Google Tailors Search

One of the best things about Web services is that user experiences can be personalized and customized . So it is that Google uses many signals to rank search results and in some cases filters returns based on a user's location, device or preferences.

You've probably noticed that hyphenation doesn't limit results. "T-Mobile" and "TMobile" results both come up. Helpful since hyphenation conventions vary from one document and user to the next. However, typing "+TMobile" only brings up results that do not have the hyphenation.

Google defaults to eliminating duplicate search results, which normally is desirable. There be some cases where a particular search might return multiple results from a single Web page, and a user might want those results. Typing "&filter=0" at the end of Google's URL will disable that function.

I find it useful that Google senses when I am searching from a mobile and formats the display accordingly. If, by mistake, you are searching from a PC and get the mobile version by accident (I can only say it can happen; it has never happened to me), use the "http://www.google.com/webhp" URL.

Personally, I prefer the localized version. But if you want the global version, go to
"http://www.google.com/ncr".

To get more targeted results, type "&gl" at the end of the Google URL.

Skype, Logitech Partner for Video Calling

In 1970, AT&T introduced "Picturephone" service in Pittsburgh. It flopped. In fact, the average person wouldn't normally think to turn to a telephone or cable company to buy or use video-enabled communications. Instead, one might think of WebEx, Cisco, Packet8 or Skype. And options on the mass market front just got better.

Skype and Logitech have partnered to create a High Quality Video experience using Skype 3.6 for Windows and Logitech QuickCam software, version 11.5.

The new capability provides VGA-quality video calls (640-by-480-pixels) at up to 30 frames per second over connections of 384 kbps connection or higher, when using a
High Quality Video-certified Logitech webcam and a PC with a dual-core processor.

Obviously, both end points need the set-up to ensure the best experience. This is a potential experience changer, as it should allow full-screen images with decent quality.

Skype 3.6 for Windows is expected to be available in early November in 28 languages. The Logitech QuickCam software version 11.5 is expected to be available at the same time.

The Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000 and Logitech QuickCam Pro for Notebooks webcams are now available for a suggested retail price of $99.99 in the U.S. and EUR 99.99 in Europe.

The Logitech QuickCam Orbit AF is available now in the U.S. market and Europe for $129.99 and EUR 129.99, respectively.

RIM Lawsuit is Silly

Most litigation in the U.S. business markets is crap. So put Research in Motion into the camp of crappers. RIM is suing to prevent LG from using the words "Black Label, Strawberry and Black Cherry" for its wireless phones, arguing that the "fruit" names are too similar to its own, and infringe on its trademarks.

I don't know. I just can't imagine anybody confusing a BlackBerry with any other device, no matter what the name.

LG isn't the only company to have faced a challenge from RIM over the BlackBerry name. Last December, RIM filed a suit in the same court against Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. alleging that company's BlackJack wireless device was creating confusion between the two products. RIM and Samsung settled the suit.

The current dispute with LG appears to go back to March, 2006, when LG filed an application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to use the Black Label brand.

Over the next 10 months, LG filed additional applications for the Chocolate Black Label Series, Black Jewel, Black Jewelry, Blackruby, Blackpearl, and Pearlring names, which were disputed by RIM, the complaint alleges.

Then in May, 2007, U.S. wireless carrier Verizon Wireless allegedly asked RIM for permission to use the names Black Cherry and Blueberry for the line of Chocolate wireless devices it carried from LG. RIM said no.

It's crap, really.

All Carriers Cave on Early Termination Fees

Users hate early termination fees that come with their mobile service contracts. Now, in part because of pressure from lawsuits filed challening the practice, all four major U.S. wireless carriers are softening the blow.

Verizon Wireless was the first to prorate early termiantion fees last year. at&t Wireless did so in October. T-Mobile and Sprint now also say they will start prorating their early termination fees in the first half of next year.

The fees aren't gone. But the amount will decrease the closer you get to contract end date. Sprint also says it will allow allow users to change plans without renewing the contract, something Verizon started doing in October.

All the moves are user friendly. Look for more signs of "friendliness" as use of unlocked phones starts to spread, open source Android phones start to make their appearance and, just maybe, a new carrier decides to push the envelope even more.

Clearwire Shares Drop 25% at Market Open

...as a result of the scuttling of its proposed agreement with Sprint to build a natinal WiMAX network reaching 100 million potential users. Investors reason that Clearwire now will need a new cash infusion, as it continues to lose money on its operations.

Sprint, Clearwire Deal Dead

In a surprise move, Sprint Nextel Corp. and Clearwire Corp. say they are scrapping their agreement to jointly build a nationwide high-speed wireless network based on WiMax technology, after failing to reach agreement on terms of the deal.

The move naturally will increase speculation about the fate of the Xohm WiMAX venture, given Sprint's desperate need to shore up its existing mobile phone business. Obviously, the asset is easier to sell or spin off if Clearwire isn't involved.

Is it not too early to predict that Google strategists now will be taking another look at spectrum options? At the same time, might not once more note that the complexity of running two separate networks, sets of devices and software are part of Sprint's problem?

Other carriers have dealt with such issues by collapsing all services and users onto a single technology platform. Clearly, most of the churn issues are caused by the Nextel base, heavy with small business users. The Nextel iDen network is a-now unusual platform that nobody anywhere else supports, besides.

At one point, the Nextel customer base was prized within the mobile industry for its significantly-higher voice average revenue per user. These days, as revenue growth is coming from new data services, the gap has narrowed almost to insignificance, and surely will vanish.

At one time, Nextel's "push-to-talk" feature was unique, but other providers now are able to mimic that feature. It's popular in the construction business, but when was the last time you saw anybody use that feature who wasn't in a field service work scenario?

Operating two networks leaves Sprint with a troubled customer base, higher churn issues, an unusual technology platform and all the other issues--such as limited handset choice--that come from being a low-volume customer. There's more downside than upside. And be clear, most of the churn is from the Nextel side.

From Google's vantage point, it is clear that the Sprint WiMAX network will be built and operational years before any 700-MHz network will. Sprint's WiMAX network has been designed for mobile access, where Clearwire has been taking the fixed approach. Mobility works better for Android devices, obviously.

Sprint now says it will review its WiMax business plans. It also should be seriously considering what to do with the Nextel assets.

Vonage at&t Patent Settlement for $39 Million?

Vonage and at&t are discussing settling the patent infringement suit at&t has filed against Vonage for $39 million, to be paid over five years. In October, it settled with Sprint Nextel Corp. for $80 million. Vonage will settle with Verizon Communications Inc. for between $80 million and $120 million, depending on the outcome of a final court hearing.

As a result of all the patent settlements, Vonage's available cash has been reduced from $356 million to $194 million, a dip of $162 million, of 46 percent.

It isn't clear whether other VoIP providers might be liable as well. And if they are, it isn't clear Sprint, at&t and Verizon will really want to make an issue of the infringements. It wouldn't look good, for one thing. Sprint won't want to sue its own customers, the cable companies. And though th giants might be able to cripple just about all the remaining VoIP independents, the regulatory harm would outway any potential short term financial gains.