Skype, which has a long standing relationship with Boingo, is making it simpler (and easier) to get access to Boingo hotspots around the world. It announced a new plan that allows Skype users to pay for Boingo Wi-Fi hotspots using Skype Credit. The feature is called Skype Access and is currently available to Mac users as part of the Skype for Mac 2.8 Beta software. I upgraded just for this feature alone. Skype will support this on Windows and Linux versions of Skype later. You pay per minute for the access you use. Previously, you had to sign up for Boingo and got a special rate for using Skype. I thought it was a bad deal. I find Skype Access simpler and easier. (Related Post: Full review of Skype 2.8 for Mac on TheAppleBlog.)
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In their own words
“FlyCast is a FREE service that gives you what you really want – portable music and talk radio that’s better than Satellite radio, easy to use, and works on the device already in your pocket – like the BlackBerry (Bold, Storm, Curve), iPhone (Original, 3G, and iPod Touch) and Android phones like T-Mobile G1.”
Why it might be a killer
Those who are looking into an alternative for streaming music might find it quite compelling, if only because it enables them to listen to selections when offline.
What it does
As you know, there's more ways than one to stream music from your mobile device. The one we are discussing right now adds a little spice: you can preload music while online, and then listen to it even when there is not an Internet connection available.
The channel themselves work on low bandwidth connections, and as well as listening to music ranging far and wide you can access news and sports information on the fly.
For its part, supported devices include iPhones (of course) and Android phones like the T-Mobile G1. A recent update enables you to listen to FlyCast channels on your computer, using a player quite similar to the one featured in the phone version. Both Macs and PCs are supported so far.
If you think this solution is what you have been looking for in your pursuit of a better aural experience, you can always download the pertinent version from the iTunes Store and get started in no time at all. The service is constantly updated, too, so also make a point of checking the site to see how things evolve.
Some questions
Is the desktop version provided free of charge?
Link: http://www.flycast.fm
Our Review: http://www.killerstartups.com/Mobile/flycast-fm-streaming-music-from-your-mobile
What it does
A service that has just launched, Didiom makes it possible for you to use your mobile device to access songs and playlists stored on your computer via wireless streaming. All you have to do in order to do so is download Didiom to both your desktop and your phone, and from that point onwards you will be able to sift through the music files archived on your computer using your mobile.
Moreover, a marketplace allows you to shop for new music and download it to your phone, your computer’s desktop, or both. You only pay for the titles you download, too – there is no need to pay any membership fees.
When it comes to actually procuring Didiom, the process is kept as simple as possible – you pick your carrier from the provided drop down menu, and then set up an account before getting down to the download itself. Alternatively, you can choose your brand and proceed from there.
With support for over 200 phone models, Didiom is certain to attract the attention of people from everywhere. Follow the provided link in order to have a taster for yourself, and see if it clicks with you or not.
In their own words
“With Didiom, you can use your phone to access songs and playlists stored on your computer through wireless streaming. Just download Didiom to your phone and desktop and you'll be ready to navigate the music files stored on your PC.”
Why it might be a killer
It has the potential to modify the way people access and listen to music, using the latest advances in technology.
Some questions
Is Didiom easy to configure once it has been installed?
Link: http://www.didiom.com
Our Review: http://www.killerstartups.com/Mobile/didiom-com-from-itunes-to-your-mobile-phone
In their own words
“Borange lets you group your existing address book contacts, send them quick invitations to call or meet you, and see a timeline of who is available to you now and in the near future.”
Why it might be a killer
Solutions such as this one can bring some much needed order into hectic schedules.
Some questions
How configurable is the filtering process?
What it does
A new iPhone app that has just been released to the public, Borange can be best-described as a tool for sharing social availability, and turning your mobile device into a fully-realized social planner.
That is, Borange will enable you to manage your address book contacts and create groups, send them quick invitations, and see a timeline showcasing availability and future appointments.
For its part, your availability can be shared with whomever you want, and you can keep it as private as you wish. An availability filter is likewise included, and you can forward alerts and replies as you see fit.
Moreover, you can share your current location both via e-mail and mobile text messaging. The latter is available for free, and all major US carriers are duly supported.
This solution is quite easy and intuitive to get to grips with, and in any case the provided screenshots paint a good picture. You will have no trouble at all adjusting to it should you decide to purchase it at the price which is detailed online.
Link: http://www.borange.com
Our Review: http://www.killerstartups.com/Mobile/borange-com-turning-your-iphone-into-a-social-planner
What it does
The gap between the internet and mobile phones is growing ever smaller. Since the iPhone and other smart phones became mainstream, there’s little difference between an IM message and an SMS text message. Cherple.com is here to make that gap even smaller. Through the site, you’ll be able to send SMS text messages to any phone in the US, and get an answer, all in IM format. Why should you care? Well, it makes getting in touch with anyone with a US cell phone instant, without having to waste money sending a text message from your phone. Standard text message charge rates apply to the user on the cell phone end, but the online user doesn’t have to worry about it.
It could get you out of a jam, say you lost your cell phone and you need to get in touch with someone quickly. It might sound like a novelty now, but it could grow into something truly interesting. Look for a desktop version coming soon, and might we suggest a mobile app?
In their own words
“Cherple lest anyone with an internet connection across the globe carry on a two-way text conversation with any U.S. cell phone.”
Why it might be a killer
People love IMs, and they love their phones. This site brings them closer together.
Some questions
Where’s the mobile app? Is it instant messaging or do cellular networks make things go slower?
Link: http://www.cherple.com
Our Review: http://www.killerstartups.com/Mobile/cherple-com-im-to-sms-and-back
Santa was apparently good to Amazon.com this year; the e-tailer says its 14th holiday (shopping) season was its best ever, though it doesn’t offer any data to back up that cheery claim. Its biggest sellers (based on number of units ordered) included the Samsung 52-inch LCD TV, iPod Touch, Acer Aspire One netbook and Nintendo Wii video game console — all in line with the trends we saw at the start of the holiday shopping season.
Amazon seems to have done well at the expense of its brick-and-mortal rivals. As Mary Delk, a director in the retail division of consulting firm Deloitte LLP told the Wall Street Journal, “Retailers went from ‘Ho-ho’ to ‘Uh-oh’ to ‘Oh-no.’” Sales for electronics and appliances fell a combined 26.7 percent vs. a 2.7 percent gain in 2007, according to the WSJ. E-commerce sales fell 2 percent versus 22.4 percent gain in sales in 2007.
I am particularly amazed by the growing popularity of netbooks. Kevin, Stacey and others on our team are quite enamored with these devices, which were originally designed as part of a program for underprivileged children. According to Fortune’s Apple 2.0 blog, of the 25 best-selling notebooks on Amazon, 17 are netbooks that cost less then $500. As they say — the race to the bottom has begun.
Some questions
When is the next major update coming along? Which features are going to be added?
In their own words
“The mouse for the iPhone.”
Why it might be a killer
It is an interesting resource that will cater both for those who have an iPhone and an iPod Touch, and who want to customize the access to their devices as much as they can.
What it does
iCursor is a new solution that brings the convenience of a computer mouse to iPhone users. Essentially, iCursor is implemented by storing a bookmarklet within your Safari browser that can be launched at will.
When you do so, this application adds a cursors icon that will follow your finger wherever it goes, and it will allow you to open contextual menus in an immediate way.
It will be quite interesting to see other browsers becoming supported. This would definitely broaden the scope of such an application, and let it have access to a more thorough audience.
This app is provided at no charge, and installing it is a simple task. Guidance is provided online just in case, and step-by-step assistance is included. When all is said and done, if you are looking into ways of customizing your iPhone experience this site is as good as any other to get started. Pay it a visit at www.icursor.mobi and see if it clicks with your or not.
Link: http://www.icursor.mobi
Our Review: http://www.killerstartups.com/Mobile/icursor-mobi-a-mouse-for-your-iphone
What it does
In the words of the team behind this project, “Textecution kills texting functions while driving so your child, loved one, or employee lives.” This is quite an apt definition of the provided solution, and it must be said that it is an interesting development that can play out a very important role towards road safety.
The implementation of such a solution is quite unobtrusive, as it sits quietly on the background upon installing it and only pops up when you want to use your mobile device, letting you know if you are driving to fast to send or receive text messages. Only when the phone is at rest or your travelling speed is lower than 10mph will the texting ability be regained.
This application can be procured at the site for a price that is described online. For the time being, Textexecution is only available on the HTC G1 by T-mobile. It is stated that more phones will become supported as the Android platform expands its market. In the meantime, you can get started if you own the aforementioned device.
In their own words
“We created this application because we care about people. Not just you, but others on the road as well. National statistics show a substantial increase in the number of vehicle accidents that are caused by drivers who are texting while operating their vehicle. We created Textecution in an effort to decrease the number of accidents that are caused by drivers who drive recklessly distracted because they are reading or typing text messages instead of focusing on the road.”
Why it might be a killer
An application such as this one makes a significant contribution towards road safety as a whole.
Some questions
When will other mobile devices become supported?
Link: http://www.textecution.com
Our Review: http://www.killerstartups.com/Mobile/textecution-com-no-more-texting-while-driving
Whether the (unofficial) Google Phone, a.k.a. the T-Mobile G-1, is going to set sales records or not, remains to be seen. But Google is doing its part. My source says that on Friday, the Mountain View, Calif.-based search and online advertising company gave away a special unlocked version of the Android-powered G-1 device (with an Android logo etched on its back) to its employees. It’s nice for more people to get familiar with a device that represents a big part of the company’s future. In related news, there has been some talk about a new G-2 version of the device. (Related Post: What I Love & Hate About T-Mobile G-1.)
In their own words
“One Juicer notifies you of the latest iPhone Apps based on your choice of keywords via email.”
Why it might be a killer
It is a practical service that is provided in a concise and straightforward manner, accommodating the needs of both individual users and developers.
What it does
OneJuicer is a website that serves a specific function, namely letting you know whenever an iPhone app that interests you sees the light of the day. This system is implemented in a very direct way, too – you have to provide a few keywords that reflect your interests and predilections, and furnish contact information. Once this has been dealt with, you will be automatically informed when an appropriate app surfaces at the iTunes store.
Such a service benefits not only iPhone users who want to keep fully abreast of the most recent developments without having to check manually, but also iPhone app developers. The latter are provided ready access to the most recent news as well as a glance into what the competition is up to. Furthermore, they can realize which areas are still left unattended and act in consequence.
In finishing, this service is very well-suited to every individual who has an interest on iPhones, be it as regards personal usage or the development of new products. If you fall into either category, a visit to the site is a good bet.
Some questions
How many keywords can you include per search?
Link: http://www.onejuicer.com
Our Review: http://www.killerstartups.com/Mobile/onejuicer-com-learn-about-the-latest-iphone-apps