Meeting Buddy

If you own a Windows Mobile cell phone and its got an accelerometer in it you need to get "Meeting Buddy".

Nashant Pant is the person behind this great program and he's done a great job of creating a tool that all HTC Touch Diamond users should have.

Frankly, anyone with an accelerometer equipped phone should at least give the software a spin. After all he offers a free trial!

The reason I like this software so much is due to one of my biggest complaints about the HTC Touch Diamond.

That is, in direct sunlight the Diamond's screen is incredibly difficult to unlock. This is because the phone's screen goes dark one the screen is locked. (As it should).

Enter Meetingbuddy...Now instead of akward moments trying to shield the screen from the sun and squinting till your eyes hurt, all that is required is a simple shake of the phone and viola!

Its either unlocked or locked!

Additionally the software provides for the phone to be unlocked when a call comes in. I give credit to Nishant for this. He is obviously a smart person, but it makes me wonder, why on earth HTC didn't talk to someone like him before they released this phone. Its something that should have really been stock from the get go..

The only downside that I have found so far is that the lock/unlock feature can be a bit touchy if you have just shaken the phone. That is, once you've utilized the shake to lock/unlock, it seems that the accelerometer stays sensitive for a short time and will engage with minimal movement.

This is not a HUGE deal, but it can get somewhat irritating if you happen to be moving the phone up to your ear only to have it lock on you.

I contacted Nashant about this issue and he immediately responded and informed me that he was aware of the issue and was working on a fix.

In his defense, the accelerometer in the phone is probably the most to blame. I have found that it is somewhat random in when it decides to engage in other programs as well.

Overall the software is WELL worth paltry sum that he is charging for it ($5) and you would be well advised to purchase it now while its this cheap.

If you have the HTC Touch Diamond or Pro I cannot see any reason why you shouldn't get this program ASAP!

On a final note, software is good, but software can fail and or there can be issues installing software.

Sometimes what matters more than anything else is customer service. On this front Nashant deserves an A+.

I had trouble getting my device ID as well as getting my registration code to work.

Not only did Nashant respond to my problems VERY quickly (Sometimes within minutes), but he also remained patient and respectful. More than that he provided me with the tools to fix the problem.

Needless to say Nashant has established himself in my book as a very capable and talented individual.

Many larger operations could stand to take a few notes out of Nashant's book.

Zach McCormick
www.airsoftreports.com

Jobs confirms iphone blacklist

As predicted, Steve Jobs has acknowledged what we already knew.

The 2nd gen (3g iphone) does contain code which allows the device to receive a "Black list" of programs which attempt to utilize the location specific function of the iphone.

Hmmmm...is that all?

Jonathan Zdziarski was the guy (Much smarter than me) who found this little bugger and it would be worth taking a look at his site and seeing what he as ACTUALLY said on the subject.

From his description of the software device, I still cannot help but question its true purpose in life.

Zdziarski has broken it down pretty well. I'm paraphrasing, but this is how I interpretted is analysis;
This [software] device is either a form of anti-virus or its Apple's attempt at world domination one handset at a time. (Narf!)

Now, here is my analysis:

Q: Does the company in question have a reputation for being forthcoming?
A: Recently, no. The widespread reception issues have not been addressed at all. The Ipod Classic A/V output issue was something that was quitely marketed at best.

Q: Does the device have the potential to cause great harm to the user?
A: Yes. It can disable programs that are "blacklisted" by Apple. Additionally, it could (EMPHASIS on COULD bc this is only theoretical) be used as a tool for "hackers" to enter the iphone.

Q: Could the presence of the software cause widespread negative publicity?
A: Duh.

Q: Would Apple (Or any company that installs this software) admit that they did wrong by this code?
A: Not likely, can you say lawsuit?

Q: Do any other companies in the same or similar business(s) use these types of "kill switches"
A: Unknown for sure, but I have scanned the feeds in search of comparable situations and none have surfaced in the world of cell phone MANUFACTURERS. Further, even searching under "Carriers" I have not been able to find examples where software can be disabled. Functionality such as web use can be limited, but not more.
A: Examples of situations where this type of program is used is in anti-virus software. HOWEVER, the user must approve the software and its function proactively.

Conclusion,
Apple has limited functionailty and ignored customer complaints regarding product malfuntion. Further, this software COULD cause quite a bit of harm if misused (Or so it would seem). Apple has received negative publicity about this at a time when it is trying to push its newest tech. It is unlikely that Apple would admit to wrongdoing. No other company (that I am aware of) impliments this type of program in cell phones.

To me this means that Apple or any of its "Sources" or spokespeople who defend themselves have a vested interest that reduces their credibility. They are not likely to be truly unbiased.

Further, this whole saga has been embarrasing and no other competitor uses a similar tech. (That I am aware of).

Thus, in my opinion, no matter how much explination or justification is given, Apple got "caught" and is trying to spin its way out of the quagmire.

iphone "kill switch" software

Today Cnet posted a follow up the recent news that the 2nd Gen Iphone (Thats the 3G model) has software embedded within it that will contact Apple servers from time to time and limit the functionality of certain applications installed by the user (Presumably) on the device.

Basically, the code could allow Apple to remove any program on your iPhone that it deems to be bad for any reason.

HUH!?!?

If this sounds a little strange, its because it is strange. I cannot think of another circumstance where a company is allowed to touch your property without your consent or knowledge.

However, it seems that some of consumer's privacy concerns may be unwarranted, according to Cnet's latest piece. In this latest article Cnet reports that a "Source" within Apple has made assurances that the software is only intended to be used to "Wall off rogue programs" from the iphones "Location specific" software.

Smells a lot fishy to me! It sounds like consumers are being told not to worry and to trust Apple, because the company knows whats best.

All I have to say is, no company knows whats best for me! I would certainly not want to have the application on my phone unless I was expressly notified of its presence and expressly approved of it.

Whats more, all we have is this "Source's" word that Apple will play nice. The fear being of course, that someone will install a 3rd party app and Apple won't like it and remove it. Even though this source SAYS thats the way it will be doesn't really instill confidence in me. Frankly, I don't feel that Apple has a good track record of good faith.

See iphone price drop w/o fully compensating customers who bought at full price.

See classic ipod (the latest model) having software/hardware that requires proprietary Apple A/V cables to output video.

If the code is so harmless, it seems logical that Apple would have A. responded quickly and officially to the recent fervor, B. informed the public of the software initially to avoid such speculation and C. would have provided customers with an "opt out" option at their "own risk".

You will note that this is not the case, and Apple did NOT notify anyone of its presence.

Sure this could be explained away as having been done for "Security purposes" but it matters little given the huge potential for abuse.

Even if Apple does not abuse the code, what about the potential for outside abuse from cyber criminals? It seems like a lot of risk.

Time will tell, and of course an official news bulletin from Apple will undoubtedly be forthcoming. I will be interested to hear what they have to say.

Cell Phone Upgrades

Most people with cell phones in the US have a 1-2 year contract (usually 2 years). This contract provides the customer with a cheap cell phone up front and locks them in to their phone for the duration of the contract.

For some people this is a perfectly acceptable state of affairs. But for the technophile and gadget phreeks, it is a life time sentence.

Further, many companies will not budge very much on the upgrade rebate issue. In many cases, even if you've had your old phone for a year but less than 2, the best you can hope for is a $75 off the FULL retail price of the phone with a 2 YEAR contract renewal. A 1yr contract renewal can result in as little as $25 off.

OK, so what I witnessed while working in the commission driven wireless retail world is that their is usually room to bargain as long as you are dealing with an organization that has power.

This means you need to go to the source and do your business directly from an company owned store. When you do this you bypass the "Authorized dealer" who has no power to negotiate. Literally, the 3rd party dealers usually type your info into the corporate website and get a simple "yes or no" answer.

After you've located the corporately owned store, the next trick is to verify that the sales reps work off of commission.This info is necessary for you to know, because if the reps don't care whether you buy or not, they have no motive to bargain with you.


You can usually spot commissioned reps when they eagerly give you their card if you tell them you'll come back.

I usually ask something like "should I see you, or can anyone help me?". If they are commissioned they usually tell me to see them directly. If not, they don't really push the issue.

As a fail safe, simply ask them if the are commissioned and they will usually tell you.

Understand that the world of wireless sales has many different levels at which its company operates. A the top are the executives and policy makers. They outline lofty goals of how the company should operate that don't always sync completely with the nitty gritty of the real world.

The retail store is the front line (or at least one of them) and what matters most on this front is meeting quotas. Meeting and exceeding quota is what makes reps more money and gets managers bonuses and promotions. Sometimes, the difference between a good month and bad one is a few cell phones or peripherals. This is good for you the customer.

Now, assuming you've found the right type of store, you have to make them want your business enough to work with you.

The best way do accomplish this is to leverage something they want against what you want.

Tell them what you want simply and politely and they will look up your info. The first thing they will do is tell you that you can't get the full discount. At this point you tell them that you have been a good customer and you really just want the new phone, but can't afford the full price. (Or whatever you prefer to use as the reason).

If the rep has the authority, he/she may simply give you the discount. You will likely have to resign your contract, and MAY have to change your plan (So be ware), but at least you got the latest gadget.

IF the rep doesn't have the required authority, ask to speak with the person who does (There is one in every store).

The best tactic is to leverage the purchase of additional service against the discount.

If the store sells other service that you are planning to buy, then try making your purchase, contingent on you getting a discount on your phone. (I.e. you subscribe to their internet service if they give you the discount).

Take it from me, a quota hanging over your head is as bad as having the sword of Damocles inches above you. Sometimes, you feel like doing everything within your power to (Legally) meet that monthly sales target.

Say no to Early Termination Fees!

Ely Rosenstock of "crastinate" has come up with a really clever approach to convincing Verizon Wireless that under the terms of his contract, he was entitled to cancel his plan without paying an early termination fee.

As he and others have pointed out, this tactic worked only after much perseverance and multiple converstaions with different Verizon reps. However, given that the average early termination fee (ETF) can run from $150-$250, your time could earn you $50-$250 an hour! (Depending on how long it takes you to argue your way out of the ETF).

When I saw this it occurred to me that Verizon legal will undoubtedly be revising their contract to close this "loophole" and other wireless providers may seek to do the same.

In any case, Mr. Rosenstock deserves credit for bis hard work and ingenuity!

Negotiate and Save!

Here are some tips on how to get some discounts and credits from your service providers.
If you use these tips, remember that getting what you want is about persuading the overworked reps to side with you.

Keep your demands reasonable but be firm and respectful in sticking with your demands.

Try to focus on the things that a rep will be more willing (and able) to give you like promo service fee reductions as opposed to bill credits.

Negotiation will be more successful for items that you have not signed a contract for and can cancel at any time.

Example #1. Your Cable TV bill. Generally, there are lots of "Promo" prices that you can get reps to give you if you just ask. You don't know how their system works so let them do the work when it comes to getting you the lowest price. Ask open ended questions that ask things like "I've heard that I can get a similar service for less through your competitor, what can you do to keep me?". BTW, true or not, try not to listen to the technical spiel about how "one service is better than the other so its more expensive." That is not really relevant to you if you think you're paying too much.

Example #2. Your High Speed Internet Bill. Just like with the Cable bill, there usually lots of things you can get out of the rep price wise. If one rep isn't willing to help as to speak with the retention department, frequently these people will be able to do something for you.

Watch out for the following:

The call center waiting game:

By the time you get to a live person you have already been hit by the first line of defense; waiting. Already you are in the mood to just get this thing behind you and suddenly that $35 service fee seems like a small price to pay to be rid of the wretched "holding music".

The dismissive explanation:

Once you've held on past this initial hurdle, be prepared to state your demand politely but firmly and try not to pay too much attention to the second line of defense;the friendly explanation about why you're wrong and your bill is correct. Having worked in this line of work, I can tell you that outright lying is not accepted in the business, but rarely are things so black and white.

Given the differing levels of training and the different methods of "pitching" services one rep may have told you something that was technically correct but practically false. I.e. "This widget won't end up costing you a thing!" which COULD translate into "You'll need to pay $99.99 today and we'll give you the mail in rebate form so you can get your $100 bucks back...maybe".

Further, lots of times the rep doesn't even fully understand the charges themselves. Example. Proration and or the old "first month/last month on one first bill". Stay focussed and restate the fact that you're paying too much because jargon or no, thats the bottom line.

On Hold

While this is not likely a true company "Strategy" it is a reality of trying to be heard by someone who can help. Usually, the run of the mill call center rep will listen to you, tell you they are going to "Check" the account and then tell you that they can't really do anything for you. If you get frustrated enough to ask for a supervisor, you will probably end up waiting several minutes, sometimes much longer.

Profanity

Those @!**#ing exclamations that you use when you finally do reach the end of your rope is like giving the company a get out of jail free card. If you swear, you will get a nice quick "thank you for calling...'click!'". So always try to phrase your frustration with something that disarms the rep or supervisor. Example: "I know its not your fault but..." is one that frequently worked with me. When people said that kind of stuff to me and they were sincere sounding, I felt infinitely more willing to help them with their problem.


"There is nothing I can do"

This phrase frequently translates into "There is nothing that I'm willing to do". So keep pressing the matter with questions like, "There has got to be SOMETHING you can do". Generally, there is. Because this stuff is closely monitored and automated, reps usually have an alloted periodic cap for things like credits and the like. They have to budget these abilities carefully or they will get in trouble from the managers and auditors. So you have to make yourself worthy of the allotment.

Call back

Call back as many times as it takes to get what you want. Seriously, calling back can benefit you in many differnt ways. You may get a rep who just started a shift and is willing to be as helpful as possible. Or alternatively, a rep who is just about done with their shift and just wants to make people happy so he can go home. Sometimes its just a matter of personality, whatever the reason, don't just take one hang up as the end of the issue. One tactic that seems to work well is to give the new rep a chance to compare favorably to their colleague. I have found that starting the conversation out by informing the new rep of how badly you have been treated puts the new person in a much more friendly and SYMPATHETIC mood. So many times I have gotten help because the new rep will justify the credit or price reduction because I was treated poorly by the previous rep.



Conclusion

Set aside a couple hours (Yes at least 2 hours) and use a headset or speakerphone so that you can do other things while you wait on hold.

Try to stay focussed on why you called. You will get a bunch of jargon thrown at you by the reps telling you why you're wrong, but if you think you deserve something from them, there is a decent chance that you do.

Don't swear! It may feel good at first, but you won't get very far with most reps.

Understand that "procedure" and "policys" are not written in stone. Generally it will cost a company more to lose you than to issue a one time credit or give you a promo price.

Don't stop with just one rep! I've gone through 5 reps in the course of 2 hours and finally I got what I wanted!

Finally, remember who you're talking to. Generally, call center work is not the most pleasant place in the world especially on bad days. These people are generally good people who have just become a little hardened to the grind of getting screamed at 40 hours a week or more.

If you can get them to sympathize with you, then you stand a greater chance of persuading them to use their know how of what they CAN do to help you out.

CNET Review of the Samsung Instinct