Omio

In Case Of Emergency, Use Texts

By Ernest DokucloseAuthor: Ernest Doku Name: Ernest Doku
Email: ernest.doku@omio.com
Site: http://blog.omio.com
About: I like gadgets, loads! I like talking about them, writing about them, using them, watching other people use them though binoculars... Some would say it was an unhealthy fascination, but then I'd be all like, "Shh...," and go back to doing gadget-related things. Hit me up on Xbox Live or PSN, I'm EJStyleS. I promise to give you a good match as well as talk about things that aren't gadgets. A bit.See Authors Posts (565)

On the 29th of July, an earthquake measuring 5.4 on the Richter scale shook the greater Los Angeles area of California. The natural reaction for many in this worrying time of a potential natural disaster? To send texts and Twitter about it.

The problem was that the mobile networks immediately became too congested as many thousands of Americans attempted to contact one another, so people were quick to find an alternative solution…

CNet has an article highlighting the ability to resort to the web when traditional forms of communication fail us through jammed lines. Think of the impossible task of making a call on New Year’s Day, or the more serious matter of the 2007 floods or 7/7 attacks which resulted in busy networks and calls not getting through to loved ones for many hours, all situations whereby the reliability of online services can come in handy.

A spokesman for AT&T suggests going online in times of need: “If you’re on a wireless network and you can’t get a call through, often the texting network won’t be as congested.” Wise words.

So in an emergency, be a hero and send a text.

AT&T gets Record Number of Texts for American Idol

By Peter RosscloseAuthor: Peter Ross Name: Peter Ross
Email: peter.ross@trafficbroker.co.uk
Site: http://www.omio.com
About: Raised by wolves, in the darkest of woods, Pete eventually left the pack. He emerged into the world blinking and half feral with one true dream: to write about mobile phones on the Omio blog.See Authors Posts (47)

This year’s American Idol saw AT&T beat its previous record number of text messages by almost 14m. 78 million people texted their votes which resulted in a victory for David Cook (no me either). With his fleshy face and piggy eyes he looks like a younger floppier, emo Ricky Gervais.

Texting has become more popular in the US recent years, partly in due to AT&T introducing voting by text in 2003 which helped popularise texting in the US. Before then, texting was used mostly by the youth market. But what is the enduring appeal of Idol that makes 78 million people text in? Is it the humiliating auditions, the performances, the human drama or even Paula “I don’t have a drinking problem Abdul” slurring her way through the judging section.

The real question is, will AT&T beat its texting record for next year’s series and will David Cook still have a record contract?

Source: Mobile Crunch

AT&T Goes Back on its Promise for Free Wi-Fi… Again

By Peter RosscloseAuthor: Peter Ross Name: Peter Ross
Email: peter.ross@trafficbroker.co.uk
Site: http://www.omio.com
About: Raised by wolves, in the darkest of woods, Pete eventually left the pack. He emerged into the world blinking and half feral with one true dream: to write about mobile phones on the Omio blog.See Authors Posts (47)

Bad news if you’re a US iPhone owner as access to free AT&T wireless isn’t likely to happen any time soon . To date AT&T has said yes to free Wi-Fi then they said no, then they enabled their WiFi network and then subsequently disabled it. Even though AT&T recently announced the plan on their site and even granted users access to the network, this was actually a mistake blamed on human error by an AT&T spokesman. Don’t get too depressed though, this video of a dancing walrus is sure to cheer you up.

Source:Engadget

Nokia Play Nice to Break US Market

By Kate CrowleycloseAuthor: Kate Crowley Name: Kate Crowley
Email: talk@omio.com
Site: http://www.omio.com
About: Kate's interest in mobile phones began when she realised she was supernaturally adept at Snake 2. She was less good at Battleships and, frankly, we shouldn't even mention Pipes.See Authors Posts (212)

Nokia have a reputation for never pandering to networks’ requests. For example, in August of last year Orange threatened to avoid carrying the 8GB version of the Nokia N81 because Nokia didn’t give them the chance to test the Nokia Music Store on the handset. Orange had no idea if it would be easy for customers to use. Also, the Nokia Music Store replaced their own music service, but I’d never be cynical enough to suggest that this affected Orange’s decision at all. An attitude like this doesn’t go down well with the US mega networks where, if a manufacturer fails to respect their authority, that manufacturer probably won’t get anywhere. This runs counter to Nokia’s strategy of rampant innovation with little regard for the networks. It seems that Nokia, in a bid to gain a larger market share in the US, has turned over a new leaf. They’ve assigned 300 product development guys to AT&T and Verizon each. The 6555 is one of the results of this unholy union. AT&T wanted the PTT button on the 6555 to be moved to the top, and Nokia complied. Will this change in attitude mean more US networks are prepared to carry Nokia handsets? Source: Engadget Mobile