QLVR Version 0.7.0

Funny.. I posted a very quick howto on free WiFi in Starbucks and stumbled across this today on CNN: T-Mobile Sues Starbucks Over Wi-Fi Deal.  Apparently, Starbucks soon to be ex-wife, T-Mobile, doesn’t like the new girlfriend, AT&T.  If I were T-Mobile I’d just let it go.  When you signup for the 2 hour complimentary WiFi, it’s very clear that AT&T is providing this - not Starbucks.  Sure, it’s only words and the intent is what T-Mobile is fighting but get over it!  T-Mobile should concentrate on figuring out how to compete with AT&T on other fronts.  Perhaps, T-Mobile could use their $$$ to upgrade their wireless data networks or work out a deal like Sprint/Clearwire WiMax (and Comcast and Google and… ) deal.  

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This is may or may not be news to you but Starbucks has joined the loyalty market. Guess the economy has hit them where it counts. Anyhow, might as well take advantage of the following perks by purchasing (and occasionally refilling) their stored value/loyalty card. To gain full advantage of the perks, you need to signup before July 14th, 2008.

The Benefits and some comments in parenthesis:

• Two Hours of AT&T Wi-Fi
• Refills on Brewed Coffee (if you’re nice to your Barista then they may include Americanos)
• Beverage Customization (Soy milk and syrups are free)
• Free Beverage with purchase of Whole Bean Coffee

To receive the perks you need to do the following:

1. Buy a stored value card at the register or online
2. Create an account at Starbucks page (www.starbucks.com/card)
   
3. Register your card in your account.
4. Signup for WiFi access & link your card to your account (www.starbucks.com/retail/wireless.asp)
   

That’s it. It’s pretty straightforward. I’m not sure what happens when the two hours expires but it’s nice that you *only* have to use the card once a month to keep this perk alive.

Hopefully, Starbucks will not kill this when their stock price goes back up and the economy recovers. Should they do so, you might as well enjoy it while you can!

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Steve Jobs’ keynote at Apple’s Worldwide Developer’s Conference (WWDC) ended the most recent round of rumors and speculation on the new iPhone. According to reports from one of the lead followers of the buildup - Mac Rumors - had these confirmed specs:

• 3G (FINALLY though it’s on AT&T’s new*ish HSUPA network..)
• GPS - true GPS with aGPS to help in triangulation.
• Redesigned headphone jack
• Good battery life (this was one of the rumors 3G was killed for the first version…)

Some additional information from Apple’s iPhone site includes these additional features:

• Photo geotagging. (That’s cool for mashups - you could post all your photos on a gmap enabled server)
• “SIM ejector tool” - not sure what this is but suppose it may allow you to use a different SIM on unlocked/unsubsidized phones.

So, what’s not to like about it? It’s a bit thinner apparently and still has WiFi. My major gripe, and the reason I passed on version 1, was the slow network access speeds. GPS is an added bonus especially for traveling so I don’t really see any reason to not queue up on the 11th of July (it’s official launch date.) I’d like to confirm that from the AT&T site but I received the following (from http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-phone-service/welcome/ - title “Maintenance In Progress”):

Wireless from AT&T is continually working to improve our [sic I]internet site for our customers. As part of this ongoing effort, we are currently doing maintenance. We apologize for this inconvenience and ask that you please try back again later.

Suppose AT&T’s replacing the photos of the “out of stock” iPhone version 1s with the new v2s. Wonder what’s going to happen to those “old” phones?!?

So.. what do I like about Apple:

• They deliver on what they say they are going to deliver on. It’s not announced years in advance only to miss dates like their long lost step cousin’s vaporware made in Redmond, Washington.
• Their ability in keeping things (officially) hush hush until launch. The leaks through rumors - well - they’re only rumors and it helps with cheap marketing. Besides, they have worked out deals with carriers in 22 countries for day 1. The only confirmed leaks came from AT&T but it amounted to a confirmation - the first was a launch will occur in 2008 and the second one being no vacations during a launch window. Amazing!
• They keep that childhood belief of Santa Claus alive. The keynotes are like unwrapping presents on Christmas Day. Santa Claus = Steve Jobs?

What do I dislike about Apple:

• If you haven’t learned by now - don’t buy version 1.
• Jobs assumes all the geeks will buy when he says to buy. I think Jobs/Apple make it difficult for the typical consumer to purchase their products. Apple follows noone’s lead but its own.

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As noted in the comments in the previous article, jbryan1969 , suggested looking at http://www.voceclassaction.com for more information on the demise of the MVNO.  From an article on that blog, it’s clear they are indeed dead..
I switched over to AT&T yesterday and am surprisingly happy.  They successfully ported my number over in six hours.

Since switching, I’ve noticed the data speeds are better.  I received a decent package (unlimited data, 900 mins, 1500 SMS ~ $90/mo) to replace the one Voce offered (2000 min/unlimited data/SMS for $118.)

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