Did henry Ford use patents to stifle competition?

     Are we entering a new era? Since when does the most rudimentary form factor or functionality of a product constitute a patent infringement? On what basis are patents being granted that they now cause the stifling of creativity and innovation for a whole industry? Companies like Microsoft and Apple seem to forget that competition is key to their success.

     When Henry Ford created the automobile, did he try to run over any company who produced an internal combustion engine or who put four wheels on their vehicle? NO. Did the Wright brothers ravenously try to drop from a thousand feet anyone who produced a flying machine with wings or a propeller? NO. Did Boris Rosing and Vladimir Zworykin, innovators of the earliest television technology try to impose a blackout on anyone who dared reproduce the cathode Ray Tube/CRT inside a square box with glass on the front? NO.

     Is government encouraging the granting of patents with the same frivolousness they did with unsecured mortgages? Frankly, it is likely to have the same effect on the economy. With our economic bus teetering on the precipice of another recession, or worse, it seems that our leaders should be doing everything possible to stoke the flames of the entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, and competition that will re-ignite our economy. What is your opinion on this? Are lawsuits like that filed by Apple against Samsung justified, or just fear of competion? Please sound off in the comments below..

The Big Bang of Today’s Portable Devices

     I was just reflecting on how far we have come in mobile technology in such a short time, and what great things this says about us as a nation.  Consider the 1980’s and early 90’s where, other than the internet, we had our desktop and laptop, and that was pretty much it.  Why did computer and mobile tech accelerate to such a degree in the past ten to fifteen years?  I think the answers are competition and convergence.

     Think about it.  Microsoft and Macintosh had the lock on how consumers used computer and internet technology for many years.  We relied on their innovation, and developed at their pace.  When a new version of Windows, internet explorer, Mac OS, and Safari came out, they were the big news in tech.  There was actually a dependency that we were all locked into.  People had to adapt by buying new hardware and software or lose the ability to use computers at all.  As a result, if you look back, there was not much innovation to speak of.  Granted, people developed faster processors, better monitors, more efficient storage, etc., but innovators had to work inside the box defined by the two monopolies.  Then, unwittingly, I think Microsoft undid themselves.  No doubt reacting to the changes in society at the turn of the century to being much more mobile, and to the increased desire on the part of the consumer for portability in terms of music and communications, they created the first mobile PC platform.  “Pocket PC”, as it was called, opened up a whole new industry – mobile computing.  I believe this is the big bang that eventually spawned the smartphones and tablets of today, and blew Microsoft and Macintosh off the top of their monopolistic mountain.

     The second factor that contributed to the radical spike in mobile technology over the last twelve years or so is convergence.  As society became more mobile, the way we used our technology had to change as well.  As people transitioned from CD’s to MP3’s, as personal and professional photography transitioned to digital, as cell phone usage boomed, and as laptop computers eclipsed desktop P.C.’s in the average household, consumers grew tired of carrying three or four devices with them at all times.  Computer hardware manufacturers, cell phone manufacturers, camera manufacturers, software developers, internet service providers, and internet software developers all clamored to fill the need for one device that does it all.  The result has been that we have mobile devices and services which comprise a plethora of company’s’ products and service.  No single company has been able to develop the monopolies of old. For this reason, we now see innovation at a breakneck pace, and the technology is offered at an affordable price dictated by demand and competition.

     Stories like the above should fill one with great optimism.  It would be unwise for anyone to bet against the “little guy” in America.  Inspire of the fact that ours is the most successful democratic and economic system in history, there is a great debate in many quarters about changing the fundamental direction of our nation.  There’s a lot of “doom and gloomers” out there, asserting that our capitalistic system, based on self reliance, entrepreneurial spirit, competition, and demand, has failed.  They site companies like Walmart and others to justify their assertion there is no hope for the “little guy”.  I submit to you that the tech industry of late should be a prime example that the American Dream is alive and well for anyone that wants to chase it.  Granted, our leaders need to be held accountable for enacting policies that keep America “the land of opportunity” for people at all economic levels, and make sure big companies cannot stifle competition.  However, no one should ever underestimate the American spirit or the resolve of her people.   Read about and consider the humble beginnings of companies like Microsoft, Yahoo, and Facebook, and you will see that any “little guy” can become a giant if they are given the opportunity, and they are ready to work for it.  In addition, as this blog should illustrate, in our system, even giants are not invulnerable.  The “little guy” can sneak up and snatch an entire industry from it’s clutches.  What do you think?  Are the reigns of tech giants like Microsoft and Apple over?  Give us your thoughts in the comments below, or join the discussion on our facebook page http://www.facebook.com/eastcomwireless, or sound off via twitter http://www.twitter.com/eastcomwireless.

Courtasy - futuretimeline.net

     In 1992 an entrepreneurial millionaire named Ross Perot ran for president of the United States. In his run, he purchased 30 minutes of airtime on a major television network to warn us that if we ceased to be a nation that innovated, created, and produced goods and services, that we would end up in dire straights economically, and that we would lose our influence on the world stage. As we all know, he lost the election. However, hindsight being 20/20, it looks like he was right. Private sector industries have been severely weakened, Americans are buying more imported goods than ever and our nation is hemorrhaging jobs as we teeter on the precipice of another recession. Many believe that what we need now is a technology-based industrial revolution to re-ignite our economy. Enter, Generation “Y”.
     If you were born from 1982 to 1995, you are considered a “Generation Y’er”. It is arguable that you guys may be the smartest segment of the population, and may end up being the ones to stem this tide. Don’t get a big head! (pun intended) What I really mean is that yours age group is in the position to be the smartest. Why? Think about it. By the time you hit kindergarten, computers were at least common in the average U.S. household. In addition, the public and private education systems had begun to incorporate computer labs and incorporate newly developed educational software into their curriculums. How many of you “Y”ers remember having to open a musty, dog eared, written on encyclopedia to do your research paper? Probably not many, right? How many remember having to do a Powerpoint presentation in front of your class? I assume a lot of you probably do. Computer and communications technology and the internet opened up the world for your consumption.
     This is not to diminish your accomplishments. It’s a good thing that yours was the first generation that did not have to struggle to adapt to. and apply these new technologies like other generations did. It was always some part of how you learned, worked, and played. What I am getting to is that this is a net positive for society as a whole. In fact, I can see a time when the rest of us will soon owe a huge debt of gratitude to all you “Y’ers” out there. Because technology is almost a part of your DNA at this point, and because you have spent a lifetime integrating it into the way you live, you will likely innovate and mainstream more technology more quickly than any generation before you. From this lowly bloggers point of view, I anticipate that your contributions, to everything from agriculture to aerospace, may be of a magnitude and scope that rivals the impact of the first industrial revolution that exemplified America’s exceptionalsism. To all the grads out there, you truly are the hope of our great nation. No doubt you will do us proud.

App uses GPS to Track Real Estate prices. Courtasy Mashable.com

    Privacy concerns with regard to wireless technology are getting a lot of bad press of late.  The GPS capabilities of smartphones and tablets have evolved well beyond providing turn-by-turn navigation.   They now have the ability to track your location and relay that information to third parties via various features and software on these devices.  For instance, when you walk into a restaurant, your phone may log your position, and transmit it to some social network that you belong to.  Or, when you snap a picture of that giant sink-hole you saw on your way to work, the location where it was taken may be included in the file information for that photo.  Even when you log into Facebook or Twitter, the site wants to tell visitors where you made your post from.  At first glance, this looks like “Big Brother” is getting more powerful, and more intrusive.  However, ervice providers and software developers state that there goal is to provide a more comprehensive and unified user experience by using these location based services.  Upon further consideration, they really are.  If you tweet about how much you loved that chicken parm at the restaurant mentioned above, your readers will know exactly where to go and try it.  When you send a picture of that sink-hole that made you late to work, you can tell your boss to go check it out for himself before he docks your pay.  The possibilities for this technology seem to be limitless.  As per this article from Mashable.com http://on.mash.to/LW1GDm, you will soon even be able to look at a satelite map and check home prices in your dream neighborhood. 

      Make no mistake; this privacy debate is a worthy one to be had.  It is not a bad thing that consumer watchdog groups and privacy advocates are there to remind technology companies that just because they can do a thing, doesn’t necessarily mean that they necessarily should  do that thing without consideration for safety issues, etc.  Consumers can take part in this debate by doing what you are doing by reading this blog, staying informed.  The onus is on us, the educated consumer, to be aware and take control.  When you get a device, take the time to learn what it can do, and how the features work.  Ask questions of your salesperson, your provider, and read up on anything that might raise a red flag for you persoanlly.

     The result of these privacy debates is that wireless companies, phone manufacturers, and software developers have given consumers that control by allowing them to opt-in to any location based services, or any that identify a user personally.  For Verizon Wireless customers, you can go to http://www.verizonwireless.com/myverizon and see and control exactly what personally identifiable information is collected and distributed.  As for controlling GPS/location basted services on specific devices, YouTube has a wealth of resources, like this one http://bit.ly/LwJrE1 on how to disable “geo-tagging” of your photos. Finally, don’t click “OK” willy-nilly when you open applications on your device.  It may only happen the first time you open it, but most applications will request your permission before activating any features that may use your location, or affect personal privacy.  Read the provided “More information”, “Faq”, or “Help” files and understand what you are consenting to.

      We live in exciting times.  Through the combination of wireless devices on the bleeding edge of technology and a lightening-fast 4GLTE network from Verizon and Eastcom Wireless, Technology will continue to advance the way consumers live, work, and play.  It is a fact of life that with innovation come the “growing pains” of controversy.  However, with informed debate, and personal responsibility for the technologies we choose to implement, we can anticipate these innovations without fear, and enjoy them all the more.

Wowee's Rovio - Remote controlled, remote monitoring system.

When most people, even techies, think of mobile security, the forst thing that usually comes to mind is some kind of antivirus for smartphones. They’re right. However, the term is taking on a whole new meaning. How many times have you wished you could see what was going on at your home or business while you were away. How many times did you wish you could see who was at the door or coming up your driveway without looking out the window? How many times did you wish you could look in on an at-risk loved one who is home alone. The surprising fact is, you can!  That hot newVerizon 4G smartphone or tablet you own, or are considering, can offer you incredible peace of mind. Big players like ADT, Slomin, and now even Xfinity have harnesed the power of mobile devices to let you do all of the above, and more. Additionally, for those who do not want the monthly monitoring costs, even do it youself security and surveillance systems offer many of the same features.. Remote monitoring is all the rage in the tech market. For instance, you can even buy a roving camera that can be remotely piloted from your device, giving you a first person view from anywhere on your premises. (Just avoid stairs!)  Check out this amazing video on our facebook page.  http://www.facebook.com/eastcomwireless   Different companies and products offer varying degrees of features and functionality, but the concept is simple. For the big alarm companies, they simply connect their monitoring devices to a secure connection to the internet, and let you access that secure connection with an app on your smartphone or tablet. As for the do-it-yourself security systems, it is the same principle.  The security camaras and alarm sensors, when triggered, use your home Wi-Fi network to access a secure internet connection which is accessible via an app on your device.  With the increased functionality of handheld devices, selecting the right carrier and device are more critical than ever. Having a capable device and reliable network are no longer a luxury., but rather, a necessity. At Eastcom Wireless, we can help you harness the power of Verizons 4G LTE network, and put security in the palm of your hand,  If you already use your Verizon Wireless device as part of your home or business security system, join this discussion on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/eastcomwireless and tell us about it.

Get affordable phone service and take your home phone number anywhere!

Portable WiFi in the Palm of Your Hand!

Summertime is coming! That means less time in the house, and more time outdoors, at vacation homes and time-shares. Wireless technology has made it possible for people, and their devices, to stay connected no matter where they are. Staying connected via cell phone is just the beginning. Now people can take their home phone line with them anywhere, and even carry their own Wi-Fi network in their pocket. Verizon and Eastcom Wirelss have the solutions to let you do both.
With a product called “Home Phone Connect”,  http://www.verizonwireless.com/home-phone-connect.shtml you can port your home phone number (or get a new one) that serves to get you inexpensive every-day phone service, and makes it completely portable. The way it works is simple. You plug the Home Phone Connect device into an electrical outlet, plug any standard telephone into it, pick up the phone, and dial. That’s it! You can use it as your primary phone line, give it to the kids as a secondary line, or take your home phone number with you to a vacation spot or dorm room.
With a product called Verizon Jetpack MiFi”  http://www.verizonwireless.com/verizon-wireless-4g-lte-mobile-hotspot-mifi-4510l.shtml there’s no need to find a Starbucks to get your Notebook computer, portable gaming system, or other device online when you are away from home. It  is, as the name implies. It’s your own portable Wi-Fi network. You simply turn on the Jetpack, connect your devices via Wi-Fi (up to five simultaneously), and get ready to fly at 4GLTE speeds. What does this mean for you this summer? No more dark and stormy nights with no power, no internet, and an entire household saying “I’m bored.”. It means an entire family road trip without the dreaded “Are we there yet?”. Finally, it means being able to enjoy that shore house or time-share without the added expense of a separate internet account and Wi-Fi hardware. The jetpack goes beyond helping you enjoy your summer fun though. For instance, the business traveler can avoid lost time and money by still being able to get things done in long lines, layovers, etc. Plus, don’t forget those college students. How many times does a dorm’s network go down because of MMORPG overload? For them it means no more late homework because their roommate is trying to get to level 30 in WOW.
Want to know more? Come in to any of our four convenient locations for a personal demonstration from one of our tip-flight wireless specialists. Eastcom Wireless wshes you and yours a fun-filled and safe summer!

Who has the new Magic 8-Ball?

When the Apple Iphone 4s hit the streets, people forgot about the fact that it was not the Iphone 5 people were waiting for.  They forgot that it was not on the 4G network. They forgot that it did not have a larger screen.  They even forgot that it still did not come with a replaceable battery.  All this, thanks to a little voice.  A little voice that seemingly can tell you anything you want to know.  “what is George Clooney’s birthday? “  “What is the weather forecast for tomorrow?”  “What’s the meaning of life?”  Well, maybe not that last one.  Never-the-less, “SIRI” forever sunk the “Magic 8-Ball” in the corner pocket.  But was it the winning shot?  Perhaps not.

Everyone knew that when “SIRI” became the biggest digital celebrity of 2011 that Google would be hot on their tail with their own built-in digital assistant.  Google created a lot of buzz with the projects first codename, “Majel”, which was derived from the name of actress Majel Roddenberry who voiced the talking, voice activated computer in the Star Trek franchise.  Now dubbed “Google Assistant”, the new Android voice functionality aims to outdo “SIRI” by truly functioning as an assistant by helping user get things done.  Read more about it here.  http://www.techcrunch.com/2012/03/02/2011-was-the-year-of-social-for-google-2012-is-the-year-of-assistant/  “Assistant” is set to hit Android devices in Q4 of this year.

    As with much of the functionality on the Android platform, consumers have a choice.  The “Google Play” marketplace has many alternatives for users to try right now.  Each has varying levels of functionality, and most of them are in the developmental stage.  The top digital assistant fight is on!.  Go to our Facebook page to check out some of the contenders, and sound off at our Twitter page with your favorite.

Moms need not look like this to get things done!

Every mom needs the right tools to keep up with her daily life. Unfortunately, the old-fashioned tools at her disposal can just lead to even more chaos. Throw away those post-it notes. Stop trying to squeeze every detail of your schedule on that wall calendar. Finally, stop tracking those dog-eared scraps of paper that had your “To-Do” and shopping lists on them. Eastcom Wireless has a solution that always goes with you, and fits in the palm of your hand.

Today’s smartphones are designed to simplify your life, but the average person never uses them to their full potential. That’s where Eastcom Wireless comes in. When you buy an Android device or iPhone from one of our top-notch associates, you’ll learn how to make your phone fit your lifestyle. We’ll show you how to use programs like “Evernote” to capture notes, “Due Today” to track and prioritize your “To Do list”, “Grocery IQ” to manage shopping lists and save money with electronic coupons, and use the built-in Calendar app to manage your schedule. Follow us on facebook to learn more, and on Twitter to join the discussion on these and more great tools for going green and making the most of your time.

CHECK IT OUT……AS SEEN ON FOOD CHANNEL!!!!