Satter Ramblings

Business of Software Conference

Boy I wish I had time to go. Some of the smartest people in the industry are going to be speaking at a conference about the business of software. The conference is Oct. 29 and 30th in San Jose. Speakers include Joel Spolsky, Eric Sink, Guy Kawasaki, and Bill Buxton to name a few.

iWar

Let the war begin. Apple has answered the Hacker's by blocking a lot of the work they have done. Unlocked phones may also be toast. So be very careful with any iPhone that has anything on it but a standard ROM image and data.

Skype via iSkoot

iSkoot has released a version of its Mobile Skype software for Windows Mobile. The software allows you to make calls via Skype. You need to have a WiFi enabled phone or Data Plan for your cell phone. Check it out.

iFlop aka Apple TV

Unlike the iPhone, Apple's TV set top box has not taken off. When I wrote about the box calling it disappointing,  I took a lot of flak from people saying that I did not know what I was talking about. Well Forbes has an article about AppleTV and the space in general. I just wish I had thought up iFlop. Ok yeah I feel vindicated.

Mobile Connections Event

Just a quick note. If you can't attend MEDC or you might try Mobile Connections. It is actually several conferences in one including Mobile, ASP.Net and more. I was fortunate to attend last year as a speaker. It was fun and informative. If you are interested in attending I got a special code for an additional discount. Continue on to read the marketing message and get the code.

Using Push Data in Mobile Applications

One very common theme I hear these days from customers is "How can I not only notify people of an item to work on but let them react immediately to that notification?" The typical scenario is approval of some business process for example a purchase order.

Control your iPhone using .Net

I had been furiously working on a project for a client the last couple of weeks. However, I managed to squeeze in some time to play with my new iPhone. Ok the price dropped and my Nano is old... that's my story and I am sticking to it. I did poke around the Internet and found out about iTunesMobileDevice API. Then I got real lucky since I am a .Net and VS2008 user. I found a C# Wrapper in Google Code. So what can you do with the API - read on.

Unlock iPhone Confirmation

Today I can confirm that the free iUnlock software reported by Engadget does work. An unnamed source (no not me) unlocked their new iPhone. It is now running on T-Mobile. In addition, the person in question did not have to activate their phone on AT&T before unlocking it. They did update their phone to the 1.0.2 firmware before doing the unlock. Let see price cut on the iPhone, unlock software so I can use the phone on any GSM/EDGE carrier - time to buy more Apple stock.

iPhone: Revenue and Average Price per Unit

As a rule I do not give commentary on a company's business moves. However, I just have to say that the cut in the iPhone price is a good thing. Although I am disappointed that Job's gave in to early adopters who paid top dollar. Hey you knew the price and many said they would pay more so stop your whining. In technology it is a fact of life. And if you bought the phone in the last 12 days go get your price difference refund which is a standard policy.

New Apple Devices

I love it when competition is allowed to work. While the Zune is arguable a flop it had an affect on Apple. Steve Job's announced new iPods yesterday and you can watch the keynote. If you don't have two hours read on.