Life blog

There goes the conference schedule

I wanted to go to CES.

I wanted to go to Macworld.

I wanted to go to DLD.

I wanted to go to LIFT.

But I can't.

Long story.

 

And it looks like TED, SXSW are now also at risk.

Sigh.

 

The story is not all that sad, really. I'm missing all these opportunities to rub elbows with smart folks to do something I am passionate about with some really energetic and smart folk. That counts for something. Nah, that counts for a lot - hence missing all these cool conferences.

 

Oh, and in case you are wondering, I had not planned to go to 3GSM anyway, though I would have loved to gone to Rudy's shin-dig.

Anything else exciting I'm missing?

Mobile Le Web 3 pages - get 'em to your phone from here

I set up a link on my WINKsite to the Le Web 3 feed so that you can read it from your mobile.

On your mobile, type in the URL: http://winksite.com/cschick/mobile.

Or, if you live in the US, send MOBILECHARLIE via SMS to 41411 (courtesy of TextMarks).

Or, WINKsite can send an SMS to your phone (more countries) - click here.

Oh, and there's a WidSet, too. Use the button below to get it to your phone.

Heh heh, let me know if any of these aren't working.

In Paris 10-13 December

In case you care or in case you didn't know, I'll be attending the Le Web 3 event in Paris next week.

I'm speaking on the second day in the afternoon.

There are a ton of folks I am looking forward to catching up with. I am sure there will be a lot of ideas flowing, laughter, and fun.

One thing I am not so sure about is how the conference will feel like with so many speakers and so many attendees - 1000. The previous two events were indeed like FOL - Friends of Loïc. Oh, he does know a ton of people (and introduced me to so many, too). But, there's no way a party of 1000 can be deemed 'close and intimate'.

I guess I'm not a big crowd person...

WINKsite is going through a major facelift

Wow. Dave told me it was coming and I've been waiting and waiting.

WINKsite's Web site is going through a major overhaul and, while the old is still a bit mixed with the new, I've seen enough of the new to be excited.

I am still interested to see how the channels will be overhauled. I think over the past few years, they've been able to determine which are the most important to provide. I think the original had too many channels.

But, if the things are made easier, then it might not matter how many types of channels they offer.

One cool thing, already, is that, when you are viewing a site in the desktop browser, you can easily bet the code to embed, do QR Code, send link to phone, and so on. Really great.

Go check it out.

Oh, and my WINKsite info is in my right side bar (moved temporarily to make place for the Le Web 3 banner).

Link: David Harper’s Different Things � Blog Archive � Pssst. Winksite Changes Under Way..

Well, now it’s time to respond. We’ll be building upon what we have learned and go deep for a while. Expect regular, iterative releases over the next 90 days. I’ll post our thoughts throughout and be interested in hearing yours.

So, if you are inclined head over to Winksite to see what’s brewing. Some of what we are up to will be immediately clear, while other aspects will be apparent over time.

Audioblogger closing down

Audioblogger, a service from Odeo to post over-the-phone recordings onto a Blogger site, will close at the end of this month.

Basically, they say it was too expensive to run and Odeo wants to concentrate on their thing - podcasts.

Now, I viewed Audioblogger as a mobile to Web bridge. It's a pity to see it go. Either there wasn't much of an uptake or mobile has quietly slipped off the Odeo radar.

It must have been a hard decision, since Odeo and Blogger are historically linked via their founders.

The announcement to Audiobloggers listed other services one could use. I think I'll check them out.

From the email they sent me:

As of November 1, 2006, Audioblogger will no longer accept phone
calls. MP3s made with the service will continue to be hosted and
served but you will no longer be able to use Audioblogger to post
new audio.
...

However, there are several other services that offer similar
functionality. Odeo is not affiliated with any of these services,
we only suggest them only in hopes that one or the other will be
a good alternative for you.

Gabcast.com is a free service for recording by phone
Hipcast.com has a seven day free trial and lots of features
Gcast.com is another free service for phone recording

WidSets adds more stuff

Just got a note in my mailbox that WidSets updated and added a bunch of things (link below).

On paper, it all looks promising. I've just updated everything, did a clean out of my old wids and popped in a few more, like the Manhattan Story Mashup wid.

Get the Story wid:

Let's see how they've been growing. They're young, but if they are on the right path, and if we are patient enough to give them the time, there is hope that they can kick some tusch.

Link: WidSets.

The WidSets service was launched a little over 3 months ago, and now is time for the third release, meaning it's time to reload your mobile client and make the most out of the new improved WidSets.

... After about 30 mins of playing with it:
Yeah, they've added some cool things since I last used WidSets: alerts, being able to send a wid to someone (that's clever), some light management of wids from the phone, and a list of the last 10 wids added (under the system wid). Even the website has added some things, like better management of wids, more ways to create wids, and, of course, a ton more wids.

And I suggest you check out their clever main page (you need to logout). They've highlighted a few ways to use your wids depending on if you're a social butterfly, a blogger, or a news junkie and such.

What I can say, is that there are so many small little things that WidSets has that one might not notice, but that the WidSets team has implemented in very mobile-savvy way. This is not 'just' a widget app. They also have quite a bit of clever infrastructure and usability around such an app.

Keep it up guys. You're still in the right track. Don't let up.

BTW, if anyone manages to build a wid using the dev kit they offer, please let me know.

Nokia acquires gate5 to add robust mapping and navigation to its devices

Cool.

It was a discussion on location services that made me finally realize that things are different when you are talking about Multimedia Computer and not entry-level phones.

I always poo-poohed location apps since they really only shine on higher-end phone where you have more connectivity and information. Well, now that high-end is my life, my mind is starting to fill up with location apps.

So, yeah, this is a good thing for Nokia and makes my job easier.

Heh heh.

Link: Nokia acquires gate5 to add robust mapping and navigation to its devices.

Nokia and gate5 AG today announced that an agreement has been signed for Nokia to acquire gate5. gate5 is a leading supplier of mapping, routing and navigation software and services. By acquiring gate5, Nokia will offer consumers maps, routing, navigation and other location based applications on its mobile devices.

Under Constriction - changes, changes, and more changes

Oy vey. It's been a heck of a time these last few weeks. It feels like I am going through some Cosmic Constriction that's just squeezing, twisting, and stretching me.

Ugh.

Of course, my writing has suffered greatly. And this Constriction just tightened a few notches, so I need to drop all my little side interests and focus ever more on my work.

Ah, work
After labouring in a corner of the proverbial dark and dank basement for so long, I have been yanked into the light and plopped right into the middle of a very active, very fast, and very interesting group.

This week I left my Web strategy consulting support all talk no walk role at our Nokia Ventures Organization (eh, they'd evolved enough that they needed me no more) and joined another team at Nokia Multimedia (the goons who make the Nseries 'multimedia computer') as a Product Manager for Multimedia Experiences.

Of course, the company is huge and I'm not the only one involved in making cool stuff here (credit where credit is due). Also, there are a ton of things in progress, so in the short term, I am just helping things come to final fruition. Nonetheless, the role places me in a great position to pull together the products in various Multimedia experience areas, such as games, music, TV, video and photos, computers, and Web. I look forward to that challenge.

This role is a definite switch from my passive cogitation to actually having to create products. Heh, let's see if I gots what it takes. In any case, I'll be here for some time to come.*

Oh, one last thing. My fearless leader is way cool with me writing and talking about stuff. I will be able to continue writing and speaking about as much interesting stuff as I can, unfiltered and uncut.

Pause for station identification
With that in mind, let me state the standard disclaimer: everything I write here on this site is an expression of my own opinions, NOT of my employer, Nokia. If these were the opinions of Nokia, the site would be called 'Nokia something' and, for sure, the writing and design would be much more professional. Likewise, I am an intensely trained professional writer (heh), so don't expect to find any confidential secret corporate mumbo-jumbo being revealed here. Everything I write here is public info or readily found via any decent search engine or easily deduced by someone who has an understanding of the industry.

On the flip side, this is my personal site. Please don’t flood me with ideas that you think Nokia might be interested in. Better to leave a comment or trackback relevant to one of my posts (emphasis: relevant). Or go visit one of the Nokia blogs.

So there.

See ya later.

 

*Of course, I can be persuaded. If anyone has a big book advance, or an unwanted multi-million-Euro winning lottery ticket, or a CxO-level position to offer me (biotech, mobile, or Web are good places to start), feel free to email me. :-)

My take on the narrative of our mobile lives

The story I wrote for receiver is now out - 'One Night'. The other authors were: Rudy de Waele, Mark Curtis, Lee Humphreys, Tim Cole, Karenza Moore, Frank Lantz, and Antony Bruno.

Let me know what you think.

Oh, and they read one of my works. Go listen.*

Link receiver magazine number 16:

This receiver issue wants to spark off some ideas about social networking the mobile way: clubbing, seeing your favourite band, sharing memories of a night out or playfully exploring the city, getting to know and experiencing, even creating, music – can mobile add to all these? And how does it affect how we get our friends together for joint action? Does it trigger emergent behaviour? Or is it the ideal means to pull it all together? What do *you* think?

Oh, and I guess I need to be intelligent over the next few days as people come visit my site after reading the story.

*The recording is well done, especially since I gave no direction. The guy reading did a great job, though more of a BBC feel. In my mind, it was in that pressed, urgent, beatnik style (think baret, black turtleneck, smoky bar, and on stage). :-)

Eh. Kinda quiet lately.

My silence here is not reflective of my mind or self - I'm deep into the last weeks of my holidays, enjoying an amazing summer in Finland, and this week, Hungary.

As usual, I have a long list of things to write about - interesting services,  insights, and, hopefully, something new.

A few things I can tell you now (posting from my phone keeps things mercifully short):
- I was invited to write for Vodafone's August edition of receiver magazine (along with Rudy deW and Mark C, among others). I'll give you the link when it goes live.
- My book has sort of stalled, as I realize I need  this holiday break to re-focus my thoughts and spirit.
- I've done some deep thinking about mobile Web services (don't I always?) and have noticed myself looking even farther forward. I think this last wave of the Web is already making inroads into the mobile world. But now my mind's on the next wave - for the mobile and fixed domains.
- And, finally, some interesting stats from IN, jun06, the Inside Innovation insert from Business Week:*

- 3.2 M Blackberries
- 50 M PDAs
- 70 M iPods
- 190 M Gameboys
- 820 M PCs
- 1.5 B TV sets
- 2 B Mobile phones [cs: and growing faster than all the others, I'm sure]

In the  mean time, if you have something cool to share, please leave a comment.

*I was not impressed by the insert. Indeed, 'innovation' is getting to be a tired concept and word for me. There's too much adulation of folks who make clever stuff and so much saccharine advice. Blech. Real innovators just do it, not sit around and pontificate.

Interesting: Nokia and Siemens to merge their communications service provider businesses

Many observers have been expecting the big wireless network providers (Ericsson and Nokia) to gobble up a smaller provider in response to the Lucent-Alcatel merger.

A different thought I had was that the providers throw all their chips into one kinda lab that keeps the tech going. One thing that is hard is that all of them need to develop stuff for a really tight market. I was hoping that they would pool resources to avoid losing the skill sets needed for the upswing in the market in a few years (if it comes?).

Yeah, joint ventures are one way of doing it. By my count, this is Nokia's second big jiont venture in a core area - one with Sanyo over CDMA and now this one with Siemens over Network Infra.

Kinda makes the head spin, thinking about it.

Nokia - ShowPressRelease

Nokia and Siemens today announced that they intend to merge the Networks Business Group of Nokia and the carrier-related operations of Siemens into a new company, to be called Nokia Siemens Networks. The 50-50 joint venture will create a global leader with strong positions in important growth segments of fixed and mobile network infrastructure and services.

Where I'd like to be: Aula 2006 - Movement

Looking to attend at least the first day and then some.

Lots of folks I know and would like to get an update from. Great topic, too.

Pity, I only found about it today. But, as luck would have it (sort of), my schedule is open.

Link: zengestrom.com: Aula 2006 - Movement.

Marko Ahtisaari and I are organizing the Aula 2006 - Movement event in Helsinki next week. This will be the largest Aula event yet, and we've moved it to a larger venue at Bio Rex to accommodate as many participants as we can.

The theme 'movement' points to mobility meeting web 2.0, technologies as social movements, and the overlapping between physical and virtual worlds. On a personal level movement is about not staying still but taking action to shape the future.

More on Widsets

Here's the announcement on the Widsets blog, from my fellow colleagues (we are on the same floor) at Nokia.

I hope to write a first look type of review, if I ever get the chance and no one beats me to it. I have a whole long list of notes on it and some comments. But, you'll have to wait or harass me into doing it. :-)

Link: WidSets.

Hopefully without any magic of numerology we opened the site and made 06.06.06 a unique day. We have run the site internally and with selected test groups for a while, and also already made first upgrades according to the feedback. The whole team feels excited in such a day and at the same time we commit to stay creative and fast in future as well. Please feel encouraged to contribute, and don't forget to tell your friends!

New fasion magazine - online and downloadable for mobile phones

Posing (l to r): Tuomas (photographer, extraordinaire), Toni (publisher, Brand magazine), Anina, and Reidar (marketing dude, Samsung)

I got an unexpected call yesterday from Anina. She was swinging through Helsinki to promote a new off-shoot of her 360 Fashion fun.

She hooked up with Toni and Tuomas, through he Finnish friend, Vesa. Toni and Tuomas are in the process of building a fashion magazine to highlight Finnish fashion professionals. It was a perfect fit with what Anina's been doing, so they combined some of their efforts, tying Brand with 360 Fashion.

About 40 Finnish fashion professionals have already committed to the project. The photo above is of the gang of four promoting the upcoming magazine at a local fashion show (which Anina joined in, kinda funny stories there). The whole thing will be formally launched on 22 May.

Way to go.

And if that wasn't enough, they brought in Reidar from Samsung to sponsor a mobile version of the magazine. They will be using Maxdox from Max Rumpus to make nifty mobile editions of the magazine.

Can't wait to see it.

We spoke a bit about the next steps and it seems that distribution is key right now, for the mobile app and for the upcoming print version of the magazine. Let me know if you are interested in helping out with distribution and I can pass your info along to this illustrious gang. :-)

New phones from Nokia

Not that I am enamored with phone launches (you get kinda jaded after many years of changing phones every 6 months), but today Nokia launched 3 new Nseries phones.

The funny thing, which is why I am mentioning it, is that I had no idea when or which phones would be launched. Darla and others let me know. Also, I don't think I've ever seen the N72 or N73, but rumors were that one of them was coming out.

I do think the N72 will be the next big seller for Nokia. The N70, which I had the good fortune to use for many months (and recommend highly to many), apparently was the best selling 3G phone last quarter.

As for the N93, I've been using it for a while now. The funny thing there is that up to now, I have been using a cover to hide the phone prior to launch. Because of Darla's tip-off yesterday, I left the cover at home, expecting the N93 to be launched today.

And it was.

Now I can use it and show it off.

How is it like?

Yes, there are some unexpected changes, but for the most part, it's a damn good device. I think most people will do more than fine using it. And, for those who know the Series 60 UI well, like me :-), there are a ton of really useful changes that were pleasant surprises.

Yes, the device is larger than your average RAZR, but it seems the same size, if not slightly smaller, than my niece's camcorder. So, I think this is the one that is giving camcorders a run for their money.* And I think that's the intent.

Another plus is the WiFi. Oh, it's so nice to be home and surfing, downloading, or uploading stuff over WiFi. You then realize how slow GPRS or even 3G really is. Can't wait for the Skype client to come out.

A few other things:**
- I haven't tried the integration with Window Media Player - I use iTunes.
- I have played a bit with the flickr uploader. Pretty nifty, especially if you know how to point it to other services, like TypePad.
- For you geek browser types, the OSS browser is really nice, though I am not sure if it identifies itself properly to sites as a mobile browser (yo, Dave, now we can work out the user agents!).
- The 3-D Snakes game is really cool.
- And, of course, Lifeblog 2.0 rocks.

*Heck, digital cameras are so 2005, so no need to say anything more there.
** Of course, this is not a real review. Others will have more in-depth reviews, so go read them. This is just a 'hey, check this out' kinda review. :-D

MobileMonday Global Summit 2006 — May 8–9, 2006 Helsinki, Finland

Who's going?

I am.

And I'm trying to see how to get into the morning session.

Link: MobileMonday Global Summit 2006 — May 8–9, 2006 Helsinki, Finland.

The 2nd annual MobileMonday Global Summit brings together leaders from mobile business on May 8th and 9th, 2006. Around fifteen hundred participants from around the globe are expected to attend the conference held at the Wanha Satama Fair Center in Helsinki, Finland.

Mea culpa and station identification

As with all single-person publications, there comes a time when that single person needs to set priorities that impact the publication.

I've been traveling in the US these past two weeks and was in no position to post anything. Oh, I had a bunch lined up, but couldn't enter them before I took off.* Also, I really haven't been able to keep up with news or correspondence, so you'll see some comments to stuff from two weeks ago.

So, no, I am not dead. Nor am I overloaded with interesting stuff due to 3GSM, CTIA, or CeBIT (though most of you are). And, yes, I am still at Nokia, but not doing anything I can write about.

And, yes, this is still my site to talk about mobile stuff - the innovations, strategies, and narratives around doing things in the mobile world. And my main interest is still the fusion of mobile, PC, and Web and how it is changing the way we communicate and create.

We now resume our regularly scheduled programming. :-)

*Tip: Work up a queue of articles and set them to go live while you are away. Yes, I do that when I can (I'm an old hat at this, y'see).

Stuart Mudie is organizing a mobile gathering at 3GSM

Mobile maniacs unite!

Link: Blethers.com - Stuart Mudie's weblog - MobileSunday Barcelona.

The 3GSM World Congress, the annual trade fair that is the world's largest gathering of everyone with an interest in all things mobile, will take place in Barcelona from Monday 13 to Thursday 16 February.

I will be attending this year to witness the launch of the 2006 edition of the Netsize Guide, of which I am one of the co-authors, and I'm willing to bet I won't be the only mobile blogger in town. Wouldn't it be fun if we could all meet up somewhere beforehand and indulge in some pre-3GSM mobile geekery?

UPDATE: D'oh! Forgot to say that as far as I know, I will NOT be there. Sad, but true. So, take pics and drink a few for me (I can handle it). I like brown ales.

Oh, and the organizers are Stuart and Rudy. When I know more, I'll post it here.

TechCrunch on: A New Blog is Born - MobileCrunch

I had been on the look out for this. A new mobile blog has been announced (thanks Tommi).

Mike Arrington of Techcrunch has extended his brand (maybe with my goading?) to the new Mobilecrunch. Does that make Mike Captain Crunch? Had to say it.

The lead mobilecruncher is Oliver Starr who recently left his gig at Mobile Weblog and, in addition to Mobilecrunch, has popped up at MobHappy. Doin' fine, Oliver.

Link: TechCrunch - A New Blog is Born - MobileCrunch.

I am very pleased to announce a new TechCrunch Network blog - MobileCrunch. MobileCrunch is being written by long-time “mobile” blogger and entrepreneur, Oliver Starr. Oliver just left his current blog, the very popular The Mobile Technology Weblog, to join me.

In Paris 5-6 December

Here's where I will be for the next two days.

Thanksgiving Carnival of the Mobilists

Link: Smart Mobs: Thanksgiving Carnival of the Mobilists.

Welcome to this week’s Thanksgiving edition of Carnival of the Mobilists.

If you’re new to the Carnival, the idea is to collect the best writing about mobile in one place at a different website every week. This week, it’s Smart Mobs’ turn and I’m doing the editing – so I’m the guy to complain about if you don’t like what I’ve written!

You can find out more information about the Carnival here. If you’re a blogger, you might want to enter in the future – or even offer to host it one week soon.

So let’s get on with it.

Mobile jones on: Joining the Rabble

Supah dupah! A great person going to a great team.

Link: Joining the Rabble: Intercasting Corp. & me | 11/17/2005 | mobile jones.

Staring Monday I'm joining the team at Intercasting Corp., the populist media company and makers of Rabble.

I'm in San Francisco next week - 7-11 November

Looks like I'll be in the Bay Area next week - Monday 7 Nov to Friday 11 Nov (I'm still waiting for my itinerary).

While there, I intend to go to the MoMo meeting.

Warner Launches Mobile Portal For The Veronicas - Mash-Up Of Branded Content With Social Media

I've got an article on WINKsite coming soon. But, you can read about them here, too.

Link: WINKsite: Warner Launches Mobile Portal For The Veronicas - Mash-Up Of Branded Content With Social Media.

A few weeks ago Warner called in Wireless Ink to help glue together branded content, ringtone partners, and audience generated social media into a single portal and and make it available to fans on their mobile phone. "Any device", they said. "Any carrier. No multiple versions of apps to distribute, download and install." They simply wanted to push fans to a single address - as cleanly and neatly as possible. Wireless Ink provided Warner with a platform to publish content, a layer that connects a variety of social media, and a persistent mobile space to point live-venue and SMS marketing promotions. The whole process took approximately 15 minutes. Did I mention they needed it quick?

LIFEBLOG.anina.net: FASHION & BLOGGING CONFERENCE

Way to go Anina! A bunch of folks are picking it up.

Anybody willing to fly me from NY for the night?

Link: LIFEBLOG.anina.net: FASHION & BLOGGING CONFERENCE.

OK! it's official the 360fashion group will take the lead in the fashion industry sponsored by NOKIA FRANCE with a FASHION & BLOGGING CONFERENCE and EXHIBITION on OCT. 3RD DURING THIS FASHION WEEK! COME AND MEET THE FIRST WAVE OF FASHION LIFEBLOGGERS IN PARIS, FRANCE!

Here are other links:
Loïc. Marc.

360 Fashion - check it out on 03 October in Paris

Anina's 360 Fashion is getting hotter.

Link: 360 Fashion.

Check out some comments from Marc Canter. He also has the annoucement of the event on 03 October in Paris (I can't find my copy). Unfortuntely, I have to miss it. To be involved for so long and then miss one of her big events. Dang!

In NYC and Boston 28Sep-10Oct

I'll be swinging by our fair city of Boston (Bean Town) from 28-30 September, and New York City (The Big Apple) around 10 October.

Let me know if you will be around and I will try to acommodate. I already have a few folks I'll be meeting. More later.

In case you're wondering, from 03-07 October I'll be in a workshop somewhere, and won't be able to get away.

I will NOT be giving a talk in London on the 11 October

Alas, the date for the conference changed to 06 October, so now I can no longer make it. I will be elsewhere (update to follow ticket purchase).

Link: Lifeblog: I'll be giving a talk in London on the 11 October.

I've been invited to relate my experiences in the non-traditional ways we marketed Lifeblog

Guess that means I miss the All About Symbian Pub Meet, too. Dang.

Christian Lindholm is off to Yahoo!

Christian and I had a fun time with Lifeblog. If I had to pick his greatest gift to me it would be his enthusiastic goading of me to exceed expectations. He has constantly told me to go for more, ask for more, do more. Thanks and Wasabi!

If I had to pick the greatest thought he has imparted to me it would be 'the experience'. He has taught me that it's not about technology, not about UI and usability, but it's all about the experience and that the experience be wonderful.

I am fully confident that he will bring Wasabi and the wonderful experience to Yahoo and Yahoo's customers.

Great catch for Yahoo.

Link: ChristianLindholm.com: I have seen my Future. It’s at Yahoo!.

After 10 fantastic years at Nokia I have decided to quit. As of September 12th I will join Yahoo! as VP of Global Mobile Product first based in London and then moving to California late in 2006.

I'll be giving a talk in London on the 11 October

Not at all related to mobile stuff, I've been invited to relate my experiences in the non-traditional ways we marketed Lifeblog. I'll probably zip in and out, but let me know if you want to meet up with me and I'll adjust my schedule accordingly.

Link: New Media Knowledge - Online Marketing at the Crossroads (Latitude with NMK).

The claim that the “customer is king” may have rung hollow in the past, but in the new always-on internet world, it's truer than ever.

The ability of consumers to get information about anything they want, whenever they want, has serious implications for online marketing.

In the age of what The Economist has dubbed the “empowered consumer,” how will you have to change your company’s approach to online marketing? With industry giants such as Saatchi & Saatchi’s Kevin Roberts proclaiming that “Everything we used to do, everything we used to know, will no longer work,” and the ownership of brands changing hands from marketing departments to consumers, find out how you can take the right turn at the crossroads and make the empowered consumer your most valuable brand evangelist.

Who Should Attend: Suitable for marketing directors, brand managers, business development directors, agencies and businesses, and anyone who wants to lead their business successfully into value-for-value online marketing.

This half-day event will focus on the key issues and developments that are changing online marketing from its very foundations.

Good ol' Niel McIntosh from the Guardian will be there with me, too.