David Pogue: Cool new things you can do with your mobile

TL;DR

The speaker discusses the merging of cell phones and the internet, the impact of VoIP technology, the introduction of Skype and T-Mobile's innovative Wi-Fi calling service.

Transcript

I'm the weekly tech critic for the New York Times. I review gadgets and stuff. And mostly what good dads should be doing this time of year is nestling with their kids and decorating the Christmas tree. What I'm mostly doing this year is going on cable TV and answering the same question: "What are the tech trends for next year?" And I'm like, "Didn'... Read More

Key Insights

• 📱 The completed marriage of the cell phone and the Internet is the most interesting tech trend for next year.
• 🌍 Voice over IP (VOIP) has revolutionized home-phone service, decreasing its usage by 30% in the last three years.
• 📞 Skype is a popular VOIP service that college kids often use because it is free, but requires a headset and a computer.
• 🌐 The future of VOIP is placing it on cell phones, allowing for free calls anywhere in the world when connected to a WiFi hotspot.
• 📶 Surprisingly, US carriers have been slow to offer standard cell phones with free VOIP capabilities, although T-Mobile now offers one.
• 📲 The iPhone was a game-changer in the cell phone industry, allowing users to access the Internet and use various applications on one device.
• 📚 The app store concept has become popular, with Google creating an Android operating system and Verizon opening up its network to any phone.
• 💡 The boundaries between the Internet and cell phones are blurring, and innovation is leading to the creation of unique, customized devices.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does Voice over IP (VoIP) technology work on cell phones?

VoIP technology allows voice calls to be transmitted over the internet instead of traditional phone lines. On cell phones, this technology would enable users to make calls using Wi-Fi or data connections, bypassing cellular network charges.

Q: What are the advantages of using Skype for making phone calls?

Skype allows users to make free phone calls internationally using a computer. It offers a cost-effective alternative for those with limited funds, and the only requirement is a headset and an internet connection.

Q: How does T-Mobile's Wi-Fi calling service work?

T-Mobile's Wi-Fi calling service allows users to make calls for free whenever they are in a wireless hotspot. Calls are seamlessly handed off from the Wi-Fi network to the cellular network if the user moves outside the hotspot area.

Q: What functions does Google Info perform?

Google Info is a voice-activated service that allows users to ask questions and receive answers via text messages. It can provide information such as business listings, weather forecasts, and translations, making it a versatile tool for quick access to information.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The speaker discusses the evolution of cell phones and the internet, focusing on the integration of Voice over IP (VoIP) technology and the convenience it offers.

• Skype, a popular VoIP service, allows free international calls through computers, while T-Mobile introduces Wi-Fi calling on cell phones, providing free calls in wireless hotspots.

• The speaker highlights the potential of cell phones with integrated VoIP technology to make free calls worldwide, but expresses surprise at the lack of such options in the US market.