most popular greetings and phrases—Here are some examples: 255

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

BAM—By all means BAU—Business as usual BTW—By the way FIM—Foot in mouth F2F—Face to face (meaning see you in real life, not online or via phone) FYI—For your information FWIW—For what it’s worth HAND—Have a nice day HAY—How are you? IMHO—In my humble opinion IMO—In my opinion LOL—Laughing out loud ROFL—Rolling on the floor laughing RUOK—Are you okay? THNX—Thanks

•

A letter and a number that sound like a word are often combined for popular terms—Examples are B4 (before), GR8 (great), H8 (hate), or ILBL8 (I’ll be late).

• •

Sometimes one letter stands for a whole word—Examples are R (are) and U (you). Hello and goodbye seem to get more complicated with various versions available in SMS shorthand—Some examples include

• • • • • • • • • •

BCNU—Be seeing you EMYL—E-mail you later GAL—Get a life KIT—Keep in touch NR—Not received PCM—Please call me RUF2T—Are you free to talk? TOY—Thinking of you TTYL—Talk to you later

Still other abbreviations seem to have a life of their own in the wireless world— Here are some examples:

• • • 256

ASAP—As soon as possible

ZP—Zero perspiration (no sweat) WTG—Way to go OIC—Oh, I see

• •

OMG—Oh, my God PW—Password (which you should NEVER give out via phone or SMS/IM or any other method of communication!)

Lycos Tech Glossary defines instant messaging as a type of communications service that enables you to create a “private chat room” with another individual. Most instant messaging systems alert you with a sound or symbol that displays whenever someone on your private buddy list is online or available via a device. You can then initiate a chat session with that person.

8

You can download other online instant messenger services for free from such Web sites as CNET.com. Some of the most popular IM solutions available include AOL’s ICQ (short for “I seek you”) at www.icq.com, Yahoo! Messenger at www.yahoo.com, and Odigo at www.odigo.com. Some of these offer voice enhancements for transmitting audio instant messages.


INSTANT MESSAGING

In most cases, you speak into a PC microphone to send your vocal message. This is so that you can talk to someone who has a mobile phone that is instant message enabled—that is, if you’re both using the same system.

SMS, Instant Messaging, and E-mail What’s all the fuss about instant messaging? Well, answering that question is like telling users why the Internet would be popular back in 1994. You can instant message a pal or business contact online while still answering e-mail messages or doing research on the Web. In the early days, using the Internet was all about e-mail messaging, talking on chat boards, and joining online community groups. Content and commerce came later. Many mobile experts believe that the wireless versions of instant messaging will be the most popular use for your wireless device in the future. Wireless IM is predicted to leapfrog well ahead of SMS in years to come, according to emarketer.com’s senior analyst Jonathan Jackson. He explains that mobile IM will differentiate itself from SMS because IM-enabled wireless devices will feature buddy lists (see m-presence below) telling users when someone on their list of friends or “buddies” is online or available to get messages. Instant messaging and short message services are both real-time, two-way messaging methodologies. The differences are that IM uses a two-way network connection at the time of contact, whereas SMS is a non-simultaneous store and forward messaging to and from wireless devices, usually GSM. Some providers such as AOL and MSN are cutting deals with wireless carriers that enable them to use their proprietary instant messaging standard. The real future in wireless instant messaging will happen when interoperability is achieved between messaging systems.

257

SMS or E-mail? But what about e-mail? E-mail is still the most popular messaging system currently used in North America and anywhere else. E-mail and SMS are both store-and-forward systems that use a gateway to pass messages from senders to recipients. They differ in that SMS messages are limited to 80–500 characters, depending on the service provider, and a typical SMS message is about 120 characters (alphabet letters or numbers). With e-mail you can attach files, add images, and even get video in some cases. Most SMS messages are limited to text and number displays. To get e-mail on your phone, you use your cell phone to set up a data connection between your computer and your ISP to send or receive e-mail.

Multimedia Messaging Multimedia SMS messages are becoming increasingly popular in Japan and Europe and often have distinct ring tones (or tunes) and graphics included or attached. Nokia says its new Multimedia Terminal Gateway for mobile operators will be capable of delivering multimedia messages to legacy phones that don’t have built-in multimedia capabilities. Used with Nokia’s ArtUse Multimedia Messaging Service Center, it will deliver multimedia messages as short notifications that include a URL and password for retrieving the messages using a standard Web browser. MMS is expected to be a revenue generator for GPRS and 3G phone networks. An MMS message can contain graphics, photos, and in the future audio and video clips. Plus, images, sound, and video sequences will be able to be stored in new MMS-enabled phones or devices. Check at www.ericsson.com/mms to see how it envisions a future in which you can send a digital postcard and add an audio clip of your own voice to your boyfriend back home. Or, you will be able to send him a digital image of the sweater you want to buy him for his birthday so that he doesn’t return it later. Those of you who already include graphics in your e-mails or as attachments know that there are many image formats, including GIF, JPEG, and MPEG4 for video and MP3, MIDI, and WAV for audio. New phones and PDAs that offer built-in cameras or accessory devices enable you to record a short video sequence with your phone and use MMS to send it later. Better images will soon be available from companies such as BitFlash Inc., which is set to provide BlackBerry users with the ability to view visually rich e-mail attachments on their wireless handhelds. That includes graphs, charts, and tables that you can scroll, pan, and zoom to access embedded links. To see a demo of BitFlash technology in action, download it at www.bitflash.com. Currently, the system is aimed at corporate customers.

Wireless Instant Messaging 258

Wireless instant messaging (WIM) is beginning to take off around the world, and the United States is leading usage, according to Mobile Streams Research. The Wireless Village

is establishing the IMPS (Mobile Instant Messaging and Presence) initiative to define and promote a set of universal specifications for mobile instant messaging and presence services and to create a community of supporters.

AIM

8

If you’re an America Online subscriber, chances are you’re familiar with AIM (AOL’s instant messenger system), which lets you type and send text messaging in real-time to other subscribers online (see Figure 8.5). These instant alerts display in a special box in the left corner of your computer screen on most AOL versions. As noted, AIM is now available for various SMS- and WAP-enabled phones.


IBM’s Lotus Development Corp. is enabling enterprise mobile workers to send and receive instant messages on wireless devices with software called Sametime Everyplace 1.0, a middleware application that lets Lotus software users communicate with other instantmessaging users via mobile phones and PDAs. According to an article on Information Week.com in June 2001, the software has security built in to it, but message encryption will be the responsibility of the corporation’s wireless carrier.

Figure 8.5 The AIM Phone lets you call from computer to phone.

Putting a Face to the Message Digimask is offering 3D animated software products that enable users to send e-mails or mobile messages accompanied by an image of their faces. They call this phizzhead technology. The phizz of a person’s head is not quite recognizable, but it can move, talk, and make faces after it is created from two digital camera pictures taken of the person. One report lists the price in Europe at £9.99 or EUR 15.90 as of fall 2001. If you’re a gamer, you can also paste the image onto Activision’s Quake III computer game characters. 259

Other firms getting into the digital face-imaging sector and enabling you or your firm to pick a talking head to convey your message include Talkie at www.talkie.com, which allows you to create an avatar-like character to represent you or your firm, and LifeFX at www.lifefx.com. Qualcomm is working with Eyematic to create avatars and rich media communications that work with its Brew software development kit (see Figure 8.6). Eyematic’s Web site (www.eyematic.com) says that the firm is offering 2D animation techniques for today’s limited-capability phones and is also creating full-featured MPEG4-like rich media players with integrated 3D graphics, audio, animation, and interactivity for tomorrow’s mobile devices. It says that the Eyematic format is consistent across all its players, meaning that a single avatar or piece of content can be deployed on multiple devices.

Figure 8.6 Eyematic’s avatars can smile and smirk.

Presence Technology for Mobiles How can you control who calls or messages you when and where?

260

A new service called Presence Technology, sometimes referred to as m-presence (mobile presence), provides a system for sharing personal information about the user’s status—for example, whether you’re online, whether you’re offline, whether you’re busy, your location (home, work, or school), and even the moods of your friends and family (angry or happy). Presence services, according to a press release by Ericsson, will allow users to subscribe to presence such as listings of which friends and colleagues are currently online or on their mobiles. The Wireless Village initiative (mentioned previously) promises to deliver a common spec and protocol for mobile IMPS and interoperability issues.

If you’re an America Online, Yahoo!, or Microsoft subscriber, you know that you can set up a buddy list (other ISPs also have similar lists for friends and family members) so that you know when your friends are online and whether they are available for instant messaging.

8

After all, you want to connect to a person, not a place (like home, work, or a hotel). Surprisingly, only 10% of all calls today end in productive conversations, according to the Convergence.com article. Most calls get you voice mail or you get the person when he can’t talk.


Presence will work with most means of communication in the future, including landline telephone numbers, mobile phones, VoIP phones, pagers, e-mail, and more. Presence systems will tell potential callers that “video is supported on my VoIP phone or voicemail is available on my cell phone,” according to an article at www.convergence.com/article/ CTM20001013S001. Instead of leaving messages on your voice mail, such as “You can also try me on my office phone,” you’ll soon be able to set up that sequence using Presence Technologies your carriers will offer.

Personity’s patent-pending presence technology identifies which communications media, such as a device, an instant messaging application, or an e-mail application, is available at any minute. Users can control how they are reached and by whom by applying preferences and rules that can be customized by each user of the device and changed at will. So your pals and family know whether you are available. Motorola and Personity, Inc., are offering this new platform to network operators to send to consumer and enterprise customers, according to a story on October 17, 2001 in Mobiletoday.com. Their first offering is the Motorola Messenger Powered by Personity, which is a complete suite of integrated infrastructure software applications and handset interfaces. To date, the firms are demonstrating the services on Motorola GPRS phones, WAP phones, Motorola two-way pagers, PDAs, and PCs. For more information, go to http://www.personity.com. I Follow IM is an instant messaging platform created by Followap Communications that provides your wireless carrier with an instant messaging capability that follows you around. I Follow Your Friends enables users to locate your friends using any device and even get a map that routes you to their locations. They use a multilevel permission system to protect privacy and security. Privacy is a big concern for those who want to try new presence systems. Will my carrier keep my location private? Who owns my location—my carrier or me? Will advertisers be able to track me down with worthless location-based spam? These are all worries the new technology prompts. For more details see Chapter 7.

Information on the Go Finding timely and relevant information when you need it is a big challenge. Presenceand location-based systems like Adaptive Info’s server software support content delivery channels ranging from Web browsers to e-mail, SMS, voice portals, and PDAs. This software—according to its Web site—learns what users want and delivers relevant, personalized 261

information in a dynamic publishing environment. The system can be used to deliver entertainment listings, classified ads (such as real estate or auto sales), and localized news. Soon you might be able to get your e-mail and instant messages in real-time anywhere. Cisco is launching what could be termed a “roaming router” that basically is an updated version of its IOS software that adds international roaming capabilities to its routers so that a mobile IP-enabled router could be carried in aircraft, trains, or other vehicles to provide almost continuous Internet connections while traveling across international boundaries. A Cisco press release says that the system would automatically switch ISPs as necessary and that this process would be invisible to users. Aimed at emergency services personnel, the new service could be brokered through ISPs or carriers in the future.

Unified Messaging Soon you might be able to use just one phone number or ID system to forward all your messages to any location or a specific device. Research firm eMarketer believes that mobile phone subscribers will soon outpace fixed-line by 92 million globally. The International Telecommunications Union estimates there were 216 million more fixed-line than mobile phones worldwide in 2000. If you have tried a follow-me communications system such as Wildfire you know that having a voice-activated virtual personal assistant can be valuable and even fun. Wildfire Communications is a wholly owned subsidiary of Orange—one of the U.K.’s operators. It is available through Cingular in the U.S. and other carriers. The company says its mission is to “humanize and enhance the connectivity between people and between people and information whenever and however they want.” Wildfire serves as your voice mail and virtual receptionist and tracks you down at another wireless phone or a landline almost anywhere you are, depending on your preference and your prior instructions. To hear a demo, go to www.wildfire.com.

M-Presence Mobile Games Oz, a provider of presence-enabled communications services, is offering Tactica, a multiplayer strategy game designed for real-time communications across PCs and mobile phones. The game uses Oz’s Ipulse (developed by Oz and Ericsson) software developer’s kit, presence management, dynamic routing, and messaging to enable players to keep in constant contact regarding the device in use or network. Game play and team communications are forwarded to players’ mobile phones or devices via SMS, WAP, or the proprietary iPulse Windows client. For more information, check out www.oz.com. 262

Check with your carrier or service provider to see what unified messaging services it offers at this time.

BATTERY POWER TO GO

• • •

8

Powering mobile phones and devices is still done, for the most part, by batteries. So, I’ve included a quick overview of the basic battery types and new options you might want to check out. Remember, though, if you’re buying a wireless communication device, the first things to look at are


Webley Systems Inc., is a U.S.-based unified communications technology that says it has 28 patents with the U.S. Patent Office. It uses independent speech recognition to provide many of the most common aspects of unified communications, using any communication device connected to traditional telephone networks or the Internet. Its media switching platform is based on the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP), which could led to carriers offering even more unified messaging and communications services, the company says. For more information, go to www.webley.com.

Talk time Standby time Battery life

Most of you probably know by now that talk time means how long you can talk or text (send text messages) on your phone, PDA, or pager, and you probably also know that standby time is how long can you leave your phone on ready to receive a message in standby mode. As for battery life, some mobile device batteries last only hours; others though, such as PalmPilots, boast battery life measured in days. Check out the battery life time before you buy your new cell phone, pager, PDA, or other mobile device (such as an MP3 player or GPS system). Ask the store clerk, or check on the company’s Web site. Be sure that you identify the correct model number because all Ericssons or Nokias don’t have the same battery life. You’ll also find the model number on the packaging or in the user’s manual. The device model number is often hard to find. If you already own the device, in most cases you must remove the battery to see the model number listed in alphanumerics. When buying your new cell phone or device, ask to see the battery charger that’s included. Some models have super-small chargers that work great for travel; others have clunky stands that you have to carry along with you. You also might want to get a fast charger and a car or 12v battery charger when you buy your new wireless device. Some car chargers let you talk on the phone while you’re charging it; others won’t work until they’ve been charged for a certain amount of time. Fast-chargers cost more but are worth it. Beware that it’s better to purchase the brand of fast charger or car charger from your handset manufacturer because incompatible third-party products can damage your phone or device or even be dangerous. Words of wisdom: Be sure your cell phone is always charged. Europeans put their cell phones in the charging cradle the moment they get home or to the office. That way, they’re always ready to talk or text on the go. 263

Battery size and capacity limit handheld wireless devices more than anything else. Experts tell me that about half of your phone’s handset weight is the battery and that the battery also adds up to about one-fourth of the cost of your cellular phone. Learning more about cell phone batteries is a bit like going back to high school science or chemistry class. Nickel cadmium, lithium ion, lithium polymer, alkaline, nickel metal hydride (NiMH), and even good old AA and AAA batteries are needed to cut the cord today. What’s the difference? Which are better? Battery chemistry varies based on energy density, recharge rate, peak discharge current, charge retention, and cost. Figure the cost of a battery not only based on the price to buy it but the hundreds of discharges and recharges over its life cycle.

Charging Ahead How fast can you recharge your battery? Most cell phone batteries recharge in less than two hours. Some fast-charging accessories promise recharges in less than an hour, some in less than 30 minutes. A typical lithium-ion battery can be recharged about 300 times. Buying a new device? Check to see in advance how long it takes to recharge the battery and which types of batteries it takes.

Thinking Green? To be environmentally sound, go rechargeable. However, even those die eventually, so dispose of them properly. All batteries contain environmentally hazardous chemicals. Beware that some states treat batteries as hazardous waste, so they need to be disposed of properly; don’t just throw them down the garbage chute or toss them into the trashcan at the airport. If you decide to go with rechargeables, here’s what’s available:

264

•

Nickel-Cadmium (NiCad)—The most common rechargeable batteries and most environmentally unfriendly because of the cadmium (a heavy metal). NiCads are a good choice for a CD player or Walkman but probably won’t have enough kick to power a digital camera.

•

Nickel metal hydride (NiMH)—An environmentally friendlier replacement for NiCads with about twice the capacity. This is your best bet for high-drain devices, even though they cost more.

•

Reusable alkaline—Lasts around 25 charges and that’s it. Level degrades after successive charges, and the inconsistent capacity means they aren’t worth the money.

•

Lithium-Ion (LiIon)—Have the highest capacity, are environmentally friendly, are light, and can be recharged more times. You’ll find them in computer notebooks, mobile phones, and other built-in applications because they require special circuitry to monitor each cell.

Electric Fuel


Electric Fuel offers the Instant Power Charger, which is a battery cartridge about the size of a credit card or smaller that enables you to get power almost anywhere. The cartridges are about $10 each and stay fresh for two years, according to Electric Fuel, if you keep them in their aluminum packaging. After exposing them to air, you can get three or four full battery charges over the course of three months if you rewrap the power charger in the aluminum packaging after each use. Check its Web site at www.electric-fuel.com to see whether connectors are available for your device or phone (see Figure 8.7).

8

Figure 8.7 Find instant on-the-go chargers at www.electric-fuel.com.

Another company, Electrofuel, features the PowerPad, which promises to keep users mobile all day long. TechTV’s informal tests show that it operates for more than 10 hours. The two models available are the PowerPad 160 and PowerPad 120. How does it work? It is a high-energy lithium-ion battery that connects through the AC power port on your notebook and charges the internal battery. TechTV’s lab rats say it tricks the computer into thinking it is attached to AC power. The actual PowerPad is a 11 3/4”×8 3/4”×3/8” slab. Note that the PowerPad adds about 2.5 lbs. to your travel weight; plus, it doesn’t include a method for affixing your notebook to it so it could tend to slide off if you’re working on an uneven surface. TechTV testers used Velcro to hold it straight. It also comes with a 50[dp] cable that connects it to your laptop’s AC power jack. One disadvantage, though, is that it’s not cheap at a pricey $500 for the PowerPad 160 model. So, be sure it is compatible with your notebook before buying. 265

Other Phone Rechargers Have some spare muscle power? Then you might want to buy one of the new products that allows you to recharge your cell phone with nothing more than brawn. Aladdinpoer, Inc., offers a handheld generator that looks like a tension grip from your gym and converts squeezes into energy that can be transferred to almost any cell phone or other device with a rechargeable battery. Three minutes of squeeze-time equals about 20 minutes of talk time, according to the firm. Motorola offers a device called FreeCharge that is made by FreePlay Energy (the people who sell those hand-cranked flashlights and radios). The recharger converts 45 seconds of winding time into 5–6 minutes of talk time or 3–4 hours of standby time, according to a Motorola spokesperson. Also coming are step chargers, which you use your foot to power.

Fuel and Gas Power In researching this book, I saw some other companies getting into the fuel cell development arena, such as Mechanical Technology Inc. (MTI) in Albany, New York. MTI is devoted to commercializing direct methanol micro fuel cells (DMFC) and is attempting to apply its technology to battery packs for cell phones and other handheld portables. The firm said in a story on eetimes.com that it believes it can develop fuel cells with 10 times the capacity of a standard cell phone battery. According to a October 2, 2001, article on ZDNET.com, Motorola researchers announced in fall 2001 that they had developed a methane gas–powered fuel cell that can provide enough juice between chargings for a month of cell phone calls. The fuel cell is basically a miniature electrochemical plant that fits into a belt holster. Methane is stored in an area the size of a ball point pen’s ink holder. NEC Corp., Sony Corp., Toshiba Corp., Hitachi Ltd., and NASA are also developing fuel cells for mobile devices. Allied Business Intelligence says there could be 200 million of these batteries powering cell phones and other devices by 2010. NEC also says it will start manufacturing a new cell that enables a notebook PC to operate for several days continuously and a cell that enables a mobile phone to operate for a month without powering down. The firm says in a press release on AsiaBizTech.com that these fuel cells could replace lithium batteries. It has adopted for the electrode of the fuel cell a nanotechnology-based raw material named carbon nanohorn, a kind of carbon nanotube. For more information, see http://www.nikkeibp.asiabiztech.com/wcs/ leaf?CID=onair/asabt/cover/139671/.

266

Sony Frontier Science Laboratory used carbon molecules known as fullerenes to develop a credit card–size solid polymer fuel cell that can generate 1.2 volts of electricity without water vapor. According to another press release on http://www.nikkeibp. asibiztech.com, it plans to commercialize the fuel cell for use in handheld electronic devices by 2003.

Of course, an infrastructure to supply users with fuel will be necessary because, if power is used up, users will need to refill the cell with fuel.

Harnessing the Power of the Sun

8

Another Web site that sports Sunpower Systems Inc., solar cellular batteries for Motorola, Nokia, and Ericsson wireless phones includes an endorsement from a National Park Service employee: “I have used the solar battery for the last 2 1/2 years in an offshore marine environment and it has worked perfectly….”


Now you can charge your wireless phone anywhere the sun is shining with phone batteries that have built-in solar panels. Some of the Web sites featuring these solar wireless phone batteries promise that you can double your talk time and triple your standby time with these new solar-powered batteries. Smarthome.com notes that the solar batteries cost little more than ordinary non-solar charging batteries, and they generate enough power to make an emergency phone call in about 15 minutes. Smarthome also says that even if the battery is fully discharged (out of juice) it can reach 90% of its power capacity in 4 or 5 hours of sunlight.

Solar Charging Your PocketPC The Pocket-Pal is designed by Plastecs as a solar charger for most PocketPC devices (see Figure 8.8). The small, portable solar charger can help you when you need a quick charge. The company claims you can also charge it under a light bulb of minimum 60 watts. It comes with 3 feet of speaker wire to connect the DC power plug to the solar cells, and the DC plug has a built-in Blocking Diode that prevents the solar cells from draining your PocketPCs batteries in low light conditions. One review on a PocketPC Web site (www.wincecity.com) says that the light bulb charging system does not work and that the device requires a large amount of sunlight to charge your PocketPC. Check it out at www.plastecs.com.

Fuel Cells to Power Everything? Fuel cells—the same energy source that powered the Space Shuttle, Apollo, Skylab, and Gemini spacecraft—might soon power your phone, your car, and a neighborhood electric power plant, according to the Georgia Institute of Technology. In an article syndicated by the Daily University Science News, Dr. David Parekh (director of the Center for Innovative Fuel Cell and Battery Technology) says that Georgia Tech’s center will focus on fuel cell and battery technology for wireless communications, ultra-low emission vehicles, and distributed stationary power supplies. The researchers hold numerous patents in fuel cell and battery technology areas. Find out how fuel cells work at www.fuelcells.org.

267

Figure 8.8 A portable solar panel charges your PocketPC.

Solar Powering Your GPS For PDAs, GPS, and digital music players, Sun Catcher offers a Sports Solar Charger—a reduced-size charger that provides an unlimited power source for people on the go. Your phone or device must have an auto (DC) adapter with a cigarette lighter plug to connect to the Sun Catcher. You can check it out at the Laptop Travel Web site (www.laptoptravel. com/cgi-bin/lapt.store). Note that it is not recommended for use with laptop computers.

More Power Chargers and Connectors Laptop Travel also features such devices as a Data Port Anywhere (DPA) that provides an analog data port to connect your modem to virtually any office or hotel digital phone system and a PowerClip for iDEN phones, which doubles the talk time of certain IDEN phone models. Plus, you can select instant chargers for numerous models of phones from manufacturers including Audiovox, Ericsson, Motorola, Nokia, and Siemens.

Handle with Care—Battery Tips These five tips help ensure you’re always ready to make an emergency call:

• 268

New cell phone batteries come uncharged—Yes, that means when you get a new device, the battery is NOT charged up. So you can’t just walk into Radio Shack and

Burp your battery—Batteries, like babies, need to be burped to remove accumulated gas bubbles on the cell plates. To do this, drain the battery until your portable device shuts off, and then recharge it. This is often called conditioning your battery. Let a discharged battery cool to room temperature before recharging. A warm battery could signal the thermal cut-off switch to stop charging prematurely.

•

Remember memory effect—If you keep charging a NiCad battery again and again when it has some stored power, it might build up a memory and will not be able to completely drain and charge 100%. So, if your battery used to last three hours and now lasts 30 minutes, this could be the culprit. After your phone shuts off, it might still hold 3%–7% of the total stored energy left over inside the battery. It’s this remaining energy that must be drained. Read the manual for your cell phone or optional battery pack. You should follow the directions closely. Also beware that some cheaper non-brand battery packs might be available for your phone handset but can have long-range negative effects.

•

Use it or lose it—Just because you don’t use your cell phone for a few weeks doesn’t mean the battery is still charged. We’ve heard horror stories about people who leave an extra cell phone in a car trunk and then are shocked when it doesn’t work months later when they turn to it in an emergency. Always carry an AC adapter with you for your cell phone on the go.

•

Don’t leave the battery in the charger—In other words, don’t use the charger as a stand; continuous charging can shorten battery life.

8

•


walk out talking on your new phone. Most of the time, you can talk the retailer into charging the battery for you if you need to use it right away. Sometimes, they have a demo model that has a charged battery they will swap for your uncharged battery—but you don’t know how old that battery really is. Charge your new battery at least overnight (14–16 hours) before using it. This is called initializing and will enable maximum battery capacity.

Always Recycle Batteries Be kind to the environment. The EPA estimates that 200 tons of cadmium and 260,000 tons of lead enter the waste stream annually. Don’t add to the digital trash pile. Visit the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation, a nonprofit public service group, at www.rbrc.org for more recycling tips and events in your geographic area. According to rbrc.org, more than 300 communities in the U.S. and Canada take part in a Charge Up to Recycle program and more than 30,000 retail locations across the U.S. and Canada participate. To find a drop-off location in your area, call 1-800-8-BATTERY. Or, check out www.rbrc.org. As of August 2001, Home Depot, the home improvement retailer, was one of the recycling locations.

Smart Batteries New smart batteries use embedded microprocessor chips to control their charge and discharge rates, thereby extending battery life. You’ll find them mostly in laptop computer battery designs.

269

EBAY ON THE GO For an even better price on your GPS device, you might want to check out eBay.com. If you have an Internet-enabled phone, you can access eBay anywhere via your wireless connection (see Figure 8.9). Register so that you can buy or sell stuff through your Internet phone or online at http://www.ebay.com. If you’re new to the auction site, check out the Welcome New Users home page.

Figure 8.9 Don’t miss your auction with eBay wireless.

Through your mobile Internet-enabled phone, you can search for items and check your My eBay Account. However, you can’t list new items for sale yet. Visit eBay.com for current rulings and new mobile offerings.

Dial-a-Coke Selected Coca-Cola machines are being upgraded to become “Dial-a-Coke” outlets using Marconi Systems’ Intelligent Vending technology, according to a story on digitrends.net. The new machines work alongside existing coin systems, so you can choose your payment method. Coke machines have phone numbers: Ring the machine and it sells you a Coke. Some of these systems use Bluetooth-enabled phones, and others work without Bluetooth. Most bill the Coke to your phone bill, but others work like Mobile’s Speedpass, charging your purchases to your credit card of choice or even a debit card account. 270

WEARING YOUR WIRELESS

8

Wearable wireless devices are launching a new technology-enabled arena in which Bill Gates shares the vision of the future with designers like Bill Blass. According to an article in the May 2001 issue of Mobile Computing and Communications, IDC research firm reports that 2,100 wearable devices were shipped in the United States in 2000 for $11.5 million. That’s a three-fold increase from 1999, and IDC analysts believe that 450,000 devices could ship in the United States by 2004 at a value of $719 million with a worldwide marketplace of $927 million overall.


To access eBay from your phone, you’ll need a minibrowser. eBay.com recommends its partners AT&T and Sprint PCS. If you’re already an eBay member and have a compatible phone, go to the Add My Wireless E-mail Form section to add your Internet mobile phone address as your second e-mail address. Then, choose which type of notifications you want to have sent to you. The eBay URL for your Internet phone is located at http://mmm.ebay.com. You can bookmark the site. (For more on how to bookmark mobile Web sites see Chapter 4, “Maximizing Use of Your Device.” AOL Anywhere also offers eBay updates via its services. Check it out at keyword AOL Anywhere.

You don’t have to carry your computer in your backpack either. Most of the wearables attach to belts or armbands with small screens that you wear in front of the eye—like sunglasses. You use a tiny microphone to issue instructions. The device becomes part of your outfit or uniform. So, why don’t you see more of these wearables? Some experts blame what they call the “geek factor,” because people don’t want to look different from others. Xybernaut Corporation of Fairfax, Virginia, and ViA are just two of the early firms in this marketplace. Symbol Technologies focuses on such applications as handhelds and barcode scanning solutions. So far, wearables remain pricey. Some cost as much as $5,000 for units that include handheld computers, voice-recognition interfaces, wireless connections, bar-code scanners, and headsets. Bell Canada is using wearable computers for its installers and service representatives in that country.

Soon Japanese wireless users will be able to say, “Give me a Coke and a ring-tone, too,” according to a report on allnetdevices.com. NTT DoCoMo Inc., and Itochu Corp., are launching trials of wireless-enabled vending machines that dispense information and entertainment services as well as soda for wireless I-mode users. The companies are calling the new service Cmode. Users will be able to download wallpaper for Web sites, download ring-tone tunes to ring their phones with the latest pop songs, obtain maps of nearby areas, and get coupons for products. Displays on the machines will feature community information messages, and users will earn points for interacting with the soft drink dispensers or for using Cmode services. 271

Communicating with a wearable wireless device really is no different from communicating between handsets. To input (send your message), you speak to the device through a phone or audio or even video or text systems. The output (how you hear or see it) is via audio (earphone, earbud, and so on) and video (via an eyepiece display, a head-mounted display visor, or goggles). In the future, wearables might be capable of communicating with other devices, such as pens or LCD monitors. Some experts believe that wearables have to be redesigned from the ground up to be true personal assistants combining phone, laptop, and PDA devices. Alan Housley, president of Tangis Software, is working on creating a consortium that will define the goals of wearable technology and give it an identity. Making these devices small is essential to wearable design. The devices look more like jewelry—badges or bracelets—or are embedded in clothing.

Eyes in the Back of Your Head If you’re a Star Trek fan, you know that wearables become part of everyday life in the fictional future. Today, Steve Mann is one of the best-known people clad in wearable systems. Often called the world’s only full-time cyborg, he relies on sensors and network connections to augment his experience of the world. In MIT’s Magazine of Innovation “Technology Review” back in 1999, Mann explains that he continues to make the systems less conspicuous so that people no longer cross the street to avoid him. “Every morning, I decide how I will see the world that day. Sometimes, I give myself eyes in the back of my head, or a sixth sense such as the ability to feel objects at a distance,” he explains. Mann first put on his wearable rig more than two decades ago. The goal is not to assimilate people into technology, according to Mann. Rather, he aims to encourage the development and manufacture of wearables as a means of personal, not institutional, empowerment.

Fantasy Versus Reality Some experts believe that someday we will live in a world where the difference between cyberspace and the real world is no long distinguishable. Wearables usually play a role in defining that future-vision. Remote collaboration brings workers into virtual workspaces, students into virtual college classrooms, and doctors into operating rooms around the world via wireless connections and virtual reality applications. Is this all fantasy? Nope, say firms like Xybernaut, which you can check out at http://www.xybernaut.com, insist that workers such as UPS and FedEx personnel and military troops are using wearables today. Here are just some of the applications for wearable wireless devices:

• 272

BOC Gases uses them to obtain temperature measurements during manufacturing processes.

•

Framatose Technologies Ltd., in Lynchburg, Virginia, uses them to bring greater efficiency to nuclear power plant safety inspections.

•

Geophysical Survey Systems Inc., uses a wearable with a mobile radar unit to map utility lines below street level.

8

Some health-oriented firms and rehab facilities are considering wearables to serve as wearable supplements for Alzheimer’s or stroke patients. The wearable could prompt them to locate eyeglasses or even find the way back to their front doors. Prerecorded directions could be embedded in the wearable, or audio messages could be sent to the device by a caretaker.


The challenges to wearable development include speech recognition, which is still faulty, and the size of devices. Symbol Technologies of Holtsville, New York, has developed a wrist-mounted computer with a ring-mounted scanner for ease of use that weighs only 13 oz. For you techies out there, you’ll be pleased to know that wearables can even connect wirelessly to a corporate LAN via an access point.

Intelligent Clothing The next generation of wearables might be clothes that can tell you when your kids forgot their lunch or you’ve left your debit or smart card at the last store you visited. Of course, your mobile phone or a version of it can be built in to the garment. A Brussels-based research group called StarLab is working on a jogging suit that features built-in monitors and sensors that send information via e-mail to your sports club or coach, who can record your training time and perhaps even blood pressure and temperature. It calls this clothing iWear, and the firm is looking to integrate computing capabilities into the fabric and fibers themselves in the future. Major brand names, such as Levi Strauss, Adidas, and even luggage maker Samsonite, are among the 10 international brands sponsoring StarLab’s research.

Don’t Miss the Bus! Just the thought of standing in the snow waiting at a bus stop is enough to still send chills down my spine. How many early mornings and late nights did I shiver, as a kid or young adult, wondering when the next bus would arrive? Now, the U.S. Department of Transportation is focusing on intelligent transportation technology so no one will have to wait out in the cold ever again. A system called NextBus uses GPS systems to track buses and predict locations of arrivals and departures near you. It’s no easy feat, though. NextBus equips each bus with a GPS receiver, a modem, and an antenna. The bus’s location information must be transmitted to a center where it is merged with data about intended stops and traffic conditions. All that information feeds into a predictive software program to calculate arrival time, which is sent over the Web to wireless bus stop 273

CONNECTING WITH WI-FI If you prepare in advance, you can hook up your laptop to hundreds of new wireless connections in airports, in hotels, at American Airlines’ Admirals Clubs, and someday at more than 400 Starbucks coffee houses (mostly in urban areas such as New York, San Francisco, Seattle, Dallas, and Houston). Most of these new wireless systems now use what’s called Wi-Fi—also known as IEEE 802.11b. Watch for more of these hot spots to be created all over your city so that you can use these ad-hoc wireless networks as a framework of a very fast wireless network. Many corporations are moving forward with 802.11 networks, and you’ll also find them at some college campuses and even at techno-savvy high schools across the United States. Soon chipsets supporting the standard will be available for use in laptops and other devices. See Chapter 10 for more small business and corporate uses for IEEE 802.11b.

SATELLITE PHONES: DO YOU NEED ONE? If you watch TV commercials for wireless companies, it’s easy to see that much of the world is more advanced, wirelessly speaking, than the United States. It often seems that the shepherds in far-flung fields in Europe have better wireless access than city slickers do in America. The irony is it’s probably true. Going mobile today anywhere in the world does not mean you have to go it alone. Lots of folks watching Tom Hanks in the movie Castaway left the theater wondering whether that final FedEx package he didn’t open featured a satellite phone that would have saved him sooner. (If you have the DVD version of the film, find the Easter egg—hidden trivia about the film—that tells you what’s really in the box.)

and shelter displays. Obviously, it’s a much better system than the old one, where months-old, and often years-old, rusty metal-framed schedules held out promises frozen in time and sleet. The new system isn’t cheap either; it costs about $7,000 to equip a bus and $4,000 for the signs, according to NextBus general manager Steve Feldman in an article on govtech.net. In 2000, public transit expenditures reached $6.8 billion, according to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). New wireless and Web-based systems in Seattle, Washington’s King County are offering up-to-the-minute schedules and arrival times for more than 1,000 area buses. Other experts predict that wireless signage could be posted in public spaces or in private retailers such as Krispy Kreme donut shops or Starbucks so busy commuters can check rush hour arrivals and departures and snack at the same time. 274

Note, you can also rent satellite phones for a special excursion or project you’re working on. One such site that details prices and locations served is www.4satellitephones.com.

GlobalStar GSP-1600

8

The GlobalStar GSP 1600 is a satellite phone model that can connect over regular CDMA digital cell phone networks and work as a 9600 baud modem. It’s about the size of a receiver on a regular landline phone but is much heavier (about 1.5 lbs.) and very pricey (about $1,200); plus you need cellular service to use it. (Satphones start at about $500 ($400 used) plus the calls, which are about $1 per minute. If you were a fan of the NBC reality show called Lost, you’ll know that the contestants’ goal was to struggle to find their way home from remote locations in the world using GlobalStar’s mobile satellite phones as their primary communications. For more information, see http://www.globalstarusa.com.


Since fall 2001, satellite phones are seen as even more important communication vehicles in an emergency or a crisis. The challenge in using a satellite phone (in addition to the hefty price) is that satellites need a clear view of your phone to make a connection—a real challenge in midtown Manhattan or other urban areas where you see only a bit of the sky between skyscrapers. Satellite phones can be used almost anywhere as long as they are within the footprint of their carriers’ low-Earth orbiting satellites (LEOs).

Iridium A consortium led by Motorola rolled out the first global satellite phone system in 1998. Iridium’s personal communications service supports global voice, paging, messaging, and data services for mobile subscribers using its handheld devices. The satellite phone e-store Web site at www.outfittersatellite.com has Iridium phones ranging from $395 used to $1,295 new.

Immarsat Immarsat says it covers 98% of the world with a broad range of voice and data communications services. Sharp Communications is an authorized dealer for Immarsat and GlobalStar systems. (See www.sharpcom.com/satphone for details.) Immarsat M4 phones are among the most popular, and they come in a case the size of a laptop.

Video Satellite Phones Any news fan can tell you that more reporters are using video units to transmit data from remote locations (see Figure 8.10). Talking Heads, developed by 7E communications in the United Kingdom, is a popular source. The units are portable and weigh just less than 10 lbs. (You still need a battery source.) To transmit, you need a system including a video box and two satellite phones, which can cost about $35,000.

275

Figure 8.10 Satellite video phones bring almost instant news reports to TV.

Bottom line: Do you need a satellite phone? Probably not, unless you’re in charge of the emergency initiative in your corporation or city. For most business travel, you can rent one. Who knows? In the future, the wireless carriers might solve their interoperability problems with the 3G (third generation) of mobile phones and satellite phones might be antiques. Now, if only those worldwide videophones were a lot cheaper.

276

C H A P T E R

9

HOME SWEET WIRELESS HOME

It has become a status symbol to be one of the first families on your block to cut the cords and install a wireless home network. USA Today says, “Wireless home networking is emerging as the most important new product in consumer computing and electronics.” Surf the Net from the swimming pool as you beam movies and music from the den to the backyard while you remotely blend smoothies for the kids. That’s the cordless vision the ads sell you. Too often, though, the time, effort, and mistakes you make installing your own home network are costlier than the price tags on the new equipment. Cutting the cords and designing and installing a wireless home network that links all your computers, appliances, home media, security, heating, cooling, and lighting systems is a process that’s still more complex than “clap on” and “clap off” or remotely turning on a lamp using a Smart Clapper from the folks who brought you Chia Pets. That’s why this chapter will help you do the following:

• •

Get started with wireless at home

•

Select home communications wireless audio devices, including two-way radios, MP3 players, and security systems

Update your home media center for the broadband world

In this chapter, I’ll also translate the networking terms and lingo and sort out which wireless doodads, gizmos, and gadgets promise more than they deliver, so you can cut the cord without breaking the bank. You’ll soon be able to start cashing in on the wonders of going wireless.

THE HOME NETWORKING TREND Articles about smart homes, connected families, and houses of the future seem to be everywhere. Industry research indicates that up to 10% of all U.S. homes, or 10 million, will be home networked and automated by the year 2003, according to Microsoft’s Home Networking studies. It’s simple, right? Sign up for cable or DSL, decide between HomeRF or Wi-Fi and a bit of Bluetooth, plug in the base station, set up the access points, and install the PC cards. Unplug the DVDs, TVs, PCs, PVRs, and CDRWs and add the PDAs, iPODs, laptops, Xboxes, and MP3 players—and you’ve gone wireless. Not! Many people want to go wireless, but most don’t know where to start and what equipment to buy. Even defining what a home network is or can be is a challenge in today’s confusing marketplace where new electronics seem to debut daily. You might even be a bit confused by what these networks are called. Some experts refer to WANs (wide area networks), and others talk about LANs (local area networks) or home automation. The latest reference is to residential gateways. Check out the following jargon boxes to get up to speed. For a more detailed glossary, see Appendix A, “Glossary,” or the Consumer Electronics Association guide at http://www.ce.org/networkguide/ knowledgebase/kbase2.asp?sort=H. For a look at how a LAN inside your home links to a WAN, see Figure 9.1. Note that this configuration recommends the wireless standard IEEE 802.11a, which you’ll learn about later in this chapter. Of special interest is the inclusion of voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) phones, which enable voice access via the Internet and can serve as a home intercom and beyond.

278

E

Home automation is a system or process (using different methods of equipment) to link such functions as lighting, entertainment, security, telecommunications, heating, and air conditioning into one centrally controlled system, according to the Home Automation and Networking Association.

E

A local area network (LAN) is a group of computers and associated devices that share a common communications line and typically share the resources of a single processor or server within a small geographic area (for example, within an office building or a home). The LAN can serve as few as two or three users or as many as thousands of users.


Figure 9.1

E

A residential gateway is one of the newer models of home automation. Residential gateways involve a communications controller in the home that connects to various devices and provides an always-on broadband connection to the Internet.

E

A wide area network (WAN) is a network that spans great distances. It usually connects many LANs together. A family’s LAN might hook into a neighborhood WAN.

E

WLAN refers to a local area network connecting devices, computers, and other appliances wirelessly.

E

A personal area network (PAN), according to Webopedia.com, is “an IBM technology that allows individuals to exchange data with a simple touch or grasp, such as a handshake, and is based on the electric-field transmission medium.”

9

Diagram of how a wireless home LAN links to the outside via WAN at www.eetimes.com.

HOME NETWORKING OPTIONS The diversity of platforms and protocols available might be confusing, and the lack of standardization is still a concern. Research firm The Yankee Group explains that two visions of how home networks will operate exist. In its report titled “Solving the In-Home Connectivity Dilemma,” the firm labels the two systems as follows:

•

Centralized—This vision is that the digital home network “will allow any device in the system to be controlled through any number of other devices in the network.” In other words, all the appliances and electronics will be capable of communicating with each other. 279

•

Independent—This view is that “there will be a central hub: a PC in the immediate future, succeeded by a residential gateway” (see Appendix A for more information about a residential gateway). The Yankee Group says that consumers might tie in a PC or gateway later that will function as a home server to control their home networks and access the Internet for entertainment.

The Yankee Group also talks about the concept of new devices that bridge the datacentric PC world with entertainment-focused audio/video equipment. For more information on this report, go to http://www.yankeegroup.com. The home networking market is really in its infancy, but no matter what form it takes, I find that most families want their home networks to be capable of doing some or all of the following:

•

Offer simultaneous Internet connections from multiple locations inside and outside the house

•

Deliver broadband and a variety of entertainment services to multiple monitors and connected devices in different rooms

• •

Remotely control and manage home appliances

•

Feature a central monitoring device that offers room-by-room control systems and onscreen access via Internet or other devices

Provide a security and safety system that offers alerts and updates available as text or voice via phone, pager, PDA, and Internet

Do You Fit the Connected Home Buyer Profile? A connected home, according to the Internet Home Alliance (IHA), an association of leading companies working together to “advance the home technology industry,” is a home in which home computers, peripheral devices, televisions, lighting and heating controls, the home security system, and other home appliances are linked into one centrally controlled system. An IHA survey done in March 2001, by Zanthus (a Beaverton, Oregon-based hightechnology firm) confirms that 42% of U.S. single-family homeowners (26.1 million households) are inclined to adopt technology that results in a connected home. That study shows that the most appealing aspect of the connected home is the convenience associated with the ability to control a variety of home devices from a central system. The least appealing is no surprise because most folks express fear that the technology will be too technical or too complicated. Another prevalent consumer concern continues to be home security. 280

Offer time management solutions that are increasingly popular, including distributed e-mail systems, unified messaging, and home intercom systems

•

Provide regional weather and traffic alerts and route updates to monitor family vehicles

STARTING AND EXPANDING YOUR HOME NETWORK Home networking is a process that starts with a plan—not just a package you buy online or at your home electronics supplier. My idea of a home network might be radically different from your vision. A connected home is not necessarily totally wireless. In doing research, I’ve found that the terms smart home and connected home often are used for homes that are networked using a combination of wireless, legacy wireline, and structured wiring systems.


•

9

Tips to Know Before You Cut the Cord Here are four tips from TechTV.com on what you should do before you network your home:

•

Research—Do plenty of research before making equipment purchases. Understand the principles of wireless networking, and know the difference between wireless, wireline, and structured wiring systems.

“Likely adopters mainly see the connected home as a means of saving time in order to spend more and better quality time with family and friends,” according to the Internet Alliance press release recapping the study. How much do consumers say they’re willing to budget for technology solutions? The figure the Alliance survey shows is $3,000. Check out the study in more detail at http://www.internethomealliance.com/ research/ConnectedHomeStudy.pdf.

281

•

Diagram—Draw a diagram of the network before you install it. Diagramming helps you identify how many and what types of components you need. (If you need help with the diagram, ask a friend or a technician at your favorite electronics store to help). For a really complex solution, you’ll need to contract with an installer or a regional solutions provider.

•

Define your objectives—Identify your network objectives: How many computers do you plan to link? What about linking printers, too? Do you want your whole house to run off a central controller or to link up just the home office?

•

Test—Run tests after your network is installed. Be sure it’s performing the way you expected it to; adjust the position of your wireless hubs and antennae. (If you’re using an installer or outside vendor, be sure that you do the tests while they are still inside your house so you don’t have to call them back to fix something or show you how it really works.

Working in Stages Consider doing the project in stages is a hint I’d add to the previous TechTV list. Working step-by-step can not only save you money, but can also give you access to state-of-the-art equipment and upgrades that will extend the life of your home network. For example, Stage 1 might be networking your home office, Stage 2 might be networking your home entertainment systems, and Stage 3 might be adding home security and upgrading safety solutions.

The Internet Home Alliance OnStar At Home Pilot “Oh, no. I left the coffee pot on,” might never be a problem again if a group of electronics and consumer products firms are successful in a new pilot program. The Internet Home Alliance association is working with a group of member companies to examine consumer use and adopt new technology that offers the power to connect them to their homes, car, family, and friends. Called OnStar At Home (yes, by the same OnStar that is in autos now—see Chapter 6, “Telematics: The Web on Wheels”), the pilot is networking homes for 100 lucky families in Detroit, Michigan, so they can interact with their houses via phone, Internet, or wireless applications (see Figure 9.2). Through cross-company collaboration, the program will focus on integrating OnStar’s Virtual Advisor service with home security, control, and telecommunications components provided by Invensys, Panasonic, and ADT. Hewlett Packard is designing an interface for the Web site and providing HP Jornados for wireless Web access. 282


9

Figure 9.2 The OnStar At Home Pilot program enables consumers to control home operations from any PC, phone, WAP phone, or wireless PDA.

All the homes in the trial will have an always-on broadband connection and cars equipped with voice recognition technology that also links them to their houses. Soon those consumers will be able to unlock their front doors remotely and access and control their home systems from their vehicles, PCs, wireless phones, and PDAs. “We’ll have real consumers giving us feedback on everything from the quality of the solution to the quality of the installation to the likelihood to purchase,” promises Bill Kenney, Chair of Internet Home Alliance and vice president of Emerging Home Solutions at Sears, Roebuck and Co. For more information on the OnStar At Home Pilot and for details on the Internet Home Alliance members, go to www.internethomealliance.com/pilot_pgms/ onstar-arch.asp.

283

HOME MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS With all the cool gizmos and gadgets available for your home, it’s important to look for more than just bells and whistles and buzzers. Be sure your system can be upgraded in the future.

Be At Home Be At Home is the winner of TechTV’s 2002 Best of CES award for home automation and networking (see Figure 9.3). On its Web site (www.beathome.com), you’ll find 10 more things to consider, such as whether you want just home security or full home automation, how you will interact with your system, how reliable the system will be, and price (including labor, wiring, and monitoring).

Figure 9.3 The Be At Home energy management system features in-home alerts that work via chimes, flashing lights, phone calls, or a 105-decibel alarm.

For more details to consider when purchasing an automated home management system, go to www.beathome.com/products/know_home_mgmt.html.

Xanboo Multimedia Gateway TechTV also reviews Xanboo Multimedia Gateway (yes, that’s really the name) in one of its wrap-ups about the 2002 Consumer Electronic Show. The review explains that the system connects to your broadband modem and transmits data from your home to the Xanboo servers. It adds, “From there you can add components such as wireless cameras, sensors, and the soon-to-be-released thermostat.” 284

Premise Systems SYS Automation Software One of the finalists for TechTV’s best home automation and networking category at CES is Premise Systems, which prices its network at $750. It’s available now; for more information, go to http://www.Premisesystems.com.

9

HOME NETWORK DELIVERY SYSTEMS


It’s estimated that the gateway will retail for $150 with addition components ranging from $30 to $60. For an additional monthly fee of about $10 per month, Xanboo will provide Internet access and notification services from Xanboo.com. The gateway can handle up to 250 sensors, so it’s good for large spaces. You can use it as a security system and a home management controller. You’ll get about 5MB storage space, which can house 350 snapshots of your home or a dozen 10-second video clips; you also can add additional storage up to 1GB. The system sends messages to a pager, cell phone, or e-mail address. For more information, go to http://www.xanboo.com.

Many of today’s home automation systems feature controls that can be regulated via wallmounted control panels or a proprietary remote control. Newer systems offer the same convenience plus Internet or control via computers; pagers; phones; and PDAs, such as a Palm or HP Jornado. Many experts believe we’re entering an era of smart electronics where every appliance in the home will have its own Internet protocol (IP) address or URL and you’ll be able to control it as easily as linking to a Web site.

Internet-Based Controllers New home networking systems are taking more of a centralized approach and feature software that connects to the Internet and offers a home control page, where you can program devices; appliances; and system elements such as heating, security, and air conditioning.

Telco/Cable/Satellite Controllers As broadband becomes increasingly popular and experts such as The Strategis Group (a Washington, D.C.-based market research and consulting firm) project that there will be 25 million high-speed households by 2004, you’ll see other models evolving for central home networks. Your telco/cable or satellite provider might one day hook up with software-based home networking providers to include home controllers on their electronic programming guides (EPGs). These systems will no doubt offer Internet access, but the home controller page might be the opening screen on your browser, instead of an Internet Web page.

285

Next-Generation Home Networks “A recent survey shows that, today, more people watch shows on television than any other appliance. Toasters are second,” is a quote from comedian Pat Paulsen on the classic show The Smothers Brothers. In cracking that joke, Paulsen gave us a hint of what our next generation of smart appliances holds. Inventors ponder a world in which mirrors become monitors and tables become video gaming boards. “We don’t think the digital home is about the refrigerator (being) connected to the toaster,” says Brent Lang, senior director of strategy and business development for consumer products at home networking company 3Com Corp. in Fortune magazine’s technology review. “It’s mostly just about fast connections to the Net.” For more information about the future of fast connections and the connected home, see the CEA (Consumer Electronics Association) consumer Web site at www.techhome.org (see Figure 9.4).

Figure 9.4 The Consumer Electronics Association consumer Web site shows how technology is changing home audio and video entertainment.

WHY BROADBAND?

286

Creating the home wireless local area network (WLAN) is both a challenge and an opportunity. You can choose to wait until you can someday connect every device and appliance in your house wirelessly, or you can get started today to share a cable or DSL (broadband) connection with every PC in your house, bringing better results to multiple computers and impatient users. Soon, your handheld wireless devices will act as remote controls for almost all your appliances. You can already use some Palm handhelds as remotes for your television or media center (see Figure 9.5).

Twenty-first century entertainment is only a PDA away when you use your handheld as a remote control.


Figure 9.5

THE DIGITAL HUB IN YOUR HOME 9

A major theme evolving out of the 2002 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas is that there will be a digital center in consumers’ homes that will link and control all appliances and electronics. Right now two basic visions exist of how a central digital hub will link up everything in our homes:

•

The first view centers on a PC concept where computers link wirelessly to control your TV and other video monitors, audio receivers, electronics, and appliances. Devices such as PDAs and smart phones hook into the central PC to serve as remote controls. Some experts in this camp say to watch for an even newer version of this vision in which a home server controls everything in your house.

•

The second view is that a new combo device, a digital media server, will act as a gateway to deliver Internet and broadband to TVs and appliances, and perhaps even control home networking systems such as heating, lighting, and security.

PC/TV or TV/PC is the eternal chicken and egg question the electronics industry still ponders.

Moxi Media Center Server TechTV points to the Moxi Media Center as one of the visions of the future. Moxi won the TechTV Best of CES award at the 2002 Consumer Electronics Show. Moxi’s Perlman, the inventor and co-founder of WebTV, says that a Linux-based, digital media server he calls Moxi Media Center will act as a personal video recorder, satellite or cable tuner, CD/DVD player, music jukebox, and central gateway that can deliver the Internet or data to PCs that are connected via Ethernet or a wireless network (see Figure 9.6). At press time, Moxi had merged with Digeo. For more info, see digeo.com.

287

Figure 9.6 Moxi Media Center runs on Moxi Digital’s own flavor of Linux with an interface based on Macromedia’s Flash 5 player.

TechTV’s review of the home media server says that it “is a multifunction IP-capable settop box that promises to store, stream, and serve up just about every entertainment experience you can think of from a single in-home server.” TechTV reviewer Andrew Hawn says that when TechTV Labs got a chance to take a sneak peek at an early development model of the Moxi MC, they found that the alpha unit was “responsive and only got confused once or twice in general usage testing.” He adds that “video playback via 802.11a was very impressive at limited distances but we never had an opportunity to move the remote 802.11a-based MCbox and TV into another room for proper testing.” Alas, the Moxi Media Center is not on sale yet, and pricing will depend on the cable and satellite providers that include the system in their packages. TechTV says that Moxi Digital spokespersons hint that we will see final units in late 2002. Estimated price is set at $450, although a cable or satellite provider could subsidize this cost to the consumer. (Note that Vulcan Ventures, the parent company of TechTV, has a stake in Moxi Digital, Inc.)

Texas Instruments Entertainment Clusters Of course, Moxi Digital is not the only one with the vision that the connected house will involve linking entertainment and computing together. At the 2002 Consumer Electronics Show, Texas Instruments (TI) featured a home network that highlights still another new standard—IEEE 1394 (FireWire)—that can interface home electronics and computers in groups around the home. The TI demonstration spotlighted its 1394 chip. You’re probably familiar with FireWire, which is included in digital video recorders, HDTV sets, and set-top boxes. Using this configuration, you’d probably design a network including wired and wireless solutions. For more information, check out http://www.texasinstruments.com. Because TI provides set-top boxes to cable and other providers, you might be able to get these type of systems in late 2002 from your broadband company.

288

Microsoft’s Home Experience

Mira and Freestyle Launch Two new Microsoft products seem key to this vision: Freestyle and Mira.

9

Freestyle PCs bypass a traditional keyboard and enable remote control of a PC, whereas Mira is a smart monitor technology that allows the user to interface from anywhere he desires. Mira literally is a portable tablet that combines both a PC and a TV. It could be very valuable in Microsoft’s ongoing entry into home networking solutions through its ehome initiative. I was fascinated when given a demo of Mira. You can use it as a touch screen or with a stylus. Viewsonic and Wyse Technology will make the devices, which are set to retail for about $500 by Christmas 2002. Mira also connects wirelessly to the PC from anywhere in the home.


In his pre-opening keynote at CES, Microsoft Corporation’s Chairman and Chief Software Architect Bill Gates talked extensively about “on-the-go devices.” He says that devices that don’t have screens will become peripherals to screened ones. As he explains, all the consumer has to do is “pick up the screen size that is appropriate for your needs.”

Xbox Expanded? Microsoft is launching an Xbox online service. The big question is what the role is for Xbox in a home network. David Stevenson, of TechTV’s Tech Live, explains that analysts now say that “Microsoft’s big black box is but a cog in a more ambitious machine, one designed to tie the software giant to every area of home entertainment.” In a TechTV article that appears on ABCNews.com, Prudential Securities analyst Hans Mosesmann says that “it’s a convergence box that would integrate everything that’s on top of your TV today—be it a DVD player, a personal video recorder, (or) a game console—with connectivity throughout the house via Bluetooth.” According to Mosesmann, Microsoft is poised to launch HomeStation, a multiapplication consumer device based on the Xbox platform.

WIRELESS MUSIC Motorola is entering the wireless audio receiver market with its new SimpleFi component. The product is sleek, and I am fascinated by the representative’s description, which says the system connects to my home stereo using standard stereo cables. My PC can talk to SimpleFi via a USB transmitter sending HomeRF signals. After I configure my PC with Motorola’s SimpleServe software, the Motorola execs promise me that I can access MP3 play lists and music jukebox locker services. TechTV’s review by Matthew Hawn says that what makes this system different from other audio PC-stereo convergence systems such as Sonicblue Advanced Digital Audio Center and HP Digital Entertainment Center is that SimpleFi assumes you’ll store and manage all your digital audio on your PC. For more information, check out http://www.motorola.com or search TechTV for Motorola SimpleFi. 289

For more on wireless music, see Chapter 4, “Maximizing Use of Your Device,” which includes information on MP3 players for home and on-the-go.

WIRELESS INTERACTIVE TV Telewebbing, which means simultaneously using a computer and watching a TV at the same time, is increasingly popular. Hollywood production companies, such as Spiderdance (www.spiderdance.com), create interactive programming for shows such as The Weakest Link and for networks such as the Game Show Network that can be watched via TV and PC at the same time. The firm is also planning to extend the technology to the wireless world. In the next generation of entertainment, you can watch TV, interact with Web sites, and talk via telephony using multiple monitors and devices as you walk around your house. Super Bowl fans got an early preview in January 2002 of how wireless devices can empower them to call the game’s plays with Fox Sports’ Virtual Coach system. Audience members use Web-enabled phones to vote so they can be true armchair quarterbacks. This type of viewer interaction will be more popular as we head into the mobile commerce arena where you can not only vote, but also buy Super Bowl memorabilia or even tickets to next year’s game with your wireless devices or TV interfaces. During timeouts, users with Internet-ready wireless devices can also play football-themed episodes of trivia shows such as Smush and You Don’t Know Jack created by Jellyvision Inc. Hungry fans can also order Domino’s menu items and specials via Motorola’s mobile shopping technology. For more information, go to http://www.foxsports.com.

WHICH WIRELESS NETWORK STANDARD IS RIGHT FOR YOU? With a wireless home network, all the computers—and as you’ve seen earlier in this chapter, appliances, electronics, and even devices in your homes—are linked together to send information to each other or through a central gateway using radio signals. As I’ve mentioned earlier, some wireless networking systems use a peer-to-peer approach (or point-to-point) in which the computers and appliances can communicate directly with each other. Other systems use a client/server network with an access point. When we refer to an access point today, we usually mean a piece of equipment that serves as a controller that receives and transmits data to the wireless adapters installed in each computer. The simplest explanation I found on home networking and how wireless networking works is at http://www.howstuffworks.com/wireless-network.htm. This site includes a diagram that you can click to visually see how phone line, power line, wireless, and Ethernet work (see Figure 9.7). Go to the Web site and click the options in the right corner to see the difference between the four primary home networking options.

290

Choosing a wireless network is challenging today because so many different wireless technologies are vying for the home space. Plus, these systems range in speed and price. The following sections detail the primary standards you’ll hear about if you plan to network your home or office and the issues to be aware of.


9

Figure 9.7 See a demo of home networks at http://www.howstuffworks.com/wireless-network.htm.

IrDA IrDA (Infrared Direct Access) is probably the most familiar wireless standard because it is the technology that operates your remote controls. This system uses infrared light pulses that must be in line of sight with each other. For more information on IrDA, go to http://www.IrDA.org, the official Web site.

Wi-Fi and HomeRF The two most popular wireless standards or technologies in use today for wirelessly networking your home are HomeRF and Wi-Fi. To make it even more complicated, HomeRF (radio frequency) is sometimes referred to as SWAP (Shared Wireless Access Protocol). And Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity) is the term that WECA (the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance) uses for products that are compliant with the specification known as IEEE 802.11b. Both Wi-Fi and HomeRF have their own alliances of businesses supporting their standards. “HomeRF, as the name suggests, was developed from the beginning to bring wireless networking to the consumer using radio frequency (RF) devices,” says HomeRF.org in its white paper offering a technology overview. For complete details on HomeRF, go to the organization’s Web site at http://www.homerf.org. You’ll even find a white paper titled “Wireless Networking Choices for the Broadband and Internet Home” that examines HomeRF, Bluetooth, and IEEE 802.11. According to HowStuffWorks.com, “HomeRF (RF stands for radio frequency) is an alliance of businesses that have developed a standard called Shared Wireless Access Protocol

291

(SWAP). A sort of hybrid standard, SWAP includes six voice channels based on the Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) standard and the 802.11 wireless-Ethernet specification for data.” Which one of these should you choose? It’s up to you based on your needs and goals for your wireless home network. Which is the best seller? High-tech research firm Cahners InStat/MDR reports that “HomeRF shipments will only command approximately 30% of the total residential WLAN market.” The press release from Cahners In-Stat/MDR, a unit of Cahners Business Information Standards says that of the total 4 million WLAN nodes going into homes in 2001, 70% were 802.11b and the remainder were primarily HomeRF. Here are some points you should consider about both of these technologies:

•

Bluetooth—HomeRF and 802.11b are compatible with Bluetooth transmissions and devices but not with each other.

•

Speed—HomeRF 2.0 products feature 10Mbps (megabits per second) connections that are backward compatible with the older version of HomeRF products that ran at 1.6Mbps. HomeRF suppliers say to watch for faster transmissions of 20Mbps in the future. Wi-Fi or IEEE 802.11b vendors say that their products are faster (11Mbps) and to watch for the next generation of 802.11x wireless networks that will be up to 54Mbps. However, if interference exists, these products could drop back to 5.5Mbps or lower. Backward compatible means that the new appliance, network, or system works with the earlier models or versions. Always check to see whether the new appliances or electronics you’re buying are backward compatible with what you have already.

E

292

•

Wi-FI at work?—Chances are that your company uses 802.11b wireless network in the enterprise. This means your notebooks and other devices already might have Wi-Fi PC cards built-in. Plus, if you’re a road warrior, you know that many airports and public spaces are beginning to offer subscription-based 802.11b Internet access (see Chapter 10, “The Wireless Workplace”).

•

Security—For the latest information on Wi-Fi security, go to http://www.wifi.net. HomeRF vendors say they offer layered data encryption levels up to 128-bit, but as you’ve seen in the press lately, all networking systems seem to have vulnerabilities.

•

Distance—Most experts I talked to agree that HomeRF’s range is limited to 75–125 feet. The range for Wi-Fi is 250–400 feet. Of course, in a room that is 12×12 feet you might not need an extensive range.

•

Product lines—In researching this section, I found more vendors using Wi-Fi than HomeRF. For specific brand names, you can refer to the alliance Web sites at http://www.wifi.net and http://www.homerf.org.

•

802.11a (WiFi5) Wi-Fi5 can handle more information than Wi-Fi—up to 54Mbps. Its best use might be to send video to monitors in your home. According to Webopedia.com, 802.11a “is an extension to 802.11 that applies to wireless LANs and provides up to 54Mbps in the 5GHz band.” 802.11 a uses an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) coding system rather than a frequency hopping system, such as DSSS used by 802.11b. Watch for 802.11a products to evolve this year and next. You also might hear about 802.11g, which applies to wireless LANs and provides 20+Mbps in the 2.4GHz band.


Access points—HomeRF and Bluetooth do not require a separate piece of equipment called an access point (where various elements of the wireless network liaison with each other). HomeRF components include wireless antennas. Some users feel that HomeRF is easier to install than Wi-Fi 802.11b.

9

Bluetooth During the writing of this book, Bluetooth technology—the RF wireless technology used extensively in corporate enterprise applications in devices—was becoming increasingly popular for home appliances. The price of the Bluetooth chip is dropping, and sales of Bluetooth radio and baseband silicon will soar to $4.4 billion in 2005, according to some projections. You also might see more Bluetooth access points being installed in shopping centers and airports. (See Chapter 10 for case studies.) The near-term Bluetooth opportunities are for headsets used with cellular and PCS phones, cordless phones, printers, and PBX systems. See http://www.bluetooth.com, which is the official Web site. Bluetooth is an evolving short-range wireless networking protocol. Bluetooth devices can communicate by wireless signals within a 35’ range and do not need line-of-sight. See Figure 9.8 for one of the most practical uses of Bluetooth I saw in consumer products, a locator tag system from Sharper Image.com. You can attach these Bluetooth tags to your eyeglasses, keys, and even a pet to find them. Can you imagine never misplacing your keys or wallet again?

Wireline Networks: Power-Line Networking and Phone-Line Networking For the record, if you hear someone referring to phone-line networking or power-line networking, you should know that these are not wireless networking systems. (If you want more information on these systems, go to the Web site HowStuffWorks.com and check out the section on power-line and phone-line networking.) You could, however, have one of these systems in your home and add wireless components or remote Web access or even install a wireless local area network to upgrade your older home. For an example, see details about the Internet Home Alliance OnStar At Home Pilot in the section “Working in Stages,” earlier in this chapter.

293

Figure 9.8 Press a button on the base, and Bluetooth wireless tags beep so you can locate your car keys.

E

Home Phoneline Networking Alliance (HPNA) is an industry group that promotes standards for using existing phone lines and jacks to interconnect computers within a home. HomePNA is one of its leading standards. Power-line is a data transmission method that uses the home’s electrical wring. Ethernet is a local area network that sends communications through signals carried by a coaxial cable.

NEWER TECHNOLOGIES ON THE WAY To add to the ever-confusing marketplace, even newer technologies will be joining the landscape. Cahners In-Stat/MDR maintains that low-cost, low-power technologies will be embedded into gaming devices, kitchen appliances, and home security systems. The researchers say that “other wireless technologies such as Ultra-Wideband (UWB) and peerto-peer mesh technology may also show up in household devices in the future.” For more information on that report (titled, “The Connected Couch Potato: Living It Up in the Wireless Home”), go to http://www.instat.com.

Cooltown: HP’s Future Vision

294

Cooltown is a Hewlett Packard initiative with a mission to bridge the physical and online worlds (see Figure 9.9). The goal, according to HP’s Web site, is to “bring the benefits of Web services to the bricks-and-mortar world where people still live most of their lives.” The concept of connected ecosystems of service providers shows a new paradigm of how products, services, and experiences weave together.


9

Figure 9.9 Hewlett Packard’s Cooltown Demo Centers integrate the physical world and the Web; HP Jornados serve as guidance devices.

The HP vision of homes of the future shows how smart appliances work in concert with each other. Intelligent agents deliver e-services based on your choices, preferences, and authorizations. For example, a seemingly ordinary bathroom mirror can access any site on the Web or receive your voice and e-mail messages. Even your wristwatch offers Web connections. Often called pervasive or ubiquitous computing, this anytime, anywhere access can be seen at the Cooltown Demo Centers in America and Europe. Doug McGowan (general manager, HP Service Providers and Mobile Solutions organization) says, “With Cooltown, HP helps enterprises transform the way they operate and serve their customers. The demo centers are designed to inspire creativity among businesses and professionals.” A Cooltown developers’ network is also available for creators who want to delve into this open-source project and explore the new platform for appliance computing. HP Labs’ vision of the future uses IEEE 802.11, infrared (beacons send out what are called XML strings that contain URLs or other identifiers over short-range infrared), and a little Bluetooth. The beacons can be accepted through a PDA’s infrared port and then used to bring up specific Web pages in the PDA’s browsers. In a white paper titled “A Web-Based Nomadic Computing System,” authors Tom Kindberg and John Barton from HP’s Internet and Mobile Systems Laboratory describe the concept of URL sensing, which seems to empower PDAs and laptops so that you don’t have to enter Web site names (URLs) to access content of interest. 295

The Cooltown work reminds me that in the future, electronic tags such as RFID tags (the kind used in retail stores for theft protection) and optical recognition (where a device’s camera can recognize digital watermarks or other symbols) could also help link us from the physical world to the virtual. Scan (or sense) a product, and you could be connected to a demo. For more information on the HP research, go to http://www.cooltown.com/dev/ wpapers/nomadic/nomadic.asp.

Peek into the Future Want to see some other visions of the home of the future? Check out the following Web sites:

•

Playavista.com—Here you’ll see a vision of the Southern California community that is teaming with Cisco; creating an e-lifestyle; and networking 13,000 new housing units, including rentals, condos, and homes as well as retail and office space. The community sits on the site of an old airfield once owned by billionaire Howard Hughes. At the heart of Cisco’s strategy is its residential gateway that allows consumers to connect devices with their phone service and high-speed Internet access. I saw a demo of the Playa Vista network that offers a suite of services including Net-based phone calls, along with movies and music via the Web. The nice thing about the network at Playa Vista is that it is part of the home when you buy or rent, so there’s no worry about installation. Cisco’s residential gateway supports Ethernet as well as wireless, phone-line, and power-line connections.

•

Philips Electronics—At http://www.philipselectronics.com the company offers a vision of the future of the home.

•

Electronic House Expo (EHX)—Want to see what one of the leading trade shows for the connected home professional is envisioning? Go to http://www.ehexpo.com and find out.

•

TheNewHomeShow.com—This show on PBS will feature information about the Continental Automated Buildings Association’s (CABA) advances in home networking. Producer and creator Ben Mandel is on the board of CABA, so watch for updates on its conferences and how you can work with your contractor or builder to add wireless to that new home you’re planning. For more info, go to CABA.org.

WIRELESS NETWORK INSTALLATION PACKAGES With wireless networking packages, you can put computers or other wireless-enabled appliances almost anywhere. Remember that unless you have a home network, you can use your broadband (cable or DSL) connection on only one computer. Before purchasing your wireless networking kit, do some investigation and be sure you know what is included in your kit. Check what’s in the boxes before you buy from your electronic retailer or computer store, online or off.

296

Wireless Kits for the Mac Which system will fit your personal needs? TechTV reporter Bill Elias offers three options in recent reviews. Check out what TechTV says about each of these systems.

Apple AirPort 2 For the Macintosh user in pursuit of style, nothing beats the elegant look of the AirPort, which retails for just under $300 (see Figure 9.10). TechTV’s labs advise that “nonMacintosh environments should look elsewhere to obtain their wireless connectivity.”


As noted earlier, you’ll probably have to decide between HomeRF and Wi-Fi. Plus, installation will be different whether you have a PC or Mac. TechTV.com offers reviews of numerous wireless networking kits and installation tips. Go to TechTV.com and search for wireless networking.

9

Figure 9.10 For more information on the Apple AirPort 2, which is Wi-Fi compatible, go to http://www.apple.com/airport/.

Apple’s second-generation wireless connectivity solution includes a number of upgrades. The unit now supports up to 50 simultaneous connections with ranges up to a claimed 150 feet at 11Mbps. The AirPort includes a 56Kbps modem as well as ports for LAN and WAN connectivity. Being able to dial up via modem is an excellent option for users without DSL or cable access and a bonus for AOL users who must dial into the service. Non-Macintosh users run into a hitch with the setup. Although setup can take as little as a minute, it is accomplished via the AirPort Setup Assistant—a Macintosh-only program. The 297

AirPort can be used with PPPoE (PPP over Ethernet) with the option of Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) services. (You don’t have to know what all these acronyms mean, just check with your provider to see whether this system is compatible.) On the security front, AirPort handles 40-bit and 128-bit wired equivalent privacy (WEP) encryption and a built-in firewall. If you plan to use your home system for office work, you should check with your IP department to see what other security measures it recommends.

AirPort with DSL TechTV plugged the AirPort into its DSL gateway and started distributing IP addresses immediately. For more details, go to TechTV.com and enter Apple AirPort 2 in the search box.

Building Your Own Mac Network Want to build your own network for your Mac? Here are some routers TechTV recommends:

•

Farallon Netline Broadband Gateway—Sells for around $299 and works well with the Mac

• •

Macsense Xrouter Aero—Another good choice for around $269 MaxGate—Offers another choice with the Ugate3300, which sells for $220

For more information on these and other Mac wireless networking systems, do a search on TechTV.com.

WIRELESS NETWORKING GATEWAYS The following sections detail numerous wireless networking setups available. For more information on these, check out www.techtv.com.

AT&T Broadband AT&T Broadband, like many other providers, is now packaging wireless networking setups. On the Linksys.com Web site, a chart that shows three options for wireless networking setup is included (see Figure 9.11). For more details, go to http://www.linksys.com and click AT&T Broadband.

Verizon 2Wire Home Portal Verizon Online DSL Customers is offering its own home networking product through an agreement with 2Wire, Inc., and calling it the HomePortal 100 Gateway. It will connect multiple personal computers and laptops to a single DSL connection. It also has a built-in firewall as well as virtual private network (VPN) capabilities for consumers who access their corporate networks when working from home. At press time, Verizon is offering the 2Wire Home Portal 100 to its customers for $199.95. Check with Verizon.com to see whether the system is available in your geographic area. 298


9

Figure 9.11 This graphic shows three wireless networking options using the Linksys Access Point.

Linksys WAP 11 TechTV says that for those with no need for a network router, Linksys offers its WAP 11, which fits into a Wi-Fi compatible. Created to easily integrate with existing Linksys DSL/cable routers, according to the TechTV Lab, WAP11 is a “snap to set up.” Configuration can be handled by a USB or an Ethernet connection, and the WAP11 supports up to 32 simultaneous users. If security is an issue, the unit provides 64-bit and 128-bit WEP encryption options. TechTV says that even though Linksys does not officially support Macintosh users, TechTV Labs “had no problem connecting using Apple’s AirPort card.” They add that it’s a partial connectivity solution that requires an additional DSL/cable router to be truly effective. The WAP11 can be found online for about $150. For more details, go to http://www.linksys.com and click Wireless Products (see Figure 9.12).

Buffalo Technology AirStation WLAR-L11G-L If you’re telecommuting and running a regional division of your company from your home office, the Buffalo Technology AirStation could be right for you (see Figure 9.13). It might be excellent if you’re named to head the West Coast sales group because it enables you to host your own Web server. TechTV advises that this system is for those with “a head for tech and the need for distance.” Ideally, TechTV Labs say this unit should be configured with a Windows PC. The AirStation can be found online for about $210.

299

Figure 9.12 Take the survey at www.linksys.com to determine which wireless products are right for your home network.

Figure 9.13 Multiple users can share wired and wireless network using the Buffalo AirStation 4 Port Router model.

300

Nokia Wireless Home Gateway

EarthLink Wireless Networking

9

EarthLink Home Networking is available to EarthLink broadband customers for $9.95 per month with a $299.95 setup for the wireless system. EarthLink broadband services are not available in all geographic areas; check www.EarthLink.net for details for your region. Check to see whether EarthLink is offering a co-branded version of 2Wire’s Home Portal 100 or Home Portal 1000 residential gateways in your area.


In 2001, Nokia unveiled the MW1324 DSL connectivity gateway. This combines ADSL with HomePNA 10BASE-T Ethernet and wireless LAN technologies so you can choose a wireless or wired home network with high-speed access to the Internet. In launching the new product, Nokia spokespersons said on www.wirelessnewsfactor.com that the system’s key advantage is that it uses existing in-home wiring to operate. The HomePNA 2.0 technology provides 10Mbps home Ethernet using existing in-home telephone wiring. The Nokia MW 1324’s wireless options enable laptop users to remain connected to the network without any cords.

Actiontec Electronics In January 2002, Actiontec Electronics rolled out a wireless-ready DSL gateway that includes broadband and wireless networking capabilities at speeds up to 8Mbps, according to a review on Cahners e-insite (http://www.e-i.com) Web site. The reviewer says this about it: “Configured in minutes through a simple Web browser interface, the device includes a DSL modem that will allow all desktop and notebook PCs in the house to be online simultaneously.” The installation looks fairly simple from the reviewer’s description that follows: “Users will plug Actiontec’s 802.11b-compatible PCMCIA Wireless Network Card into the first of the two available PCMCIA slots. The gateway then becomes a wireless access point and a modem in one unit, allowing users to surf the Internet wirelessly.” A second slot on the unit allows users to add a print server card to enable printing from a computer on the network and a VoIP card for making voice phone calls via the Web. Check it out at www.actiontec.com.

Comparing Home Wireless Gateways The best chart I saw online to help you compare wireless home portals or gateways is at PCWorld.com (see Figure 9.14). It covers such systems as 2Wire, 3Com, Buffalo Technology, Cayman Systems, D-Link, Home Wireless Networks, Linksys EtherFast, MaxGate, Panasonic, and Proxim Symphony. This graph shows such factors as product, street price, LAN ports, DSL/cable modem ports, and additional features. To go directly to this chart, check it out at http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,41941,kpg,2,00.asp.

301

Figure 9.14 Comparing home portals and gateways means looking at such factors as networks supported, ports, and price.

INTERNET-READY TV AND OTHER DEVICES One of the newer categories in home entertainment is the Internet-ready TV system. With built-in Internet and broadband capabilities, these sets will enable you to wirelessly connect other appliances to a keyboard from your armchair. Note, I’m not talking about settop boxes here but television sets that actually have the capabilities built in. Why are these new systems so appealing? First, they offer an opportunity to centralize your home entezrtainment. You’ll soon be able to hook up Internet-ready toys, handhelds, and even Web-enabled phones to gain access to interactive entertainment and perhaps even networked gaming. Children’s Web-enabled toys and new edutainment devices that offer entertaining educational experiences are being created. You’re probably familiar with some of the market leaders, such as LeapFrog Toys that hook up to the Web to download customized audio or video. Robotic devices and electronic pets, such as Sony’s Akibo, can be upgraded with content via the Web. Even newer handheld entertainment and other wireless devices are evolving that could seamlessly connect to an Internet TV system. Apple cofounder Steve Wozniak is creating a new firm called Wheels of Zeus (WOZ) at http://www.woz.com. It aims to develop a new class of consumer electronics that work with global positioning software (GPS) and wireless networks. 302

One example of this new configuration is EspriTV, which is a fully functional, fully programmable television ready for terrestrial/cable reception and VCR/DVD (see Figure 9.15). It has built-in Internet capabilities with no set-top box. HOME SWEET WIRELESS HOME

9

Figure 9.15 Esprit’s Internet-ready television features a wireless keyboard and built-in VCR/DVD capability.

EspriTV’s President Mark Presser explains that it takes only 10 minutes to set up EspriTV; there are no wires and no set-top boxes to configure. The product also offers SmartCard capabilities, enabling you to shop online at home shopping sites such as QVC. Plus, wireless keyboard and remote control are included. A non-PC, media vision has even been developed by Sony Corporation. Its president and chief operating officer, Kunitake Ando, is making headlines by promoting Internet-connected handheld audio and video devices, mobile phones, and televisions. In a fall 2001 interview with Reuters, he says that Sony is “going to introduce a series of Net-ready products.” These entertainment-related devices—many of which are already available in Japan— include NetMD, a music player that allows downloadable songs. Sony’s Handycam recorders with Bluetooth network links are already launching in the U.S. According to the newsletter “Digital Coast Reporter,” Sony Computer Entertainment America has announced it will start selling Linux-based kits (at $199) that will enable programmers to change a PlayStation 2 game console into a digital entertainment hub, exceeding the functionality by a fully loaded computer at a fraction of the price. The kits were set to go on sale in Japan in spring 2002 and in the U.S. and Europe in summer 2002. This kit could certainly aid Sony in its positioning the PlayStation console as a digital entertainment hub. 303

Nokia is said to be working on a similar device with Linux as the operating system called Nokia Mediaterminal. It’s already available in Sweden and set to be launched in the U.S. and Europe in late 2002. New entertainment streaming media or gaming devices could hook to Internet-ready TV systems or cable-enabled entertainment centers, or they might work on a peer-to-peer model where the devices work as remote controls to manage other devices. As noted earlier, the Internet-ready TV or media hub also might use its electronic program guide as a true home page for household automation services. Other manufacturers of Internet-ready televisions include Sylvania, Princeton Technologies, and Zenith. For more information on Internet TV and interactive television initiatives, go to http://www.TVPredictions.com. The site offers a free weekly newsletter that covers tomorrow’s television today.

TWO-WAY RADIOS (FAMILY RADIO SERVICES) Back in Grandpa’s youth, for fun he would stab a hole in two tin cans, take a piece of string, and connect the cans together to get connected. Now, most families find that twoway radios are cheaper than ever before. These radios are fast becoming the home intercom systems of the future. You can use them to keep track of the kids in the backyard or your spouse doing gardening or even to check up on the contractors finishing your home addition. TechTV’s Michael Thelin reported the Lab’s findings on family radio service (FRS) units that keep you in touch. Kenwood Free Talk FM (UBZ-GR14), which costs less than $100, was the winner of the TechTV.com review. Its features are as follows:

• • • • •

14 channels 38 subchannels 532 clear-channel options LCD display FM stereo radio mode

The following sections provide some details of what the TechTV Lab says about these twoway radio models. Be sure to check for updates because new models debut almost every quarter. You’ll also want to check out Chapter 3, “The Wonders of the Wireless Web,” and Chapter 4 for information on the direct connect feature on new mobile phones and devices that some families are using instead of the family radio systems. Also, Chapter 10 includes some longer-range two-way radios that can be useful in the workplace. Not all radios take the same form factor in the wireless world; some will even be wearable, such as the wristwatch style. 304

Motorola TalkAbout T6300 Series

9

Both the T6310 and T6320 look identical and share many features. Both have 14 channels, 38 codes, and 532 clear-channel options; hands-free options; an alarm clock; a stopwatch; and a backlit LCD display. Both also pick up weather channels. On both models, the battery life depends on patterns of use. Expect only a day or two out of AA batteries on two-way radios. Talk less frequently? Then batteries could last up to a couple of weeks. The T6310 has all the features previously mentioned plus an FM stereo, and it costs $169.99. Note that headphones are not included, but standard headphones will fit the jack. For $20 more, each model can be purchased with NiMH circuitry and rechargeable batteries, charger included. (See Chapter 8, “Connecting on the Go,” for more information on batteries.)


The T6300 is loaded with features and packed in a rugged plastic case. It’s a good companion for the country or city but has a flimsy belt clip. They say that if all you want is a simple FRS (two-way) radio, the Motorola TalkAbout T6300 is probably more than you need.

Cobra FRS 315 wx TechTV’s bottom line on Cobra is that “it might not be the king cobra; nevertheless, it is a good radio with a few drawbacks.” It has the following features:

• • • • • • • • •

14 channels

•

Price of $129.99

38 codes 532 clear-channel options Call alert that beeps or vibrates to notify of incoming calls Dual-watch function that monitors two FRS channels simultaneously Channel saver that remembers the last channel used 10 weather channels and a weather alert No FM radio Channel button located on the right side, opposite of the talk button, making it easy to accidentally change the channel while talking, especially when wearing ski gloves

BellSouth 14-Channel Two-Way Communicator Priced at the low cost of $49, this communicator provides FM stereo, two voice-activation settings, and a backlit LCD display. This model’s features include the following:

• •

Voice activated with scroll-through menu. Headphones are not included, but standard headphones fit jack. 305

•

Only 14 channels with no subcodes, so you might have difficulty finding an open channel.

SMART AND WIRELESS TOYS If you do what’s called a Boolean search on TechTV.com for “wireless AND toys,” you’ll find hundreds of listings for intelligent toys. Most, of course, are simply toys with batteries, making them wireless and cordless. Some of the high-tech toys reviewed on TechTV.com include Lego MindStorms, Lego Discovery Systems, Neurosmith’s Sunshine Symphony, Hasbro’s Tiger Electronics Linkas, Hasbro’s E-Specially Barney, My Real Baby, Interactive Teletubbies, Monimals, and (of course) Furby. What’s interesting about Furbies and some other interactive toys like Linkas is that they talk to each other, forming a virtual LAN via sensors and infrared systems. Other toys, such as E-Specially Barney, have built-in data ports so they can communicate with (in this case) the mybarney.com Web site. To delve into the possibilities that wireless will offer for toys and games, read on and watch for versions of them to come to your toy stores in the future.

Pirates—The Physical World As a Gameboard Created in Play Research Studio Interactive Institute (http://www.playresearch.com) in Sweden as a joint project between Play and Nokia Research Center (NRC) in Finland, Pirates is implemented on handheld computers connected to a wireless local area network. The game designers used HP Jornado 690 handheld computers running Windows CE fitted with 802.11 WLAN cards and proximity sensors.

Teddy Bear RobotPHONE RobotPHONE looks like anything but a robot (see Figure 9.16). It uses a robotic user interface (RUI) that helps two teddy bears serve as shape-sharing agents. When a user moves the teddy bear’s head, hands, or legs, the movements are transmitted to the opposite side. For more information, check out www.robotphone.org.

306


9

Figure 9.16 Teddy bears phone home using next-generation robotic technology.

WIRELESS BABIES AND MONITORS Okay, so most of the babies we know are wireless, but selecting a wireless baby monitor is no easy task. We started our search on baby monitors when we found that many of our friends who are parents are using the monitors not just for their kids but also as transmitters to supervise pets and even to beef up security in their homes. The most frequent question we’ve been asked about the devices is, “Can people listen in on baby monitors?” The answer we found on that wonderful site HowStuffWorks.com is that a baby monitor is essentially a radio transmitter on a fixed frequency. So, if the monitor is in an upstairs bedroom in a house not covered with aluminum siding, even the simplest radio scanner can easily hear all the sounds from that room. It might even be able to pick up the transmission from a half-mile away. To avoid eavesdropping, they advise turning off the device unless it is monitoring your baby.

The Sharper Image Upscale Monitor Forbes rated the Sharper Image catalog portable transmitter as a “favorite.” The monitor features an ultra-sensitive microphone and advanced night vision infrared technology to transmit clear sound and black-and-white video images even from darkened rooms, through thick walls, and on floors up to 350 feet away. It also hooks to a VCR for recording. At about $200, this monitor is a real investment.

307

Note this monitor is different because it monitors with video, not just sound. This also makes it excellent for home security uses.

The Mobile Monitor That Vibrates One of the most interesting audio-only monitors we saw was on Yahoo! Shopping as a featured item. Baby Vibes Baby Monitor offers two channel options for clarity and transmits up to a maximum range of 400 feet. Plus, it includes a portable receiver with belt clip and can be customized with vibration sensitivity with the turn of a dial. It even features a low battery and out of range signal. They say you can vacuum, run the dishwasher, and even mow the lawn and still get an alert when the baby wakes up because the device vibrates rather than relies on sound. Of course, these activities cause noises themselves that might wake the child, making the monitor rather moot. The price on this monitor is $39.95.

Video Cameras As Monitors We noticed on several talk boards and on one of our favorite Web sites (Technocopia.com) that some parents have created their own baby monitors using video cameras or audio recorders.

HOME WIRELESS SECURITY/SURVEILLANCE As you can see, many home automation systems include security monitors and cameras that often feature both still photos and video streams that can be sent to a central page or portal. New paging and alert systems are being included in these home automation packages so you can wirelessly lock doors or know when a smoke detector goes off. You can, of course, also install wireless monitors and sensors that will aid you in protecting your family’s safety and security. Check with your local electronics retailer for specific products. Dozens of new devices are available at Radio Shack retail outlets that are reasonably priced and promise to be fairly easy to install. If you’re looking for a full-home security system, you still should probably go to a vendor who specializes in this type of network.

Cable Operators Enter Security Market Another option is to check with your broadband operator, including Cox Communications and Comcast who plan trials with Security Broadband, a firm that uses cable’s high-speed broadband network to deliver home security services with audio and visual monitoring, including online Internet access that lets consumers check on their properties. An article from Primedia Company in January 2002 explains that the cable providers are “always seeking ways to fill their broadband pipes.” Other investors in Security Broadband include Adelphia Communications, Cablevision Systems, Charter Communications, Roger Communications, and Shaw Communications. The trial sites will include Las Vegas, Nevada, and Sarasota, Florida. 308

Other sources for wireless home security systems include the following:

•

National Burglar and Fire Alarm Associations—The NBFAA’s Web site is at http://www.alarm.org.

• •

Federal Computer Week—Check out its e-mail newsletter at http://www.FCW.com.

9

•

http://www.home-automation.org—This site offers a complete list of security systems and features click-throughs to such resources as Security Magazine and Technical Manuals Online.


The challenge to cable operators will be reliability and maintaining service uptime critical to the security marketplace. Cox Cable’s research shows that $6 billion is spent annually on home security systems. Because only about 20% of the homes in the country take a security service now, there is a lot of room for growth in these times of fear and uncertainty. Some experts believe that ultra-wideband (UWB) wireless technology could allow wireless cable TV networks at home to help provide low-cost security systems that could distinguish between a pet and an intruder.

Technocopia.com—Its Web site offers some easy-to-read articles for families setting up home security programs.

What’s New in Home Security Devices? Panasonic’s parent company—Matsushita, of Osaka, Japan—has developed a front-door security system that lets you see, via streaming video, who is at the door and talk with them via a display in the home or by video cell phone if you’re not home. Microsoft is developing a security device that scans irises and then displays a greeting message and opens the door. Sunbeam Corp., subsidiary Thalia Products is developing a suite of products that includes an alarm clock connected to smoke detectors throughout the house. When a fire breaks out, the smoke alarm automatically sets off all the clock alarms around the house and an icon appears on each clock indicating which room is triggering the smoke detection.

Figure 9.17 Dockers’ mobile pant hides all your mobile gadgets but keeps them at your fingertips.

309

Wireless Neighborhood Security: Be a COPP To date, more than 12,000 volunteer patrols are armed with wireless phones protecting 73 million Americans through a volunteer program called Communities on Phone Patrol (COPP). If you belong to a neighborhood watch group or law enforcement agency interested in learning how to obtain phones for your volunteer patrols, you can contact the Wireless Foundation via e-mail at [email protected]. The program was organized by Ericsson and the CTIA member companies who provide free wireless phones and airtime to volunteer neighborhood watch groups to help reduce the number of burglaries, drug transactions, and drunk driving accidents and to make school grounds and parks safer. On average, 52,000 crimes and emergencies are reported each month in the U.S. by neighborhood watch groups using wireless phones. Is this program working? Judge for yourself. In Dade County, Florida, community watch patrols with wireless phones in 11 communities saw a 33% drop in burglaries and 24% decline in robberies. In Orange County, California, student volunteers use wireless phones to provide safe rides for teens on weekends resulting in a decline in the number of alcohol-related accidents involving teens. Home sweet home will never be the same again once you get your digital and wireless remodeling completed!

Closet Geeks Do you have so many new wireless devices and gadgets that you have no room in your house? Well, consider some of the newest fashions to carry this gear with you. TechTV.com tested several garments:

310

•

Dockers Mobile Pant—These look like regular Dockers but have seven hidden mesh pockets for the gadget geek, providing room for a PDA, cell phone, pager, and more (see Figure 9.17). Made of 100% cotton and available in khaki, black, and olive for about $52.

•

Scott eVest version 1.0—Offers tons of pockets and pockets in pockets so that the whole vest can be removed to run through an airport X-ray machine. It even features a personal area network (PAN) inside the vest to help you handle the devices. This includes a hidden conduit for running a microphone wire or headphone cord to the pocket containing your device. It comes in black and khaki and is expected to retail for around $159.

•

Sanyo Palm Coat—A perfect high-tech ensemble topper, it is a jacket with hidden pockets for your PDA and cell phone. The cell phone pocket even has an anti-magnetic, static-shield lining. The Sanyo coat should retail for about $350.

C H A P T E R

10

THE WIRELESS WORKPLACE

Once, all you needed to be techno-savvy was a plastic pocket protector, a slide rule, and horn-rimmed glasses. The twenty-first century workplace commands a faster pace, instant communication, and just-in-time retraining. In fact, “40%–65% of companies will make their critical applications available wirelessly, within the next three to four years,” says research firm Meta Group.

Untethering isn’t just techno-change; it’s a major social advance, too. No longer do office workers have to be “Dilbertized” in cubicles. Ivory towers can’t hoard the treasures of the wireless kingdom. UPS and FedEx delivery personnel retailers and warehouse staffers are just as likely to be early adopters of wireless devices and services as doctors, lawyers, and corporate vice presidents. That’s why this chapter includes the following:

• • •

A peek into the future workplace

•

Trends in VoIP, videoconferencing, instant messaging, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and HomeRF

•

Guidelines for wireless security

An introduction to wireless networking 101 Insight into how wireless messaging and e-mail are changing business

So, if you want to really cash in on the wireless world, forget about playing mobile games, ordering fast food, and downloading the latest ring tones for a few minutes and learn more about how you can cut the cord in the enterprise zone.

THE WORKPLACE OF THE FUTURE To learn about the workplace of the future, you need to see a vision of what is possible in the cordless workplace so you can better understand why the technologies, devices, and wireless systems in this chapter can revolutionize not only your workplace but also your work style. Figure 10.1 shows an artist’s impression of a next-generation, tele-cubicle as envisioned by gurus at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The system features virtual reality, video conferencing, collaborative workspace, mobile devices, and wireless networks. For more on this vision, go to http://www.internet2.edu/html/telimmersion.html.

Figure 10.1 Wireless technology and devices pave the way for virtual reality workplaces like this sketch of the future office.

Two new technologies, telemetry and tele-immersion, promise to unleash you from your desk, the boredom of repetitive tasks, and endless meetings.

E

According to www.internet2.edu, a tele-cubicle is a next-generation interface where an office appears on one quadrant of a large-shared virtual workspace. The stereo-immersive walls and desk surfaces link to the Internet and can also serve as videoconferencing and video-messaging screens. Tele-immersion enables users at geographically distributed sites to collaborate in real-time in a shared, simulated, hybrid environment as if they were in the same physical room (source: www.internet2.edu). The Telecom Glossary defines telemetry as “the use of telecommunications for automatically indicating or recording measurements at a distance from the measuring instrument.” An additional definition they include is “the transmission of non-voice signals for the purpose of automatically indicating or recording measurements at a distance from the measuring instrument.”

312

WIRELESS BUSINESS APPLICATIONS/EXAMPLES Although this is a book for consumers, it’s crucial to underscore that the bigger opportunity is for business applications in the workspace.

Experts at the firm believe that enterprises are embracing wireless in three stages. Here’s a summary of their view: First is the mobilizing of current business operations where communications between organizations and employees and customers and suppliers is being enhanced. An example they give is Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget (SCA), a major Swedish pulp and paper company where foremen use wireless systems to send instructions to loggers in the field specifying which trees to cut and in what order. This innovation allows SCA to coordinate harvesting decisions with inventory and transportation requirements to meet market needs.

•

Second, enterprises will use new data from people and equipment to reshape business models. As noted earlier in this book, in Japan when the carrier NTT DoCOMo partnered with vending machine manufacturers and soft-drink companies to add wireless capability, the results included not only consumer convenience but also the ability to wirelessly transmit information on inventory levels and maintenance. BCG says that increases profits per machine by as much as 70% and leads the way to “innovative pricing models.”

•

Third, previously untapped data will be processed in ways that could redefine industries. BCG gives the example of Progressive Casualty Insurance Company, which is piloting a new underwriting system that uses wireless technology to track customer behavior. In other words, good behavior, such as safer driving habits, can result in lower premiums in the future. BCG says, “If this system is implemented on a large scale, it could change the dynamics of the auto insurance industry.” Of course, I must add that some privacy experts I know might object to tracking, even with consumer permission.

10

•


The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) believes that “over the next few years this opportunity will be at least twice as big as the one in the consumer arena.” In its report titled “Untethering the Enterprise” (http://www.bcg.com), BGC explains that companies embracing even simple wireless tools for sales force automation or customer relationship management (CRM) are realizing productivity gains from 10% to 50%. In fact, BCG says mobile applications are already generating productivity gains of about $64 billion for enterprises worldwide.

TOP WIRELESS SERVICES Because consumers are also executives, sales professionals, doctors, lawyers, warehouse personnel, and more, this chapter shows examples and case histories of how wireless solutions can change your workplace. 313

Who needs wireless at their workplace? Surveys I’ve done with top executives show that the top users of mobile solutions today tend to be sales staffs, senior management, and technical service staff. Top services requested include e-mail, customer information, personal calendar/scheduling, and access to company databases. It’s a two-way street to the new mobile world; customers and employees will use devices to find information, relationship management, and mobile commerce. Juggling all the challenges of tomorrow’s wireless workplace will be somewhat like being at the helm of a spaceship. A headset will let you talk to your peers while a wearable wireless badge provides remote workers access to you without interrupting another conversation. Wireless data streams will bring on-demand access to video and data, and even newer technologies—such as holograms—will enable you to visibly display a customized product design to a prospective client. See Figure 10.2 for an example of how the future worker will juggle the challenges of tomorrow.

Figure 10.2 Real-time video imaging and wireless connectivity aid future workers in multitasking twenty-first-century style.

According to Gartner Research’s Vice President Nick Jones, there are three main reasons for your company to invest in wireless:

•

314

Without wireless, your firm might miss an opportunity—For example, if you’re a hospitality company and you don’t add mobile commerce, your competition might establish early links with travelers using mobile devices.

Your core business could be threatened if you don’t add a mobile option—For example, if you’re a banker, you need to establish a plan now for offering wireless financial services.

•

A wireless application can bring a significant cost savings in a short period of time—For example, your sales force can now submit time sheets via PDA versus paper, eliminating expensive administrative processing.

Jones believes that in the long term, 30% of corporate applications will benefit from some degree of access via a mobile device. Other experts say that most of our work will go wireless or mobile in the future. So, which wireless solution should your firm give priority? Take a look at these popular enterprise wireless applications and pick the one that you feel is most important: Wireless local area network (WLAN)—Connects your employees and systems seamlessly to intranet, extranet, and Internet solutions.

•

Wireless e-mail—Offers your employees the ability to read, write, and respond to messages on-the-go with peers and customers via text and voice. This can also include unified messaging systems to help sort voice, e-mails, and longer text messaging such as reports.

•

Office organization—Gives your workers access to address books, calendar coordination, to-do lists, and collaborating in real-time.

•

Sales force management—Allows liaisons between the field and central office and access to inventory controls and databases at remote locations.

•

Customer relation management (CRM)—Can be used by sales personnel, new business development executives, and account managers to ensure that deliveries are on time, competitive analysis information is available, and customers have access to real-time updates on their projects in progress at your workplace. Innovations such as voice recognition can provide clients with mobile interfaces that not only recognize their voices, but also provide preassigned responses even if you’re not available on demand.

10

•


•

MESSAGING AND MAIL FOR BUSINESS But of all the benefits of a wireless office, which is the most important? “It’s the e-mail stupid,” says Josh Newman, founder and editor-in-chief of the popular newsletter Unstrung.com, when talking about what people really want. He explains it by saying, “What kids really want to do is play with the boxes and wrapping paper, not the 50 different toys they get for Christmas.” Mail belongs in a bigger category called messaging because the concept of e-mail changes as we move into the wireless arenas of short message services (SMS), enhanced message services (EMS), instant messaging (IM), voice mail, and even collaborative messaging and videoconferencing. 315

Instant messaging is the rage for teens and AOL users who use it for social exchanges and instant chatting. Now enterprise software vendors are releasing products that extend this technology into the business world for such services as call centers, customer relationship management, and more. International Data Corp. (IDC) believes that more than 2 trillion instant messages will pass between consumers and businesses by 2004. Business use is now only 20% of the IM traffic, but that could grow to be 50% of all activity by 2004. Analysts predict a real boom in the IM corporate arena because Microsoft’s Windows Messenger extends IM capabilities to telephony videoconferencing and collaboration and is now available in Windows XP. Ericsson, Motorola, and Nokia hope to make instant messaging work across devices and networks with a program called Wireless Village (www.wireless-village.org). Their goal is to define a set of universal specifications for mobile IM services. A universal system would allow you to send IM across all types of devices, such as cell phones, pagers, PDAs, and PCs.

Companies Using IM Alaska Airlines is an early player in the IM customer service arena. Jim Quentin, manager of Alaska Airlines’ Web help center, was quoted on ZDNet saying that his team considered voice-over IP products but chose IM as a more cost-effective option to help enable the myalaskaair.com customer portal. To determine which corporate IM products were best, Quentin says he evaluated some from Cisco Systems Inc. and eShare Communications Inc., but chose FaceTime from Foster City, California. It hosts a service that manages and routes IM messages from consumer networks, such as Microsoft’s and AOL’s, to the right people within his firm. Because it was a hosted service—basically, what’s called an application service provider (ASP) system—it was up and running within one month. Alaska Airlines also has wireless check-in services and could hook up the IM to that system, too. The U.S. Navy is using Lotus instant-messaging software running over an encrypted satellite link on its ships at sea. This enables everyone from ensigns to admirals to IM ship to ship. Of course, many enlisted men and women are using instant messaging to contact team members and pals throughout their workdays. Shaw Pittman, a large multinational law firm, enables its 400 attorneys to use similar software from Lotus to consult with each other and clients. They often use it during conference calls between the firm’s clients and opposing partners. Another firm using instant messaging to distribute information is Active Buddy (http://www.activebuddy.com). It uses intelligent agents, or bots, to communicate with databases such as Reuters to pull up weather information and so on. In this case, the buddy isn’t even real—it’s an automated expert available 24/7 who could know it all. Will we ever be able to shut up all these smarties in the future? 316

Messaging of the Future

Organizing messaging and collaboration in the workspace is an opportunity for entrepreneurs, carriers, and technology firms. Two examples of messaging and desktop organizing and collaboration for the future that I like to point to are Reaxion.com and Enfish.com.

10

Reaxion.com develops and markets carrier-grade mobile services delivery platforms that enable carriers and network operators to provision Web services to their customers, according to its Web site at http://www.reaxion.com. The company has a deal with Qualcomm’s BREW platform. To better understand what it is doing to enable consumers and companies to deliver new services that help customers transfer monies, send messages, and organize contact lists with security and authentication, look at the interactive demo on its Web site. The site’s character, Bob, will show you how this next generation of delivery platforms works.


Getting e-mail, storing it, and messaging colleagues in the future will involve other wireless solutions—including wireless networks, wireless CRM systems, and unified messaging programs—because the choice of wireless workplace applications depends on such factors as when the e-mail is sent, where it is sent, how it is sent, what is sent in the e-mail (such as text, video, photos, charts, or attachments), and who is sending it.

My colleague Louise Wannier heads Enfish Corporation, which is a provider of enterprise software that puts information to work across industries and market sectors. She explains that “Enfish is currently developing a product for mobile use that will reduce the time users spend looking for information on their handheld devices and will index, display, and put into context important information, including documents, e-mails, contracts, and more along with relevant information from the Web.” For more information go to http://www.enfish.com. We’ve come a long way from when all IT executives needed to look organized was to sharpen pencils and make sure they had their pocket protectors with them when they came to a meeting.

Interoperable Mobile Mail If you look at just e-mail applications, you’ll soon see that the mobile Internet complicates messaging solutions. That’s why I turn to Michael Goff, CEO of Roamable, who explains that most people want to search versus browse. His firm offers patent-pending software that enables your existing data, content, and applications to easily be interoperable with all e-mail–enabled pagers, mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and laptops. Want to see how it works? Try the demo at his Web site (www.roamable.com/pages/ demo.html), or send e-mail to [email protected] with your ZIP code in the subject line and see what you get back.

317

What’s wrong with many wireless solutions? Don’t get Goff started; this savvy former Microsoft media exec says that most wireless applications are too expensive, too complicated, too hard to implement, work with limited devices, take up to a year to launch, and have awkward interfaces (for a full chart of wireless challenges, see Roamable’s Web site). MSNBC and MTVi (MTV interactive) are just two of the firms Roamable provides ondemand information for. It’s so easy he says, kids can use it. Overwhelmed by addresses, you can use it to create a preloaded address book portal.

MOVING TO MOBILE Just when you become known as the office Internet guru, your boss says you’re now in charge of the new wireless initiative. What the heck does that mean? Where do you start?

Do Your Research You can do your own needs and opportunities assessment, or you can turn to an outside vendor who will provide you with its viewpoints of what you need. Whether you decide to do your research in house or with a contractor, you still should review some wireless case histories of firms similar to yours and understand how it all fits together. That’s why your explorations should include the following:

• • •

Researching what other companies in your field are doing. Focusing on what wireless does best—on-the-go applications. Remembering it’s a process, not a solution.

At the end of this chapter, you’ll find a list of wireless research resources. If you’re looking for wireless networking solutions, one of the best sources I found was the Wireless LAN Association Web site at www.WLANA.org, which says it is “the wireless networking industry’s information source” (see Figure 10.3). Powered by Mindmatrix customized software, the Web site features not only solutions, but also a list of members who can serve as outside vendors or contractors for wireless products and services for your workplace.

Narrow the Options Narrowing your options is the next step, but alas, it’s easier said than done. Remember that workers want to search versus browse, and you probably can’t go totally wireless tomorrow. That’s why you’ll need to consider the following factors:

318

•

Wireless business users don’t want to surf; they want information that helps them do their jobs better, easier, and with less paperwork.

• •

Make your wireless applications easy to use, targeted, and concise. Don’t try to mobilize everything now.


Which project should you start with? That could depend on your needs and opportunity assessment in the first step. If, for example, you find that your warehouses could benefit from wireless applications, you might go to an online source such as www.lana.org and turn to its Solutions Center for some guidance. It offers solutions for scores of industries and numerous wireless applications. Plus, you’ll find a list of more than 30 corporate members who will be glad to provide you with outsourcing services. See Figure 10.4 for information on how a warehousing solution can benefit from a wireless application that includes bar-code and label printing to track products.

10

Figure 10.3 The Web site at http://www.wlana.org is a great place to start your research on wireless workplace networks. Courtesy MindMatrix, Inc.

Partner and Outsource No man or woman is an island. Just because your boss said you have to determine how to cut the cord in your workplace doesn’t mean you have to do it all yourself. Consider the following suggestions:

• • • •

Just because you have a Webmaster doesn’t mean you need a mobile master, too! You might be able to outsource most services and applications. Go slowly and select the right partners, not just the first you find. Manage the outsourcers; don’t let them run your firm.

319

Figure 10.4 The Wireless LAN Association Solutions Center at http://www.lana.org/solutions features an interactive guide to wireless options. Courtesy MindMatrix, Inc.

Be Device Agnostic Picturing how mobile workers will use their devices is challenging if you’ve never been in a wireless workplace. Plus, if you personally are a PDA fan and your workers are used to using pagers, there might be a conflict. That’s why you’ll need to consider the following:

• • •

Enabling cell phones and PDAs might not be enough. Consider how pagers, PCs, laptops, and voice mail fit into your plan. Check out new technology and techniques.

Getting an overview of the end result is extremely valuable. So, you should view some wireless workplaces firsthand or at least look at diagrams of how the wireless devices fit into the wireless networks. See Figure 10.5 for a diagram of how a wireless local area network can work in a hospital.

320


10

Figure 10.5 This diagram shows how wireless charts, patient monitors, and hallway sensors will revolutionize healthcare. Courtesy WLANA.org and MindMatrix, Inc.

TECHTV WIRELESS NETWORKING 101 Straight from the pages of TechTV.com is a series of articles that show you that wireless networks are the next big thing. Steve Rigney from PC Magazine notes in those stories that the future is disconnected from cables of any type. New signal-processing techniques open up new options for desktop connections as well as home and small office networks. Wireless LAN connections seem like the answer to IS managers’ prayers, according to Rigney. Wireless LAN cards inserted in PCs and portable computers eliminate the need for expensive network wiring and let employees stay connected while wandering a building or campus. Bluetooth aims to provide invisible wireless connectivity among everything in your office. As you probably know from other chapters of this book, Bluetooth is a set of hardware, software, and open standards that enables devices within close range to recognize and connect to one another wirelessly using radio frequency. Unlike infrared, Bluetooth doesn’t require devices to be within direct line of sight. Want to test Bluetooth? Rigney says you have three options. Bluetooth can be used in the following ways:

•

As an Internet access for e-mail or browsing—For example, at the airport, your gate will soon have an access point and your PC will detect it and establish a connection.

•

As a way to eliminate that tangle of cables behind your desktop PC—Your PC would attach itself to a nearby Bluetooth-enabled device, such as a cell phone, PDA, keyboard printer, or joystick. 321

•

As an ad hoc networking technology—You’ll be able to create mini-networks called piconets that let you move around the office. These can be point-to-point connections (a cell phone synchronizing data with a PC, for example) or multipoint-topoint connections with as many as eight devices networked simultaneously about 30 ft. New cell phones, some laptops, and some PDAs will have embedded Bluetooth chips. You’ll soon be able to add Bluetooth connectivity to some existing notebook PCs with a PC Card or via the USB port.

For a comparison between IEEE 802.11b Wireless Ethernet, Bluetooth, and HomeRF, you can go to Hereuare.com at http//www.heruare.com/wireless-standards.html and see a chart that shows how these technologies vary by speed, use, types of terminals, configuration, range, frequency sharing, backers, and status. Or go to the Web sites for these technologies:

• • •

IEEE 802.11b—www.wireleess-ethernet.com HomeRF— www.homerf.com Bluetooth— www.bluetooth.com

For a complete wireless networking product guide, you can go to Practically Networked.com at http://www.practicallynetworked.com and do a search for the wireless guide, which compares side-by-side listings of detailed specifications for various networking products. You can also find reviews on TechTV.com by searching by product name.

Evaluating Technology Because I'm not able to test wireless LANS on thousands of PCs, I am excerpting an article that appeared originally on mbizcentral.com. It’s a great case history to review prior to considering some big names for wirelessly networking thousands of PCs at your company. Cisco, Xircom, and Symbol (Nortel) were the choices for the pilot programs. In summary, the article explains that LANs work well for user groups that rely on the network primarily for e-mail and typical office applications. Here are the rest of the results:

322

•

150 ft. is the maximum range in an open office and even less in enclosed spaces; plus, distance can drop to as little as 40 ft.

•

25–30 users per access point is a more realistic maximum limit versus the 50 users most wireless LAN providers claim they can handle.

•

4Mbps was the measured file speed, not the 11Mbps most manufacturers claim for data transfer speed.

•

Most wireless access points work on a LAN with fewer than 2,000 networked devices. To hook 8,000+ PCs together, they set up a wireless subnet and placed all access points on that subnet.

COMPANIES GOING WIRELESS Still mystified about how going mobile can help you and your company? Take a look at how some of these firms and industries are using wireless to enhance their communications and commerce:

•

Safeway—In the United Kingdom, these grocery stores are offering personalized shopping services for customers who use PalmPilot to build and submit orders. They find it good for customer loyalty and sales.

•

JAL (Japan Airlines)—Introduced I-Mode service in late 1999 so that customers can use mobile phones to access JAL’s Web services. Ticket purchases via I-Mode have more than doubled in that time.

•

Exxon-Mobile—Its Speedpass is being used so that customers can gas and go.

10

Telus (Canadian Telecom)—Wireless provides a faster way for service technicians to connect to workforce management systems. They quote a 26% increase in repair volumes within four months. In one of its first wireless efforts, 650 field service engineers were connected.


•

UNWIRING YOUR WORKFORCE If you’re charged with unwiring your workforce, you can select from scores of technologies, services, and applications to create the new wireless workplace. In a way, it’s like 1995 again when everyone wanted to “be on the Internet” when they didn’t even know what it was like to go online. Here are some of the key wireless systems and devices you should be aware of to unlock your firm’s mobile momentum:

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Smart phones Pagers Two-way radios PDAs and handhelds Mobile laptops and Webpads Wearables IEEE 802.11b and IEEE 802.lla Bluetooth Wireless LANs and PANs RF tags Wireless security systems Wireless gateways Smart cards Point-of-sale (POS) devices 323

• •

Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Videoconferencing

WIRELESS RETURN ON INVESTMENT Chapter 4, “Maximizing Use of Your Device,” goes into detail on upgrading your wireless device, and you’ll find sources that lead you to comparison charts of various devices and networks. The bottom line, though, is that you should ensure that no matter which wireless applications you invest in, you’ll see a return on investment (ROI) that is measurable. For example, Research in Motion’s Web site (www.rim.com) offers comparisons on the firm’s products, customized solutions, and software development tools. Mike Lazaridis, co-chief executive of Research in Motion (the creators of the famous Blackberry device) urges audiences he speaks to “to look for a return on investment they can see in less than a year.” He cautions that “wireless data itself is not a solution. It’s just a convenient carrier.” So what’s a person to do? Here are some suggestions I got from Lazaridis during a Silicon Alley wireless confab:

•

Separate personal information management from corporate applications, and be sure your employees’ private stuff doesn’t grab up the wireless budget.

•

Identify high-impact mobile activities, choose applications based on tasks, and create mobile-friendly content.

• •

Be sure that wireless devices are always on and secure. Choose push versus pull applications where data or messages that are sent to users automatically are more successful in the wireless world than when users have to dial up to get e-mail or use the Wireless Application Protocol (WAP).

CORPORATE WIRELESS ON THE WEB Remember the days when your corporation didn’t even have a Web site? Or when your small business was the first in the city to go online? Seems like not so long ago. Chances are now you’re being inundated with vendors and suppliers who want your business to take your Web site mobile. If you’re in charge of your company’s wireless initiative, you’re probably staying awake at night wondering whether you should do it in house or whether you need to even have a mobile Web site. Firms are moving into the mobile world through three fundamental approaches, according to an Mbusinessdaily.com article detailing how major Web sites have made the mobile transition:

• 324

Taking content directly to the Web with few changes—The quick-fix transcoding approach lets firms take their Web content directly to the wireless world with few

changes. Some folks call this system Web scraping and say that it’s a short-term option that avoids looking at the differences of how people use desktops and mobile devices. Customizing Web pages using outside vendors—The second approach many firms take is to customize their Web pages for wireless using an outside vendor, such as Air2Web (http://www.air2web.com), AlterEgo Networks (www.aego.com), and other firms.

•

Using a wireless application service provider—The final option some firms are choosing is to establish an in-house wireless initiative using systems from wireless application service providers.

10

For example, eBay went wireless in May 2000 according to Mbusinessdaily.com. eBay’s Business Development director Todd Madeiros explains that wireless connection speeds and devices are still inadequate for full PC features. eBay chose to add a fuller search feature that lets bidders ferret an item out by number (also available via PC). Most users make their first bid via PC and then follow up with wireless to track the auction and make additional offers. eBay chose to go mobile by outsourcing to 2Roam (www.2roam.com) and establishing marketing relationships with carriers such as AT&T and Sprint.


•

Wireless Corporate Portal A bigger question in going wireless with your workplace’s Web site is whether you want to partner with a portal, carrier, or network to better promote your services. Mbusinessdaily.com explains that FTD.com chose to move aggressively to land deals with service providers such as Sprint PCS, AT&T Wireless, and OracleMobile. The rationale of tying in with a carrier or mobile network is that where you appear on a mobile device can be crucial to how much business you get, especially in the nascent mobile commerce arena. Revenue models for these deals are all over the board right now. Many carriers demand a percentage of m-commerce revenues plus a slotting fee—not unlike a shelving fee some retailers charge for displaying products in supermarkets. Payment models for carriers and networks are evolving. As Chapter 4 explains, even the content companies are exploring pay-per-use systems and subscription formulas.

Carrier Enterprise Solutions In addition to offering mobile portals, most of the major wireless carriers or providers feature wireless enterprise solution centers on their Web sites. These Web sites are another great resource for you in determining wireless policy and plans for your workplace. Plus, these sites offer case studies and direct phone numbers to account representatives who will talk via phone or meet with you personally at your workplace to help you plan your wireless initiative.

325

Sprint PCS Clear Wireless Workplace One of the most comprehensive sites I’ve seen is the Sprint PCS’s Clear Wireless Workplace at http://www.1.sprintpcs.com/explore/businessinfocenter.com. You’ll find clickthroughs to wireless Web applications, management tools, advanced voice services, smart device partnerships, business pricing programs, and updates on its Third Generation (3G) Network and coverage areas.

AT&T Wireless AT&T’s Business Needs section on its Web site features information on its corporate digital advantage program as well as pricing, national business ordering, equipment pricing, and exranet systems. Check it out at www.attws.com/bus/gov/enterprise_ solutions.com.

Other Carriers and Other Options Enterprise wireless management suites can help you control and manage your bottom line. Internet-based software, customer relations systems, and device selection are just parts of these packages. Check with your current wireless carrier to see whether it features an enterprise solution center on its Web site or whether it can send you its wireless enterprise management information so you can review it prior to meeting with any salespeople. A popular wireless resource, LetsTalk.com, now offers its own enterprise wireless management solutions. According to its Web site at http://www.letstalk.com/enterprise/ products.htm, its wireless management suite includes a rate plan optimizer, an asset tracker (to keep track of handsets), wireless usage reports and alerts, a procurement manager (to compare prices), and MyWireless Manager (which it claims “helps your employees self-manage their wireless phone and plan”). For additional resources and case histories to help in your decision-making, you can turn to the Web sites for particular wireless devices or products. For example, the Palm Web site at http://www.palm.com features an interactive demo of its new model i705 and also specifics on promotions, accessories, and local retailers (see Figure 10.6). One Device or Many? Do you need just one device, or do you need a closet full of devices to carry out your wireless workplace program? If you want to simplify the need for separate devices for phone, e-mail, and organizing, familiarize yourself with the Treo communicator from Handspring, which uses the Palm operating system (see Figure 10.7).

326


10

Figure 10.6 Find out more about the Palm.net wireless service and try an interactive demo of the Palm i705 at http://www.palm.com/products/palmi705/.

Figure 10.7 SMS text messaging and wireless Web access are just some of the features of the Treo communicator from Handspring.

327

For a more complete review of this device, check out Chapter 4 to see what TechTV Labs say about this new combo-device.

NEXT-GENERATION DEVICES Those of you who join me in being Star Trek fans know that one of the most popular wireless devices on that sci-fi show is something called a medical tricorder, which is a combination of sensors, computers, and recorders in a portable form. It records a patient’s heartbeat frequency, body temperature, and more. The tricorder’s name comes from the three primary functions it was originally intended to accomplish, including picture, sound, and sensor. A multipurpose scientific and medical device hints at the next generation of wireless that will be created in the next eras of biotechnology and nanotechnology.

World Phones What consumers and businesses alike want is a global wireless phone that works seamlessly, but finding that phone is a constant challenge. Several of my friends choose the Ericsson R380e, which operates on the GSM network, as their worldwide smart phones. It gives them access to the unwired Internet, and its screen icons are easy to read (see Figure 10.8).

Figure 10.8 The Ericsson R380e combines a phone and personal organizer and scheduler. The R380 World (GSM 900/1900 version) is usable in North America.

328

For other global phones, turn to your network operator or carrier for suggestions and new 3G handsets that promise worldwide connections. Or see Chapter 4 for other makes and models.

Video Phones More businesses are turning to their IT departments to explore the options VoIP offers as a communications system that is lower in cost and offers worldwide connections. THE WIRELESS WORKPLACE

One video phone that hooks up to your computer that caught my eye is the Intel Video Phone (see Figure 10.9). You use an Intel PC camera to help you see colleagues or team members along with special Intel software.

10

Figure 10.9 Intel Video Phone software that comes with an Intel PC Camera allows you to see and talk with colleagues anywhere in the world.

The next generation of 3G phones will feature cameras and the ability to send video clips. Sanyo’s IMT 2000 is “one of the most innovative 3G phones,” according to TechTV.com, which voted it the Best of CES Telephony Winner for 2002 (see Figure 10.10). TechTV.com says, “The most impressive part is the OLED (organic light emitting diode) display, which offers advantages over LCD (liquid crystal display) including lower power consumption, faster pixel response, and lighter weight.” Alas, according to Mike Harris, PR consultant for Sanyo’s IMT 2000, it will be a while before the model hits the U.S; it should be available in Japan before the end of 2002. Availability in North America depends on when wireless data speeds become fast enough to take advantage of the IMT 2000’s capabilities.

Two-Way Radios Another way to enable teams to communicate almost anywhere is by switching from phones to other devices such as two-way radios. Two-way communications devices are getting a high-tech boost according to TechTV.com. If you work in the field, you’ll like 329

knowing that some of the new two-way radios and hybrids enable you to communicate up to 5 miles with an unobstructed view. A February 2002 review on the TechTV.com site includes this observation on the Garmin RINO:

Figure 10.10 The next-generation Sanyo IMT 2000 integrates two cameras for taking 360° photos or 10.15-second video clips.

Perfect for the wilderness junkie, the Garmin RINO adds GMRS (general mobile radio service) which allows the 5-mile radius and GPS features (see Figure 10.11). Plus, RINO features peer-to-peer positioning that enables you to transmit your exact location to other RINO users. The RINO is slated to cost approximately $211–$311 (depending on model).

Figure 10.11 You can track your path and retrace your steps using the GPS function on the Garmin RINO two-way radio.

Next-Generation Printing Sharing a printer with the whole office can be a pain unless you have a new wireless printer sharing system, such as GoPrint (see Figure 10.12). With this technology you can affordably share one printer with up to 16 computers without wires or a network, according to the creators. Even temporary office setups can instantly share a printer.

330


10

Figure 10.12 GoPrint wireless printer sharing systems enable you to put a printer where you want; it’s perfect for a remote office where you can offload network print traffic.

WIRELESS RETAIL Those of you in the retail arena keep hearing that mobile commerce is just around the corner. You’ll be pleased to learn that nearly three-quarters of the top 40 retailers in the United States are deploying or testing at least one wireless application, according to the Boston Consulting Group. Surprisingly though, only 10% are offering consumer wireless applications. No matter what the size of your company, even small and specialty mall retailers are realizing that they can use wireless LAN systems for inventory management and the same POS methods used by larger stores, according to MerchantWired Inc., in a Computerworld story.

Retail Wireless Applications Here are some examples of how retailers are using wireless to improve decision-making, increase productivity, and assess visibility.

Home Depot Home Depot, according to Boston Consulting Group, is saving $22 million a year by providing floor employees the ability to check and order inventory wirelessly.

331

Office Depot By using wireless technology, Office Depot is reducing operating costs and improving customer service, according to BCG. It gives fleet drivers a PDA with an embedded bar-code scanner to read each delivery item as it is loaded onto the truck. Upon delivery, payment can be processed remotely and signatures captured electronically, not unlike what UPS does in its mobilized distribution processes. Some of these firms are realizing cost savings of 10%–20%.

Federated Department Stores These regional stores are testing electronic-ink solutions to reduce the $250,000 it spends every month manually changing its signage, according to BCG’s report “Competitive Advantage from Mobile Applications” (see www.bcg.com).

Wireless POS Retailers are recognizing that wireless point of sale (WPOS) shows that machine-tomachine correspondence (telemetry) is working in terminals in taxi cabs, in limos, or with remote repair personnel. Chances are that if you eat out frequently, you’ve seen systems where your waiter takes your order with a device—not a pen and pad—and sends it directly to the kitchen. Most of these systems use handheld devices, but companies such as PrivaSys (http://www.privasys.com) are showing new battery-powered electronic credit cards, as shown in Figure 10.13, that can replace your plastic and are even more secure because you enter a personal identification number (PIN). PrivaSys CEO Joan Ziegler is quoted as saying that she expects fewer losses to prompt competing banks and retailers to agree to share space on the same techno-card.

Wireless Line Busters Another firm, Symbol Technologies Inc., is ushering in the era of the wireless mall for retailers by providing stores with wireless devices equipped with bar-code scanners and credit card readers to help manage inventory and process checkouts (see Figure 10.14). Symbol is joining with MerchantWired Inc. to launch these systems in retail centers owned by Simon Property Group Inc., The Rouse Co., Taubmen Centers Inc., and Urban Retail Properties. Cameron Cole, a merchant, calls this capability to remotely provide checkouts over a wireless LAN a line-busting technique in a story on Computerworld.com.

Beyond Bar Codes Can you believe that about 5 billion bar codes are being scanned around the world every day, according to the publication Retail Systems Reseller? Now a new system called ePC (electronic product code) that combines the current bar-code and EAS (electronic article surveillance) tags can provide Internet-connected information on any product along the retail pipeline from manufacture to consumer purchase. 332


10

Figure 10.13 An internal chip in the PrivaSys smart card enables you to get a thinner wallet by using just one card for all purchases.

Figure 10.14 A new family of cordless bar-code scanners by Symbol Technologies eliminates fatigue and makes tasks quicker and smoother because there are no cables or restraints for retailers.

333

These systems combine bar codes and security tags into a single ePC tag. This means that every physical object in the world from a can of soda to a light bulb to a sofa will have a separate ID number. Already in field tests in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Procter & Gamble is working with 20 companies to test the infrastructure and movement of the data along the network. Experts say that ePC will save hundreds of billions of dollars in consumer goods and retail operations because vendors will always know where everything is at all times. Is it on the dock, in the warehouse, or on a truck for delivery? Just trace the number, and you’ll find out that the new bedroom set you’re waiting for is sitting in Seattle, not down the street like the salesperson said.

Wireless Demos Unlike self-check, mobile POS systems allow vendors to provide better service, not less. Increasingly sophisticated consumers are demanding to see products and services in action before purchasing. New wireless systems and video streaming technologies will enable us to simulate the buyer experience in advance and show a case history of how the new technology works without having to send out a human demonstrator—perhaps even eliminating the need someday for a traveling sales force. If you’re a road warrior weary of traveling airports and highways, you’ll welcome the new teleconferencing systems that enable you to almost teleport yourself to your client’s location to demonstrate or explain your company’s solutions (see Figure 10.15). One of the leaders in this area is a firm called Teleportec; for more information, go to http://www.teleportec.com.

Teleportation on the Way The science-fiction concept of teleportation and beaming people across space is moving one step closer to becoming science fact as Indian physicists suggest a theory that can be used to make two particles behave as one, no matter how far apart they are. In New Scientist, Sougato Bose and Dipankar Hoome at the Bose Institute in Calcutta, India, say their breakthrough is a method that can entangle particles, or what Einstein once called “spooky action at a distance,” according to a report on Vnunet.com. What does this mean? Well, quantum entanglement is what enables two atoms to behave as one, so experts believe that by transferring the properties of one atom to another, we someday might be able to teleport objects. They use a beam splitter to send the two identical electrons down either of two paths. There’s an equal probability that the electrons will go down either both paths or the same path.

334

Videoconferencing systems like this one by Teleportec Inc., enable sales personnel to demonstrate products and link remote offices to headquarters for training.

10

Will these systems replace in-person meetings? Teleris Ltd., a leader in interactive telepresence, features a GlobalTable that offers a new way to hold face-to-face meetings. According to industry analysts Frost and Sullivan, the videoconferencing market will grow to $7.6 billion by 2006.


Figure 10.15

Some of you responsible for organizing staff meetings might be aware of the U.S. firm Polycom because shares in many videoconferencing firms surged after the attacks on the World Trade Center. Most of these systems are still pricey because costs of near-DVDquality video and dedicated meeting room systems range from $120,000 to $750,000, plus approximately $13,000 per month just for the line rental for unlimited usage.

The two scientists believe that the technique might work with any object ranging from atoms to molecules and maybe something bigger in the future. A Danish scientist, Eugene Polzik, and his colleagues made two samples of several trillion atoms interact at a distance. While we wait for fact to catch up with fiction, we can console ourselves with the evolutions in the virtual meeting spaces.

335

The Military Goes Wireless Want to see some of the coolest wireless technology? Then join the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marines because it’s the military who is on the edge of the next generation of training and simulation systems. Sci-fi fans are learning that even the holodeck (a cutting-edge simulator that creates realistic 3D scenes) is being used by soldiers to rehearse for missions. Virtual reality simulation will enable trainees to put on a headset and feel like they are really in the field. The Army has affiliated with The University of Southern California (USC) to establish the Institute of Creative Technologies, which offers training simulations and is improving realism in war games. The Army is also using wireless GPS tracking systems such as the ones designed by Cleveland Medical Devices Inc. (CMDI). A Smart Cellular/GPS Rugged Tracking System builds on that firm’s wireless hospital technology as well as its missile tracking work for the Air Force, according to its president Robert N. Schmidt. “Our microcellular system allows low-cost miniature trackers to operate with low power minimizing battery weight,” he explains. The GPS program provides the military the ability to monitor soldiers, patients, and safety personnel for physiological data, voice, and location. Some medical experts believe that systems like this one can lead the way to telemedicine and microcellular patient monitoring.

Wearable PDAs You don’t have to be in the service to realize that when you’re traveling or in the field, sometimes two hands are not enough to juggle all your luggage, equipment, and technology. That’s why I am so impressed with the new POMA technology from Xybernaut (www.xybernaut.com), which is a head-mounted display that enables you to view graphics on an 800×600 SVGA viewing screen that weighs only 3 oz (see Figure 10.16).

Figure 10.16 The author is shown wearing POMA from Xybernaut, which features a functional Hitachi computer that supports wireless LANs and wireless modem cards.

336

TRAVELING FOR BUSINESS? Many companies are taking advantage of IEEE 802.11b technology to offer wireless Internet access, sometimes free. Whether it’s at Mimi’s Pizza in upper Manhattan or in a Seattle coffee shop, hot spots are appearing and hoteling is being offered.

Hot Spots

10

In some cities, volunteers put up access points, called hot spots, in their living room windows or on their roofs by linking high-speed Internet connections with a base station and antenna. These networks remain controversial because they involve sharing another’s wireless access. Most business travelers and road warriors want the value of using these and other wireless networks on the road, but they wonder whether the access will be around tomorrow.


It takes a few minutes to get used to wearing your monitor, but once you do, you realize that with systems such as Poma, you can have access to e-mail, Internet sites, games, and an integrated MP3 player for work and play anywhere at anytime. Xybernaut is also creating a new line called XyberKids, which are wearable computer platforms for the educational marketplace.

The multitude of networks is giving rise to other wireless aggregators such as Boingo, which enable travelers to find Wi-Fi (802.11b) access almost anywhere. Boingo members have access to hundreds of Wi-Fi hot spots across the country along with what founder and CEO Sky Dayton (you might remember him as the founder of the ISP Earthlink) calls “lightning-fast wireless Internet access.” Boingo (http://www.boingo.com) enables access over more than 400 hot spots nationwide, including free community networks, major airports, major hotels, and cafes. Boingo Software features a built-in searchable database of its growing list of hot spot locations according to its press information. At press time, Boingo is offering three service plans starting from $24.95 per month, which includes 10 connect days. Worried about Wi-Fi security? Boingo spokesperson Christian Gunning says that the system includes a personal VPN feature so members can instantly secure their wireless connections. The press materials say that the software automatically updates itself. A San Francisco firm, Wi-Fi Metro, Inc., is being incubated by VC firm ComVentures and is rolling out with 40 locations; it also plans to add another 50 or more hot spots nationwide by the end of 2002. Wi-Fi Metro’s subscription plan, which has no contract or activation fee, is $19.95 per month at press time. According to an ISP-Planet.com story, the system relies on hereUare Communications eCoinBox technology for its backend network management and database functionality. As noted earlier in the book, hereUare is simultaneously developing roaming solutions across other W-ISPs’ networks. More and more travelers are finding hot spots when they travel. CyberPixie (www. cyberpixie.com) is a Chicago-based company that develops wireless portals for vertical

337

markets, including hospitality, travel, sports, and entertainment. Users have high-speed, untethered access to products and services over the Internet. COO Steve Lewin explains that the CyberPixie network provides seamless roaming through the coverage area and creates personalized portals that allow unified messaging, electronic commerce, file storage, and more. One of the properties using the CyberPixie system is the Swissotel in Chicago.

Shared Wireless Workspaces Hoteling is a term for renting space per day, per month, or ongoing for your company. Variations on this term are increasingly popular as startups and even multinational corporations decide they need office space for remote workers or central workspace in major cities. For example, most firms big and small need a New York presence. That’s why I’m impressed with NYVentureSpace located at 1375 Broadway in New York City. It offers a new economy solution to finding an office that offers not only T1 lines and wireless access but also flexible infrastructure, a network of mentors, and a community of like-minds. The state-of-the-art communications suite there includes equipment procurement, network design, backup systems, and onsite technical support (see Figure 10.17).

Figure 10.17 Keeping your workspace up-to-date is easy in a community facility such as NYVentureSpace.

338

Startup firms join with U.S. offices of international corporations in the classy kitchen/lounge area and conference rooms. All the member firms’ communications needs are handled in-house, so after your firm is funded, you can simply plug in—or rather cut the cord—in days, not months. There are no hassles with the landlord or the phone

companies and no having to select wireless solutions or qualify for high-speed Internet access. Companies do go through a screening process to qualify for this trendy community space that just happens to have a 212 area code number. For more information, check it out at www.nyventurespace.com.

With voice-over Internet protocol (VoIP), videoconferencing, virtual private networks, and other new wireless wonders such as wearables hitting the market, the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) expects 20 million home offices will have high-speed Internet access by the end of 2002. With a virtual office, home workers can access the corporate intranet, data management systems, and inventory controls while traveling or even sitting on their patios.

10

“Wireless is going to be very, very hot,” says Liam Quinn, director of worldwide telecommunication technology at Dell. These new cordless systems offer a compelling transition between corporate and small office, home office (SoHO) environments, according to the TechHome Office Web site at http://www.ce.org/techhomeoffice.


THE WIRELESS HOME OFFICE

Wireless Free Agent Offices The rise in the number of home offices is leading to a new breed of mobile workers, who author Daniel Pink calls “free agents.” Pink shows that new technology such as wireless will continue to transform how America’s new independent workers live and work. In his book Free Agent Nation (http://www.freeagentnation.com/2book.html), Pink predicts that “toolshed” offices will go the way of the typewriter and be replaced by two types of offices he calls “Private Idahos” and “Elks Lodges.” Pink says that Peter Drucker, the famed business analyst and author, once questioned why any company would pay (in salary and time) to transport a 170 lb. body 20 miles downtown when all it needed was the body’s 3 lb. brain. Private Idaho (from a B-52s song) is what Pink describes as a “heads-down” work area for tasks during which people need privacy, autonomy, and control. For most workers, he explains, this will be at their houses in home offices; although, some future workers can choose an executive suite nearby. What makes these spaces more private is the proliferation of technologies that will enable workers to control the environment, including noisecanceling sound wave machines, microclimate controls, and virtual windows that simulate natural light. But, Pink cautions us that for both hardheaded and softhearted reasons, free agents need contact, community, and collaboration. Thus, what he calls the “Free Agents Elk Lodge” will be used. This is a place to hang out, chat, and work face to face with colleagues on projects that require intense interaction. He believes these places will look more like Kinko’s or 339

Starbucks stores than the cubicle farms of the 1990s. You’ll be able to buy memberships like you do in health clubs.

Future Offices To see how some top architects and designers interpret the home office of the future, we turn to the Workspheres exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in New York (MOMA). I was fortunate to see the exhibition, which features wireless devices, prototypes for wireless technology, and twenty-first-century home office styling, but you can check out most of the sci-fi-come-to-life goodies at home at http://www.MOMA.org/workspheres. There you can see Dutch creator Hella Jongerius mixing high and low technologies for functional and aesthetic qualities. In a specially commissioned project, she turns pillows, beds, and other domestic objects into high-tech workspaces with the help of wireless technologies. The designer maintains that by introducing technology into the bedroom, it not only provides the ability to work while in the comforting embrace of the bed, but it also exploits the frequent phenomenon of creative thought while at rest (see Figure 10.18).

Figure 10.18 Take your work to bed and keyboard wirelessly with the Touch Pillow.

TAKING A WIRELESS TEST DRIVE Going wireless can be an expensive proposition for your company. Can you try before you buy? Increasingly, creators of wireless applications are allowing firms to do just that. CompuCom, an end-to-end technology integrator, says it offers a test drive demo system that lets execs put the tech through its paces for 30 days before they buy. A typical CompuCom demo might involve 2–4 IPAQ mobile handheld devices and could be working in 2 days or so. In an article on WirelessFactor.com, David Hall (Senior VP and CTO for CompuCom) says that the demo can be installed, conducted, and shut down for about $3,000. The company is demonstrating its package with Compaq, Sprint, Infowave, and Sierra Wireless services. The demo includes IPAQ Pocket PCs, Sprint’s PCS network, 340

Sierra’s Wireless AirCard 520, and other applications from Infowave. CompuCom’s goal is to “open some doors and widen some of their clients eyes.”

Be sure to take some photos of the demos in progress—take your video camera along so you can present the demo at your next staff meeting.

The world of wireless ISPs is frankly confusing and seems to evolve by the month. For example, when I started writing this book, TechTV.com was recommending AT&T Wireless, BellSouth, Verizon, and Ricochet as the most popular wireless data carriers. Mobilstar, the firm involved in bringing wireless to Starbucks and other public spaces, was also popular when I was in the early writing phase. Then months later, Ricochet declared bankruptcy, went out of business, revived usage for rescue operations at the World Trade Center, and later was purchased by Aether Networks who is now planning a revival. Mobilstar appears to almost go out of business but then gets additional funding, and the wireless ISP merrygo-round continues. As I finish the book, it seems easier to get information on how to run a wireless ISP (see http://www.isp-planet.com) than to determine which is the best wireless ISP, especially for your PDA and in public spaces.

10

WIRELESS ISP SERVICE


Kick the tires first if you can. Other systems integrators might offer your firm a chance to demo a wireless product before you buy. Or, if they don’t, be sure you get to visit one of the wireless implementations they’ve done for another client. Ask for an airline ticket there, too. It might be their best sales promotion ever. You’ll get a chance not only to try before you buy, but you also will get to talk frankly with the other client to determine how they like the new services and what they would do differently in the future. Don’t be shy; you’re in the buyer’s seat.

Be aware that many devices require users to contract with a specific wireless ISP. Check with the salesperson before you buy to find out which Internet service is available for your device in your geographic area. You also should check with your wireless voice carrier first to see whether it offers special deals with partners or whether it offers wireless ISP support for all your devices. Here are some Web sites for some of the biggest brands and for details on wireless ISP comparison:

•

GoAmerica—To get information on corporate e-mail and groupware applications, ebusiness, financial services, enterprise security, and professional services, check out GoAmerica’s workplace solutions at www.goamerica.com/enterprise.

•

Palm—For a white paper on the future of business; guidelines for securing the handheld environment; and more information on managing mobility, field services, and e-mail on the go, go to http://www.palm.com/enterprise/resources.

•

EarthLink—At www.earthlink.net/business you’ll find business solutions ranging from DSL to Web hosting to partner programs and live consultation sales. EarthLink has acquired OmniSky, another wireless ISP. 341

You also can go to the corporate Web sites for the devices and mobile computer products and peripherals (such as printers) that you’re using to find details on these firms’ enterprise solutions and corporate-recommended partners. Scores of regional wireless ISPs exist, too. You can check out some of these at www.isp.com, or find more information at the Wireless ISP Association at http://www.wispa.org.

WIRELESS WORKPLACE SECURITY No section on the wireless workplace would be complete without mention of security. How secure is your data? Will the new hackers in suits intercept company secrets? Are your road warriors fair game for snooping? The opportunities for security breeches are numerous in the wireless world. Plus, you have to consider such factors as the following:

• • • • • • • • • •

How secure are your devices? How secure is access to sensitive corporate data? How secure is the transmission? How secure is your corporate gateway? Do you have a corporate wireless security policy? Can you authenticate users? Are you using your system for mobile commerce or financial transactions? Have you looked at smart cards or biometrics? Do you have a corporate virtual private network? Are you familiar with systems such as subscriber identity modules (SIM) that enable your workers to move from phone to phone and device to device while keeping the user identity consistent?

Videophones As Security Devices Can you secure any phone conversation? If you use videophones, you can be sure of at least who you are talking to because you see their image. New videophones are being deployed inside ambulances, at remote offices and utility installations, and for security and even IT offices in the workplace (see Figure 10.19). More affordable satellite video phones are moving to the market with consumer models that can be excellent additions to reception or security areas of remote locations. Many of the security lapses that IT execs I talk to discover are human errors. Here are four tips from the February 2002 issue of Laptop magazine regarding wireless networks:

• 342

Never leave visitors in unsupervised areas. After the cracker leaves your workspace with your network information, she can assault your LAN from the convenience of home.

Tell your workers not to leave their laptops or devices unattended or to use easyto-guess passwords such as “password,” phone numbers, or first names.

•

Choose a tricky network administrator password as well. Plus, if you’re in charge of network management, be sure to pick unguessable domain and workgroup names.

•

Place your access point as far as you can from an exterior wall.


•

10

Figure 10.19 AOS Inc. demonstrates satellite video phones like the ones that some remote offices are using for security reasons.

At press time, UC Berkeley researchers found weaknesses in the Wired Equivalent Privacy algorithm used in the 802.11 wireless LAN standard. Check out http://www.oreillynetw.com/topics/wirelesssecurity for a click-through to the Wireless Development Center that shows you how to set up Secure Shell (SSH) to keep your wireless access safe.

Hackproof Wi-Fi? Can you make your 802.11b networks hack-proof? Smartbusinessmag.com says that you can beef up your security system by following these steps: 1. Set up a virtual private network to secure networks that allow workers remote access. VPNs come in all makes and models, ranging in cost from $100 to $1,000, and top VPN makers include 3Com, Cisco Systems, and Lucent Technologies. 2. Put a double lock on your data by making sure your VPN uses IPSec—the toughest standard for protecting data in transit, according to Smartbusinessmag.com. 3. Cover your individual assets with personal firewalls to keep viruses out and sensitive information under wraps. I would add that you should have a firewall at your home office and for your home network even if you don’t do business from your house to protect your family and your privacy. 4. Keep freeloaders off your network. Smartbusinessmag.com suggests using a remote authentication dial-in user service that knows who can log on to your network. A system such as Lucent’s NavisRadius Authentication Server can handle hundreds of servers and starts at $1,000. 343

Intrusion Detection Systems One of the fastest-growing sectors in the security arena is intrusion detection systems and monitoring companies. You might want to explore these options with outside vendors who can monitor your system and sniff for holes and hackers 24/7/365.

Wireless Privacy Policy Don’t let your concerns about security for your network, systems, or devices bypass employee privacy or consumer rights. Be sure to post a wireless privacy policy so your employees and customers know your policy in advance. Then, follow that plan to the letter. For information on corporate wireless advertising policies, refer to trade organizations. Don’t just depend on your advertising agency or consulting firm to ensure such sensitive policies are in place and being followed. One of the best resources I found online for wireless security is www.infosecuritymag.com, which features information about insecure devices, data in transit, and authentication. The publication covers such topics as WEP, Palm OS vulnerabilities, third-party products, locking systems, default key management, open source cracking tools such as AirSnort and WEPCrack, wireless sniffers, security toolkits, PKI, biometrics (check out DigitalPersona.com), and authentication tokens. Firms the publication suggests checking out as possible vendors include RSA, Certicom, NTRU, Cisco, Agere Enterasys, and Avaya. As noted earlier, your wireless network provider or carrier also might offer security solutions you can consider. As wireless continues to expand, so will security solutions. America’s Homeland Security program will help usher in such systems as photo ID, biometrics, and even DNA ID systems to the wireless workplace. If you have a wireless security solution that has worked for you, let me know at [email protected], and I’ll share it with other readers via TechTV.com.

A VIEW OF THE WIRELESS FUTURE How will wireless propel the workplace in the future? A better question might be, “How will the workplace propel wireless and other technology into a new future?” I’m including views of the future in most chapters of this book. I trust you’ll enjoy my exploration of Hewlett Packard’s CoolTown (http://www.cooltown.com) in Chapter 9 “Home Sweet Wireless Home” and move on to explore Workspheres on the Museum of Modern Art Web site (http://www.moma.org/workspheres). If you’re in Seattle, you can visit future@work, a 3,000-sq. ft. mockup that envisions the ever-evolving workplace with aromatherapy and a serenity room with a burbling fountain (see the complete story at http://wwwmsnbc.com/news61459.asp). Australians will want to check out Microsoft’s vision of a wireless future on display at its campus in North Ryde in Syndey’s North. It features wireless and cable technology. 344

Microsoft joined with Cisco Systems to map for consistent spectrum everywhere in the building and even to outdoor seating areas. Check it out at No. 1 Epping Road.

Or just head to Scandinavia where the majority of Nordic firms are planning to let their employees access mobile technologies, according to a study by Swedish Gallup for IBM Corp. A total of 45% of firms offer their workers the chance to access company data remotely.

10

If your firm is using wireless innovatively, I want to hear about it; e-mail me at [email protected] and I’ll include your comments and case histories in my writings in the future and at www.cuttingthecord.com.


In Plano, Texas, you can see how next-generation communications technologies such as messaging, games, streaming media, and location-based services will work in four settings—home, work, leisure, and on-the-move—at the Ericsson Experience, an interactive environment.

And if you haven’t read one of my favorite books, The Age of Spiritual Machines, take a peek at what one of the more optimistic prognosticators, author Ray Kurzweil, forecasts for the roles of devices and computers in the future:

•

People will typically have at least a dozen computers in and around their bodies, which are networked using body LANs.

•

Wireless will be everywhere, and cables will disappear. Communication between components will use short-distance wireless technology, and computers will include wireless technology components to plug into the ever-present worldwide network.

• •

The majority of text will be created using continuous speech recognition (CSR).

•

Translating telephones (speech-to-speech language translation) will be commonly used for many language pairs.

Most routine business transactions will take place between a human and a virtual personality (that can include an animated visual presence that looks like a human face).

Perhaps, someday we can continue these discussions wirelessly. Have your people (virtual or real) contact my people and we’ll “do lunch,” as we say in Los Angeles. Maybe one of those videoconference firms in this chapter will make it possible.

345

A P P E N D I X

A

GLOSSARY

access point A central transceiver (transmitter/ receiver) that communicates with wireless terminals across the wireless network. An access point device is usually needed to hook up a wireless local area network (LAN) in a home or office.

acronyms Words formed from initial letters of words or groups of words. These are often used in the computer world, such as CD-ROM or RAM. SMS (text messaging) uses acronyms to shorten words such as POS (parent over shoulder). activation The process used to activate your phone or device to get service. It includes account creation, phone (or pager) number assignment, and programming your device so you can send and receive calls and messages. Carriers charge $0–$50 for one-time activation fees. agent Software programs that assist you in sorting through information. An intelligent agent is often called a bot. For example, a shopping bot helps you find the lowest prices on products or services. See also bot. air time Time spent talking or sending data via a wireless phone or other device. Carriers usually bill subscribers on a per-minute basis.

alphanumeric Messages on screens of pager or phone readouts containing both letters (alphas) and numbers (numerics). Alphanumeric memory dial displays both the name and phone number being called. Standard memory dial recalls only phone numbers. AMPS (Advanced Mobile Phone System) gies, the first generation of wireless.

The technical standard for analog technolo-

analog Traditional radio signals via AM (amplitude modulation) and FM (frequency modulation) used for phones, pagers, or other communication systems. Analog allows only one call per channel versus multiple calls per channel for digital technology. antenna The device built-in or extending from a phone, PDA, or two-way radio or pager that intercepts RF (radio frequency) waves to receive and that converts internal signals to RF to transmit. anytime minutes Wireless plans usually feature a certain number of minutes that can be used any time without regard to day or night, peak/off-peak, or weekend restrictions. artificial intelligence (AI) The simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems. Also used to describe software packages and systems that emulate humans to solve problems and tasks using reasoning and learning. authentication Security technology used to verify that a user is authorized to make a call on a wireless phone or to access a computer network and so on. Can also be via a personal identification number (PIN) code. avatar A digital actor or virtual person made from a graphic that communicates with you. An avatar can be a representation for you within a video game, on an opening phone screen, or in multimedia messaging. backlit display Capability to illuminate the screen on your cell phone or other mobile device. Two types of backlighting are indigo (soft blue-colored, glow-in-the-dark) and standard (ordinary white-colored) lighting. bandwidth Transmission capacity for communication connections or networks measured in bits per second (bps). Video streaming and other multimedia applications require high bandwidth, often referred to as a fat pipe that will carry signals without unacceptable delays during transmission. base station The radio transmitter/receiver that communicates with cellular telephones within a given area, such as a cell site. baud Refers to the speed of a modem. Most home modems connect to the Internet via 56Kbps (kilobits per second). Cable modems and ADSL approach the speeds of a T1 telephone line. Wireless modems need more baud to work faster. Bluetooth A type of short-range wireless technology developed by a consortium of major firms, including founding firms Ericsson, Nokia, Toshiba, and IBM. Bluetooth enables data connections between such devices as phones, headsets, PCs, and printers. A 348

Bluetooth chip is installed in the devices. Bluetooth works in a range of approximately 30’, depending on the power level. bot

Software designed to function as an agent or a small robot to do a task or service.

bps (bits per second) Method for measuring how fast data is moved from one place to another, usually in thousands of bits per second (Kbps) or millions of bits per second (Mbps). A 56K modem can transport at 56,000 bits per second maximum.

broadband PCS Frequencies in the 1,850MHz–1,990MHz spectrum regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). PCS stands for personal communications services.

A

browser (Web browser) Software program that enables you to browse information on the Web from your PC, phone, handheld, or pager device.

GLOSSARY

broadband Communications channel with a large bandwidth to provide high-speed communication for voice, data, and video services. Also referred to as wideband. The bigger the pipe, the faster the media can be transferred.

cache An area that the browser (or minibrowser) can refer to on your PC or device to get stored information so it doesn’t have to download it repeatedly. Cache size depends on the memory capabilities of your device. call blocking

Service available to block incoming calls.

call forwarding mined number.

Service that forwards a phone call or message to another, predeter-

call waiting Service that interrupts calls with a tone to tell you that you have another incoming call and gives you a choice to answer it, let it ring, or forward it to voice mail. calling party pays Method of billing mobile consumers where the carrier bills the originator of a call to a wireless device rather than the receiver; much more common in other countries. Watch for it to evolve in the U.S. calling plan (service plan) The plan you sign between the wireless carrier and you. This contract outlines features, services, methods of payments, and usage agreements (in other words, number of minutes). cancellation fee Fees charged for canceling (or sometimes changing) a service agreement with a wireless carrier before the end date of the agreement. car navigation Small systems built into or mounted on dashboards of autos or other transport systems that help drivers choose the right routes using GPS and other navigation systems, including mapping and location-based commerce. carrier A company providing local or long distance telecommunications services. Also referred to as your service provider.

349

CDMA (code division multiple access) A wireless interface technology that temporarily assigns unique codes to digitized conversations. Channels can carry numerous conversations by distinguishing between these codes. CDMA2000 A 3G (third-generation) version of CDMA that can support higher data speeds and additional services. CDPD (cellular digital packet data) Technology that enables data files to be broken into a number of packets and sent along idle channels or existing cellular voice networks. cell The basic unit of a cellular system. Also slang for cellular, such as cell phone. Cities or counties are divided into smaller cells each equipped with one or more radio transmitters/receivers. The size of the cell depends on terrain and other factors, such as traffic (more cells are needed in urban than in rural areas). As you move with your wireless phone from one cell to another, your phone call is transferred or handed off to a new cell (and probably another frequency) so quickly you don’t know it’s happening in most cases. cell site Geographic location where the wireless antenna and base station equipment are placed. chat Messaging in apparent real-time with other people via chat rooms, instant messaging systems, or other radio transmission. Mobile text messaging is usually referred to as SMS (short messaging service). churn A term used by carriers to measure the number of subscribers who leave or switch to another service. cloning A wireless phone or other device programmed with stolen or duplicated electronic serial and identification numbers. CODEC A device that codes and decodes analog signals into digital signals for audio or video transmission. colocation Multiple antennas at a common physical (cell site) location. Several carriers could be colocated at the same geographic site using different antennas. compression A process that encodes (or compresses) data into a smaller space or bandwidth than it would normally need. contract term Length of agreement between a wireless user and carrier. It sets a flat fee or monthly fee for a set period of time in exchange for services; it often includes a cancellation or change fee. convergence The converging (merging) of computing, music, media, and data; it’s often also used to refer to the merger of TV/PC/phone and device usage. copper cable A common telecommunications cable used in both what’s called twistedpair and coaxial cable.

350

coverage area The geographic area covered by your service provider’s network where you can use your wireless device. Coverage areas vary from carrier to carrier. Many service providers hand you off to other carriers to enlarge the basic coverage area or provide national coverage. CTIA (Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association) A major U.S. trade group representing the interests of the wireless telecommunications industry. Go to www.ctia.org for its glossary of important topics. cybersex

A virtual sexual encounter usually in a chat room or via SMS (text messaging).

A

data Information, including text, graphics, and other data, transferred to mobile and handheld users. Voice is also one form of data, but we often refer to it as voice and data.

GLOSSARY

cyberspace A term used for total interconnectedness of human beings (and in the future, machine-to-machine interface) through computers and telecommunications without regard to physical geography. Science-fiction writer William Gibson is sometimes credited with inventing or popularizing the term in his novel Neuromancer.

dial-up Using standard plain old telephone system (POTS) to connect to your Internet service provider (ISP) via your home or office phone line using a modem. digital Method of encoding a transmission that translates the information (such as conversation of video or data) into a series of 0s and 1s to eliminate static and distortion. download Transfer of data, attachments, or files to your PC or device. For example, you download your e-mail to your device. DSL (digital subscriber line) lines.

High-speed digital connection over standard telephone

dual-band Capability for a handset model to use different frequencies, such as digital cellular or PCS frequencies of 800MHz cellular and 1900MHz PCS. See also dual-mode. dual-mode Handset that supports both analog and digital networks (or any other two modes, such as two digital modes). early adopter Advertising/marketing term used for a consumer or corporate customer who adopts and uses a new technology ahead of the others. The first guys on the block to have a color television were early adopters. e-book Electronic book referring to either a hardware system that enables you to read books on a screen or a software system that enables you to print out chapters, pages, or whole books on printers. ECC (elliptical curve cryptography) A type of encryption often used for digital signatures on devices such as PDAs and cell phones. It’s a security standard. EDGE (enhanced data for global evolution) One of the newest technologies used to increase data speeds on both GSM and TDMA networks. 351

edu-tainment A term that evolved to describe interactive multimedia, such as encyclopedias or learning CD-ROMs. It can mean any entertainment that has educational value. e-mail

Electronic mail.

emoticon Little icons that usually look like faces made by characters on a keyboard. Often used in text messaging or in e-mail—for example, :) is a smiling face. They’re used to convey a mood or feeling without writing the words or acronyms. Also referred to as a smiley. encryption

Security system that encodes information to keep it secret.

ERS (emergency response system) Refers to public safety units or systems that include ambulance, police, and fire personnel often contacted via 911 or e911 (enhanced 911) systems that detail some location information of the emergency. ESN (electronic serial number) The identification number embedded in your handset by the manufacturer. The ESN differs from the MIN (mobile identification number), which is how the carrier identifies a phone in a network. ETV (enhanced television) Term now used for interactive television that enables viewers to interact with enhanced programming that includes options to click to go to Internet sites, respond to questions, or perform transactional commerce (buy stuff) with a click or remote control system. ETV eventually might be available via mobile and handheld devices or cell phones with LCD screens. E-Z Pass System that uses transponders in cars to pay tolls without cash. E-Z pass systems can also be used for micro payments (small payments), such as fast food, newspaper purchases, and so on. FAQ (frequently asked questions) Computer-speak for the questions and answers most likely to be asked by consumers or users of software or Web sites. fax (facsimile)

Sending text and graphics over phone lines.

FCC (Federal Communications Commission) The federal agency responsible for regulating interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable. fiber optics This fast technology uses long, tiny glass or silica fibers to transport pulses of light that contain data or other communications signals. It’s so fast that you can send an entire set of encyclopedias in about one second. firewall A virtual wall created by security systems that limits authorization to networks. If you work from home, you might want to have firewall software installed on your PC, or you might need to get behind the firewall of your company network to retrieve or send information to your enterprise network. footprint Used to describe the geographic area of the earth’s surface covered by a satellite signal. See also coverage area. 352

frequency For an oscillating or varying current, frequency is the number of complete cycles per second in alternating current direction. The standard unit of frequency is the hertz, abbreviated Hz. fuel cell A fuel cell consists of two electrodes sandwiched around an electrolyte. Oxygen passes over one electrode and hydrogen over the other, generating electricity, water, and heat. Cars might eventually be powered via fuel cells that use methanol and water as a source.

GHZ (gigahertz or GHz)

GLOSSARY

FWA (fixed wireless access) Wireless access from a fixed point. WLL (wireless local loop), wireless WANs (wide area networks for fixed terminals), emergency cellular phones along a highway, and wall-mounted cellular phones in your home are all examples of fixed wireless access. Billions of hertz. File format used to send a graphic or photo.

A

GIF (Graphical Interchange Format)

GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) Technology that sends via packets to wireless devices that remain always on. GPRS permits faster Internet access and improved mobile technology. GPS (global positioning system) The U.S. worldwide system of identifying the location of a device or person via transmission by satellites that surround the earth. These satellites broadcast signals that are used by devices on earth to triangulate the positions of the devices. It can be a handheld or built-in car navigation system. GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) Digital TDMA cellular network especially popular in Europe. Originally called the Groupe Speciale Mobile. U.S. providers are adopting this system for use with cellular and PCS services. handoff (or hand over) site.

How your wireless network switches your call to an adjacent cell

hands-free A system that allows you to talk on your phone or other communication device without holding the handset while driving or walking. HDML (Handheld Device Markup Language) Often compared to the Wireless Markup Language (WML), this language enables the text portions of Web pages to be presented on cellular telephones and personal digital assistants (PDAs) via wireless access. head-mounted display (HMD) Small video screen in front of users’ eyes. Often used in virtual reality systems or wearable computers. hertz

A name for cycles per second, which is a unit of measure for frequency.

HomeRF (Home Radio Frequency) Wireless home networking is a way to connect PCs, peripherals, cordless phones, and many other consumer electronic devices so they can “talk” with each other to share resources and access to the Internet. Wireless home 353

networking makes this possible without the expense and complexity associated with running wires. Go to http://www.homerf.org for more details. HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) The set of markup symbols or codes inserted in a file intended for display on a World Wide Web browser page. The markup tells the Web browser how to display a Web page’s words and images for the user. iDEN (integrated digital enhanced network) A TDMA ESMR system that is similar to cellular systems. It was designed by Motorola and combines the features of two-way radio, text messaging, and voice into one network. There are also iDEN-enabled handsets. In the U.S., iDEN systems work in the 800MHz SMR frequency bands. IEEE 802.11a Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers standard for wireless local area networks that will be an enhanced version of 802.11b. IEEE 802.11a systems operate on unlicensed radio frequencies between 5GHz and 6GHz. A modulation scheme known as orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) enables data speeds as high as 54Mbps, but most commonly, communication takes place at 6Mbps, 12Mbps, or 24Mbps. IEEE 802.11b (Wi-Fi) Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers standard for wireless Ethernet local area networks that operate on unlicensed radio frequencies in the 2.4GHz frequency band. Data speeds are generally 5.5Mbps or 11Mbps for 802.11b. The IEEE 802.11g specification is expected to cover compatible systems that support higher data speeds in this frequency band. iMode (Internet mode) A proprietary Internet service that is popular for mobile service throughout Japan provided by NTT DoCoMo. IMT-2000 (International Mobile Telecommunications-2000) generation (3G) mobile communications systems.

The standard for third-

info-tainment Term used for interactive multimedia that has information value. News that is clickable is info-tainment because it’s information you can interact with on a screen or by voice. infrared (IR) Technology that powers via light that is just below the frequency of the visible light spectrum. Most remote control devices use IR to change television channels or activate other devices. Infrared is a wireless technology that does not penetrate walls or other opaque objects like RF waves do. INMARSAT

The International Maritime Satellite Organization.

instant messaging (IM) A text messaging system (possibly voice in the future) that enables you to send instant notes back and forth on your computer, such as America Online Instant Messenger (AIM). interface Where device or computer and user meet. The interface is how you use the information via keyboard, screen, voice systems, or software.

354

Internet phone A general name for a cell phone that enables users to access the Internet, also called a smart phone. The term Internet phone can also be used for a wired or wireless telephone that can complete voice calls over the Internet using VoIP (voice over IP). interoperability The capability for networks or devices to operate or communicate with each other even though they are based on different protocols or technologies.

GLOSSARY

IP address (Internet protocol address) An IP address is a numeric address used to identify each sender or receiver of information on the Internet. We usually don’t have to worry about numeric IP addresses because we use domain names, such as www.techtv.com, that are mapped into IP addresses by domain name servers. Some people say that soon all devices and appliances will have their own IP addresses and even your car will have an IP address. However, IP addresses are often dynamically assigned for each Internet session, and thus you can’t have a fixed (static) IP address when you access the Internet.

A Iridium A worldwide satellite network designed by Motorola and composed of 66 low earth orbit (LEO) satellites, it provides voice and data communications. Iridium phones were among the earliest satellite phones that provide this type of service outside the areas covered by standard cellular systems. Most Iridium phones support cellular as well as satellite calls (for example, they can be dual-mode satellite and GSM phones). ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) A set of standards and capabilities that integrates voice and data via the digital circuit-switched telephone system. ISP (Internet service provider) Companies that provide consumers and corporations access to the Internet. AOL, Earthlink, and MSN are all ISPs. ITV (interactive television)

Often referred to now as eTV (enhanced television).

J2ME (Java 2 Micro Edition) A new technology created by Sun Microsystems for Internet phones. It could compete with the Wireless Access Protocol (WAP) to send messages, logos, and images. Java Sun Microsystems platform-independent programming language. Many phones in the future will be Java-enabled, allowing animation, sound effects, and more to download to your device screen. JINI Sun Microsystems standard for wired and wireless connection of appliances and other devices to the Internet. just-in-time training Mobile learning systems or long-distance education that offer training just in time for installers, repair personnel, or consumers. keyboard Keys often similar to typewriter keys used as the user interface. The standard English keyboard is referred to as QWERTY, which are the first six letter keys at the upperleft of a computer or typewriter keyboard. Device keyboards can include other icons or symbols to indicate up or down or end, such as the end call key on mobile phones. 355

killer app Abbreviation for killer application, which evolved from software programs that are very popular. For example, e-mail is a killer app for computers. A mobile killer app could be SMS (short message services). kiosk Free-standing machines for point of purchase or communication. Small enclosed spaces that offer touchscreens at malls or public spaces or e-mail access at airports. LAN (local area network) Connects a group of computers and devices through wired or wireless systems to share data, software, and storage systems. last mile Phrase used to describe the system used to deliver information or networks to homes, schools, and offices. Most homes have both twisted-pair telephone lines and analog coaxial cable systems. Solving the last mile problem is the key to providing bandwidth. Sometimes also called the first mile. latency

A delay in transmission for wired or wireless systems.

LCD (liquid crystal display) Li-Ion

Flat displays used for computers, phones, and devices.

Lithium ion battery.

local calling area The area in which your calls are local and covered by a flat monthly rate versus subject to toll or long distance charges. m-banking Mobile banking systems now evolving for checking balances and paying bills via handheld and mobile devices. m-commerce (mobile commerce) Transactions with mobile devices that can include Web access or be via a minibrowser or alerts. message alert A light or other system that lets you know you have a message with or without ringing your handset. Most hotel phones have red message alert lights that blink. Your home phone might have a similar light or use a special dial tone for this purpose. MIN (mobile identification number) Identifies a device or mobile unit within a wireless network. It can be changed by your carrier to prevent fraud. modem Device that converts digital signals to analog signals and vice versa for transmission over telephone networks. Modems can be built-in or embedded units or cards plugged into the device or computer, such as PCMIA cards. MP3

A digital audio format used for streaming and playing near CD-quality audio.

MPEG (Motion Picture Experts Group) Standard for digital video. MPEG 1 and MPEG 2 are video compression standards. The higher the number of the MPEG, the better the transmission. MTSO (mobile telephone switching office) The central switching system that connects calls and controls the wireless system, including billing, handoffs, and monitoring calls.

356

multiplexing Combining and sending signals or streams of information (including voice) from multiple sources on a carrier at the same time in the form of a single, complex signal and then recovering the separate signals at the receiving end by a demultiplier. natural language Software programs that offer an interface that sounds natural or human-like. Human languages such as English, Spanish, and French are all natural languages.

newbie Someone new to the Internet or to a digital device or mobile phone. If you’ve never used it before or are just learning, computer-geeks call you a newbie. NiCd (or NiCad)

GLOSSARY

neural network System that can learn from feedback so that it works similarly to the human brain (thus the term neural). It’s often used for speech recognition and artificial intelligence software.

Nickel cadmium battery.

A

node Point where transmission facilities connect with other transmission facilities or other equipment. NTSC (National Television Systems Committee) The color broadcast standard used for television picture transmission in the United States and Japan. off-peak Times when carriers discount phone calls if you are not on a flat rate system. Not during the peak business day, or off of the peak time. optical character recognition (OCR) Software used to recognize characters or handwriting on a device or mobile handheld such as a Palm Pilot. Also used to mean a system that scans and digitizes printed materials. packet The unit of data that is routed between an origin and a destination on the Internet or any other packet-switched network. packet switching A network, such as the Internet, in which packets are routed from the originator to the destination without establishing a dedicated connection. As opposed to circuit switching, such as that used by the telephone network, where a dedicated connection is made for each call. paging

Messages sent to pagers or beepers carried by users who expect to be paged.

PAN (personal area network) Usually a smaller and slower wireless network than a LAN, it is used for printers, personal computers, and mobile phones. A Bluetooth network is an example of a PAN. Personal area network is also used to describe a technology that could enable wearable computer devices to communicate with other nearby computers and exchange digital information using the electrical conductivity of the human body as a data network. password A secret code that lets you use a device, computer, or other equipment such as an automated teller machine (ATM). 357

PCIA

Personal Computer International Association.

PCMIA card Originally named for the Personal Computer Memory Card International Association and now commonly called PC cards, these credit-card-size cards are used in laptop computers and other devices for additional memory or interfaces (such as a modem or network port). PCN (personal communications network) PCS. See also PCS. PCS (personal communications service) See also broadband PCS.

Communications systems implemented via

Wireless phone service using digital networks.

PDA (personal digital assistant) A mobile handheld device that can offer access to the Internet, data, and e-mail. Often known by their brand names, such as Palm, Visor, iPAQ, and so on. peak The peak time of the day, usually during business hours, when carriers charge customers the most for a call if they are not on a flat fee system. PIN

Personal identification number.

portal A central Web site or gateway that serves as a directory or door to resources and services. POTS (plain old telephone service) POTS.

You know, dial-up phone service. Your landline is

PUC (public utility commission) The state regulatory body that regulates utilities, including telecommunications. Each of the 50 states has a PUC. pull Term used for information you pull out on demand, such as voice mail or a marketing alert you request or register for in advance indicating you want to pull that content. push Term used for information that is sent to you or pushed to you, such as a page or text message. RBOC (Regional Bell Operating Company) What’s left of the Bell Telephone System, including such companies as U.S. West, SBC, Verizon, and BellSouth. repeater

Amplifier that boosts a signal so it’s carried further in transmission facilities.

RFID (radio frequency identification) Electronic tags used to tell you where items are located, these are often referred to as theft-prevention tags. In the future these will be used to wirelessly track luggage, packages, pallets, and equipment from warehouse to delivery. roaming Occurs when you and your phone go or travel outside your carrier’s local area. There might be roaming charges if you are not on a flat fee service plan. robotics The technology to build robots or robotic machines that can do mechanical tasks. Many robots will be wirelessly controlled in the future. 358

RSA An algorithm for encrypting a message. RSA stands for Rivest-Shamir-Adleman. RSA Security is a company well known for cryptography products. sensor A chip or device embedded into a wall, clothing, or a wearable computer (or anything else) that senses or gives feedback to the user or a computer.

slamming An illegal and unauthorized switching of a consumer’s telephone service to another carrier. There are fines for companies who perform slamming.

A

smart card A small plastic card or device embedded with a microprocessor with memory to use to include identification or electronic cash value. Smart cards are very popular in Europe. Could soon be embedded into mobile devices.

GLOSSARY

SIM (Subscriber Identify Module) The original GSM Subscriber Identity Module cards provided an individual identity for each mobile user, handling issues such as authentication and providing storage for basic user data and network information. The current generation of SIM cards, also called smart cards, contains integrated silicon chips that extend the intelligence and capability and provide the user with access to a vast range of new card-enabled applications.

smart phone Often used as another term for an Internet-enabled phone that has PDA functions. Can also mean GSM terminals with enhanced display capabilities and new functionalities that enable users to access their e-mail, faxes, and company intranets. Smart phones often feature larger displays, specialized built-in software, and a QWERTY or touchsensitive keyboard. SMS (short message services) An electronic messaging technology especially popular in Europe that allows mobile users to send text messages to Internet-enabled phones and devices. In the U.S. we usually refer to text messaging or a proprietary name branded by the provider. spamming device.

Sending of unsolicited, usually commercial, messages to your cell phone or

spectrum Continuous range of frequencies used for wireless. Only so much spectrum is available and, in the U.S., is regulated by the FCC. speech recognition Capability of a computer or device to understand and convert natural language into binary code. Often seen in science-fiction movies where users issue commands and computers and devices respond or perform a task. SSL (Secure Socket Layer) message. streaming media

A security protocol that enables the user to send an encrypted

Technology that streams audio or video to your device or PC.

T1 A telephone line that operates at 1.544Mbps and is usually used by corporations or shared office systems. A T1 line has 24 channels and typically carries 24 telephone calls. The European equivalent (used everywhere except North America) is E1 at 2.048Mbps, which has 32 channels and typically carries 30 telephone calls.

359

T3 The equivalent of 28 T1 lines, so information can travel at 44.735Mbps. It has really high-speed, high-bandwidth telephone line connections. TDMA (time division multiple access) A technology used in digital cellular telephone communications that divides each cellular channel into multiple time slots to increase the amount of data that can be carried. GSM is an example of a TDMA system. See also CDMA. telco

An acronym for telephone companies.

telecommuting Commuting to work without leaving your home via modem, fax, or mobile device instead of driving to work via car or train. teleconferencing System and technology that enables groups of people to participate in a conference or conversation via a telephone system. It’s generally referred to as an audio system. See also videoconferencing. telematics Integration of navigation systems and other wireless communications devices in your car or vehicle. More completely, telematics is the combination of telecommunications and computing and involves data communications between systems and devices. telephony Word derived from the Greek term meaning far sound. It’s often used for telephone systems or communications networks that involve voice, data, video, or image signals. It’s pronounced tell-eff-a-knee. Text to Speech (TTS) System that transfers text messages to voice, such as the ability to get your e-mail read via voice synthesis. touchscreen A monitor or screen sensitive to touch. Some mobile handheld devices have touchscreens that use a stylus (a small pen-like pointer) for writing or pressing buttons. Touchscreens are often used on kiosks. tri-mode Handsets that work on three different cellular systems, such as 800MHz GSM, 1900MHz GSM digital, and 800MHz analog (when digital is not available). A Globalstar satellite phone can also be a tri-mode phone and support satellite, as well as CDMA and analog cellular communications. URL (uniform resource locator) Internet.

The address of a file (resource) accessible on the

videoconferencing Communicating via voice and picture via video. Can also be used as a term for communicating via camera on your PC or other device. video phone Phone or device that has capability to transmit video. CNN uses videophones to transfer pictures to its studios from foreign locations. virus A software program that can damage a computer system by inserting itself surreptitiously via downloads or on Web sites. The goal of a virus can be to cause damage to the data or operating systems of your computer or handheld or mobile device. 360

VOD (video on demand) Term used for downloading video or movies when requested by the user to a computer or handheld or mobile device. voice activation ken word.

The technology that enables you to use a phone or other device by spo-

voice portal A connection to an Internet or a private information service based on voice recognition and speech synthesis. voice recognition

Communicating with devices or PCs via voice commands.

A

VoxVML (Voice Markup Language) A programming language that enables users to speak via phones directly to a Web site and get information from that site, such as directions, weather, news, and so on. VoxML is a technology from Motorola for creating a voice dialog with a Web site in which a user can call a Web site by phone and interact with it through speech recognition and Web site responses.

GLOSSARY

VoIP (voice over IP) A system that uses the Internet or other IP-based networks to send voice conversations or messages.

VPN (virtual private network) According to webopedia.com, this is “short for virtual private network, a network that is constructed by using public wires to connect nodes. For example, there are a number of systems that enable you to create networks using the Internet as the medium for transporting data. These systems use encryption and other security mechanisms to ensure that only authorized users can access the network and that the data cannot be intercepted.” VRML (Virtual Reality Modeling Language) A language for describing three-dimensional (3D) image sequences and possible user interactions to go with them. WAN (wide area network) A geographically dispersed telecommunications network. The term distinguishes a broader telecommunication structure from a local area network (LAN). WAP (Wireless Access Protocol) A specification for a set of communication protocols to standardize the way wireless devices, such as cellular telephones and radio transceivers, can be used for Internet access, including e-mail, the World Wide Web, newsgroups, and Internet Relay Chat (IRC). wearables Term used for wearable computers or mobile devices that can be worn on the arm, on the waist, or as jewelry. Wi-Fi

Term used for the 802.llb wireless access system. See also IEEE 802.11b.

wireless Communications systems that use the radio-frequency spectrum to transmit and receive voice, data, and video. It’s also slang for devices and phones, such as “I have gone wireless.” wireless access point

See access point.

Wireless IP (wireless Internet protocol)

IP used for wireless devices. 361

wireless LAN (wireless local area network) Uses wireless systems instead of phone lines or fiber optics to connect devices or computers over a LAN. Wireless PBX Systems that use an office private branch exchange system to hook up wireless handsets. WLL (wireless local loop) Technology to connect subscribers to the public telephone network using wireless technology. WLL systems are used for fixed subscribers as opposed to cellular systems, which generally serve non-fixed subscribers. WML (Wireless Markup Language) A language that enables the text portions of Web pages to be presented on cellular telephones and PDAs via wireless access. WML is one of the languages or standards used for WAP. World Wide Web (WWW) The graphical interface on the information superhighway. It links millions of sites together. The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) says, “The World Wide Web is the universe of network-accessible information, an embodiment of human knowledge.” zine

Term used to mean online magazine; watch for mobile zines to evolve quickly.

Zulu Time Greenwich Mean Time. Refers to time at 0° longitude, or the meridian, as it passes through Greenwich, England. It is considered the universal time.

362

A P P E N D I X

B

FOR MORE INFORMATION: CHAPTER WEB SITE REFERENCES

This is a partial list of Web sites based on references in the book and additional resources for the chapters. Ongoing updates will be provided online at www. cuttingthecord.com.

CHAPTER 1 DoMode www.domode.com

Provides research and consumer advocacy regarding mobile phones and radiation. About.com—Cell Phones/Pagers www.cellphones.about.com

About.com’s guide to helpful articles when choosing a cell phone and pager plans. Club Nokia www.clubnokia.com

Customer support, product information, and online community activities for members of Club Nokia. Palm www.palm.com

Customer support and product information for Palm’s handheld computing device. Xybernaut www.xybernaut.com

Company dedicated to providing technological solutions to maximize hands-free efficiency. Globalstar www.globalstar.com

International telecommunications company providing worldwide access in more than 100 countries. Your Mobile www.yourmobile.com

Offers the ability to customize the ringing tone of a mobile phone. AOL Anywhere www.aol.com/anywhere/mobile

Shows how you can tie wireless products to AOL services. Nokia USA www.nokiausa.com

Nokia’s Web site that offers customer support, product information, and product plans. 364

Cybiko www.cybiko.com

Wireless device allowing access to certain online activities within the boundaries of the Cybiko community.

CTIA (Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association) www.wow-com.com

A major trade association for wireless and Internet industry professionals, offers specialized section aimed at consumers and a complete e-store.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

CHAPTER 2

Audiovox Communications Corp.

B

www.audiovox.com

Web site for handsets and other products from Audiovox Corporation. Ericsson.com www.ericsson.com

Web site for handsets and other products from Ericsson. LG InfoComm USA, Inc. www.lginfocomm.com

Web site for handsets and other products from LG InfoCOMM. Motorola, Inc. www.motorola.com

Web site for handsets and other products from Motorola, Inc. Nokia Corp. www.nokia.com

Web site for handsets and other products from Nokia Corp. Panasonic www.panasonic.com

Web site for handsets and other products from Panasonic. Samsung/Telecommunications America www.samsungusa.com

Web site for handsets and other products from Samsung. 365

Sanyo North America Corp. www.sanyo.com

Web site for Sanyo North America. Siemens www.icm.siemens.com

Web site for Siemens handsets and other products. AT&T Wireless www.attws.com

Web site for information on AT&T wireless products, including GSM/GPRS services, EDGE (Enhanced Data GSM Environment),and TDMA network. Cingular Wireless www.cingular.com

Web site for information on Cingular Wireless, including TDMA and GSM/GPRS network markets. Nextel Communications www.nextel.com

Web site for information on iDEN (Integrated Digital Enhanced Network) and Direct Connect (two-way radio feature) and 1xRTT. Sprint PCS www.sprintpcs.com

Web site for Sprint PCS services, including the 1xRTT broadband service and Voice Command (voice dial) services. Verizon Wireless www.verizonwireless.com

Web site for Verizon Wireless services, including the 1xRTT Express Network. VoiceStream Wireless www.voicestream.com

Web site for VoiceStream Wireless services, including iStream GPRS services and GSM, and information about GPRS-enabled RIM devices and GPRS PC Card for notebooks. Cellmania, Inc. www.cellmania.com

366

Provides mobile business software for a variety of wireless media.

Donate A Phone Campaign www.donateaphone.com

CHAPTER 3 Wireless Foundation www.wirelessfoundation.org

B

Organization that coordinates community programs using wireless technology to promote safety and education.


CTIA’s Wireless Foundation has collected 1 million phones to help fight domestic violence in its Call to Protect program. Contains information about donating phones or working with charities on recycling obsolete phones. See this site for new programs developed in partnership with ReCellular (www.recellular.com), a leading remanufacturer of wireless equipment.

Ventek International www.ventek-intl.com

Provides technology for the transportation industry, such as parking meters, payment systems, and automated equipment. Amazon.com www.amazon.com

Provides a large selection of wireless products and services and of course, this book and other TechTV Network books. Nokia www.nokia.com/phones

Information about Nokia mobile phones. GSMBOX www.gsmbox.com

Offers daily news regarding the wireless world. Microsoft Mobile Devices www.microsoft.com/mobile/pocketpc

Information about Microsoft’s handheld computing devices and related accessories, downloads, and so on. Motorola www.motorola.com

Offers a variety of products, including mobile phones, pagers, modems, and software.

367

Kyocera www.kyocera.com

Company offers a variety of electronic products, including mobile phones, copiers, printers, and cameras. Compaq www.compaq.com

Information and support regarding Compaq’s various products and services, including PCs, handhelds, software, and customer support. Hey! That’s Cool! www.heythatscool.com

Stylish covers and cases for mobile phones. TracFone www.tracfone.com

Nationwide prepaid wireless phone service. Research In Motion www.rim.net

Provider of wireless handheld computing devices and radio modems. Motorola www.motorola.com

Offers a variety of products, including mobile phones, pagers, modems, and software. WAP (Wireless Applications Protocol) www.wap.com

Guide to the wireless Internet. Motorola www.commerce.motorola.com

Offers a variety of products, including mobile phones, pagers, modems, and software. Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) Forum www.wapforum.org

Wireless Application Protocol that allows wireless devices to easily access information and services.

368

Psion www.psion.com

Provides mobile computing and communications products.

Japanese-language Web site: www.nttdocomo-inpaku.com

English-language Web site: http://www.nttdocomo-inpaku.com/index_e.html

Provides information about the future of mobile communications.


DoCoMo Magic World

WapCardz.com

B

www.wapcardz.com

Allows greeting cards to be sent to and from mobile phones and PCs. Infospace www.infospace.com

Internet search engine/Web directory that also offers mobile Internet solutions to wireless consumers. MyPalm www.mypalm.com

Compares various hardware and software related to handheld computing devices. Yahoo! Mobile mobile.yahoo.com/phone/tour

A series of articles offered by Yahoo! about mobile phones. PayPal www.paypal.com

Online service that enables consumers to either pay a bill or send an invoice via e-mail. Paybox Services www.paybox.com

French-language payment services.

369

Moviefone www.moviefone.com/help/wirelessmain.adp

Allows consumers to receive movie show times and purchase movie tickets via handheld computing devices. CNWB www.CNWB.com

Provides e-commerce solutions, products and services to “empower the Internet generation” for consumers and merchants. musicphone www.musicphone.com

Wireless voice-activated portal for music-related information, including songs, concert ticket purchases, artist bios, and so on. Gemplus www.gemplus.com

A provider of smart cards, which combines the functionality of a credit card, identification, and a memory card.

CHAPTER 4 Sendo www.sendo.com

Sendo is a mobile phone company with development, manufacturing, marketing, sales, and distribution worldwide; it’s headquartered in Birmingham, U.K. Ucomics www.ucomic.com

This firm delivers more than 70 nationally syndicated comics, updated daily, as it says on its Web site. Note that “Cathy” is syndicated to newspapers via United Press Syndicate. Brighthand www.brighthand.com

Brighthand is one of the leading Web sites/portals for information on “nothing but handhelds,” as it says on its site. Handspring www.handspring.com

370

Handspring is the creator of the Treo Communications series including handhelds, Springboard Modules, and accessories.

Blackberry www.blackberry.net

Philips Remote Controls www.remotecontrol.philips.com/products

Philips RCS produces various types of wireless input and control devices ranging from traditional remote controls to advanced multimedia products. Palm


Blackberry creates wireless e-mail solutions for enterprise, small business, home, personal, and government use. Some wireless carriers also offer Blackberry solutions from Research In Motion Limited (RIM).

www.palm.com

B Palm’s newest wireless handheld is the i705, which now delivers always-on AOL Instant Messenger. PoGo Products www.pogoproducts.com

This firm is the creator of the RipFlash MP3 Player and Recorder. Impactra Co. Ltd. www.impactra.com

This firm creates portable digital MPEG 4 (MP4) players that play digital audio and fullmotion video. Microsoft Corp. Mira www.microsoft.com/presspass/Press

Microsoft’s Chairman and CEO Bill Gates previewed a set of technologies code-named Mira that are designed to be included in a new generation of smart display devices at CES 2002. Tech Home www.techhome.org

TechHome.org is the Consumer Electronics Association’s (CEA) integrated home systems Web site and is a source for next-generation integrated home systems, products, and resources. CEA (Consumer Electronics Association) www.ce.org

The Consumer Electronics Association serves as the source for information about the consumer electronics industry and produces the major Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in 371

Las Vegas annually along with other seminars, workshops, and educational outreach programs. Sonic Blue www.sonicblue.com

RioRiot is one of the digital audio smartplayers produced by Sonic Blue. Sony Airboard www.sony.co.jp/sd/airboard

Sony Corp.’s Airboard is a wireless screen introduced in the Japanese market in December 2000. Airboard2 is a home entertainment controller and wireless television. AvantGo www.avantgo.com

AvantGo produces mobile enterprise software. Click Products and Services to see the content channels. Sirius Radio www.siriusradio.com

Sirius Radio is one of the major satellite radio providers. The firm has launched three satellites. XM Radio www.xmradio.com

XM Radio is the leader in providing satellite radio. Versaly www.versaly.com

Versaly is a production firm launching games for mobile phones, including Star Trekbranded experiences. Bluetooth www.bluetooth.com

This is the official Bluetooth Web site that provides information about this wireless standard. Handango www.handango.com

372

Handango says it’s the “leading publisher of handheld software.” The site features software and a shop for hardware, including Palm OS, Pocket PC, Rim Handhelds, Windows CE, Symbian OS, and Java.

Magis Networks www.magisnetworks.com

Magis develops chipsets for wireless unified networks that enable distributed data, video, and audio through the home and office.

www.mazingo.net

Mazingo features video, audio, and text delivery to your PDA with more than 500 channels of movies, classic TV shows, radio news, comics, and more. Chops & Associates


Mazingo

www.chops.com

B

Chops & Associates Live Animation is the home of Pentium-based performance animation, a VR experience that brings 3D characters to life. Proteus www.proteus.com

Proteus develops interactive television solutions, including the Motorola and FOXSports Wireless Super Bowl program. SmartPaper www.smartpaper.net

This is a next-generation wireless solution for publications. Integrated Media Systems Center, USC www.imsc.usc.edu

The Integrated Media Systems Center at the University of Southern California is the National Science Foundation’s Engineering Research Center for multimedia and Internet research.

CHAPTER 5 Public Safety Wireless Network Information www.pswn.gov/about.htm

Articles on about.com about the Public Safety Wireless Network plan for nationwide interoperability. FCC Web site www.fcc.gov/oet/rfsafety

This is the FCC Web site, which gives information on radiation levels of wireless devices. Its phone number is 202-418-2464.

373

Traffic Safety Organization www.trafficsafety.org

Offers toolkits to help reform distracted drivers. Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association (CTIA) www.wow-com.com

Organization that represents wireless communication technology by offering research, information, and community. How Stuff Works—How Cell Phones Work www.howstuffworks.com/cell-phone.htm

Describes the basics of cellular phone technology. Federal Communications Commission www.fcc.gov/wtb/cellular

Defines codes and regulations regarding cellular radiotelephone technology. Siemens WristPhone GSM Triband www.cellular.co.za/phones/siemens/2001/siemens_wristphone.htm

Miniature voice-activated mobile phone fitted onto a wristband. Federal Communications Commission www.fcc.gov.oet/rfsafety/rf-faqs.html

Lists frequently asked questions regarding radio frequency and microwave emissions. Dieceland Phone-Card-Phone www.dtcproducts.com

Dieceland disposable credit card–size mobile phone that attaches to an ear/voice piece.

CHAPTER 6 Cars.com www.cars.com

Provides access to vehicle information and offers the ability to buy and sell vehicles online. Car Talk @ Cars.com www.cartalk.cars.com

Online community that hosts interactive opportunities as well as a radio show discussing automobile-related material. 374

Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) www.trafficsafety.org

Organization that advocates safe driving through educational and promotional programs.

www.autobarn.net/ac4678html

Offers a variety of automobile accessories that can be purchased online. OnStar www.onstar.com/visitors/html/bs_bat_tv.htm

B

Web page where you can view Batman commercials for OnStar—the automobile wireless product that provides services such as emergency assistance, roadside assistance, and remote door unlocking.


Auto Barn

ComCARE Alliance (Communications for Coordinated Assistance and Response to Emergencies) www.comcare.org

National coalition that coordinates technological products and services for emergency response purposes. MobileAria, Inc. www.mobilearia.com

Provides hands-free wireless products and services. JABRA Products www.jabra.com/products/cordless.htm

Provides hands-free wireless telecommunications products and services. Cartoon Network www.cartoonnetwork.com/doc/jetsons/ms/jsms_v-00_earlyb.html

Shows preliminary sketches for the classic cartoon The Jetsons. Landrover www.landrover.com

Offers information and retail locator services for the Landrover. OnStar—Vehicles with OnStar www.onstar.com/visitors/html/va_availability.htm

Lists vehicle makes and models that include OnStar. 375

BMW www.bmw.com

Home page of the BMW automobile company. ATX Technologies www.atxtechnologies.com

Offers emergency, navigation, and information services to carriers and auto manufacturers. Wingcast www.wingcast.com

Ford Motor Company and Qualcomm, Inc., join forces to bring wireless services to automobiles. Traffic411 www.Traffic411.com

Offers traffic news, features and maps accessible online and wireless in conjunction with carriers and other services. Moller 150 Skycar www.moller.com

Offers information about the Moller 150 Skycar, a single-person flying vehicle. ISE Group of Companies www.ise.bc.ca/smart.html

Offers information about automatic service robots designed by ISE, specifically the automatic gasoline pump. USA Today www.usatoday.com/life/cyber/tech/review/crh239.htm

News article about new automobile industry developments that further automate vehicles to increase safety. Knight Rider Online www.knightrideronline.com

Web site for the television series Knight Rider, which was popular in the 1980s.

376

CHAPTER 7 Federal Trade Commission www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/edcams/kidzprivacy/index.html

Truste www.truste.com/bus/symbols.html

Organization that provides guidelines on privacy protection levels for Web sites and wireless services. Grants stamps of approval to those Web sites that adhere to Truste’s standards.


Outlines the Federal Trade Commission regulations and advice for parental guidance of children’s Internet endeavors, including privacy protection and consent issues.

Wireless Advertising Association (now Mobile Marketing Association)

B

www.mmaglobal.org

Note that the Wireless Advertising Association (WAA) and the Wireless Marketing Association (WMA) announced in January 2002 that they are merging to create the Mobile Marketing Association. These two groups say they are working together to foster marketing and advertising standards for the mobile industry. Electronic Privacy Information Center www.epic.org

Offers news, research, and information about current policies in electronic privacy. OrdersUp www.ordersup.com

Provides wireless customers with access to current specials at participating restaurants. Streetbeam, Inc. www.streetbeam.com

Marketing technology sends messages via an infrared beam directly to specific wireless devices. USA Today—Anytime, Anywhere www.usatoday.com/marketing/wiresplash.htm

Allows wireless telecommunications devices to receive news from USA Today. Centerpost www.centerpost.com

Provides electronic messaging between wireless communications devices, including mobile phones, pagers, e-mail, fax, and PDAs.

377

MPA—Mobile People Architecture mpa.stanford.edu

Researches man/machine interfaces and other topics. Sirit and Enterprises www.sirit.com

Provides automatic vehicle identification technology for parking, gated communities, toll collection, and so on. McAfee www.mcafee.com

Provides antiviral protection for desktops, networks and handheld computing devices.

CHAPTER 8 Enhanced 911 Updates www.fcc.gov/911/enhanced

Information on enhanced 911 emergency services carrier compliance, waivers, and updates. Geocaching www.geocaching.com

Promotes the new sport of Geocaching, where people use their global positioning system (GPS) devices to locate different treasures. eBay Anywhere Wireless www.ebay.com/anywhere

Enables users to access eBay from any wireless device with Internet access. NTT DoCoMo I-mode http://www.nttdocomo.com

Provides Internet service to wireless consumers. Xybernaut www.xybernaut.com

Developer of wearable and hands-free products and services.

378

AOL Mobile Communicator www.aol.com/anywhere/mobilecomm

Offers information on AOL’s mobile communicator device, which enables users to send and receive instant text messages.

www.odigo.com


Offers instant messaging and presence solutions for businesses employing a variety of telecommunication technologies.

B

HaikuHaiku: Mobile Art Exchange www.haikuhaiku.com

Allows people to create and post Haiku poems wirelessly. Odigo, Inc.

AT&T Home Page www.att.com

Provides information and access to products and services offered by AT&T. Motorola Graphics Library www.motorola.com/mediacenter/graphics

Displays images of various Motorola products. Cellphones-Accessories.com www.cellphones-accessories.com

Offers information and shopping for the cell phone consumer. How Stuff Works—How Digital Jewelry Will Work www.howstuffworks.com/digital-jewelry1.htm

Outlines predictions for the future of wireless technology in the form of jeweled disguises.

CHAPTER 9 HomeRF Working Group, Inc. www.homerf.org

Trade group featuring guide to Home RF wireless products and accessories. Wireless Ethernet Organization www.wirelessethernet.org

The primary trade group for IEEE 802.11b (Wi-Fi) certified products, services and members. 379

OnStar www.onstar.com

Wireless safety and security services for auto and home use including roadside assistance and home management services. SmartHome www.smarthome.com

Manufacturer of home automation gadgets. EspriTV www.espritv.com

Provider of Internet television technology and services. MOMA www.moma.org/workspheres

Museum of Modern Art site for their successful Workspheres exhibition that includes wireless products and prototypes for mobile lifestyle. The New Home Show www.thenewhomeshow.com

Offers how-to guidance for building your own home. International Engineering Consortium www.iec.org

Organization that promotes the use and coordination of technology and higher education institutions. The Wireless LAN.com Answer Page www.wirelesslan.com/wireless

Provides information about wireless local area networking. ViewSonic www.viewsonic.com/products/viewpad100.htm

Information about webpad screens and handheld computing devices. Intel AnyPoint Home Networks http://www.intel.com/anypoint/

Provides information for Intel’s wireless networking products.

380

Java www.java.sun.com

Provides information, support, and community for Java technology.

www.pronto.philips.com

Information about Philips’ intelligent remote control. X10.com www.x10.com/products/x10_ur41ahtm

Offers wireless products for home automation, entertainment, and security.


Pronto

Vintage Technology

B

www.vintagetechnology.com

Supplier of older technology, including computers, games, and movies. Kenwood Product Finder www.kenwood.net/products

Allows users to locate Kenwood products and retailers. Pirates! www.viktoria.informatik.gu.se/groups/play/projects/pirates/index.html

Outlines the research initiative between Nokia Research Center and PLAY to explore the future of computer gaming. RobotPHONE www.robotphone.org

Explains the use of robots for interpersonal communication (can perhaps be crudely described similar to a holographic image of the user to be displayed at a remote site, but rather than video or light, robotics are used). MP3Shopping.com www.mp3shopping.com

Provides information and shopping for MP3 players, software, and music. Live365 www.live365.com

Provides links to and information about Internet radio stations.

381

Upoc www.jenniferlopez.upoc.com

Offers mobile messaging and information services to text pagers and mobile phones about Hollywood personality Jennifer Lopez. The Sharper Image www.sharperimage.com

Offers a wide variety of wireless electronic products; some examples include CD/radio alarm clock, car phone, and hot/cold snack box. Dockers www.dockers.com

Home page for the Levi Strauss Dockers product line. Wireless Foundation www.wirelessfoundation.org

Organization that coordinates community programs using wireless technology to promote safety and education.

CHAPTER 10 Roamable www.roamable.com

Enables wireless access to all e-mail-enabled devices. NY Venture Space www.nyventurespace.com

Provides venture capitalism services, including loans, consultations, office space, and technical services to new businesses. Architecture Magazine www.architecturemag.com/mar01/culture/culture.asp

Culture article about office design involving advanced ergonomically supportive office furniture. Enhanced Desk www.hci.iis.u-tokyo.ac.jp/research

Describes a desk interface system in which the desk acts as a touch screen for technological commands. 382

Wireless Village www.wireless-village.org

Designs and promotes standards and policies for mobile instant messaging and presence services.

www.symbol.com


Offers data management systems such as bar-coding systems, wireless LANs, and handheld computing devices.

B

GoAmerica Communications, Inc. www.goamerica.net

Provides wireless Internet services and wireless data solutions. Symbol Technologies

Symbol Technologies Wireless Products www.symbol.com/products/wireless/wireless_why_wireless.html

Provides and integrates various wireless products to form a wireless local area network. cyberPIXIE www.cyberpixie.com

Provides wireless local area network products and services and specialized wireless offerings to carriers. iScribe www.iscribe.com

Handheld computing device designed for doctors to use for prescription writing, charging, and monitoring. Silicon Alley Daily www.siliconalleydaily.com

Online news provider of media, finance, and technology information.

383

A P P E N D I X

C

TECHTV QUICK FACTS Boasting the cable market’s most interactive audience, TechTV is the only cable television channel covering technology information, news, and entertainment from a consumer, industry, and market perspective 24 hours a day. Offering everything from industry news to product reviews, updates on tech stocks to tech support, TechTV’s original programming keeps the wired world informed and entertained. TechTV is one of the fastest growing cable networks, available around the country and worldwide. Offering more than a cable television channel, TechTV delivers a fully integrated, interactive Web site. Techtv.com is a community destination that encourages viewer interaction through e-mail, live chat, and video mail. TechTV, formerly ZDTV, is owned by Vulcan, Inc.

AUDIENCE TechTV appeals to anyone with an active interest in following and understanding technology trends and how they impact their lives in today’s world—from the tech investor and industry insider, to the Internet surfer, cell phone owner, and Palm Pilot organizer.

WEB SITE Techtv.com allows viewers to participate in programming, provide feedback, interact with hosts, send video e-mails, and further explore the latest tech content featured on the television cable network. In addition, techtv.com has one of the Web’s most extensive technology-specific video-on-demand features (VOD), offering users immediate access to more than 5,000 videos as well as expanded tech content of more than 2,000 in-depth articles.

INTERNATIONAL TechTV is the world’s largest producer and distributor of television programming about technology. In Asia, TechTV delivers a 24-hour international version via satellite. TechTV Canada is a “must-carry” digital channel that will launch in September 2001. A PanEuropean version of TechTV is planned for 2002.

TECH LIVE QUICK FACTS

Tech Live is TechTV’s unique concept in live technology news programming. Tech Live provides extensive coverage, in-depth analysis, and original features on breaking technology developments as they relate to news, market trends, entertainment, and consumer products. Tech Live is presented from market, industry, and consumer perspectives.

Mission Tech Live is the leading on-air resource and ultimate destination for consumers and industry insiders to find the most comprehensive coverage of technology and how it affects and relates to their lives, from market, industry, and consumer perspectives.

Format Tech Live offers nine hours of live programming a day.

386

Tech Live is built around hourly blocks of news programming arranged into content zones: technology news, finance, product reviews, help, and consumer advice.

Tech Live news bureaus in New York City, Washington D.C., Silicon Valley, and Seattle are currently breaking technology-related news stories on the financial markets, the political arena, and major industry players.

Tech Live runs Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. EST.

NETWORK PROGRAM GUIDE The following is a list of the programs that currently air on TechTV. We are constantly striving to improve our on-air offerings, so please visit www.techtv.com for a constantly updated list, as well as specific air times.

C

AudioFile

TECHTV QUICK FACTS

The TechTV “Superticker” positioned along the side of the screen gives viewers up-to-the-minute status on the leading tech stocks, as well as additional data and interactive content.

In this weekly half-hour show, Liam Mayclem and Kris Kosach host the premiere music program of its kind that dares to explore music in the digital age. From interviews with artists and producers, to insight into the online tools to help create your own music, AudioFile discovers how the Internet is changing the music industry.

Big Thinkers

This weekly half-hour talk show takes viewers into the future of technological innovation through insightful and down-to-earth interviews with the industry’s most influential thinkers and innovators of our time. 387

Call for Help This daily, hour-long, fully interactive call-in show hosted by Becky Worley and Chris Pirillo takes the stress out of computing and the Internet for both beginners and pros. Each day, Call for Help tackles viewers’ technical difficulties, offers tips and tricks, provides product advice, and offers viewers suggestions for getting the most out of their computers.

CyberCrime

This weekly half-hour news magazine provides a fast-paced inside look at the dangers facing technology users in the digital age. Hosts Alex Wellen and Jennifer London take a hard look at fraud, hacking, viruses, and invasions of privacy to keep Web surfers aware and secure on the Web.

Extended Play

In this weekly half-hour show, video game expert hosts Kate Botello and Adam Sessler provide comprehensive reviews of the hottest new games on the market, previews of games in development, and tips on how to score the biggest thrills and avoid the worst spills in gaming. This show is a must-see for game lovers, whether they’re seasoned pros or gaming novices.

388

Fresh Gear

TECHTV QUICK FACTS

C

A gadget-lover’s utopia, host Sumi Das supplies viewers with the scoop on the best and brightest technology available on the market. In this weekly half-hour show, detailed product reviews reveal what’s new, what works, what’s hot, and what’s not and offers advice on which products to buy—and which to bypass.

Silicon Spin

Noted technology columnist John C. Dvorak anchors this live, daily, half-hour in-depth look at the stories behind today’s tech headlines. CEOs, experts, and entrepreneurs cast a critical eye at industry hype and separate the facts from the spin.

The Screen Savers

Whether you are cracking code, are struggling with Windows, or just want to stay up to speed on what’s happening in the world of computers, The Screen Savers is here to help. Leo Laporte and Patrick Norton unleash the power of technology with wit and flair in this live, daily, hour-long interactive show geared toward the tech enthusiast. 389

Titans of Tech Titans of Tech is a weekly hour-long series of biographies profiling high tech’s most important movers and shakers—the CEOs, entrepreneurs, and visionaries driving today’s tech economy. Through insightful interviews and in-depth profiles, these specials offer viewers a rare look at where the new economy is headed.

390

I N D E X

Symbols 2.5G wireless connections, 58 2G wireless connections, 58 2Roam Web site, 325 2Scoot, 197 SmartCover, 198 2Scoot Web site, 197 3G wireless connections, 57, 60 4G wireless connections, 60

ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control), 166 access points, 293 accessing eBay, 271 Sprint PCS Wireless Web, 65-66 wireless Internet, 53-54 accessories, 129 cameras, 129-130 GPS, 249-250 printers, 129-130

4security.com, 239

Accessory Solutions Web site, 94

511 dialing code (traveler information), 199

Accompli 009 Personal Communicator, 42

802.11a, 55

ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union), 210

802.11b networking, 16

Adventure GPS Web site, 250 advertising, wireless, 222-223 actionable offers, 224 coupons, 223 special offers, 224-225 Advocates for Cell Phone Safety Web site, 192 AI (artificial intelligence), 233 AIM (AOL Instant Messenger), 76, 259 AirPort 2, 297-298 airtime, calling plans, 29 alphanumeric paging, 253 AlterEgo Networks Web site, 325 Amazon.com Web site, 367

ACLU Web site, 210

America Links Up, 213

802.11g, 55-57

acronyms, digital phones, 14-15

America Links Up Web site, 213

911, 171 cell calls, 151

actionable offers, wireless advertising, 224

American Automobile Association. See AAA

Actiontec Electronics, 301

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), 210

802.11b networks, security, 343

A

Active Buddy Web site, 316 ad networks, 226

AAA (American Automobile Association), 196 mobile commerce, 201 About.com Web site, 24, 364, 373

AdAlive, 228 Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), 166 Advanced Mobile Phone Service (AMPS), 57

American Demographics magazine, 207 American Online. See AOL AMPS (Advanced Mobile Phone Service), 57 analog wireless phones, 34 functions, 9

ANIMATION, VIRTUAL

INDEX

animation, virtual, 131

ArialPhone, 99

antennas cell phone safety, 138, 144 phones, 10

ArialPhone Web site, 100

antivirus Web sites, 239 4security.com, 239 Cerias.purdue.edu/hotlist, 240 Lockdown.co.uk, 240 Look.com, 239 McAfee.com, 239 Security.oreilly.com, 240 SecurityPortal.com, 240 Symantec.com, 239

ASP (application service provider), 316 AT&T, 326 AT&T Broadbanding, 298-299 AT&T Business Needs Web site, 326 AT&T data services, 61-62

AOL Anywhere, 251

AT&T Internet-ready phones, 63 Ericsson R289LX, 63 Mitsubishi MobileAccess T250, 64

AOL Anywhere Web site, 364

AT&T Web site, 379

AOL by Pager, 252

AT&T Wireless Web site, 27, 366

anytime minutes, 28 AOL features, 251-252

AOL Communicator, 135 AOL for Mobile PDAs, 252 AOL ICQ Web site, 257 AOL Instant Messenger (AIM), 76, 259 AOL Mail Alert service, 251 AOL Mobile Communicator, 252

ATX, 185-186 ATX Technologies Web site, 376 audience, 386 audio, wireless, 289 audio players, RioRiot, 114 AudioFile, 387

AOL Mobile Communicator Web site, 379

Audiovox, wireless phones, 37

AOL Mobile Indicator, 251

Audiovox Communications Corp. Web site, 365

AOL Mobile Phone Service, 251

Audiovox MVX480, 156

AOL Web site, 251

Audiovox MVX480XL, 156

AOL’s ICQ, 12

Audiovox Web site, 37

AOLbyPhone, 18

authentication (wireless security), 238

Apple AirPort 2, 297-298 Apple AirPort 2 Web site, 297 application service provider (ASP), 316 applications, wireless retail, 331-332 approval seals, 206 Architecture Magazine Web site, 382 392

artificial intelligence (AI), 233

Auto Barn Web site, 375 Autograph, 202 automated directions. See GPS automated maps. See GPS automatic crash notification (automobiles), 171-173

automobiles ATX, 185 nationwide traffic reports, 186 AutoPC (Microsoft), 192-193 DriveCam Video Systems, 190 driver distraction reports, 196 emergency response systems, 168 fingerprint recognition, 196 geographic-based services, 199 GPS, 180-181 hands-free devices, 173 Cellport Systems, 176 MobileAria, 175 PDAs, 174 requirements, 173-174 Sony Ericsson, 176 Internet, 165-166 mobile commerce, 200-201 mobile phones, 164-165 Motorola Timeport, 188-189 MyCar (Microsoft), 192 OnCall, 189 OnStar, 182 availability, 184 costs, 182-184 features, 182-184 security codes, 185 radio, 168 history, 166 safety features, 171, 179 automatic crash notification, 172-173 mayday button, 171 SOS button, 171 satellite radio, 194 Skycar, 195 TeleAid, 186 costs, 187 features, 186-187 traffic reports, 190-191 voice recognition, 191-192 Trafficmaster, 193 Wingcast, 188 wireless devices, 20-21

wireless payment methods, 197 2Scoot, 198 SmartPump, 198 Speedpass, 197 worldwide wireless services, 166

BBBOnLine (Council for Better Business Bureaus), 210

business applications, 313

BBBOnLine Web site, 210

Business Week Web site, 181

Be At Home, 284 Be At Home Web site, 284

AutoPC, 166

beaming Web video, 119

AutoPC (Microsoft), 192-193

BellSouth Communicator, 305

availability, OnStar, 184 AvantGo Web site, 117, 372

baby monitors, video cameras as, 307-308 backward compatibility, 292

Big Thinkers, 387 billboards, mobile commerce, 200-201 biometric PDA security, 237-238 Biometric Solutions Web site, 237

cable, home networking systems, 285 cable operators, wireless security, 308-310 Call for Action, 210 Call for Action Web site, 210 Call for Help, 388 caller ID (caller identification), 11-12 calling, prepaid, 10

banking, mobile, 83 cashless societies, 88-89 credit cards, 87 financial messages, 84 payment options, 83 payment systems, 85-86 terminology, 86 transfers, 84

biometrics, 237

calling plans, 29-31

bits, comparing with books, 126

cameras, accessories, 129-130

Blackberry, 40-41

cancer, cell phone safety, 141-144

Bantu Web site, 232

Bluetooth, 121-122, 292-293 chipsets, 122 connectivity, 321-322 networking, 16 standards, 123 testing, 321

car insurance, mobile commerce, 202

Bluetooth Web site, 123, 293, 322, 372

Carrier Enterprise Solutions, 325

BMW Assist Web site, 168

carriers choosing, 25 comparing, 27-29 calling plans, 29-31 Consumer Reports, 27 handsets, 31-32 online resources, 28-29 wireless data services, 30

bar codes, 332 Barnes and Noble Web site, 125 batteries, 263 charging, 264 costs, 264 electric, 265 fuel, 266-267 fuel cells, 267 gas, 266-267 life of, 93-94, 263 maintaining, 268-269 rechargeable, 264 size, 264 smart, 269 solar chargers GPS, 268 PocketPCs, 267-268 sunlight charged, 267

Blackberry handhelds, 107 Blackberry Web site, 42, 371 blind, devices for, 103

BMW Motorola Timeport, 188-189 BMW Web site, 189, 376 Bodymedia SenseWear Pro Armband, 111 Boingo Web site, 126, 337 books, comparing with bits, 126 booster kits, 197 Brighthand Web site, 370 browsing, WAP, 79-80

INDEX

B

Beyond.com Web site, 250

C

CASES

AvantGo, 117

building Macintosh networks, 298

capabilities home networking, 280-281 m-commerce, 83

Car Talk Web site, 158 Card Technology Web site, 84

Cars.com Web site, 374 Cartoon Network Web site, 375 cases cell phones, 38 phones, 94

393

CD (ConneXus Corp), 199 CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), 14 CDT (Center for Democracy and Technology), 210 CDT Web site, 210

INDEX

CD (CONNEXUS CORP)

CEA (Consumer Electronics Association), 168

394

traffic reports, 202-203 types, 13 flat-rate service plans, 13 prepaid service plans, 13 usage while driving, 154-155 choosing phone types, 155 laws, 156-158 voice mail, 11-12 voice recognition, 10

children cell phone safety, 145-146 privacy protection, 212 COPPA, 212-213 sharing information, 214-215 wireless, 213 wireless information, 21 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), 212

CEA (Consumer Electronics Association) Web site, 371

Cellmania, Inc. Web site, 366

chipsets, Bluetooth, 122

cell base stations, 141

Cellphones-Accessories.com Web site, 379

CellSocket, 94

choosing carriers, 25 cell phones, 31-32 cell phones for driving use, 155-156

CellSocket Web site, 94

Chops & Associates, 131

Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association. See CTIA

Chops & Associates Web site, 132, 373

cell phones. See also mobile phones; wireless, phones airplane use, 18-19 caller ID, 11-12 cases, 38 choosing, 31-32 components, 33 disposable, 153, 234-235 emergency calls, 151-154 ringers, setting, 17-18 roaming charges, 10 safety, 9, 134, 137 antennas, 138 cancer, 141-143 children, 145-146 FAQs, 144 FCC, 9, 148-150 gas pumps, 145 handheld computers, 143 hands-free kits, 137 headsets, 143 landlines, 137 laptops, 143 lawsuits, 147 pacemakers, 150 pregnancy, 138 radiation, 138, 145 radiation shields, 137 RF fields, 141 RF levels, 141 SAR, 9-10, 138 studies, 139-143 usage, 137, 148 weak signals, 138 Web sites, 148 traffic overloads, 134-135

Cellport Systems Web site, 176

Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association Web site, 9, 218 Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association. See CTIA Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT), 210 Centerpost Web site, 377 centralized home networking, 279 Cerias.purdue.edu/hotlist, 240 certified-based IM, 232-233 chargers, phones, 266 charges, roaming, 10 charging batteries, 264, 268-269 charities, wireless device donations, 45-46 chartplotters devices (GPS), 249

Cingular Interactive wireless network, 135 Cingular Web site, 27, 366 Cingular Wireless Internet, 72 Internet-ready phones Cingular Wireless Data Connect, 74-75 Cingular Wireless Internet Express, 73-74 Cisco, 262 Clarion Corporation of America, AutoPC, 193 clothing, wearable wireless devices, 273 Club Nokia Web site, 364 CMD9100SP Internet-ready phones, 66 CNWB Web site, 370 Cobra FRS 315, 305 Coca-Cola machines, 270-271 ComCARE Alliance, 169-170 ComCARE Alliance Web site, 169, 375

Communities on Phone Patrol (COPP), 310 Compaq Web site, 47, 368

corporate traveling, 337-338 corporate wireless Web, 324-328

CyberPixie Web site, 337, 383 Cybiko, 43, 109

comparing bits and books, 126 carriers, 27-29 calling plans, 29-31 Consumer Reports, 27 handsets, 31-32 online resources, 28-29 pagers, PDAs, and phones, 97-98 WAP and Web, 79 wireless home gateways, 301

costs batteries, 264 cell phones, 32-33 Family calling plans, 29-30 GPS, 249 OnStar, 182-184 pagers, 39 SMS, 253 TeleAid, 187 voice mail, 12 Council for Better Business Bureaus, 210

definitions personalization, 217 privacy, 217 security, 217

components, cell phones, 33

coupons, wireless advertising, 223

delivery, home networking systems, 285-286

credit card orders, privacy, 206

delivery networks, 226

credit cards e-commerce, 87 m-commerce, 87

demographics, privacy studies, 207

connections HomeRF, 322 LANs, 321 Bluetooth, 321-322 IEEE 802.11b, 322 technologies, 322 Consumer Action, 210 Consumer Action Web site, 210 Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), 168, 371 Consumer Reports Web site, 27 content, wireless, 227 content aggregators, 226 content networks, 226 cookies (Internet), 216 Cooltown (Hewlett Packard), 294-296 Cooltown (Hewlett Packard) Web site, 296, 344 COPP (Communities on Phone Patrol), 310 COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act), 212 Copycat Web site, 246

Cricket Communications Web site, 30 criteria, upgrading PDAs, 101 cross-collaboration, 118 cross-platform devices, 123 cross-platform messaging, 255 CTIA (Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association/Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association), 24, 139, 177, 218-220 CTIA Web site, 25, 139-140, 196, 218, 365, 374 customers, mobile commerce, 225-226 Cutting the Cord Web site, 345 CyberAngels Web site, 210 CyberCredit Web site, 87 CyberCrime, 388

D data services, 61, 253 AT&T, 61-62

INDEX

connecting wireless systems, 121-122

Cybiko wireless devices, 20

DIAL-A-COKE

confidentiality (wireless security), 238

Cybiko Web site, 43, 109, 365

DeMode Web site, 364, 369

demos, 334 wireless, 340-342 destinationCRM Web site, 95 devices blind usage, 103 cross-platform, 123 GPS, 128 hybrid, 43 Cybiko, 43 GITWIT, 43 HipTop, 43 Pogo, 44 Uproar, 45 Wheels of Zeus, 44 networking, 121-122 wireless, 323-324, 328 global wireless phones, 328 printing, 330 two-way radios, 329 types, 20-21 video phones, 329 Dia Center for the Arts, 119 Dia Center Web site, 119 diagrams, home networking, 282 Dial-a-Coke, 270-271 395

dialpads, PDAs, 104 Dieceland Technologies Web site, 234 Dieceland PhoneCard-Phone Web site, 374 Digimask, 259 Digital Angel, 137

DIALPADS, PDAS

INDEX

DSL, AirPort 2, 298

Electronic Privacy Information Center Web site, 377 electronic purse, 87

E e-commerce, 87

electronic toll collection (ETC), 197 electronic toll-paying systems, 197-198

Digital Bridges Web site, 121

e-mail SMS, 258 telecommuting, 246

digital hubs, home networking systems, 287-289

e911 (enhanced 911), 136, 170-171

digital ink, 126

emergency response systems, automobiles, 168

e911-enabled handsets, 136

digital personas, 131

encryption, 236

EarthLink Home Networking, 301

enewsletter, Palm, 108

Digital Angel Web site, 137

digital phones acronyms, 14 CDMA, 14 GSM, 14 PCS, 15 TDMA, 14 functions, 9 wireless services, 19

Earthlink Mailstation, 109

emergencies, cell calls, 134-135, 151-152

Enfish Web site, 317

Earthlink Web site, 109, 341

enhanced 911 (e911), 136, 170-171

Earthvisioncellular.com Web site, 197

Enhanced 911 Updates Web site, 378

eBay, 270-271

Enhanced Desk Web site, 382

eBay Web site, 270, 378

environments, virtual, 131-132

Digital PocketNet basic plan, 62 plus plan, 62 premium plan, 62

EFF (Electronic Frontier Foundation), 210

Direct Marketing Association (DMA), 210

EHX (Electronic House Expo), 296

ergonomics, 31-32

directions, automated. See GPS

electric batteries, 265

Ericsson T28s, 24

Electric Fuel, 265

disposable cell phones, 153, 234-235

Electric Fuel Web site, 93, 265

Ericsson R289LX Internetready phones, 63

disposable phones, 48, 247

Electrofuel, 265

EspriTV Web site, 380

DMA (Direct Marketing Association), 210

electromagnetic radiation, 144

ETC (electronic tool collection), 197

DMA Web site, 210

Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), 210

eWireless, 199

Dockers Web site, 382 DoCoMo Magic World Web site, 369

Electronic House Expo (EHX), 296

Donate A Phone Campaign Web site, 367

Electronic Industry Privacy Council Web site, 211

donating wireless devices to charities, 45-46

Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC), 210

double opt-in, 219 396

DriveCam Video Systems, 190

downloading security applications, 238

EFF Web site, 210

EPIC (Electronic Privacy Information Center), 210 EPIC Web site, 210

Ericsson.com Web site, 365

expanding home networking, 281 Extended Play, 388 external modems Pocket PC options, 100 upgrading, 100-101 Exxon Mobile, 323 Eyematic Web site, 260 EZ Pass, 197

F Family calling plans, 29-30 FAQs (frequently asked questions), 144-145

Free Agent Nation: Independent Workers Are Transforming the Way We Live (Daniel H. Pink), 244

Linksys WAP 11, 299 Nokia wireless home gateway, 301 Verizon 2Wire Home Portal, 298

free agent offices, wireless, 339-340

Gemplus Web site, 370

free Wi-Fi networks, 56

Gemstar eBooks Devices, 124

Fastap, 103

FreeCharge, 266

FCC (Federal Communications Commission), 9 cell phone safety, 148-150 cell phone use on airplanes, 19 e911, 170 SAR regulations, 138

frequently asked questions (FAQs), 144-145

General Packet Radio Services (GPRS), 58-59

fashion, wireless wearables, 106-107

generations, networks, 57-60

FTC (Federal Trade Commission), 210

geocaching Web site, 248, 378

FTC Web site, 210, 377

GeoDiscovery Web site, 181

fuel batteries, 266-267

FCC Web site, 148, 152, 170, 373-374

fuel cell batteries, 267

geographic-based services, 199

fuel cells Web site, 267

GITWIT, 43

FDA Web site, 148

functions analog phones, 9 digital phones, 9 wireless phones, 8-9

GITWIT Web site, 43

future phone technology, 177

Global Positioning System. See GPS

future offices, wireless, 340

Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), 12-14

features AOL, 251-252 mobile phones, 92 OnStar, 182-184 pagers, 95-97 smart phones, 95-96 case studies, 95 PC Ephone, 95 TeleAid, 186-187 Federal Communications Commission. See FCC Federal Trade Commission (FTC), 210 fingerprint recognition, automobiles, 196 firewalls, 239 FitSense Speedometer, 110 FitSense Web site, 110 fixed wireless systems, 127-128 flat-rate service plans, 13 foldable keyboards, 103 Ford Wingcast, 167, 188, 376 format, 386 fourth-generation (4G) wireless connections, 60

G

INDEX

geocaching, 248-249 GPS

Fresh Gear, 389

global messaging pagers, 39 global positioning satellite. See GPS

GlobalStar GSP-1600, 275 games, wireless, 120 gaming, networking mobile, 119 gas batteries, 266-267 gas pumps, cell phone safety, 145 gateways SMS, 12-13 WAP, 12 wireless networking, 298 Actiontec Electronics, 301 AT&T Broadbanding, 298 Buffalo Technology AirStation, 299 comparing, 301 EarthLink Home Networking, 301

GlobalStar Web site, 275, 364 GoAmerica Communications, Inc. Web site, 341, 383 Gorillas Web site, 93 GPRS (General Packet Radio Services), 58-59 GPS (global positioning satellite/Global Positioning System), 136, 165, 180-181, 248 accessories, 249-250 chartplotters devices, 249 costs, 249 devices, 128 geocaching, 248-249 handheld devices, 249 mounted devices, 249 Pocket CoPilot, 181 397

receivers, 250-251 solar chargers, 268 telecommuting, 247 telematics devices, 249 GPS systems, NextBus, 273-274

handsets. See also phones carriers, 31-32 components, 33 e911-enabled, 136 wireless, 19

graffiti, wireless, 252-253

Handspring, Treo review, 106

Groupe Speciale Mobile (GSM), 14

Handspring Web site, 370

GPS Personal Locator, 110

GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication/Groupe Speciale Mobile), 12-14 GPS

hearing aids, cell phone safety, 144

home offices, wireless, 339

Hey! That’s Cool! Web site, 368

Home Phoneline Networking Alliance (HPNA), 294

HipTop, 43, 108

Home Portal (Verizon), 298

HaikuHaiku Web site, 252, 379

history automobile radios, 166 mobile phones, 164-165

home wireless security, 308-310

Handango, 118

home automation, 278

Handango Security Guard, 238

Home Depot, 331

HomeRF, 55, 291-293 networking, 16

Handango Web site, 118, 372

home management systems, 284

GSMBOX Web site, 367 guidelines, privacy, 206

INDEX

headsets cell phone safety, 143 Jabra, 178

next-generation, 286 objectives, 282 OnStar At Home Pilot, 282-283 PANs, 279 Premise Systems, 285 research, 281 satellite, 285 starting, 281 telco, 285 testing, 282 Texas Instruments, 288 users, 280-281 WANs, 278-279 Xanboo multimedia gateway, 284

Hewlett Packard Cooltown, 294-296

GSM phones, 12-13

H

handheld computers, cell phone safety, 143 handheld devices AvantGo, 117 Blackberry, 107 GPS, 249 Handango, 118 phone capabilities, 104 RIM Blackberry, 42-43 hands-free devices, automobiles, 173 Cellport Systems, 176 MobileAria, 175 PDAs, 174 requirements, 173-174 Sony Ericsson, 176 hands-free kits, cell phone safety, 137

398

hands-free phones, telecommuting, 247

home land lines, 99

home networking, 278 Be At Home, 284 cable, 285 capabilities, 280-281 centralized, 279 delivery systems, 285-286 diagrams, 282 digital hubs, 287-289 expanding, 281 independent, 280 Internet-based controllers, 285 LANs, 278 Microsoft Freestyle, 289 Microsoft Mira, 289 Microsoft Xbox, 289 Moxi Media Center, 287-288

HomePNA, 294

HomeRF Web site, 291-292, 322, 379 Hop-On Wireless Web site, 48, 235 hot spots, 337-338 hoteling, 243, 338 hotsync, 227 How Stuff Works Web site, 33, 140, 374, 379 HP Jornado 560, 106 HPNA (Home Phoneline Networking Alliance), 294 hybrid devices, 43 Cybiko, 43 GITWIT, 43 HipTop, 43 Pogo, 44 Uproar, 45 Wheels of Zeuss, 44 hyperlinking, 123-124

I identiscape, 234 identity alliances, 231 Liberty Alliance Project, 231-232 Microsoft’s Passport systems, 232

Integrated Media Systems Center, USC Web site, 373 integrity (wireless security), 238 Intel AnyPoint Home Networks Web site, 380

IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers), 55

intelligent toys, 306

IEEE 802.11b, 274 connectivity, 322

international appeal, 386

IETF, 231 IETF (Internet Engineering Task Force), 231 IFCC (Internet Fraud Complaint Center), 211

International Engineering Consortium Web site, 380 international m-commerce, 84 international phones, 24

IM services, 12

Internet automobile, 165-166 MobileAria, 175 home networking systems, 285 TV systems, 302-304 wireless, 52-53 accessing, 53-54 security, 57 usage, 52

Immarsat, 275

Internet cookies, 216

Impactra Co. Ltd. Web site, 111, 371

Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), 231

IMPP (Instant Messaging Presence Protocol), 231

Internet Fraud Complaint Center (IFCC), 211

independent home networking, 280

Internet Home Alliance (IHA), 280-281

Infospace Web site, 369

Internet networks, 136

infrared beaming, 86

Internet TV Web site, 304

Infrared Direct Access (IrDA), 291

Internet-enabled phones, 60

IFCC Web site, 211 IHA (Internet Home Alliance), 280 IHA Web site, 281 IM (instant messaging), 12, 232-233, 257, 316

instant messaging (IM), 12, 232-233, 257, 316 Instant Messaging Presence Protocol (IMPP), 231 Instant Messenger, 12 Instant Power Charger, 265

Internet-ready phones, 63 Cingular Wireless Internet Cingular Wireless Data Connect, 74-75 Cingular Wireless Internet Express, 73-74 Ericsson R289LX, 63

INDEX

IEEE 802.11b Web site, 322

interactive voice recording (IVR), 61

Mitsubishi MobileAccess T250, 64 Nextel Wireless, 78 Sprint PCS Wireless Web, 66 CMD9100SP, 66 Samsung SPH-N200, 68-69 Touchpoint 1100, 67 Verizon Mobile Messenger SPK N TXT, 70 Verizon Mobile IP, 71 Verizon Mobile Office, 71 Vtext.com, 71 Web-capable digital handsets, 71 VoiceStream iStream, 75 Motorola T193, 76-77 Nokia 3390, 76 RIM, 76

JAVA WEB SITE

Identix Web site, 237

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), 55

intrusion detection systems, 344 Invoca remote controls, 113 IrDA (Infrared Direct Access), 291 IrDA Web site, 291 Iridium, 275 iScribe Web site, 383 ISE Group of Companies Web site, 376 ISPs, wireless, 341 iStream Internet-ready phones, 75 IVR (interactive voice recording), 61

J Jabra headsets, 178 Jabra Products Web site, 375 Jabra Web site, 178 JaguarNet Assist, 189 JAL (Japan Airlines), 323 Jamdat Mobile, 121 Jamdat Web site, 121 Java Web site, 381

399

Joltage Web site, 127 Jornado 560 (HP), 106 Junkbusters, 211 Junkbusters Web site, 211

K

INDEX

JOLTAGE WEB SITE

Kenwood Product Finder Web site, 381 keyboards foldable, 103 upgrading, 102-103 keypads, Fastap, 103 kids. See children Kidz Privacy, 213 Kidz Privacy Web site, 213 Knight Rider Online Web site, 376

Liberty Alliance Project Web site, 231 lifetime, batteries, 263 LifeFX Web site, 131, 260 LightGlove, 110 LightGlove Web site, 110-111 lighting, PDAs interaction with, 104 LiIon (Lithium-Ion), 264 Linksys WAP 11, 299 Linksys Web site, 299 Lithium-Ion (LiIon), 264 live streaming video, 116 Live365 Web site, 381 local area networks. See LANs

mobile payment systems, 85-86 payment options, 83 terminology, 86 billboards, 200 capabilities, 83 car insurance, 202 customers, 225-226 international, 84 location-based services, 225 mini-billboards, 201 technologies, 82-83 traffic priority systems, 201 transfers, 84 U.S, 85 m-presence, 230 m-services. See m-commerce M400 Skycar, 195

location-based services, 225

Macintosh wireless networking kits, 297 AirPort 2, 297-298 AirPort 2 with DSL, 298 building networks, 298

location-blind services, 220

Magis Networks, 115

Landrover Web site, 375

location-precise services (LPS), 220

Magis Networks Web site, 115, 373

languages, wireless, 255-257

Lockdown.co.uk, 240

mail, mobile, 317-318

LANs (local area networks), 54-55, 278 connections, 321 Bluetooth, 321-322 HomeRF, 322 IEEE 802.11b, 322 technologies, 322

long distance calling plans, 29

Mailbug, 110

Look.com, 239

maintaining batteries, 268-269

Kyocera Web site, 368

L landlines, 99 cell phone safety, 137

laptops cell phone safety, 143 data services, 61 telecommuting, 246 laws, cell phone usage while driving, 156-158 lawsuits, cell phone safety, 147 LeapFrog, 125-126 LEOs (low-Earth orbiting satellites), 275 400

LG InfoComm USA, Inc. Web site, 365

local Wi-Fi networks, 56 location-aware services, 220

low-Earth orbiting satellites (LEOs), 275 LPS (location-precise services), 220 luggage, tracking, 251

M m-commerce (mobile commerce), 81-82 AAA, 201 banking, 83 cashless societies, 88-89 credit cards, 87 financial messages, 84

Mailbug Web site, 110

manufacturers, smart phones, 98 maps, automated. See GPS marketers, privacy rules, 220 WAA, 221 mayday button (automobiles), 171 Mazingo Web site, 117, 373 McAfee Web site, 378 McAfee.com, 239 Mechanical Technology, Inc. (MTI), 266 media centers, 115

Medmedia, 173

payment systems, 85-86 terminology, 86 transfers, 84

Mercedes-Benz TeleAid system (TeleAid), 186-187

mobile base stations, cell phone safety, 144

Message Vine, 255

mobile commerce. See m-commerce

Message Vine Web site, 255 messages spam, 12 wireless, 252-253

Metreon Web site, 228 Microsoft AutoPC, 192-193 Microsoft Corp. Mira Web site, 371 Microsoft Freestyle, 289 Microsoft Mira, 112, 289 Microsoft Mobile Device Web site, 105, 367 Microsoft MyCar, 192 Microsoft Xbox, 289 military wireless uses, 336 Mira (Microsoft), 112 mission, 386 Mitsubishi MobileAccess T250 Internet-ready phones, 64 MMS (multimedia messaging service), 61 MMS messaging, 258 mobile banking, 83 cashless societies, 88-89 credit cards, 87 financial messages, 84 payment options, 83

Moller Skycar, 195 Moller Web site, 195 MOMA (Museum of Modern Art), 245 MOMA Web site, 245, 380

mobile finance, 206

monitors, wireless baby monitors, 307-308

mobile gaming Web site, 121

Monkey Messenger, 255

mobile kits, telecommuting, 247

Montero (Phil), 242-243

mobile mail, 317-318 mobile media, 227-228 mobile offers, 228 Fox Sports Interstitial, 230 Heineken, 229 Holiday Inn, 229 NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes, 229 Old Navy, 229 Sephora.com, 229 Travelocity.com, 229 voice offers, 230 mobile people architecture (MPA), 234 mobile phones. See also cell phones; wireless phones automobiles, 164-165 features, 92 history, 164-165 home usage, 94 CellSocket, 94 Vox.Link, 95 upgrading, 99 mobile presence, 260-261 mobile productivity center (MPC), 159

Motient Web site, 100 Motley Fool Web site, 97 Motorola, 266 two-way communicators, 42 wireless phones, 35-36 Motorola CDMA, 36 Motorola Graphics Library Web site, 379 Motorola GSM, 36 Motorola MicroTac 650E, 156 Motorola StarTec, 156 Motorola T193 Internetready phones, 76-77 Motorola TalkAbout T6300, 305 Motorola TDMA, 36 Motorola Timeport, 188-189 Motorola Timeport p7389, 24 Motorola Web site, 35-36, 93, 166, 365-368 mounted devices (GPS), 249 MovieFone Web site, 370

MobileAria, 175

Moxi Media Center, 287-288

MobileAria Web site, 175, 375

MP3 players, telecommuting, 247

mobiles offices, 242

MP3 video players, 114

modems, external, 100-101

MP3Shopping.com Web site, 381

modifying wireless phone service plans, 10-13

INDEX

messaging, 315 cross-platform, 255 instant, 257, 316 availability, 316 SMS, 257 MMS, 258 multimedia, SMS, 258 ping-pong, 253 technologies, 317 text, 253 unified, 262-263

mobile concierges, 233

Moller 150 Skycar Web site, 376

MPA (MOBILE PEOPLE ARCHITECTURE)

medical wireless safety devices, 173

MPA (mobile people architecture), 234 401

MPA Web site, 378 MPC (mobile productivity center), 159 MPEG4 players, 111-112 MSN’s Instant Messenger, 12 multimedia messaging, SMS, 258 multimedia messaging service (MMS), 61, 258

MPA WEB SITE

Multimedia Terminal Gateway (Nokia), 258 Museum of Modern Art (MOMA), 245, 380 music, wireless, 289 musicphone Web site, 370 MyCar (Microsoft), 192

INDEX

MyPalm Web site, 369

N National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 159 National Highway Traffic Safety Web site, 170 nationwide telematics, 192 nationwide calling plans, 29 NearLife Web site, 131 NEC Corp., 266 Neoku, 252 Neoku Web site, 253 NETS Web site, 375 Network of Employers for Traffic Safety Web site, 159

402

Network Program Guide, 387 AudioFile, 387 Big Thinkers, 387 Call for Help, 388 CyberCrime, 388 Extended Play, 388 Fresh Gear, 389 Screen Savers, 389 Silicon Spin, 389 Titans of Tech, 390

networking devices, 121-122 gateways, 298 Actiontec Electronics, 301 AT&T Broadband, 298 Buffalo Technology AirStation, 299 comparing, 301 EarthLink Home Networking, 301 Linksys WAP 11, 299 Nokia wireless home gateway, 301 Verizon 2Wire Home Portal, 298 home, 278 Be At Home, 284 cable, 285 capabilities, 280-281 centralized, 279 delivery systems, 285-286 diagrams, 282 digital hubs, 287-289 expanding, 281 independent, 280 Internet-based controllers, 285 LANs, 278 Microsoft Freestyle, 289 Microsoft Mira, 289 Microsoft Xbox, 289 Moxi Media Hubs, 287-288 next-generation, 286 objectives, 282 OnStar At Home Pilot, 282-283 PANs, 279 Premise Systems, 285 research, 281 satellite, 285 starting, 281 telco, 285 testing, 282 Texas Instruments, 288 users, 280-281 WANs, 278-279 Xanboo multimedia gateway, 284 phone-lining, 293-294 power-lining, 293-294 wireless, 16

HomeRF, 291-293 irDA, 291 standards, 290 Wi-Fi, 16, 291-293 networking mobile gaming, 119 networking packages, 296 Macintosh use, 297 AirPort 2, 297-298 AirPort 2 with DSL, 298 building networks, 298 networks generations, 57-60 Internet, 136 PDAs, 109 New Home Show Web site, 380 New York Times Web site, 40 next-generation communications, 47 next-generation home networking systems, 286 NextBus, 273-274 Nextel, SMS service, 254 Nextel Communications Web site, 366 Nextel Wireless, 77-78 nGames, 120 nGames Web site, 121 NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), 159 NHTSA Web site, 159 NiCad (Nickel-Cadmium), 264 Nickel metal hydride (NiMH), 264 Nickel-Cadmium (NiCad), 264 NiMH (Nickel metal hydride), 264 NIT DoCoMo Web site, 378 Nokia wireless phones, 34-35 Nokia 282, 155

Nokia 3390 Internet-ready phones, 76

OnStar Web site, 182, 375, 380

Nokia 5100, 35

opt-in, 219

PC Ephone Web site, 96

Nokia 5160, 155

opt-out, 219

Nokia 6100, 35

OrdersUp Web site, 377

Nokia 6160, 155

orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), 56

PCS (Personal Communications Services), 15

Nokia 8100, 35 Nokia 8890, 24 Nokia 918, 155

outsourcing, 319 Oz Web site, 262

Nokia Communicator, 35

nonrepudiation (wireless security), 238 NY Venture Space Web site, 339, 382

O objectives, home networking, 282 Odigo Web site, 257, 379 OFDM (orthogonal frequency division multiplexing), 56 Office Depot, 332 on-the-go commerce, 89 OnCall, 189 one-way alphanumeric pagers, 39

P-Q P3P (Platform for Privacy Preferences), 222 pacemakers, cell phone safety, 144, 150 pager-killers, 40 pagers, 39, 78 comparing with PDAs and phones, 97-98 costs, 39 features, 95-97 types, 39 paging, alphanumeric, 253 Palm, enewsletter, 108 Palm i705 reviews, 108 Palm Web site, 326, 341, 364, 371 Palo Alto Research Center (PARC), 124 Panasonic Web site, 365

one-way numeric pagers, 39

PANs, 279

OnStar, 167, 182 availability, 184 costs, 182-184 features, 182-184 Privacy Policy, 185 security codes, 185

parasitic grids, 56

OnStar Advisor Service, 184 OnStar At Home Pilot, 282-283 OnStar At Home Pilot Web site, 283

PARC (Palto Alto Research Center), 124

Pda portals Web site, 238 PDAs (personal digital assistants), 15, 174, 336-337 biometric, security, 237-238 comparing with pagers and phones, 97-98 data services, 61 dialpads, 104 Mazingo, 117 networks, 109 overhead light interaction, 104 PIMs, 15 telecommuting, 246 types, 15 upgrading, 106 upgrading criteria, 101 viruses, 240 personal digital assistants. See PDAs personal digital hubs, 89 personal identification number (PIN), 185 personal information managers (PIMs), 15 personal-level routers, 234 personalization, defined, 217 Personalization Consortium, 221-222 Personalization Consortium Web site, 221

parental controls, video, 215

personally identifiable information (PII), 221

passport systems, presence technology, 232

personas, digital, 131

passwords, privacy, 206 Paybox Services Web site, 369 payment methods, automobiles, 197-198

INDEX

Nokia Web site, 13, 34, 364-367

PC Ephone, 95

PHILIPS REMOTE CONTROL WEB SITE

Nokia 7100, 35

PayPal Web site, 369

Personity, 261 Personity Web site, 261 pets, wireless, 121 Philips Electronics, 296 Philips Remote Control Web site, 371

403

Philips remote controls, 113 Philips Web site, 113 phizz, 259 phone capabilities, handhelds, 104 phone chargers, 266

INDEX

PHILIPS REMOTE CONTROLS

phone-card phone, 153, 234

404

phone-line networking, 293-294 phones. See also handsets analog, functions, 9 antennas, 10 AOLbyPhone, 18 AT&T Internet-ready, 63 batteries, life of, 93-94 caller ID, 11 cases, 94 cell airplane use, 18-19 caller ID, 11-12 ringers, setting, 17-18 roaming charges, 10 safety, 9-10 types, 13 voice mail, 11-12 digital acronyms, 14-15 functions, 9 wireless services, 19 disposable, 48, 247 global wireless, 328 GPRS, 59 GSM, 12-13 hands-free, automobiles, 173-174 international, 24 Internet-enabled, 60 mobile features, 92 home usage, 94 Vox.Link, 95 upgrading, 99 Motorola Timeport (BMW), 188-189 OnCall (Volvo), 189 PDAs, 15 prepaid calling, 10 radiation, 94 satellite, 274-275 video, 275-276

smart features, 95-96 manufacturers, 98 researching, 98 upgrading, 96-99 technology, future, 177 video, 329 voice recognition, 176 WAP, 80 greeting cards, 81 Web-enabled, 60, 136 wireless analog, 34 Audiovox, 37 cell phone cases, 38 functions, 8 Motorola, 35-36 Nokia, 34-35 Samsung, 37 service plans, 10-13 Siemens, 37 Siemens Talk Therapy, 36 Sony Ericcson, 37 teenage users, 37-38 top-sellers, 33-34 worldwide use, 17 piconets, 322 PII (personally identifiable information), 221 PIMs (personal information managers), 15 PIN (personal identification number), 185 ping-pong messaging, 12-13, 253 Pink (Daniel H.), Free Agent Nation: Independent Workers Are Transforming the Way We Live, 244 Pirates, 306 Pirates! Web site, 381 Plantronics Bluetooth headsets, 122

Playavista.com, 296 Pocket CoPilot (TravRoute), 180 Pocket PC 2002 Phone software, 104 Pocket PCs data services, 61 modems, 100 SMS, 255 solar chargers, 267-268 telecommuting, 246 telematics, 165 uses, 105 Pocket Remote TV remote control, 113 PocketNet basic plan, 62 plus plan, 62 premium plan, 62 Pogo, 44 PoGo Products Web site, 371 Pogo Web site, 44 Point.com Web site, 148 portable MPEG4 players, 111-112 portals, corporate, 325 POS, 332 power, batteries, 263 charging, 264 costs, 264 electric, 265 fuel, 266-267 fuel cells, 267 gas, 266-267 life time, 263 maintaining, 268-269 rechargeable, 264 size, 264 smart batteries, 269 solar chargers, 267-268 sunlight charged, 267

Plastecs, 267

power-line networking, 293-294

Plastecs Web site, 267

PowerPad, 265

Platform for Privacy Preferences (P3P), 222

pregnancy, cell phone safety, 138

Play Research Studio Interactive Institute, 306

Premise Systems, 285

Premise Systems Web site, 285 prepaid calling, 10 prepaid calling plans, 29-31 prepaid service plans, 13 presence technology, 230-231, 260-261 certified-based IM solutions, 232-233 privacy issues, 231 identity alliances, 231-232 passport systems, 232 Primate Systems, 255 printers, accessories, 129-130 printing, 330 pages to video, 123-124 privacy, 206 children, protecting, 212-215 defined, 217 demographics studies, 207 guidelines, 206 approval seals, 206 credit card orders, 206 mobile finance, 206 passwords, 206 presence technology, 231 identity alliances, 231-232 resources, 210 ACLU, 210 BBBOnLine, 210 Call for Action, 210 CDT, 210 Consumer Action, 210 CyberAngels, 210 DMA, 210 EFF, 210 EPIC, 210 FTC, 210 IFCC, 211 Junkbusters, 211 Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, 211 Truste, 211 symbols, 209

privacy legislation sources, 216-217 privacy policies, security, 344 Privacy Policy (OnStar), 185 Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, 211 Privacy Rights Clearinghouse Web site, 211 privacy statement, 206 PrivaSys Web site, 332 products HomeRF, 292 Wi-Fi, 292

radio frequency (RF), 140-141, 145 radio paper, 126 Radio Shack Web site, 95 radios automobiles, 168 history, 166 satellite, 114-115, 194 Sirius, 115 XM Radio system, 115 two-way, 304, 329 BellSouth Communicator, 305 Cobra FRS 315, 305 Motorola TalkAbout T6300, 305 RobotPHONE, 306 range in distance HomeRF, 292 Wi-Fi, 292 RCR Wireless News Web site, 31

Pronto Web site, 92-93, 381

reading, wireless, 124-125

Proteus, 118

Reaxion.com Web site, 317

Proteus Web site, 118, 373

receivers, GPS, 250-251

PSAP (Public Safety Answering Point), 185 PSWN (Public Safety Wireless Network), 136

rechargeable batteries, 264 LiIon, 264 NiCad, 264 NiMH, 264 reusable alkaline, 264

PSWN Web site, 136

recycling batteries, 269

Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP), 185

RED (Research in Experimental Design), 124

Public Safety Wireless Network (PSWN), 136

RedEnvelope Web site, 224

push messaging, 221

remote control, Pocket Remote TV, 113

Psion Web site, 369

R radiation cell phone safety, 138, 145 electromagnetic, 144 phones, 94 radiation shields, cell phone safety, 137

INDEX

PriceScan Web site, 102

Privacy Exchange Web site, 211

radio, software-defined, 127

RESEARCH IN MOTION

presence systems, 260-261

wireless CTIA, 218-220 location-based privacy, 220 marketers’ privacy rules, 220 WAA, 221 wireless phones, 208

Remote Central Web site, 113

remote controls, 113 requirements, hands-free devices for automobiles, 173-174 Research in Experimental Design (RED), 124 Research in Motion. See RIM 405

INDEX

RESEARCH IN MOTION WEB SITE

Research in Motion Web site, 324, 368 researching home networking, 281 smart phones, 98 wireless, 318-319 outsources, 319 usage, 320-321 residential gateways, 278 resources, privacy, 210 ACLU, 210 BBBOnLine, 210 Call for Action, 210 CDT, 210 Consumer Action, 210 CyberAngels, 210 DMA, 210 EFF, 210 EPIC, 210 FTC, 210 IFCC, 211 Junkbusters, 211 Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, 211 Truste, 211 retail, wireless, 331 applications, 331 bar codes, 332 demos, 334 federated department stores, 332 Home Depot, 331 line busters, 332 military, 336 Office Depot, 332 PDAs, 336-337 POS, 332 teleportation, 334-335 return on investment (ROI), 324 reusable alkaline batteries, 264 reviews Handspring Treo, 106 Palm i705, 108 Revolve Design Web site, 174 Revolve Design’s RoadWriter, 174 406

RF (radio frequency), 140 RF fields, cell phone safety, 141 RF levels, cell phone safety, 141 RF radiation, cell phone safety, 145 RIM (Research in Motion), 76 Blackberry, 41 handhelds, 42-43, 107 ringers, cell phones, 17-18 RioRiot digital audio player, 114 RoadWriter (Revolve Design), 174 Roamable Web site, 317, 382 roaming, calling plans, 29 roaming charges, 10

lawsuits, 147 pacemakers, 150 pregnancy, 138 radiation, 138, 145 radiation shields, 137 RF fields, 141 RF levels, 141 SAR, 9-10, 138 studies, 139-143 teenagers, 13 traffic accidents, 153-155 usage, 137, 148 weak signals, 138 Web sites, 148 e911, 136 medical, 173 wireless technology, 169 automobiles, 171, 179 ComCARE Alliance, 169-170 e911, 170-171

RobotPHONE, 306

Safeway wireless technologies, 323

RobotPHONE Web site, 381

sales, smart phones, 96

ROI (return on investment), 324

Samsung wireless phones, 37

routers, personal-level, 234 rules, SMS translation, 255-257

S safety automobiles cell phones, 202-203 driver error, 202-203 fingerprint recognition, 196 cell phones, 9, 134, 137 antennas, 138 cancer, 141-143 children, 145-146 FAQs, 144 FCC, 9, 148-150 gas pumps, 145 handheld computers, 143 hands-free kits, 137 headsets, 143 landlines, 137 laptops, 143 laws, 156-158

Samsung SPH-N200 Internet-ready phones, 68-69 Samsung SPH-N300, 136 Samsung Web site, 37, 365 Sanyo North America Corp. Web site, 366 SAR (Standard Absorption Rate), 9-10, 138 cell phone safety, 138, 144-145 SARDATA Web site, 94 satellite home networking systems, 285 satellite messaging pagers, 39 satellite offices, 243 satellite phones, 274-275 video, 275-276 Web site, 275 satellite radios, 114-115, 194 Screen Savers, 389

second-generation (2G) wireless connections, 58 Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), 236

Sharper Image Web site, 382 Shell SmartPump, 198 short message services. See SMS Siemens wireless phones, 37 Siemens s42, 24 Siemens Talk Therapy wireless phones, 36

Siemens WristPhone Web site, 374 signals, cell phone safety, 138 Silicon Alley Daily Web site, 383 Silicon Spin, 389

SmartPaper Web site, 373 SmartPump (Shell), 198 SmartPump Web site, 199 SMS (short message services), 61, 253 costs, 253 e-mail, 258 instant messaging, 257 multimedia messaging, 258 Nextel, 254 PocketPCs, 255 sending, 254 translating, 255 rules, 255-257 Virgin Mobile, 254 SMS gateway, 12-13 software, load balancing (cell phones), 135 software-defined radios, 127

SIM (subscriber identity module), 86

solar chargers GPS, 268 PocketPCs, 267-268

Simputer, 103

Sonic Blue Web site, 372

Sirit and Enterprises Web site, 378 Sirius radio satellites, 115

SONICblue, 113 RioRiot digital audio player, 114

security codes, OnStar, 185

Sirius Radio Web site, 372

SONICblue Web site, 114

security word code (SWC), 185

Sirius Satellite Radio Web site, 194

Sony Airboard Web site, 372

Security.oreilly.com, 240

size, batteries, 264

Sony Ericcson wireless phones, 37

SecurityPortal.com, 240

Skycar, 195

Sony Ericcson Web site, 37

sending SMS, 254

Small business calling plans, 29

Sony Ericsson, 176

security applications, downloading, 238

Sendo Web site, 370 SenseWear Pro Armband (Bodymedia), 111

smart batteries, 269

service plans, wireless phones, 10-11 flat-rate, 13

smart phones features, 95-96 manufacturers, 98 PC Ephone, 95 researching, 98 sales, 96 upgrading, 96-99

services, wireless, 313-315, 323 setting ringers, cell phones, 17-18 Shared Wireless Access Protocol (SWAP), 291

Smart card, 86

smart toys, 306

INDEX

Siemens Web site, 37, 237, 366

Smarthome Web site, 267, 380

SPEEDPASS WEB SITE

security 802.11b networks, 343 defined, 217 HomeRF, 292 intrusion detection systems, 344 privacy policies, 344 Wi-Fi, 292 wireless, 308 cable operators, 308-310 wireless devices, 235-236 authentication, 238 confidentiality, 238 encryption, 236 integrity, 238 no-tap phones, 237 nonrepudiation, 238 PDAs, 237-238 SSL, 236 TLS, 237 WTLS, 237 wireless Internet, 57 wireless workplaces, 342 videophones, 342-343

shared wireless workspaces, 338 security, 342 videophones, 342-343

SOS button (automobiles), 171 spam, 12 wireless, 221 special offers, wireless advertising, 224-225 speed HomeRF, 292 Wi-Fi, 292 Speedpass, 197 smartcards, 198 Speedpass Web site, 198

407

Spiderdance Web site, 290 SPK N TXT Internet-ready phones, 70

INDEX

SPIDERDANCE WEB SITE

Sprint PCS Web site, 27, 65, 326, 366 Sprint PCS Wireless Web, 65 accessing, 65-66 Internet-ready phones, 66 CMD9100SP, 66 Samsung SPH-N200, 68-69 Touchpoint 1100, 67 SSL (Secure Sockets Layer), 236 Standard Absorption Rate. See SAR standards Bluetooth, 123 wireless, 54 802.11, 55-57 HomeRF, 55 LANs, 54-55 OFDM, 56 Wi-Fi, 55-56 wireless networking, 290 wireless technology, 128-129 starting home networking, 281 statements, privacy, 206 Streetbeam, 227 Streetbeam, Inc. Web site, 377 studies, cell phone safety, 139-145 children, 145-146 FCC, 148-150 gas pumps, 145 headsets, 143 laptops, 143 lawsuits, 147 pacemakers, 150 RF, 141-142 traffic accidents, 153-158 usage, 148 Web sites, 148 subscriber identity module (SIM), 86 408

sunlight charged batteries, 267 SWAP (Shared Wireless Access Protocol), 291 SWC (security work code), 185 Symantec Web site, 215 Symantec.com, 239 symbiotic grids, 56 Symbol Technologies Web site, 383 symbols, privacy protection, 209 systems, wireless, 323-324

T Talkabout T900 2way, 42 Talkie Web site, 260 Targus Thumbpad, 102 TCS (TeleCommunication) System, 255 TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access), 14 Tech Home Web site, 371 technologies cell phones in vehicles, 160-161 LANs, 322 m-commerce, 82-83 messaging, 317 phones future, 177 wireless, 169, 344-345 AAA, 201 automobiles, 171, 179-195 car insurance, 202 ComCARE Alliance, 169-170 driver distraction reports, 196 e911, 170-171 fingerprint recognition, 196 geographic-based services, 199 mobile commerce, 200-201 payment methods, 197-198

wireless standards, 128-129 workplaces, 312 TechTV.com Web site, 8 teenagers cell phones, 13 flat-rate service plans, 13 prepaid service plans, 13 safety, 13 wireless phones, 37-38 telco home networking systems, 285 tele-cubicles, 312 tele-immersion, 111, 312 TeleAid, 186-187 Telebright Web site, 27 telecommuting, 242-245 e-mail, 246 GPS, 247 hands-free phones, 247 laptops, 246 mobile kits, 247 MP3 players, 247 PDAs, 246 PocketPCs, 246 telematics, 152, 160-165. See also GPS ATX, 185 nationwide traffic reports, 186 AutoPC (Microsoft), 192-193 DriveCam Video Systems, 190 mobile phones, 164 Motorola Timeport, 188-189 MyCar (Microsoft), 192 nationwide, 192 OnCall, 189 OnStar, 167, 182 availability, 184 costs, 182-184 features, 182-184 security codes, 185 Pocket PCs, 165 radio, 168 radios, 167 satellite radio, 194 Skycar, 195

telematics devices (GPS), 249 telemetry, 312 telephones. See phones teleportation, 334-335 Teleportec Web site, 334 Telespree Web site, 235

telewebbing, 290 teleworking, 242-244 teleworking Web site, 242 Telus (Canadian Telecom), 323 testing Bluetooth, 321 home networking, 282

Touchpoint 1100 Internetready phones, 67 toys, intelligent, 306 TracFone Web site, 368 tracking GPS, 250 luggage, 251 traffic, cell phones, 134-135 traffic accidents cell phone safety, 153-154 cell phone use while driving, 154-155 laws, 156-158 traffic priority systems, m-commerce, 201 traffic reports, 190-191 ATX, 186 cell phones, 202-203 driver distraction reports, 196 driver error, 202-203 OnStar, 184 voice recognition, 191-192 Traffic Safety Web site, 374

Texas Instruments, 288

Traffic411 Web site, 376

Texas Instruments Web site, 288

Trafficmaster, 193

text messaging, 12-13, 135, 253

translating SMS, 255-257

theft, wireless phones, 208 TheNewHomeShow.com, 296 ThinkShoe (VectraSense), 110 third-generation (3G) wireless connections, 57-60 thumboards, upgrading, 102-103 Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), 14 Timeport P935 Personal Communicator, 42 Titans of Tech, 390 TLS (Transport Layer Security), 237

Trafficmaster Web site, 193 Transport Layer Security (TLS), 237 traveling, corporate, 337-338 TravRoute Web site, 181 TravRoute’s Pocket CoPilot, 180 Treo (Handspring), 106 Trojan Horses, 239 Truste, 211 TRUSTe privacy seal program, 209 TRUSTe Web site, 209, 211, 377 TV applications, Proteus, 118 two-way alphanumeric pagers, 39

two-way communicators, Motorola, 42 two-way messaging devices, 40-41 two-way phones, Motorola, 42 two-way radios, 304 BellSouth Communicator, 305 Cobra FRS 315, 305 Motorola TalkAbout T6300, 305 RobotPHONE, 306 two-ways, 78 types cell phones, 13 pagers, 39 PDAs, 15 wireless devices, 20 automobiles, 20-21

INDEX

television Internet systems, 302-304 wireless, 290

TopSec cell phones, 237

USERS, HOME NETWORKING

TeleAid, 186 costs, 187 features, 186-187 traffic reports, 190-191 voice recognition, 191-192 Trafficmaster, 193 Wingcast, 188

U U.S. m-commerce, 85 Ucomics Web site, 370 unified messaging, 262-263 upgrading external modems, 100-101 keyboards, 102-103 mobile phones, 99 PDAs, 106 criteria, 101 smart phones, 96-99 thumboards, 102-103 Upoc Web site, 382 Uproar (Samsung), 45 USA Today Web site, 376-377 usage cell phone safety, 137, 148 Pocket PCs, 105 wireless devices, 320-321 wireless Internet, 52 users, home networking, 280-281

409

V V200 Personal Communicator, 42 VectraSense ThinkShoe, 110

INDEX

V200 PERSONAL COMMUNICATOR

VectraSense Web site, 110 vehicle onboard radar (VORAD), 179 Ventek International Web site, 367 VeriSign Web site, 232 Verizon Mobile IP Internetready phones, 71 Verizon Mobile Messenger Internet-ready phones, 70-71 Verizon Mobile Office Internet-ready phones, 71 Verizon Web site, 27, 70, 157, 366 Verizon Wireless Mobile Web, 69-70 Versaly Web site, 120, 372 video live streaming, 116 parental controls, 215 Web, beaming, 119 video cameras as baby monitors, 308

virtual offices, 242

Wap Forum Web site, 79, 368

viruses, 239 PDAs, 240

WAP Web site, 368

vocoder rates (cell phones), 135

Wayport Web site, 54

voice command, 176. See also voice recognition voice mail, 11-12 voice recognition, 10 AOLbyPhone, 18 phones, 176 traffic reports, 191-192

virtual animation, 131 Virtual Aquarium Web site, 131

wearables, 16 wireless, fashion, 106-107

Web bugs, 216

Volvo OnCall, 189

Web services, Nextel Wireless, 77

VORAD (vehicle onboard radar), 179 Vox.Link, 95 Vox2 Web site, 95 VPNs (virtual private networks), 239

Vtext.com Web site, 71

Virgin Mobile, SMS service, 254

wearable wireless devices, 271-273

VoiceStream Wireless, 75-77

videophones, 342-343

Vintage Technology Web site, 381

wearable communicators, 46-47

VoiceStream Web site, 27, 366

Vtext.com Internet-ready phones, 71

Vindigo Web site, 200

WDFM Web site, 49

Web corporate wireless, 324-328 WAP, comparing, 79

voice-enabling offers, 230

video satellite phones, 275-276

Vindigo, 200

WAP gateway, 12 WapCardz.com Web site, 369

video players, MP3, 114

ViewSonic Web site, 380

phones, 80 greeting cards, 81 Web, comparing, 79

virtual private networks (VPNs), 239

Vseries Personal Communicator Model 100, 42

videos, printing pages to, 123-124

410

virtual environments, 131-132

W WAA (Wireless Advertising Association), 220-221 WAA Web site, 221, 377 WANs (wide area networks), 278-279 WAP (Wireless Access Protocol), 79 browsing, 79-80 content, 79

Web sites 2Roam, 325 2Scoot, 197 About.com, 24, 364, 373 Accessory Solutions, 94 ACLU, 210 Active Buddy, 316 Advocates for Cell Phone Safety, 192 AlterEgo Networks, 325 Amazon.com, 367 America Links Up, 213 antivirus, 239 4security.com, 239 Cerias.purdue.edu/hotlist, 240 Lockdown.co.uk, 240 Look.com, 239 McAfee.com, 239 Security.oreilly.com, 240 SecurityPortal.com, 240 Symantec.com, 239 AOL, 251 AOL Anywhere, 364 AOL ICQ, 257

Eyematic, 260 FCC, 148, 152, 170, 373-374 FDA, 148 FitSense, 110 FTC, 210, 377 fuel cells, 267 Gemplus, 370 geocaching, 248, 378 GeoDiscovery, 181 GITWIT, 43 GlobalStar, 275, 364 GoAmerica, 341 GoAmerica Communications, Inc., 383 Gorillas, 93 GPS, 250 GSMBOX, 367 HaikuHaiku, 252, 379 Handango, 118, 372 Handspring, 370 Hey! That’s Cool!, 368 HomeRF, 291-292, 322 HomeRF Working Group, Inc., 379 Hop-On Wireless, 48, 235 How Stuff Works, 374, 379 howstuffworks.com, 33, 140 Identix, 237 IEEE 802.11b, 322 IFCC, 211 IHA, 281 Impactra Co., 111, 371 Infospace, 369 Integrated Media Systems Center, USC, 373 Intel AnyPoint Home Networks, 380 International Engineering Consortium, 380 Internet TV, 304 IrDA, 291 iScribe, 383 ISE Group of Companies, 376 Jabra, 178 Jabra Products, 375 Jamdat, 121 Java, 381

INDEX

CNWB, 370 ComCARE Alliance, 169, 375 Compaq, 47, 368 comparing carrier, 28-29 Consumer Action, 210 Consumer Reports, 27 Cooltown, 296, 344 Copycat, 246 Cricket Communications, 30 CTIA, 25, 140, 196, 218, 365, 374 CTIA World of Wireless, 139 Cutting the Cord, 345 CyberAngels, 210 CyberCredit, 87 CyberPixie, 337, 383 Cybiko, 43, 109, 365 DeMode, 364, 369 destinationCRM, 95 Dia Center, 119 Dieceland Phone-CardPhone, 374 Dieceland Technologies, 153, 234 Digital Angel, 137 Digital Bridges, 121 DigitalPersona.com, 344 DMA, 210 Dockers, 382 DoCoMo Magic World, 369 Donate A Phone Campaign, 367 Earthlink, 109, 341 Earthvisioncellular.com, 197 eBay, 270, 378 EFF, 210 Electric Fuel, 93, 265 Electronic Industry Privacy Council, 211 Electronic Privacy Information Center, 377 Enfish, 317 Enhanced 911 Updates, 378 Enhanced Desk, 382 EPIC, 210 Ericsson.com, 365 EspriTV, 380

WEB SITES

AOL Mobile Communicator, 379 Apple AirPort 2, 297 Architecture Magazine, 382 ArialPhone, 100 AT&T, 379 AT&T Business Needs, 326 AT&T Wireless, 27, 366 ATX Technologies, 376 Audiovox, 37 Audiovox Communications Corp., 365 Auto Barn, 375 AvantGo, 117, 372 Bantu, 232 Barnes and Noble, 125 BBBOnLine, 210 Be At Home, 284 Beyond.com, 250 Biometric Solutions, 237 Blackberry, 42, 371 Bluetooth, 123, 293, 322, 372 BMW, 189, 376 BMW Assist, 168 Boingo, 126, 337 Brighthand, 370 Business Week, 181 Call for Action, 210 Car Talk, 158 Card Technology, 84 Cars.com, 374 Cartoon Network, 375 CDT, 210 CEA (Consumer Electronics Association), 371 cell phone safety, 148 Cellmania, Inc., 366 CellphonesAccessories.com, 379 Cellport Systems, 176 CellSocket, 94 Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association, 9, 218 Centerpost, 377 Chops, 132 Chops & Associates, 373 Cingular, 27, 366 Club Nokia, 364

411

WEB SITES

INDEX 412

Joltage, 127 Junkbusters, 211 Kenwood Product Finder, 381 Kidz Privacy, 213 Knight Rider Online, 376 Kyocera, 368 Landrover, 375 LG InfoComm USA, Inc., 365 Liberty Alliance Project, 231 LifeFX, 131, 260 LightGlove, 110-111 Linksys, 299 Live365, 381 Magis Networks, 115, 373 Mailbug, 110 Mazingo, 117, 373 McAfee, 378 Message Vine, 255 Metreon, 228 Microsoft Corp. Mira, 371 Microsoft Mobile Devices, 105, 367 mobile gaming, 121 MobileAria, 175, 375 Moller, 195 Moller 150 Skycar, 376 MOMA, 245, 380 Motient, 100 Motley Fool, 97 Motorola, 35-36, 93, 166, 367-368 Motorola Graphics Library, 379 Motorola, Inc., 365 Moviefone, 370 MP3Shopping.com, 381 MPA, 378 musicphone, 370 MyPalm, 369 National Highway Traffic Safety, 170 NearLife, 131 Neoku, 253 NETS, 375 Network of Employers for Traffic Safety, 159 New Home Show, 380 New York Times, 40

Nextel Communications, 366 nGames, 121 NHTSA, 159 NIT DoCoMo, 378 Nokia, 13, 34-35, 365-367 NY Venture Space, 339, 382 Odigo, 257, 379 OnStar, 182, 375, 380 OnStar At Home Pilot, 283 OrdersUp, 377 Oz, 262 Palm, 326, 341, 364, 371 Panasonic, 365 Paybox Services, 369 PayPal, 369 PC Ephone, 96 PDA portals, 238 Personalization Consortium, 221 Personity, 261 Philips, 113 Philips Remote Control, 371 Pirates!, 381 Plastecs, 267 Pogo, 44 PoGo Products, 371 Point.com, 148 Premise Systems, 285 PriceScan, 102 Privacy Exchange, 211 Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, 211 PrivaSys, 332 Pronto, 92-93, 381 Proteus, 118, 373 Psion, 369 PSWN, 136 Radio Shack, 95 RCR Wireless News, 31 Reaxion.com, 317 RedEnvelope, 224 Remote Central, 113 Research in Motion, 324, 368 Revolve Design, 174 Roamable, 317, 382 RobotPHONE, 381 Samsung, 37, 365

Sanyo North America Corp., 366 SARDATA, 94 satellite phones, 275 Sendo, 370 Sharper Image, 382 Siemens, 37, 237, 366 Siemens WristPhone, 374 Silicon Alley Daily, 383 Sirit and Enterprises, 378 Sirius Radio, 372 Sirius Satellite Radio, 194 SmartHome, 380 SmartPaper, 373 Sonic Blue, 372 SONICblue, 114 Sony Airboard, 372 Sony Ericcson, 37 Speedpass, 198 Spiderdance, 290 Sprint PCS, 27, 65, 326, 366 Streetbeam, Inc., 377 Sunhome, 267 Symantec, 215 Symbol Technologies, 383 Talkie, 260 Tech Home, 371 TechTV, 8, 386 Telebright, 27 Teleportec, 334 Telespree, 235 teleworking, 242 Texas Instrument, 288 TracFone, 368 Traffic Safety, 374 Traffic411, 376 Trafficmaster, 193 TravRoute, 181 TRUSTe, 209, 211, 377 Ucomics, 370 Upoc, 382 USA Today, 376-377 VectraSense, 110 Ventek International, 367 VeriSign, 232 Verizon, 27, 70, 157, 366 Versaly, 120, 372 ViewSonic, 380 Vintage Technology, 381 Virtual Aquarium, 131

Webley Systems, 263 Webley Systems Web site, 263 WECA (Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance), 291 Wheels of Zeus (WOZ), 44, 302 Wherify Web site, 110 WHO (World Health Organization), 141 WHO Web site, 148 Wi-Fi, 16, 55-56, 274, 291-293 Wi-Fi Web site, 292 wide area networks (WANs), 278-279 WideRay, 228 WideRay Web site, 86 Wildfire Communications, 262 Wildfire Communications Web site, 262 Wildfire Web site, 92 Wildseed, 109 Wildseed Web site, 109 WIM (wireless instant messaging), 61, 258-259 Wingcast, 167, 188 Wingcast Web site, 376 wireless advertising, 222-223 actionable offers, 224 coupons, 223 special offers, 224-225 audio, 289 baby monitors, 307-308 business applications, 313 content, 227 corporate wireless portals Web, 325 corporate wireless Web, 324-328 AT&T, 326

Carrier Enterprise Solutions, 325 Sprint PCS, 326 data services, 30 demos, 340-342 devices, 328, 323-324 donating to charities, 45-46 global wireless phones, 328 printing, 330 two-way radios, 329 video phones, 329 free agent offices, 339-340 functions, 8-9 future offices, 340 games, 120 graffiti, 252-253 handhelds, RIM Blackberry, 42-43 home offices, 339 Internet, 52-53 accessing, 53-54 security, 57 usage, 52 ISPs, 341 languages, 255-257 mobile media, 227-228 mobile offers, 228 Fox Sports Interstitial, 230 Heineken, 229 Holiday Inn, 229 NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes, 229 Old Navy, 229 Sephora.com, 229 Travelocity.com, 229 voice offers, 230 networking. See wireless networking pets, 121 phones analog, 34 Audiovox, 37 cases, 38 Motorola, 35-36 Nokia, 34-35 Samsung, 37 Siemens, 37 Siemens Talk Therapy, 36 Sony Ericcson, 37 teenage users, 37-38 top-sellers, 33-34

INDEX

Web-capable digital handsets, 71

Web-enabled phones, 60, 136

WIRELESS

VoiceStream, 27, 366 Vox2, 95 Vtext.com, 71 WAA, 221, 377 WAP, 368 WAP Forum, 79, 368 WapCardz.com, 369 Wayport, 54 WDFM, 49 Webley Systems, 263 Wherify, 110 WHO, 148 Wi-Fi, 292 WideRay, 86 Wildfire, 92 Wildfire Communications, 262 Wildseed, 109 Wingcast, 376 Wireless Ethernet Organization, 379 Wireless Foundation, 367, 382 Wireless ISP Association, 342 Wireless LAN Association, 318 Wireless LAN.com, 380 wireless networking, 290 Wireless Village, 383 Wireless Watch, 27 WMA, 377 Workspheres, 344 WOZ, 302 Wozniak, 44 www.cars.com, 155 X10.com, 381 Xanboo multimedia gateway, 285 XM Radio, 372 XM Satellite Radio, 115, 194 Xybernaut, 272, 336, 364, 378 Yahoo! Messenger, 257 Yahoo! Mobile, 369 Yankee Group, 280 Your Mobile, 364 Yourmobile.com, 17

413

WIRELESS

INDEX 414

privacy CTIA, 218-220 location-based privacy, 220 marketers’ privacy rules, 220 WAA, 221 protecting against theft, 208 protecting children, 213 America Links Up, 213 Kidz Privacy, 213 reading, 124-125 researching, 318-319 outsources, 319 usage, 320-321 retail, 331 applications, 331 bar codes, 332 demos, 334 federated department stores, 332 Home Depot, 331 line busters, 332 military, 336 Office Depot, 332 PDAs, 336-337 POS, 332 teleportation, 334-335 ROI, 324 security, 235-236, 308 authentication, 238 cable operators, 308-310 confidentiality, 238 encryption, 236 integrity, 238 no-tap phones, 237 nonrepudiation, 238 PDAs, 237-238 SSL, 236 TLS, 237 WTLS, 237 service plans, 10-13 services, 313-315, 323 digital, 19 Exxon-Mobile, 323 JAL, 323 Safeway, 323 Telus, 323 spam, 221

standards, 54 802.11, 55-57 Home RF, 55 LANs, 54-55 OFDM, 56 Wi-Fi, 55-56 systems, 323-324 connecting, 121-122 fixed, 127-128 technologies, 312, 344-345 standards, 128-129 television, 290 toys, 306 types, 20 automobiles, 20-21 wearable, 271-273 fashion, 106-107 workspaces security, 342 videophones, 342-343 shared, 338 Wireless Access Protocol. See WAP Wireless Advertising Association (WAA), 220-221 wireless application protocol. See WAP gateway Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance (WECA), 291 Wireless Ethernet Organization Web site, 379 Wireless Foundation Web site, 367, 382 wireless instant messaging (WIM), 61, 258-259 wireless Internet, future technologies, 90 Wireless ISP (WISP), 54 Wireless ISP Association Web site, 342 Wireless LAN Association Web site, 318 Wireless LAN Interoperability Forum (WLIF), 55 Wireless LAN.com Web site, 380

wireless messages, 252-253 wireless networking, 16 HomeRF, 291-293 access points, 293 Bluetooth, 292 product lines, 292 professional use, 292 range in distance, 292 security, 292 speed, 292 IrDA, 291 standards, 290 Wi-Fi, 16, 291-293 access points, 293 Bluetooth, 292 product lines, 292 professional use, 292 range in distance, 292 security, 292 speed, 292 wireless networking gateways, 298 Actiontec Electronics, 301 AT&T Broadbanding, 298 Buffalo Technology AirStation, 299 comparing, 301 EarthLink Home Networking, 301 Linksys WAP 11, 299 Nokia wireless home gateway, 301 Verizon 2Wire Home Portal, 298 wireless networking packages, 296 Macintosh use, 297 AirPort 2, 297-298 AirPort 2 with DSL, 298 building networks, 298 wireless networking Web site, 290 Wireless Transport Layer Security (WTLS), 237 Wireless Village, 255 Wireless Village Web site, 383 Wireless Watch Web site, 27

WISP (wireless ISP), 54

Yankee Group, 279

WLIF (Wireless LAN Interoperability Forum), 55

Yankee Group Web site, 280

WMA Web site, 377

Workspheres Web site, 344 Workspheres: Design and Contemporary Work Styles, 245

worldwide phones, 17 wireless services for automobiles, 166

INDEX

World Health Organization (WHO), 141, 148

YOUR MOBILE WEB SITE

workspaces, shared wireless, 338 security, 342 videophones, 342-343

Your Mobile Web site, 17, 364

worms, 239 WOZ (Wheels of Zeus), 302 WOZ Web site, 302 Wozniak Web site, 44 WTLS (Wireless Transport Layer Security), 237 www.cars.com Web site, 155

X X10.com Web site, 381 Xanboo multimedia gateway, 284 Xanboo multimedia gateway Web site, 285 XM Radio systems, 115 XM Radio Web site, 372 XM Satellite Radio Web site, 115, 194 Xybernaut Web site, 272, 336, 364, 378

Y-Z Yahoo! Messenger Web site, 257 Yahoo! Mobile Web site, 369

415

TechTV's Cutting the Cord: A Wireless Consumer's Guide

Coming To A Cord

Coming to a Cord

Coming To A Cord

The Cutting

The Cutting

The Cutting

The Sacred Cord Meditations

Rip Cord

Consumers Guide to Carbon Offsets R20070817F

A Manager's Guide to Wireless Telecommunications

Wireless Network Administration A Beginner's Guide

Cutting

Wireless Network Administration A Beginner's Guide

Wireless Network Administration A Beginner's Guide

The Spinal Cord (Gray Matter)

The Spinal Cord (Gray Matter)

The Return of Cord Navarro

The Cutting Edge

The Cutting Season

Cutting Time, a Novel of the Blues

Cutting for Stone: A novel

Zelazny, Roger - Coming To A Cord

The Cutting Crew

The Cutting Edge

The Cutting Edge

Cutting Edge

Cutting Edge

Metal Cutting

Cutting Edge

Roger Zelazny - Coming To A Cord

TechTV's Cutting the Cord: A Wireless Consumer's Guide

Coming To A Cord

Coming to a Cord

Coming To A Cord

The Cutting

The Cutting

The Cutting

The Sacred Cord Meditations

Rip Cord

Consumers Guide to Carbon Offsets R20070817F

A Manager's Guide to Wireless Telecommunications

Wireless Network Administration A Beginner's Guide

Cutting

Wireless Network Administration A Beginner's Guide

Wireless Network Administration A Beginner's Guide

The Spinal Cord (Gray Matter)

The Spinal Cord (Gray Matter)

The Return of Cord Navarro

The Cutting Edge

The Cutting Season

Cutting Time, a Novel of the Blues

Cutting for Stone: A novel

Zelazny, Roger - Coming To A Cord

The Cutting Crew

The Cutting Edge

The Cutting Edge

Cutting Edge

Cutting Edge

Metal Cutting

Cutting Edge

Roger Zelazny - Coming To A Cord

Recommend Documents