AppIncubator app

Do you have a great idea for an iPhone app but not the coding skills to actually build it? Well, there's an app for that. The AppIncubator iPhone App from MEDL Mobile lets you submit your ideas which the company's development team will then build into apps for you. [via ReadWriteWeb] In their own words: - Using the simple interface, you can submit your ideas directly to the incubator. If it passes a series of tests and reviews, we’ll pay one of our development teams to build it. Then we’ll promote and market the application. And we’ll share the profits with you. We make our decisions based upon five factors: Originality. Functionality. Simplicity. Revenue Opportunity. And Fun. permalink (April 17th, 2009)

Obama Authorizes U.S. Telecom Opening with Cuba

President Barack Obama's new policy towards Cuba includes several telecom provisions. New.com reports via WhiteHouse.gov Specifically, the President has directed the Secretaries of State, Treasury, and Commerce to: -- Authorize U.S. telecommunications network providers to enter into agreements to establish fiber-optic cable and satellite telecommunications facilities linking the United States and Cuba. -- License U.S. telecommunications service providers to enter into roaming service agreements with Cuba’s telecommunications service providers. -- License U.S. satellite radio and satellite television service providers to engage in transactions necessary to provide services to customers in Cuba. -- License persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction to activate and pay U.S. and third-country service providers for telecommunications, satellite radio and satellite television services provided to individuals in Cuba. -- Authorize the donation of certain consumer telecommunication devices without a license. -- Add certain humanitarian items to the list of items eligible for export through licensing exceptions. Related: -- In Cuba, Cellphone Calls Go Unanswered -- US lifts Cuba mobile phone ban -- Cuban phone company reports 7,400 new cell phone accounts -- Cubans Snapping Up Cell Phones -- Cuba lifts curbs on mobile phones permalink (April 14th, 2009)

The Incubation Period for iPhone Apps is Declining

After a huge spike right before Christmas (close to 1,200 new apps on 12/21), the number of new apps has dropped to levels last seen in early November. O'Reilly Rada reports, following a conversation with Raven Zachary at Macword. Raven Zachary helps people create, develop, and launch iPhone products and services.

... There were more than 5,000 new apps introduced to the U.S. iTune store in both September and October ... The top 8 categories account for over 70% of all apps, with a quarter of apps coming from Games. For all but two small categories (Weather, Social Networking), the incubation period has declined. Medical is a new category and wasn't represented in Sep/Oct.

Read full article. permalink (January 10th, 2009)

In Cuba, Cellphone Calls Go Unanswered

As Cuba celebrates its 50th anniversary and a rickety state-run socialist economy struggles not only to feed, house and care for its people but also to offer them a nibble of global consumer culture. The Washington Post reports.

In his first year as president, Raúl Castro allowed the purchase of mobile phones which became e the new status symbol in proletarian Havana, but with a Cuban twist. Cubans don't actually talk on their cellphones. They use them as pagers. When Cubans get a call, they rarely answer. Instead, they look at the number, find a land-line telephone, which is ubiquitous and dirt cheap to use, and return the call. If they're feeling flush, they might type a message. The obstacles to entering the cellular world are almost impossibly high for most Cubans. First, there is getting the phone. Then to open a mobile phone account with the state telephone monopoly, ETECSA, a user must go, with a cellphone in hand, to one of the few offices in Havana, stand in line for an hour and then pay $65 to activate the service -- a bargain compared with the $130 the government used to charge. Local calls between cellphones cost 65 cents a minute. Cellphone calls to a land line are slightly more. Calls abroad? Ordinary Cubans interviewed for this article laughed. No one calls abroad. Dialing the United States costs $2.70 a minute. Europe will set a caller back $5.85. ... A Cuban with a BlackBerry explained that like the United States and Europe, Cuban society will be changed by the cellphone. "We will be reachable," said the man, who was sharing a glass of homemade wine with friends on New Year's Eve. "But we don't want to answer."

permalink (January 3rd, 2009)

US lifts Cuba mobile phone ban

US President George W Bush has said Americans will soon be allowed to send mobile phones to relatives in Cuba. The BBC reports. "The change in US policy follows the Cuban government's easing last month of restrictions on mobile phone ownership. Speaking at the White House on Cuba Solidarity Day, Mr Bush said:

"Cubans are now allowed to purchase mobile phones, DVD players and computers, and they have been told that they will be able to purchase toasters and other basic appliances in 2010.

Previously they could only be bought by government officials and people working for foreign firms. The decades-old US trade embargo against Cuba remains in place. But Americans will now be able to include mobile phones in gift parcels for Cuba." permalink (May 21st, 2008)

Cuban phone company reports 7,400 new cell phone accounts

Cuba's telephone monopoly says 7,400 new cell phone accounts have been contracted in the 10 days since all Cubans were allowed to sign up for service. According to the CIA World Factbook, the population of Cuba is 11.4m. A cell phone contract costs about $120 to activate — half a year's wages on the average state salary. [via Cellular News] permalink (April 25th, 2008)

Cubans Snapping Up Cell Phones

Cubans are lining up out the door and down the block at phone centers in Havana as cell phone service becomes available to all citizens for the first time. The Associated Press reports. "The cell phone contracts cost about $120. That's more than six times the average state salary and doesn't include a phone or cards with credit to make and receive calls. Still, hundreds of Cubans are lining up to buy the service. Many of those waiting to sign up Monday already have cell phones but it was prohibited for most Cubans to have them in their own names." Previously: -- Cuba lifts curbs on mobile phones -- Cuba should expand cellular network permalink (April 15th, 2008)

Cuba lifts curbs on mobile phones

Cubans are to be allowed unrestricted access to mobile phones for the first time, in the latest reform announced under new President Raul Castro. The BBC reports. "In a statement in official newspaper Granma, state telecom monopoly ETECSA said it would offer mobile services to the public in the next few days. Some Cubans already own mobile phones, but they have had to acquire them via a third party, often foreigners. Cuba's rate of cell phone usage remains among the lowest in Latin America. Now Cubans will be able to subscribe to pre-paid mobile services under their own names, instead of going through foreigners or in some cases their work places. However, the new service must be paid for in foreign currency, which will restrict access to wealthier Cubans." Related: - Cuba should expand cellular network - It's currently estimated that out of Cuba's population of 11 million, only 0.2 per cent have access to the cellular network. In effect, most of those are government officials." permalink (March 28th, 2008)

Cuba should expand cellular network

Raul Castro is easing restrictions on the sale of DVDs and computers in Cuba. According to The Inquirer, the obvious next move is to open up its cellular networks to the local people. It's currently estimated that out of Cuba's population of 11 million, only 0.2 per cent have access to the cellular network. In effect, most of those are government officials." Photo credit: La Habana Vieja permalink (March 16th, 2008)

Fidel is better, Cuba the same...

Insight on Cuba, from the Russian News and Information Agency, where cell phones are forbidden. "... Cell phones are prohibited, but Cubans can easily find a foreigner who would buy them a phone in his name and then rent it out. The authorities are turning a blind eye to such tricks. This is typical of socialism in decline, when formal compliance with bans is more important than their implementation, and ostentatious loyalty means more than convictions." permalink (May 28th, 2007)

What's in store for iPhone app developers?

Whether you've got the skill to build a killer app, or just the idea for one, firms are fighting for the chance to get it into the App Store, writes The Guardian via Twitter/shoesmith81.

... The runaway success of the App Store has created the legend of the iPhone millionaire," says Dave Swartz, principal of MEDL Mobile, a company aiming to make it possible to get your idea into the App Store without technical knowledge or financial outlay. Swartz and his MEDL partner, Andrew Maltin, launched App Incubator, a service offering to turn great ideas into apps in return for a share of the profits. MEDL has so far received more than 12,000 idea submissions from 5,000 applicants. Swartz says that about a third of the ideas were interesting enough to be flagged for consideration. With App Incubator, there are no upfront costs, although profits generated by the apps are split 75/25 in MEDL's favour. If you don't fancy giving up 75% of your killer app earnings, you may be tempted to try developing it yourself.

Read full article. permalink (May 28th, 2009)

Smash Technologies livens up Text Messaging

Well-known investor and Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has led a $1.35 million first round of investment in Smash Technologies, a company that is creating newer, slicker ways to use text messaging. The New York Times reports.

Smash Technologies is providing a technology platform that lets software developers create new text applications on top of texting, to bring more sophistication.

In their own words: Most texting applications today offer very limited functionality and therefore value, much like the early days of the Internet. Some companies have waded into the waters with simple, single-text call to actions, like text-in for voting, coupon codes, or to receive an alert. But text apps can be so much more! SMaSh lets text apps deliver enhanced functionality and interactions that drive real value for both business and mobile users alike: -- Menu choices that can be navigated -- Transactions -- Targeted, tailored information delivery -- Tracking each user's activity and choices through sessions ("cookies for mobile") -- And more permalink (April 22nd, 2009)

Weekly round up of iPhone apps featured in textually blogs

A round up of iPhone apps featured the last couple of weeks in textually blogs: TEXTUALLY The first government directory apps. ATM Hunter locates nearest ATMs worldwide. AppIncubator. Submit your ideas and have an app built. Comic Strips from Dilbert, Foxtrot, Calvin and Hobbes, B.C and more. iNap@work lets you get away with napping at your desk. Dictionary.com delivers reference content from Dictionary.com and Thesaurus.com iRotaryDialer turns your iPhone into a rotary phone. The Wall Street Journal offers free content - unlike online. AT&T Virtual Receptionist comes with a toll-free number. A Special Phone helps the visually impaired to use the iPhone. Latest market news and analysis from The Street.com. Corbeau lets you write/send mock threatening messages. 50,000 pictures of shoes. A girl's best friend app. Yahoo! Messenger to IM your family and friends. Match.com launches a dating app. WATCHING TV ONLINE Put your knowledge to the test with the Jeopardy game show app. Watch the Today Show on your iPhone. PICTUREPHONING Zoom in and out in real-time when taking pictures with Camera Zoom. RINGTONIA Nine Inch Nails app so fans can interact and receive streaming content. Diddy launches Last Train to Paris, a pre-album release app. permalink (April 19th, 2009)

Guantánamo Detainee Phones Al Jazeera From Prison

Given the opportunity to make a phone call from the U.S. detention facility in Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, a detainee awaiting release reportedly phoned Al Jazeera to complain about his treatment. The New York Times reports.

... According to Al Jazeera, Mr. Gharani said that guards had used tear gas on him when he refused to leave his cell and he had been beaten. The text of a written report on Al Jazeera’s Web site says that the detainee “said in a phone call to Al Jazeera that the alleged ill-treatment ’started about 20 days’ before Barack Obama became U.S. president and ’since then I’ve been subjected to it almost every day.’”

Read full article. permalink (April 16th, 2009)

Phones help deliver baby

A Russian woman gave birth by the light of dozens of mobile phones after a power cut plunged a town into darkness. Ananova reports. "Emergency generators kicked in to keep incubators going at the local maternity ward at Shelehov in northern Russia. But the room where Rima Pivovarova, 22, was giving birth was plunged into darkness just as doctors started to try and sort out complications with the delivery. Quick-thinking nurses borrowed mobile phones from colleagues and other patients and used their light as they delivered the baby. Nurse Nadezhda Stempkovskaya, who helped deliver the baby, said both mother and son are doing well." Similar stories: -- Vietnamese doctors use mobile-phone light to finish surgery -- Cell phones light up operating room during blackout in Argentina permalink (November 30th, 2007)

New Frontiers For Cellphone Service

A wonderful article today in the WSJ on how telecom firms see potential in the world's remotest regions - by providing (the first) biodiesel-fueled base station, organizing communal cellphones, offering new payment options for lower-income customers and mobile banking, which lets people who don't have bank accounts use their cellphones to transfer money. The whole article is a must read, but here are excerpts from the part referring to mobile banking: "... For some companies, emerging markets are an incubator for new services such as mobile banking, which lets people who don't have bank accounts use their cellphones to transfer money. The concept is starting to take hold in some markets, such as the Philippines and South Africa. Kenyan operator Safaricom Ltd., a joint venture between Telkom Kenya Ltd. and Vodafone, is launching a service called M-PESA that lets customers without bank accounts transfer money using text messages. Customers using M-PESA, which stands for mobile money, get a new chip installed in their phone at no cost so they can add credit to their account at street kiosks, gas stations or shops -- basically any seller of cellphone airtime credit. They can send the credit to any other Kenyan mobile phone via a code-bearing text message. Recipients then take their phone with the text message to a retailer or similar outlet to pick up their cash. The service may, someday, include other financial transactions, such as paying utility bills and taking out small loans, says Nick Hughes, head of mobile payment at Vodafone, of Newbury, England. Customers initially will be able to make only domestic money transfers, but the company hopes to take the service to other parts of its global network. While the potential of such services long has been discussed for developed markets, they have failed to take off there due to well-established alternatives such as debit cards and credit cards. And industry experts note a number of challenges for mobile banking in general, including technological and regulatory requirements." permalink (February 13th, 2007)

Cold War Hotline Anniversary

One of the most potent symbols of the Cold War era - the telephone hotline linking the Kremlin and the White House - is 40 years old this month. BBC reports. [via 21talks] "To mark the occasion, Russian television interviewed an official translator and a Kremlin aide who witnessed its use. The hotline, called the "red telephone" in Russian, was set up in 1963 after the Cuban missile crisis had brought the world to the brink of nuclear war. During the crisis, US President John F Kennedy and Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev were obliged to negotiate through intermediaries. The line was used for the first time in 1967, during the Six Day War between Israel and its Arab neighbours." CNN special on the Cold War permalink (June 21st, 2006)

Mobile Game Mosh: An Overnight Success

Business Week reports on Mobile Game Mosh, a recent competition at New York's Parsons The New School for Design. "Students were given cell phones as a game design platform and had 24 hours to produce as many cool, mobile games as they could. The contest, co-sponsored by game-giant Atari (ATAR) and San Mateo (Calif.)-based developer of cell-phone content Glu Mobile, was a high-energy incubator. The winner of the Top Overall Game award was Moth, a poetic game created by a team called The Difference Engine. " [via Ypulse] permalink (March 21st, 2006)