When HP announced the launch of the TouchPad, I was eager to get my hands on the device. Not that I saw it as an absolute necessity, but rather a great add-on to my productivity suite of gadgets and software. Most of my friends and colleagues tote around iPads and Android devices, but I don’t like the restrictions set forth by Apple, nor the security issues with Google’s OS. Still, laying out hundreds of dollars for a device that would – for now – merely accompany my webOS smartphone was difficult to justify.

Then HP offered to send me a 32GB TouchPad to put to good, small business use. The only agreement was that I would write about the device from time to time. Who was I to refuse?

Rest assured, no promises of “praise only” comments were made.

With that, I’m declaring Wednesdays “webOS Wednesday” – whether posting here or at other outlets, I’ll be sharing my findings each week.

If you’re looking for ways to increase productivity and streamline communications, I invite you to come along for the ride. If you currently use another tablet, that’s fine – you’ll still gain some ideas on working more seamlessly.

To kick things off, I’ll share the #1 feature of webOS and the TouchPad: Multitasking. You can run multiple apps in pure form. That means web sites will load while you’re playing a game or writing an email.

Just how many apps can you run at once? I run 7-10 simultaneously (which I think would be the tops for many), but this video created by webOSroundup.com hits 31 (many HD) before the device poops out.

Oh, and that netbook? For now, it’s on standby as I get to know my new TouchPad. So far, I’ve been able to do everything I need while on-the-go.

You can follow all my posts on the HP TouchPad at the webOS Wednesday page.

Disclaimer: HP has provided me with a 32GB TouchPad and wireless keyboard for personal and business use, with the agreement that I will share my experience with the devices.

© Pamela Hazelton, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Originally published on 2011/08/10.
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Many companies are waiting to see just what HP is going to do with Palm’s critically acclaimed, yet not-so-popular webOS. Users like me are left wanting more, while the Android and iPhone markets continue to grow.

This past summer I gave 10 tips on shopping for a smartphone. I think if more people really took the time to do the research, they’d find that the “obvious” choice is not always the ideal one. That’s not to say that webOS devices are for everyone – I wholeheartedly agree that the iPhone, Android and Blackberry have their place in the market for good reasons. However, the sheer number of complaints people post about their devices every day speaks volumes about the need to know what you’re buying before you sign a long-term contract.

At the same time, companies need to realize that there are users of each OS that are both loyal and passionate about their devices, and they, too, are seeking all-important services and apps. This is why Palm launched the PDK, which allows iPhone app developers to easily port their software to work on webOS.

Which brings me to the most common reason app developers and companies aren’t focusing on webOS at all. Despite many announcements concerning the future of webOS, Palm’s the underdog. Many developers (like Evernote) would rather wait and see if the platform gains momentum. The problem is, waiting could be opening the door for competitors to jump in and convert users on-the-fly.

It’s already happening – many independent developers are using service APIs to fill the void. The Foursquare webOS app was developed by @zhephree. While he had Foursquare’s support, the fact that a groundbreaking service which relies entirely on mobile needed to rely on an outsider to reach millions of additional users says something. Even Square co-founder Tristan O’Tierney said that company was playing wait and see with webOS.

For developers and service providers sitting on the sidelines, unwilling to take common business risks, while waiting to see if they can benefit, I have two letters: H…P…

That’s right, one of the biggest names in tech – Hewlett-Packard – has already announced it’s going full steam ahead with webOS. If that’s not enough reason for companies to get in on the ground floor in order to reap big-time benefits later, I don’t know what is.

© Pamela Hazelton, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Originally published on 2010/10/20.
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Last week I talked about how users of “other” smartphones need to stand their ground and tell companies what they want, rather than letting companies dictate how we’re going to function based on the devices we use. This latest endeavor by the electronics & music mogul provides yet another example: companies will reward us, but only if we use devices of their choosing. Why? After all, Foursquare is already available across nearly every smartphone platform in the US. Does it need better authenticity? Sure, but it doesn’t exclude the webOS and Blackberry users.

I will note that the Foursquare app for webOS was developed by folks completely independent of the Foursquare company. The app is free, though developers gladly accept donations.

Users of "other" smartphones consistently miss out on entertainment, apps and now, store rewards.

Shopkick is just one of many apps companies are using to market and reward customers, with most of those also being available only to users of specific devices. While some app developers say it’s only going to take some time to develop for all devices, some have no plans to do so. This means users of “other” devices can’t participate, or independent developers will need to step up to the plate, in hopes the users (rather than the service company) will help fund their efforts.

I donated to the developers of the webOS Foursquare app. This means I paid money to use a service, while users of other devices gained access entirely free.

I know the arguments, which center around companies developing for the most widely used platform first. However, Apple has the strictest guidelines for app development. Porting apps to other devices should be easier, and shouldn’t take a year (which many have). I also blame participating companies (Macy’s, American Eagle Outfitters and Sports Authority have also signed on with shopkick). After all, shopkick relies on them as much as they rely on shopkick. These companies could simply say, “We’re game, but not until you make it accessible to users of all smartphones”. Instead, they’ve opted to let shopkick rule the timeline.

I have to wonder if there’s something going on behind-the-scenes that hasn’t yet been leaked. Have Apple and Google been striking deals with app developers and corporations in order to secure more sales of their own devices? Are company giants trying to tell the rest of us we’re idiots if we’re not following the masses? Or, are the powers-that-be ignorant of the fact that you gain profits and loyalty by catering to the most people possible?

Whatever it is, I’m not buying into it. I’ll simply say, “No thanks, Best Buy, et al”. If I can’t gain rewards because I’m running a Palm, then I’ll just take my business to someone else – someone who isn’t trying to bully me by putting restrictions on the devices and applications I run.

© Pamela Hazelton, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Originally published on 2010/08/19.
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Post tags: android, iphone, location apps, marketing, mobile apps, smartphone, webOS

I’ve learned a great deal from my parents, and one key lesson is that I don’t let companies tell me how I’m going to work with their devices; I tell them.

Companies need to follow Oprah's lead and vie to reach the broadest audience possible.

Where did we (society) go wrong? Of that I cannot be certain, but I can say when it comes to smartphones, it was when the first iPhone rolled out of the factory and into consumers’ hands. Before that, the big battle was between RIM (Blackberry) and Palm (i.e. Treos). Forget the number of users – I’m talking about our demands for development, which is something greatly lacking today. In fact, there were more cutting-edge apps and hardware add-ons for Palm devices than there is now; same goes for the Blackberry.

Today, it seems as if everything is developed for the iPhone, then ported to Android. You’d think other smartphones would be next, but a great many companies are stopping there.

For example, Square turns an iPhone or Android device into a card-swiping, payment-collecting machine. The interface and functionality is very slick. When I asked the company about their plans to develop for webOS I was told there currently weren’t any.

Square is but one example of a company (and there are many) that is ignoring webOS and other competing devices, and the most common reason is the number of users who would partake in the service on a particular smartphone. I argue that companies who don’t look at the broadest audience are going to lose future business to those who do. I also argue that the majority of users who complain about the lack of apps then jump ship are just as much at fault.

Could it be that it’s far easier to throw one’s hands in the air and settle for another device, even if we know it’s not ideal for us, than it is to petition companies to offer us the goods? I see door-walking tweets every day, despite the person wishing they “could” stay with their current device.

Let’s be honest. Unless your specific employer or legal requirements force you to use a different device, you can’t say you’re forced to move. If you want to use a particular smartphone, then send these companies a clear message (and I don’t mean by shouting, kicking and screaming). Simply tell them:

I’m not changing devices to use your product. If you don’t plan to create a version for my device, I’ll have no choice but to seek out a competitor.

Will they listen? That depends on their true goals. But I’ll say this… Square is crazy not to develop for the rest of the market, because it’s only a matter of time before someone else steps up to the plate. That someone else may even do it better, and convert current iPhone and Android users, too.

Including Square, there’s more than a dozen services I want to use on my Palm Pre Plus – I mean, I want to give these businesses my money – but I’m not altering my entire work environment to get them. To be honest, I don’t even “need” most of these services; they really just make things easier.

And that, my friends, is the message we need to send these guys. If not, then we’re just proving them right – that we’re willing to give up things we truly want in order to use something they offer on a different platform. Me? I’m talking with not only my voice, but also my wallet.

© Pamela Hazelton, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Originally published on 2010/08/13.
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In my guest post at webOSroundup I explain how Palm’s webOS is a great middle ground when it comes to developing and user downloading of apps.

Read the full editorial at webOSroundup

© Pamela Hazelton, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Originally published on 2010/08/12.
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In years past I used PalmOS (Treos). Most of my colleagues used the same OS, so sharing contact information (digital business cards) was a snap. We’d just beam information to and from our devices. Today, iPhone “bumping” is gaining popularity, but, for most, sending contact info digitally is done via calling each others phones (stores number only) or sending data via SMS (which requires copying and pasting).

I feel like I’m being punished for using a Palm Pre Plus, mainly because my local friends use iPhones and Blackberries. The only way we can share information with each other is via text messaging, email or web transfer.

Steve Jobs says he’s all for “openness,” so I have to wonder what “open” means to him, as well as other manufacturers. After all, feature exclusivity can be a key selling point of any device. Then again, so can openness in the sense of how mobile devices “talk” to each other. Bluetooth can transmit this information already. Apps can create, send, read and store data. So it’s really a matter of systems allowing an open chain for users to interact.

This week Mashable spotlighted CardMunch in its Spark of Genius series. The service offers human transcription of business cards. In summary, users take pictures of business cards with an iPhone and upload them to CardMunch’s server. Within hours the information is returned, in digital form.

While CardMunch is a great idea and a good alternative to manually scanning business cards (OCR is by no means foolproof), I can’t help but think there’s a better way. And, there is…

We need some standards in the mobile device industry. In this case, a format in which devices can “talk to each other” to transmit contact information. Yes, I’m aware of the QR Code and Microsoft Tag, but even these methods require I “interact” with my phone to properly create the contact.

A standard format could be XML, basic CSV, or an entirely new format. Essentially, what I want is a means to send, via Bluetooth, my contact information to any approved device. I want to be able to accept anyone’s contact transmission, and have it save directly to my contact list.

The concept isn’t new at all. Like I said, I used PalmOS beaming for years, and Bluetooth can be used to share all types of information, including ringtones. But, for some unknown reason, with advances in technology we actually moved backwards in some respects.

So, while I think CardMunch has the potential to provide an excellent service, I want contact info immediately. After all, I don’t use an iPhone and taking pictures of every card would also be a time-consuming practice for me. I was handed more than 100 business cards at the last conference I attended. It took hours to enter them all into a database. If I could have simply swapped info with anyone running Bluetooth, I could have partaken in a much-needed post-trip nap. That, and it would have been so cool to have called any of my colleagues at the hotel without having to go back to my room and hunt for their card.

© Pamela Hazelton, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Originally published on 2010/08/10.
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Post tags: android, Bluetooth, iphone, smartphone, Technology, webOS

A Quick Response (QR) Code is a two-dimensional scan code that is similar to UPCs and other barcodes. However, rather than bringing up product names and pricing, the QR code can be used to create an interactive experience.

Originally designed for tracking parts in manufacturing, QR Codes are becoming increasingly popular in advertising and content pushing on mobile devices.

Here’s the QR Code for this site:

When a picture of this code is captured, software (or smartphone apps) can read all those blocks and return information. In this case, on a mobile device you would be directed to the home page of my web site.

You may not have even noticed this type of code on various magazine pages, store signs and even on web sites. That’s because, until now, they’ve been used pretty, well, quietly.

How it works

Users snap pictures of the codes with a smartphone. The image is then scanned and read by a QR Code reader and the associated information is returned.

Calvin Klien ran a test campaign that featured a billboard sporting a QR-Code.

Who uses QR Codes?

Companies include QR Codes in advertising, on products, and on some web sites. Some Android apps can be downloaded to phones after the user scans a QR Code off a developer’s web site.

They can also be seen on store signage, and just this month Calvin Klein ran a test campaign on billboards in New York and Los Angeles. Because people would need to snap pictures from vehicles, the QR Code was rather large. So large, in fact, it was the focal point of the sign.

Why would I use QR Codes?

Simple. To direct customers and potential customers to specific content (usually in the form of web pages) or information. For example, I could create a QR Code that provides all my contact info to the scanner. Or, I could configure a code to launch a YouTube video.

QR Codes can save time because people won’t have to remember a domain name or re-enter information into their smartphone. The ability to snap a picture on-the-go means people can later recall – and even look up – information on that business they saw advertising in the local airport.

QR Codes can connect smartphones to wireless devices.

Though originally introduced in 1994, until recently they were only popular in Japan. But with more and more countries, especially the US, embracing the smartphone market, companies are seeing greater potential.

QR Code reading and deciphering isn’t foolproof. There’s not yet a true set of standards governing how apps read and relay information. That, and, the reliability is also dependent on the user taking the picture. Lens flares and blurry images cause problems, so users have to be trained on how to take appropriate photos of QR Codes.

Taking the photos isn’t difficult, though. After reading directions in the app on my Palm Pre, I got a successful scan on the first try.

Would I include a QR Code on my web site?

You could. Let’s say you want to direct the visitor to a mobile document, or a mobile-based interactive video. A QR Code is quicker and easier because there’s no “typing” of URLs or other information.

If you have a smartphone and code reader app, snap a shot of my QR Code above and you’ll see what I mean.

Which smartphones support QR Codes?

Most all of them. Android phones have a built-in reader, while Palm webOS and iPhone users can download QR reader apps.

With this newer-to-us technology, you can get more creative with the content you provide and to whom. People can still, however, share special URLs via social media, so the codes are better used as a quick delivery system.

QR Codes can be placed just about anywhere, including:

• In the footer of invoices to reward customers by directing them to exclusive content.
• On the bottom or back of promotional giveaways.
• In print advertising.
• On a bumper sticker.

And, best of all, there are plenty of free QR Code generators, like the one at KAYWA. Simply enter a specific URL, phone number or custom text (this one’s limited to 250 characters) then reference the image.

But don’t expect a flurry of new shoppers or visitors right away. QR Codes are still labeled as geek-friendly. However, in due time, they’ll become another popular piece of technology everyone just has to use.

I do have one plea, though. I don’t want to see photography and artwork replaced by giant QR Codes on highway billboards. Long drives can be boring enough.

Next Up: Microsoft Tag: Microsoft’s advanced take on the QR Code

© Pamela Hazelton, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Originally published on 2010/07/24.
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Post tags: android, Ecommerce, marketing, QR Code, Technology, webOS

I am a Palm devotee. I’ve used the company’s PDAs and carried some model of a Treo for years, and was doubly excited to try out the Palm Pre Plus, opting to wait for Verizon Wireless to carry a flavor of the device.

In the past several years, Palm’s share of the market has bounced around quite a bit, and, let’s face it, since the inception of the Blackberry, Palm has always played at least second fiddle. The Pre and Pixi were supposed to help the company gain more edge, especially since hordes of developers agree that the WebOS platform is simply sweet.

Most recently, Mashable reported some shocking data, in an article entitled Is Palm Crumbling Before Our Eyes?

So, what happened? I’ve heard the arguments about the TV ads not being as convincing as, say, the iPod’s. But, let’s be real – who is going to beat Apple when it comes to enticing people that what they need is right in front of them? Then there’s the Droid, which also had some great commercials, but, for the most part, attracted attention because of it’s sleek look and people’s desire to have something “like” the iPhone but not the iPhone. The Palm Pre Plus actually does it better, but the marketing wasn’t as convincing.

Then there’s the people we all rely on when making our phone-buying decisions. I’m talking about carrier reps, who are the frontmen of Verizon Wireless, Sprint and AT&T (which will carry the Pre soon). The problem is, with lack of training and misconception about how the Pre and Pre Plus work, thousands of buyers were simply guided right to the Blackberry and Android devices. It happened to me – in fact, I was dead set on the Pre Plus, yet a representative did all he could to try to convince me to go with the Droid. Why? Because it’s the device he used. He admittedly had done nothing more than turn on the Pre Plus, and could not give me one bit of guidance on how to navigate its system.

I actually waited two additional weeks to have questions answered, as VZW reps advised me they were attending new training on data phones, with the expectation of learning more about the Pre Plus and Pixi Plus. Alas, the bulk of the training was about Android OS.

So, who is to blame for Palm’s most recent failure? Quite a few companies.

You know who is not? Dedicated Palm users. That’s right, people like me. The majority of my questions were answered by other users. While you can walk into nearly any wireless carrier store and get detailed info on the Blackberry and Android, getting anything solid about the Pre or Pre Plus is like asking a blind man for directions in a city in which he’s never been. Simply put, for most of the carrier reps, anyone not using the Pre or Pixi has no clue how to do anything but turn the unit on. In fact, there’s an entire thread at PreCentral.net dedicated to users explaining the tremendous lack of knowledge by carrier representatives.

Comparing Palm to Apple is not logical. Apple has a hook that’s been working for the companyfor years. Apple does it not with focus groups or intense consideration for what we want, but rather what its going to give us. For that, Apple is completely brilliant. Just look at how many devotees will buy Apple products, sight unseen – heck, Apple could package a rock in a box and call it an Apple-weight. If it dons the Apple logo, it will sell. The droves of people who lined up for the first iPod, iPhone and iPad prove this.

But, don’t think Palm users aren’t also a dedicated bunch. Many Palm users on VZW waited, albeit more patiently, for our carrier of choice to get the Pre Plus. We counted the days and eagerly checked web sites regularly to see when it became available. We share our stories not only of how we use our devices, but why we’ve stood by Palm for so long. Palm has consistently, despite some lags in actual API documentation, welcomed third-party development. Palm realizes that without it, the company simply do not exist. Palm welcomes and supports third-party apps so much that the company spotlights them, tweets about them, and uses several in-house. And with the WebOS, its created a simple and fast way for users to get their hands on them, without ever turning on a computer.

When it comes to blame, fingers can be pointed in many directions. I’ll be honest, when I find tips and fixes for my Pre Plus, I stop by my local Verizon Wireless and tell the reps my findings. They are appreciative because, aside from their own research, it seems the amount of training they receive is next to nothing. One rep said she plans to upgrade to the Pre Plus because it’s the only phone Verizon carries for which she has little documentation and next to no hands-on experience.

You could say that it’s Palm’s job to tour the country and train all these folks, even individually if necessary. I say training on ALL products at any carrier should be vast and mandatory. With so many phones and devices available today, a happy consumer is an educated buyer, and the line of education starts with the first person the consumer sees (the rep).

And then, we can echo what Ben Parr of Mashable says, that it no longer matters who is to blame. He’s right. He’s also right when he says that Palm has a lot to offer: “talent, brand, patents, and technology, all of which could be put to good use by a smart and savvy company looking to become a power player in mobile.”

My fingers are crossed tight. I am convinced that Palm is a good company and can continue to develop stellar devices. I’m not overly concerned about any company’s bid being retracted because somebody out there must see the value in Palm and will step up to the plate. Palm may not be the forerunner, but it certainly has the ability to grab a bigger chunk of the pie.

When in a scramble for additional funding, perhaps management can create more product-package relationships, like Palm did with medical device company Roche. Insulin-pump users are provided with a Palm device and specific software to track usage, blood-tests and dietary information. Not only does it put info at patient’s fingertips, but tech-driven doctors can simply download the data for diagnosis.

Either way, I think there’s a chance. Although my husband said just yesterday, “Maybe you should have waited a little longer before you upgraded your phone,” I’m not overly concerned. There are plenty of people out there, outside of Palm itself, who will help each other keep devices running. I still have time to return the Pre Plus (just a few days), but don’t hold your breath…

My name is Pamela Hazelton. And when it comes to cellular and data management, I’m a Palm.

© Pamela Hazelton, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Originally published on 2010/04/27.
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Post tags: android, iphone, mashable, palm, pda, smartphone, Technology