Thursday, April 26, 2012

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Two-thirds of Americans unwilling to spend over $50 a month on mobile data, says Parks Associates
Apr 26th 2012, 04:24

Two-thirds of Americans unwilling to spend over $50 a month on mobile data, says Parks Associates

In a recent report titled Mobile Data and Applications, research outfit Parks Associates found that a large chunk of Stateside consumers aren't willing to pay more than $50 per month for a mobile data plan. What's also interesting here -- but not surprising -- is the study shows nearly 50 percent of smartphone users are completely oblivious to the amount of data they're consuming every month. Parks Associates says this highlights the "risk" networks like AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile are taking by making the transition from all-you-can-have to those tiered data plans we're so fond of. The firm's Mobile Research Director, Harry Wang, sees this as a necessity for carriers, though, expressing that "moving mobile users to usage-based plans will be difficult and painful, but changes are necessary for operators to maintain revenues." So, are you part of the two-thirds keeping bits under 50 bucks? Let your voice be heard in the comments below.

Continue reading Two-thirds of Americans unwilling to spend over $50 a month on mobile data, says Parks Associates

Two-thirds of Americans unwilling to spend over $50 a month on mobile data, says Parks Associates originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:24:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceParks Associates  | Email this | Comments

Google Maps offers photo tours of popular destinations, won't make you leave the couch (video)
Apr 26th 2012, 03:52

Google Maps offers photo tours of popular destinations, won't make you leave the couch (video)

Looking to get a better feel for that Yosemite National Park expedition this summer? Google Maps is looking to go beyond the regular ol' snapshot and offer an experience that feels more like an actual visit -- only you won't have to leave your sofa. The folks in Mountain View have added photo tours to over 15,000 sites around the globe from Italy to the aforementioned Half Dome in California. A search for your virtual destination of choice will indicate whether or not a tour is available for that particular locale. How does it work? The outfit uses user-contributed Picasa and Panaromio photos -- only those listed as public -- alongside some fancy computer techniques to provide a 3D tour. Along the way, Maps selects the best possible path through the highest quality images. At the bottom of each photo, contributor credit is given and Goog says when more shots get shared, these tours will improve over time. You'll need Google Maps with WebGL to get the sightseeing started, though. If you're looking for a quick preview, hit the video just past the break.

Continue reading Google Maps offers photo tours of popular destinations, won't make you leave the couch (video)

Google Maps offers photo tours of popular destinations, won't make you leave the couch (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 25 Apr 2012 23:52:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceGoogle Lat Long Blog  | Email this | Comments

European Patent Office invalidates IPCom 3G patent, gives good news to Nokia and HTC
Apr 26th 2012, 03:14

European Patent Office invalidates IPCom 3G patent, gives good news to Nokia and HTCIPCom's had its way with many mobile manufacturers, including Nokia and HTC, by suing them for patent infringement in German courts. However, the Finnish and Taiwanese firms got good news today when the European Patent Office invalidated one of its 3G patents -- the very same one it used to obtain an injunction against HTC. IPCom's not going away quietly, however, as it plans to appeal the EPO's decision. That means that the folks in Espoo and Taoyuan City aren't out of the woods yet -- but it should at least give them a bit more bargaining power in negotiations to end their (seemingly endless) legal spats.

European Patent Office invalidates IPCom 3G patent, gives good news to Nokia and HTC originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 25 Apr 2012 23:14:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceReuters  | Email this | Comments

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