361 Podcast: Recent Episodes
361 Podcast / Ben Smith, Rafe Blandford & Ewan MacLeod
The iTunes 5★ reviewed podcast that reviewers call it "A great British spin on the world of tech", "Informing and entertaining" and "the best tech podcast by far…"
Happy Christmas Special! The team gather at the (definitely real) Blandford Manor for the annual drinks party and a look back over 10 years of this nonsense as they stumble upon (and through) the 361 archive. Clips played in this episode are from: Smartphone convergence, the Sony Ericsson Xperia Play & a tiny bit of Dom Joly (https://www.361podcast.com/s01e01) 361 Degrees, the making of... (https://www.361podcast.com/s01e03-sup) The Great App Store Debate: Fab or Fad? (https://www.361podcast.com/s01e03) Roaming ranting... (https://www.361podcast.com/s01e08) Apple is the next Nokia (https://www.361podcast.com/s02e09) 361 Live "Mobile Question Time" Part 1 (https://www.361podcast.com/s03e06) Can Facebook make money from mobile? (https://www.361podcast.com/s03e04) Ewan wants a better phone than you... (https://www.361podcast.com/s03e03) Ubuntu Mobile: What and why? (and again, why?) (https://www.361podcast.com/s04e09) What’s the place for Smartwatches? (https://www.361podcast.com/s10e04) It’s a very Echo Christmas (https://www.361podcast.com/s14e02) The on-demand economy & #RubRafe (https://www.361podcast.com/s13e05) As ever (but especially for these episodes) our thanks to Mark Cotton (https://twitter.com/mcfontaine) for the buttery smooth audio, Sarah for content far better than we deserve, and the rapidly expanding 'cast'. Thank you all for indulging us.
In a dramatic break with 10 years of tradition, the team share their Christmas gift suggestions actually in time for purchase before Christmas (it will never catch-on). Suggestions range from £5 to £500 including: Cases and bags Bluetooth trackers Books Voice assistants Noise cancelling headohones Computer accessories Something Rafe describes as a 'solar powered novelty' Let us know your thoughts on these subjects or anything you'd like to hear covered in future via the website (https://www.361podcast.com/) or Twitter (https://twitter.com/361podcast).
This week the team recap topics from earlier in the season including: * Curve being blocked by Creation Credit cards - a listener asks if we still want to use Curve * JP Morgan launches Chase-branded banking in the UK - we try it out in its earliest (and still very limited) form * Amazon's Astro robot - will we add Amazon's $999 robot to our smarthome security setup? * 15 minute delivery - Rafe updates us on some very high profile ads and promotions in London as the firm's give-away some of their investors' money * Android 12.1 will (probably) add native support for folding devices * Sky launches 'Glass' a smart internet-connected TV that you can pay for monthly Let us know your thoughts on these subjects or anything you'd like to hear covered in future via the website (https://www.361podcast.com/) or Twitter (https://twitter.com/361podcast).
This week the team break our '1 question, 3 answers' format to look at the subject of flexible screens: Why would you buy one? Are they any good? Should Apple make one? We're definitely agreed that - at last - they are worth considering, but beyond that it's more hope than science. And Rafe mentions some Nokia concept devices from years ago... you'd expect nothing less. Let us know your thoughts on these subjects or anything you'd like to hear covered in future via the website (https://www.361podcast.com/) or Twitter (https://twitter.com/361podcast).
This week the team consider all the new ways mobile tech has entered our lives due to Covid and consider which might be here to stay. From apps that use Bluetooth to calculate risk of exposure to a virus to QR codes for 'test and trace', not all the ideas are new but public awareness (and adoption) have hugely changed. Let us know your thoughts on these subjects or anything you'd like to hear covered in future via the website (https://www.361podcast.com/) or Twitter (https://twitter.com/361podcast).
This week the team look back over (more than) 10 years of mobile, remembering the apps they used before they cam mainstream and sharing top-tips learned along the way, including apps for connectivity, personal finance, news, productivity and a lot of recommendations. Let us know your thoughts on these subjects or anything you'd like to hear covered in future via the website (https://www.361podcast.com/) or Twitter (https://twitter.com/361podcast).
This week the team return to their '1 question, 3 answers' format to answer a combination of listener questions: How do we choose smart-home tech or brands based on security and privacy? Ben, Ewan and Rafe each give their best answer... The only rule being that they can't agree with any previous answer. Also, having tested the Getir delivery app in the last episode the team try to order #RafeRations again this week to compare 'delivery in minutes' shopping apps Zapp (promised 20 minute delivery, took 16), Weezy (promised delivery in 'minutes', took 23) and Gorillas (promised delivery 10 minute delivery, took 25). Let us know your thoughts on these subjects or anything you'd like to hear covered in future via the website (https://www.361podcast.com/) or Twitter (https://twitter.com/361podcast).
Due to the 'unique' way 361 is produced, this episode was recorded approximately 2 months before release. This week the team discuss app-based on-demand shopping services that promise to get things to you in minutes. We try Getir which promises to deliver a range of groceries within 13 minutes. Also, this week (while we wait for our delivery) the team catch-up on: The new Amazon Echo Show 10 (the one that turns to face you). Does it work and is it useful to have a screen on an Echo? The Samsung Frame TV's smart home integration. Hue's new wall switch module which (finally) lets you control the smart bulbs with built-in wall switches. Let us know your thoughts on these subjects or anything you'd like to hear covered in future via the website (https://www.361podcast.com/) or Twitter (https://twitter.com/361podcast). Leave us an iTunes podcast review, tell us (by email or Twitter) and Rafe will send you an exciting (and probably concrete-themed) postcard. Special thanks to our editor Mark Cotton who put in a super-human amount of extra work on this episode.
Recorded 10 years to the day from our first ever episode, the team tackle a listener question from last season, should they continue to buy Sonos audio devices for their home? The question is prompted by the recent outcry when Sonos attempted to end support for their original device range with an ill-judged trade-in scheme that insisted on destroying working hardware. Ben, Ewan and Rafe each give their best answer... The only rule being that they can't agree with any previous answer. Let us know your thoughts on these subjects or anything you'd like to hear covered in future via the website (https://www.361podcast.com/) or Twitter (https://twitter.com/361podcast).
This week the team discuss the wider impact of Apple's spring product announcements: Is Apple Card family sharing a sign they will respond to criticism more directly from now on? What's the purpose of launching podcast subscriptions if not to make profit? How does Apple exploit the 'unfair advantage' of a billion iPhones around the world to make AirTags beat the competition? How is Apple's approach differing to its competitors? Let us know your thoughts on these subjects or anything you'd like to hear covered in future via the website (https://www.361podcast.com/) or Twitter (https://twitter.com/361podcast). Leave us an iTunes podcast review, tell us (by email or Twitter) and Rafe will send you an exciting (and probably concrete-themed) postcard.
This week as we return to our 20th season and our 10th year, the team discuss: What excited us since we recorded season 19, including Lego, government websites (no really) and robot vacuum cleaners (honestly). The rise of Clubhouse, an 'audio' social network, to prominance and its popularity. Whether audio is a product or a feature and the Clubhouse clones springing up in other apps. Let us know your thoughts on these subjects or anything you'd like to hear covered in future via the website (https://www.361podcast.com/) or Twitter (https://twitter.com/361podcast). Leave us an iTunes podcast review, tell us (by email or Twitter) and Rafe will send you an exciting (and probably concrete-themed) postcard.
Obviously recorded before Christmas, despite our attempts to style it out, the team discuss the highlights and lowlights of 2020 from a 'tech' perspective inspired by The Verge's article "Bad Year, Good Gadgets". We discuss homeworking, changing expectations, what worked (and didn't) as we worked from home, and some unusual sources of inspiration. We also look forward to 2021, excited at the prospect of leaving the house again, and anticipating how trends like AI, Apple's new processors and further cross-over of tech from the mobile space to consumer electronics will change everything. Keep listening to the end too for the latest installment of the rural estate soap opera of everyday landed-gentry we're calling 'The Blandfords'. Thanks for listening in 2020. We'll be back after a short break.
This week the team 'gather' at the Blandford Manor Christmas party to: Exchange and recommend gifts Share suggestions for last-minute gifts that can be bought and delivered online Discuss tips, apps and hacks for managing Christmas on 'expert mode' Let us know your thoughts on these subjects or anything you'd like to hear covered in future via the website (https://www.361podcast.com/) or Twitter (https://twitter.com/361podcast). Extended until New Year's Eve: Leave us an iTunes podcast review or post one to social media; Send us the link and tell us your address (by email or Twitter DM); and Rafe will send you an exciting (and probably concrete-themed) postcard. We'll also be sending out 'Secret Santa' gifts and a limited-edition Blandford Estate mug to a few lucky reviewers.
This week we tackle another '1 question, 3 answers', combining requests from listeners who asked for advice on reading, books and the written word. Ben, Ewan and Rafe each give their best answer... The only rule being that they can't agree with any previous answer. Let us know your thoughts on these subjects or anything you'd like to hear covered in future via the website (https://www.361podcast.com/) or Twitter (https://twitter.com/361podcast). Extended until Christmas: Leave us an iTunes podcast review, tell us (by email or Twitter) and Rafe will send you an exciting (and probably concrete-themed) postcard. One lucky reviewer could also win the last ever Blandford Estate limited-edition mug.
This week the team discuss: The state of voice assistants and the devices we use at home. How Amazon's Alexa, Google's Assistant and Apple's Siri perform and their strengths and weaknesses. The future of voice assistants - are they a passing fad or destined to be built into everything? Let us know your thoughts on these subjects or anything you'd like to hear covered in future via the website (https://www.361podcast.com/) or Twitter (https://twitter.com/361podcast). Extended until Christmas: Leave us an iTunes podcast review, tell us (by email or Twitter) and Rafe will send you an exciting (and probably concrete-themed) postcard. One lucky reviewer could also win the last ever Blandford Estate limited-edition mug.
This week we tackle another question in our new '1 question, 3 answers' format. Combining requests from several listeners who asked for advice on: Wearable devices that don't look masculine? A great 'first' smart watch? Which is the 'best' smart watch? Wearables that aren't for sport? Ben, Ewan and Rafe each give their best answer... The only rule being that they can't agree with any previous answer. Let us know your thoughts on these subjects or anything you'd like to hear covered in future via the website (https://www.361podcast.com/) or Twitter (https://twitter.com/361podcast). Also, 'leave us a podcast review and Rafe will send you a postcard'... Leave us an iTunes podcast review, tell us (by email or Twitter) and Rafe will send you an exciting (and probably concrete-themed) postcard. One lucky reviewer could also win the last ever Blandford Estate limited-edition mug.
This week the team discuss: Subscription services from XBox to washing machines and Volvos to magazines, we look at how many firms are experimenting with providing their services as subscriptions. Long-term reviews on our most important working from home kit, including desks, chairs, screens, lights and more. What turned out to work well and what would we recommend? Video conferencing tips for people working from home. We discuss tips for better video calls and some interesting experiments in making video conferencing work better. We also launch our 'leave us a podcast review and Rafe will send you a postcard' campaign (the PR team are still working on the name). Leave us an iTunes podcast review (https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT201859#more), tell us (by email (https://www.361podcast.com/contact) or Twitter (https://twitter.com/361podcast)) and Rafe will send you an exciting (and probably concrete-themed) postcard. One lucky reviewer could also win the last ever Blandford Estate limited-edition mug (https://www.instagram.com/p/BG6AW9JqmFp/). Let us know your thoughts on these subjects or anything you'd like to hear covered in future via the website (https://www.361podcast.com/) or Twitter (https://twitter.com/361podcast).
This week we tackle another question in our new '1 question, 3 answers' format. Long-time listener @martineyles (https://twitter.com/martineyles) asks: I see lots of rollout of 5G going on, but there are still populated areas where I can't get any data coverage at all. Other listeners wrote in to ask if 5G handsets were good buys. We combined them all into a single question: Is 5G worth it? Ben, Ewan and Rafe each give their best answer... The only rule being that they can't agree with any previous answer. Let us know your thoughts on these subjects or anything you'd like to hear covered in future via the website (https://www.361podcast.com/) or Twitter (https://twitter.com/361podcast).
This week the team discuss: Apple's early-Autumn (OK, 'Fall') announcements including their new Fitness+ service and One bundle (plus some new iPads and Watches). The things we've crowdfunded and kickstarted, including Ewan's tendency to be the kiss of death to any business he backs. Also, are these campaigns about more than fundraising now and are they worth backing? App recommendations - inevitably shaped by spending more time at home - the new services we're finding useful. This episode was recorded before the merger of Crowdcube and Seedrs was announced (https://techcrunch.com/2020/10/05/crowdcube-and-seedrs-agree-to-merge-creating-a-significant-private-equity-marketplace/). Let us know your thoughts on these subjects or anything you'd like to hear covered in future via the website (https://www.361podcast.com/) or Twitter (https://twitter.com/361podcast).
This week we tackle the first question in our new '1 question, 3 answers' format. Twitter user @monkeyandweasel (https://twitter.com/monkeyandweasel) asks: Will Fortnite (Epic) win against Apple, and what will be the impact? Ben, Ewan and Rafe each give their best answer... The only rule being that they can't agree with any previous answer. Let us know your thoughts on these subjects or anything you'd like to hear covered in future via the website (https://www.361podcast.com/) or Twitter (https://twitter.com/361podcast).
We're back and as we start our 19th season (and is it 8th or 9th year...?) the team discuss: How robots, clever sensors and AI are revolutionising some unexpected industries Taking health and fitness apps to the next level with machine learning An update on how our automated homes have responded to us being.. well... home more. Let us know your thoughts on these subjects or anything you'd like to hear covered in future via the website (https://www.361podcast.com/) or Twitter (https://twitter.com/361podcast).
It's the last episode of the season and in an extended episode the team discuss: Why we're abandoning out Tik Tok trial and the ongoing concerns with the platform's approach to privacy. The apps (and 'not apps' in Rafe's case) that we're using as we spend more time at home. Our online 'identities' via websites and profiles. Let us know your thoughts on these subjects or anything you'd like to hear covered in future via the website (https://www.361podcast.com/) or Twitter (https://twitter.com/361podcast).
This week, in addition to Rafe Blandford's pet duck (please use the official #duckfollowup hashtag for follow-up), the team discuss: Apple's annouced Macs running on its own ARM-based chips dubbed 'Apple Silicon'. Wirecard, the fintech world's 'secret' plumbing that suddenly became very visible when a UK financial regulator forced it to stop its services. HEY (yes, it's all capitals...) the 'opinionated' email service from the team behind Basecamp Let us know your thoughts on these subjects or anything you'd like to hear covered in future via the website (https://www.361podcast.com/) or Twitter (https://twitter.com/361podcast).
This week the team discuss: Follow-up on photo back-up, Disney+, budget syncing, news, 'good' screens and more. Ewan's success with 'photo healing' on his iPhone and iPad that enabled him to 'fix' and share photos 'in the moment. Our hopes for WWDC, incluing what Apple might announce and the effect on teh mobile industry that might have. Let us know your thoughts on these subjects or anything you'd like to hear covered in future via the website (https://www.361podcast.com/) or Twitter (https://twitter.com/361podcast).
This week the team discuss: Listener follow-up on robot vacuum cleaners (including finding one under your hotel bed), mobile banking and a cool personal finance app recommendation. How we - definitely not health and fitness enthusiasts - are trying to use apps to keep fit (or at least a bit fitter) during lock-down and working from home. We talk about apps to try and when to use them. Backing-up important photos, including how to use the cloud but retain access to your most valuable photos if the service you use breaks or stops working. Let us know your thoughts on these subjects or anything you'd like to hear covered in future via the website (https://www.361podcast.com/) or Twitter (https://twitter.com/361podcast).
This week the team discuss: Using the excellent Watchsmith app to customise the Apple Watch beyond Apple's built-in widgets (called complications). How can you use layouts that change during the day and what is the future of presenting our own custom-data? Lenovo's announcement of a new Smart Frame digital picture frame that will be launched (and discounted initially) via IndieGoGo. Lenovo don't need to fund the product this way (traditionally why this platform's been used), but plan to recruit early adopter users to feedback on its development. How old is the oldest data you're hanging onto (we look at email and photo archives) and why? Have services like Gmail made us digital pack rats and is there any value in archiving 20 years of email or hundreds of gigabytes of email? Let us know your thoughts on these subjects or anything you'd like to hear covered in future via the website (https://www.361podcast.com/) or Twitter (https://twitter.com/361podcast).
Many thanks to Mark, the Audio Wrangler (https://about.me/mcfontaine), our editor for the last 5 years. Here's to the next 5 (and sorry for all you put up with). This week the team discuss: The best microphones for video conferencing whilst home working - What works best from home for both comfort and performance, what products have the team chosen and some pitfalls to avoid. Satya Nadella's observation that Covid-19 has produced "2 years digital adoption in 2 months" - How has this rapid change in working arrangements for many been a "massive forced experiment" and what behaviour changes might be permanent? Real-time banking and money management - How some FinTech products and challenger banks are now providing real-time data to connected services, and how this makes money management quicker and more effective. Let us know your thoughts on these subjects or anything you'd like to hear covered in future via the website (https://www.361podcast.com/) or Twitter (https://twitter.com/361podcast).
This week the team discuss: Amazon Echo accessories. Amazon's range looks baffling from the outside, including gaming buttons and a microwave oven. What do they make, why and is any of it any good? Covid-19 apps. As governments around the world look to technology to help manage the Covid-19 crisis how do the various solutions being developed differ and will people trust a Google / Apple partnership over their local public health officials? Til Tok. What is it? No really, what is it and why is Rafe so keen we try it. We're coming to this social media phenomenon late, but it's far from clear (to us) what it all means and how it's different from what came before. Let us know your thoughts on these subjects or anything you'd like to hear covered in future via the website (https://www.361podcast.com/) or Twitter (https://twitter.com/361podcast).
The team celebrate 9 years of podcasting together and discuss: Ben's (ongoing) smart lighting disaster. How Philips Hue hasn't turned out to be the perfect smart lighting solution, a serious (known) product defect and how complex it all gets when deployed in large numbers. Walking and way-finding apps that are helping us enjoy the outdoors when we can. How to go beyond Google Maps to explore the footpaths around our homes with specialist mapping apps and guided routes. The best video calling and conferencing apps for working from home. What do the team use and what should you consider when choosing? Let us know your thoughts on these subjects or anything you'd like to hear covered in future via the website (https://www.361podcast.com) or Twitter (https://twitter.com/361podcast).
This week the team discuss: The networking and connectivity challenges of setting up a home office. What can you do if your new desk has terrible WiFi coverage or you need something faster, but don't want to run new cabling? The team talk options, including using TV cabling you may already have installed. How we're 'self improving' during lock-down. Given the restrictions, what can we do that makes the most of not commuting (or going out at all). The team recommend options they're trying. The iPad Magic Keyboard. It's heavy and expensive, but is it... good? Yes. Yes, it is. We'll tell you why. Let us know your thoughts on these subjects or anything you'd like to hear covered in future via the website (https://www.361podcast.com) or Twitter (https://twitter.com/361podcast).
This week the team discuss: Ewan's new job and his family's move to Oman. Turns out he could find somewhere less convenient than Denmark to live. How we've upgraded our workspaces to equip them for an extended period of working at home. We talk about ergonomics, productivity and kit that will remain useful if / when things get back to 'normal'. Options for 'budget' robot vacuum cleaners as Ewan picks a Eufy (made by popular tech accessory maker Anker) device for his new home. Can something without AI mapping and clever sensors be 'good enough'? The launch of Disney+ and how it's changed the landscape of streaming services. Is the content catalogue enough to overcome some of the lack of polish on their apps? Will we all need given all the shows and brands Disney owns? And can Disney somehow get its original content to benefit from the live venues it also operates? Let us know your thoughts on these subjects or anything you'd like to hear covered in future via the website (https://www.361podcast.com/) or Twitter (https://twitter.com/361podcast).
This week the team discuss: A German artist's (successful) attempt to 'hack' Google Maps traffic data with a cart of 2nd hand phones, tricking the mapping service into reporting a traffic jam on an empty road. Customer 'outrage' at Sonos's announcement that some older devices will soon be unsupported and prevent newer devices from receiving upgrades if used together. This came shortly after the firm was criticised for 'bricking' devices people chose to recycle. The announcement of the end of mobile handset manufacturing under the Blackberry brand. The team reminisce about the firm at their best and how Blackberry changed mobile email. Also, hear Mark the editor for the first time ever in a 'behind the scenes' live edit session. Let us know your thoughts on these subjects or anything you'd like to hear covered in future via the website (https://www.361podcast.com/) or Twitter (https://twitter.com/361podcast).
This week the team discuss: Why everyone should have a robot vacuum cleaner, the difference between radar and camera-based navigation and how to choose. Also virtual walls, cameras that can spot pet poo and automated mops. Our two recommended models of noise cancelling over-ear headphones and the joy of reducing noise fatigue when travelling or working in open-plan offices. Ewan's 'terrible' (this is not a consensus view, to be fair, especially by Ewan) choice to buy his children a Dell desktop PC. The challenges of first-time 'chargeable car' ownership and how Ben's chosen his new car charger. Let us know your thoughts on these subjects or anything you'd like to hear covered in future via the website (https://www.361podcast.com/) or Twitter (https://twitter.com/361podcast).
See Rafe fully committing to a visual gag in an audio medium (https://www.instagram.com/p/B6i0h6xp-Ne/?utm_source=ig_web_copylink) on Instagram. Ben, Ewan and Rafe recap some of the big themes we've covered this year and some new news including smarthome, 999 (911) emergency response, Apple's Express Transit, streaming content discovery, the (new) Motorola Razr, gear bags and home networking.
This week the team discuss: A complex suspected GPS hack in the port of Shanghai that has experts and researchers baffled. Has someone developed the ability to manipulate GPS signals and, if so, who? Apple's Express Transit mode has arrived in London allowing travellers to pay for Transport for London tubes, busses and trains without unlocking your phone. This is doubly useful when paired with a smart payment option like Citymapper Pass. Christmas gift ideas with a techy (ish) slant, including for the younger people in your life (like Rafe). Let us know your thoughts on these subjects or anything you'd like to hear covered in future via the website (https://www.361podcast.com/) or Twitter (https://twitter.com/361podcast).
This week the team discuss: eSIMs and buying data packages when overseas direct to your handset. Rafe buys one from a 'global eSIM store' when travelling to India and it works rather well... The 2019 folding Motorola Razr which attention-grabs with a clever screen and nostalgia for the original Razr design. At £1500 can this attractively designed (but mid-spec) handset attract buyers? Apple TV+ and big-tech's move into 'content'. As the TV streaming wars heat-up what has Apple got to offer? (spoiler: right now, just a pile of money for Hollywood) Let the team know your thoughts on these subjects or anything you'd like to hear covered in future via the website (https://www.361podcast.com/) or Twitter (https://twitter.com/361podcast).
This week the team discuss: Apple's new Airpods Pro and Amazon's Echo Buds. How do they compare and what's the future for smart assistant-enabled headphones? Hackers that have discovered a way to make untraceable calls across mobile networks and the police response. Phone cameras vs 'real cameras'. Have we reached the stage now where only the pros are better off with an SLR? Does the advent of computational photography on phones make them superior? Let the team know your thoughts on these subjects or anything you'd like to hear covered in future via the website (https://www.361podcast.com/) or Twitter (https://twitter.com/361podcast).
This week the team discuss: Google's new Nest Aware offering, AI-based analysis of home security camera in the cloud. Ewan's tempted by the low price but he's heavily invested in Arlo devices. Monzo's withdrawal of it's 'Plus' premium account offering (for now). The start-up bank's acknoweldged the product (and subsequent changes) wasn't popular with customers, but Ben and Rafe signed-up. Whether it's worth buying 5G devices at the moment... Do handsets really benefit from the speed increase and what else might encourage the team to invest in operators' new offerings in the UK (but sadly, not in Denmark yet). Let the team know your thoughts on these subjects or anything you'd like to hear covered in future via the website (https://www.361podcast.com/) or Twitter (https://twitter.com/361podcast).
This week the team discuss: Ikea's new SYMFONISK speakers powered by Sonos. Cheaper, but similarly specced to the Sonos One are these good value for consumers and a good idea for Sonos? Ewan (and others') concern that Facebook (and Google... and Amazon...) are recording our typed and spoken conversations to target advertising to us. Requested by a listener, our opinions on the UK, US and Australian governments' requests to firms like Facebook to build 'backdoors' into their messaging products' encryption. Let the team know your thoughts on these subjects or anything you'd like to hear covered in future via the website (https://www.361podcast.com) or Twitter (https://twitter.com/361podcast).
This week the team discuss: Ewan's robot lawn mower (RIP - it didn't survive the winter) which cost about the same as a small car, but less than a Danish gardener. The iPhone 11 and tough questions like "is it good" and "should you buy it"? (spoilers: yes, but probably) Bags, rucksacks and briefcases which Ben is adamant are a valid and useful subject of discussion. He and Rafe school Ewan. Let the team know your thoughts on these subjects or anything you'd like to hear covered in future via the website (https://www.361podcast.com) or Twitter (https://twitter.com/361podcast).
After an extended break the team are back with a new(ish) format and recording arrangements. This week the team discuss: - Ben's new home networking setup as he replaces the Apple equipment he's used for years. In the spirit of always making a simple job difficult he's selected Ubiquiti's 'prosumer' products. - The 'Huawei problem' that is part cyber security and part trade war. The team discuss the difference between the firm's infrastructure equipment (like that for 5G under scrutiny for its security) and its consumer devices. - Rafe's review of Citymapper's multi-mode transit pass for London which he's been using for several months. Let the team know your thoughts on these subjects or anything you'd like to hear covered in future via the website (https://www.361podcast.com/) or Twitter (https://twitter.com/361podcast).
This week the team discuss the return of Palm with the, er, "Palm" companion device. Is this a new category of device and could they really replace our smartphones sometimes?
This week the team talk about self-driving cars, Ewan's recent briefing by Waymo in 'the valley' and how autonomous vehicle technology will change the world (probably). Corrections In the episode Ben says that iD Mobile (https://www.idmobile.co.uk) is 'operated by Three'. That's not correct - whilst it uses Three's network, the mobile phone retailer Carphone Warehouse (https://www.carphonewarehouse.com) is behind it.
The team discuss the tech they've added to their 'smart homes' since last year's challenge. They discuss what stayed and the new items that have been added.
After some time away the team are back to (prematurely) end the crypto-currency challenge. We talk about why and the challenges for using things like Bitcoin for anything other than speculation.
Nothing in this podcast is investment advice. Recorded in mid December 2017, the team talk about their progress with their 'Crypto Challenge' and the dawning realisation that Bitcoin (and the like) might not be as usable as money. We learn a little about how this technology works, how (and why) its value might change, and share our own tentative first steps of buying and selling for ourselves.
This week the team tell bad Christmas cracker jokes and discuss gift ideas for last-minute shoppers. We look back at the topics we discussed in December 2012 (including - would you believe - Snapchat) and confirm with Ewan that, yes, it's also Christmas in Denmark. You heard it here first...
This week the team discuss 'FinTech' - the apps and services hoping to displace traditional banks and their products. We look at some of the most interesting offerings for consumers for everyday spending, foreign exchange and borrowing, considering which firms have what it takes to be successful. We also talk about AirPods, briefly.
This week the team discuss the ways apps and services fail to keep our data safe. From deliberate data theft to bad design we discuss the worst we've known and how the Apple and Android ecosystems are adapting to these threats. We also launch this season's challenge on crypto-currencies. This episode was recorded in late September 2017.
This week the team talk about the state of social media and how it's changed since we were early adopters. We talk about how and why we use various networks and how that's changed over time and our reactions, from quitting to shopping. We cover the services we know well and some newer ones we - well some of us - struggle with. Could it be Snapchat isn't for us?
We're back (sorry for the wait) and this week we're re-visiting our smart home challenge. What's the long-term verdict on the products we bought last season, what have we changed and would we recommend? Also, were you aware of the 'neat hair' situation in Nordic banking? Ewan has the latest.
After a short break we’re back with the final episode of the season. We’re looking at smart ‘stuff’ again… Ben’s been on the Citymapper smartbus trial run in central London and Ewan’s been doing an extended comparison of Google Home to Amazon’s Alexa. Rafe’s also been messing about with bees.
This week the team talk about mobile working… Do we still need laptops or is it possible to do ‘real’ work on an iPad. Does the device even matter or is it the software that drives users’ behaviour. We talk about ‘transformer’ devices, young people, keyboards and clipboards. Rafe also provides a duck-house update (so you can stop emailing to ask).
Having pioneered previews of events after those events have actually happened (last week), the team look-back at some of the interesting topics from Mobile World Congress 2017. Rafe gets excited about 5G; Ben gets nostalgic for Blackberry keyboards and Nokia snake; and Ewan still thinks it was all a waste of time.
After a brief break (important operational reasons, nothing to see here) the team are back catching up on the news, answering listener questions and taking a quick MWC preview. We cover duck houses (yes, really), how not to be in a 360° picture you’re taking, get an epic home camera review from a listener, cloud vs local smart-home controls, one smartphone hub to rule them all and Samsung taking our advice (sort-of).
This week the team re-visit home automation, a year on from our ‘smart-home challenge’. Ewan tells us about a break in (or was it?) and we discuss what we kept from he challenge and what we’ve added since, along with the frustrations of ‘dumb’ systems with apps and new houses built without smart features. This episode was originally scheduled for release in early January - sorry about all that Christmas chat.
This week the team look back at Consumer Electronics Show, trying to understand the themes that emerged: voice (and Alexa) everywhere, home automation and ‘emotional’ robots. Rafe, our ‘man on the ground’ gives us his view. Ewan’s still in Denmark and has discovered it has a land border with Germany… who knew?
Happy New Year! We’re back and - seasonally - talking about our travel experiences again and how mobile influences it. Ewan’s saved from disaster by Amazon Prime Now in San Francisco (seriously, how are they not sponsoring this yet?), Rafe’s excited by a QR code in a cathedral (don’t judge) and Ben wants to talk to Alexa in his hotel room (who needs friends?).
This week we look forward to 2017 - we think it’s the year of mobile… again (but this time it’s all about ‘mobile first’). We talk about what this really means, how we know, where it’s happening and why consumers’ preference is a far more important factor than the technology. It’s still a bit chilly in Denmark.
This week the team talk about Amazon’s smash-hit home assistant ‘things’ - the Echo and the Dot - and the on-board personality Alexa. We think they’ll sell by the ton this holiday season and wonder why we enjoy them so much compared to Siri. We discuss how we use them, the extra ’skills’ you can add and setting up simple home automation. WARNING - we say ‘Alexa’ a lot this episode so mute your Echo!
The team are back, now only two-thirds London-based. Ewan provides in-depth coverage of whether it gets cold in Denmark in winter and we (eventually) turn our attention to the fall-out from Samsung’s disastrous Galaxy Note 7 launch. Is the Samsung brand terminally damaged, did they do the right thing and will consumers trust them again after months of negative press coverage?
As season 13 draws to a close and Ewan heads to the airport for a new life in Denmark, the team reflect on 10 weeks of Android use. We discuss refinement, getting a lot for your money and being ‘all in’ on one ecosystem. So who won? Ben doesn’t want to, Ben and Ewan both broke their phones and Rafe still prefers Windows… Could we all be losers?
This week it's Mr Smith's turn to tell his background story. From formative years playing with Internet 'stuff' in the automotive industry and the joy of telling other people what to do (er, 'consulting') to 'government stuff' (shhh...) we learn that career plans are rarely written to last. Many failed attempts at being a blogger led to a career change into mobile and now 361, a 'well reviewed podcast on iTunes'.
This week we put Rafe Blandford in the spotlight - his formative experiences with Psion devices (and broken limbs), founding the ‘all about’ empire, being a blogging pioneer and getting ‘inside Nokia’. Rafe shares his experience at the fore-front of online media, hitting 1m readers per month, ‘really big servers’, knowing more about Nokia than Nokia Execs and being laughed at by Steve Ballmer.
This week we turn the whole episode over to listener (and ace mobile developer / author) Matt Lacey’s question - what comes next for apps? The team talk through their views of the future, the impact of integrating apps into the OS and how Ewan’s going to get his toothpaste ordered. We consider how app-makers will have to shape their business to benefit from OS integration and whether regulators might get involved to keep things ‘fair’.
This week we track Ewan's history in tech - inciting a strike at school, selling (and failing to sell) businesses, working with the earliest SMS services, some stuff he can't talk about and big news about his next role. Ewan explains the ups / downs of being a tech entrepreneur in the early days of mobile. Ben and Rafe ask the questions and no-one gets naked.
The day we (but especially Rafe) didn’t think would come is finally here and the team settle-down to discuss Uber, Deliveroo, Jinn, Quipup, Jinn, Task Rabbit and - crucially - Urban Massage as we share our experiences of the growing number of ‘instant’ smartphone-enabled services available. Rafe has his own ‘on-demand’ experience live on the show and we forgive the absence of trousers this week as he smells fantastic.
This week, as summer arrives in the UK with storm warnings and flash floods, we turn our attention to holidays and travel (again). We discuss the impact of the (near) removal of roaming fees across Europe, update our list of essential travel apps for 2016 and discuss some of the new tech we’ll be trying out. As episode 5 nears we also anticipate Rafe’s impending experience of the on-demand economy (#rubrafe).
Ewan’s taken over again this week and he doesn’t like planning… so the team wander casually through topics as diverse as politics (the first and only time you’ll hear us talk ‘Brexit’ on the podcast), fitness (we’re still fat) and Microsoft’s LinkedIn acquisition (can we add you to our professional network?). We also give our first update on this season’s Android Challenge as reality bites (a bit).
This week Rafe takes control to set the season’s challenge: an entire season for Ben and Ewan to… well, you’ll have to listen to find out. He issues his instructions for the challenge and takes care to explain the rules very precisely this season (after the $100 phone challenge that cost double, Ewan). We also answer some listener questions and take some over-due feedback.
The team are back with season 13 and some big news on donations (and Rafe’s massage - #rubrafe). We review the big news from recent Google I/O and Apple WWDC events, give our views on the big themes, forget the names of Google’s messaging products and say the word ‘emojification’ (sorry about that).
It's almost(!) a tradition... As we end season 12 we answer listeners' questions on topics from SMS (is it dead?) to biometrics and retina scanning (will it replace fingerprint readers?). We revisit the $100 phone challenge and get an update from £1000 prize winner Kenny (thanks Tengi!) on the phone he's chosen to buy.
This week the team are being productive away from the office and reflect on how we work on the move. We discuss the essential kit we always carry, the software we use and how we stay connected on the move. We play "what's in your bag" and discuss working on planes (and other places offline).
This week we’re re-visiting photos and video. With memories of young families and important concrete to capture, the team review the way they store and backup precious images. Ewan explains his new strategy following PictureLife’s demise and Ben tests ways to backup iCloud Photos. We also review the latest range of apps and services for sharing and printing those images.
This week we’re back to talking about network operators - a subject we covered early in season 1. How have our own choices changes since then, how important really is customer service and what would make us switch again in future? Also hear the announcement of our special - and exclusive - range of Blandford merchandise.
This week we take-on another (much to Rafe and Ben’s horror) of Ewan’s unscripted episodes - a chance to discuss items of personal interest ‘as they occur to us’. We chat about recent travel traumas, updates on our smart-home efforts and what Apple’s CareKit means. Normal service resumes next week…
This week the team take a trip into a world that never was and imagine how the face of mobile might have been changed if key events had played out differently… What if Nokia had switched platforms 5 years earlier and could network operator platforms have ever ruled the earth? Also, this week we announce the winner of our £1000 cash prize, supported by Tengi - the messaging app that gives back.
This week the team discuss audio interfaces - from speech recognition to apps that talk back. We share our experienced, discuss our favourites and consider times we want to use audio instead of a screen. We apologise for the ‘joke’ - it seemed much funnier at the time. This episode is sponsored by Tengi, the chat app that always shares 50% of its revenue with users through a weekly free prize draw. Download now for iPhone & Android.
This week we talk money… What are you worth to the apps and services you use, how much will they pay to win your business, how do they calculate that and what do (or don’t) they tell you about it? The team also share their own experiences too - who do we pay and who has our data? This episode is sponsored by Tengi, the chat app that always shares 50% of its revenue with users through a weekly free prize draw. Download now for iPhone & Android.
This week the team review the mobile industry’s annual gathering in Barcelona: Mobile World Congress. Ewan is championing #MWCinaday again, but Rafe’s seen it all and gives us the low-down on hardware, virtual reality, 5G (yes, it’s a thing; no, you can’t have it yet) and the ‘internet of things’. This episode is sponsored by Tengi, the chat app that always shares 50% of its revenue with users through a weekly free prize draw. Download now for iPhone & Android.
The team make their final assessment of progress in their smartest home challenge. What worked, what didn’t and - more importantly - who won? The team consider 11 weeks of attempting to make their home ‘the smartest’ and can only agree on one thing… it was harder than we thought. ** For important ‘technical’ reasons we swapped the publishing dates of S11E11 and S12E02. Season 12 resumes next week, including the Tengi draw to win £1000.
We’re back with season 12… Rafe definitely hasn’t had a spray-tan and at Ewan’s suggestion the team go off-script to discuss 3 things that caught their interest over the last week: Ewan’s new mobile gaming habit, Ben’s new bank and Rafe’s new news app. This episode is sponsored by Tengi, the chat app that always shares 50% of its revenue with users through a weekly free prize draw. Download now for iPhone & Android.
It’s a show of 2 parts this week as the team consider 2 of our favourite gripes: hardware and mobile operators. Do hardware specs matter anymore and are faster / better / cheaper components making a significant impact on the mobile devices we buy? Also, what place do operators have in in the world now and have their aspirations of being more than ‘dumb pipes’ been achieved?
With CES a now-distant memory (well, a few weeks ago) what better time for Rafe Blandford to get back in-front of a microphone to give us his highlights of the show? The team discuss the large number of ‘connected devices’ on show and the ways in which smartphone technology is now powering far more than phones.
This week the team share and review the apps and services they use and (mostly) recommend - from productivity to entertainment and across all (well, most) ecosystems. We also catch-up with our ‘smartest home’ challenge.
Happy New Year! In this first episode of 2016 the team consider the year ahead and the topics that will be making the biggest impact on mobile (they think - really… don’t stake money on this). They discuss virtual reality’s arrival in the home, apps that “aren’t apps”, the growth (and/or maturing - argue amongst yourselves) of mobile payments and the growth of “messaging as a platform”.
We’re checking progress on our ‘smartest home competition’ this week - this season’s challenge to install and use smart automation tech in our own homes. We recap the products and services we’ve tested and report on what’s working (and what isn’t) - covering everything from big-name brands to home-made solutions.
We’re ‘doing’ Christmas this week - Rafe’s had the staff dust-off his favourite elf costume and our thoughts turn to (mobile) ways improve the holiday experience. We discuss our favourite entertainment options, tech to improve festive cooking and using apps to keep New Year’s resolutions.
This week the team talk cars: What we own, how ‘connected’ (or not) they are and our frustrations with getting the software upgraded. We discuss Tesla’s pioneering use of ‘crowd data’, ‘in-app purchases’ for vehicles and speculate (very briefly) about the Apple Car. There’s also an update on this season’s Smartest Home competition as Rafe takes a clear lead.
This week the team discuss video - from how we access and watch it to the impact new apps and platforms will have on that in the future. Ben, Ewan and Rafe review the ways they watch video and consider whether ‘cord-cutting’ will ever be mainstream.
This week the team discuss one of their favourite apps from ‘mobile-first’ flower retailer Bloom and Wild. The team discuss how a mobile app out-performs web shops and and how the small(er) guy can leapfrog the competition with a bit of help from the app store.
Ben, Ewan and Rafe are back with season 11 and this week they discuss their travel during the break, including experiences of mobile in the US, Africa and China. They also introduce this season’s challenge: a competition to create the smartest home.
This week we answer listener questions. We cover topics from including how 999 emergency calls work, the effects of long contracts, affordable roaming, Nokia (predictably), Apple’s Passbook and even a question about wires. What more could you ask for? This week we also announce the winner of our draw to discover the smartphone you think is the best on the market. We pick 3 winners - one to win the phone they voted for (thanks to http://TigerMobiles.com) and 2 mobile printer gizmos from Lantronix - from everyone who took part. You can see the final tally here - http://361podcast.com/best-smartphone Read more, comment and subscribe at http://361podcast.com/episodes/s10e10
This week the team are talking mobile payments, including (but not just) Apple Pay. It’s not an area we know well so we’re joined by special guest-expert Tim Green of Mobile Money Revolution. We talk about the different types of mobile payments, who’s doing what, how retailers are experimenting and where mobile payments are really useful. We also get a present from friend-of-the-show Dan Lane at Simwood who’s made us our own mobile network. This week is your last opportunity to tell us what you think the best smartphone on the market is and sign-up for our new newsletter for a chance to win it courtesy of http://TigerMobiles.com - http://361podcast.com/best-smartphone Read more, comment and subscribe at http://361podcast.com/episodes/s10e09
This week the team head out to their local phone shops (independent and operator-run) to test the sales people’s advice. We ask their recommendations for the best smartphone on the market and the best pre-pay handset for £100 with surprising results. Rafe also reveals his membership of a shady secret society… Tell us what you think the best smartphone on the market is and sign-up for our new newsletter for a chance to win it courtesy of http://TigerMobiles.com - http://361podcast.com/best-smartphone Read more, comment and subscribe at http://361podcast.com/episodes/s10e08
We’re answering another listener question this week - a voicemail from the Voicemail Podcast team. They asked for our views on the state (and future) of all things ‘virtual reality’ so we discuss the products they’ve tried; the (important?) difference between ‘augmented’ and ‘virtual’ reality; and the likelihood of either being the hit many big investors anticipate. Tell us what you think the best smartphone on the market is and sign-up for our new newsletter for a chance to win it courtesy of http://TigerMobiles.com at http://361podcast.com/best-smartphone Read more, comment and subscribe at http://361podcast.com/episodes/s10e07
“Why don’t you do an episode about social media?” writes a listener… and so we did. This week the team consider social media with a mobile twist. Although far from experts, the team have plenty of opinions and offer their advice on what to use, how and when. Tell us what you think the best smartphone on the market is and sign-up for our new newsletter for a chance to win it courtesy of http://TigerMobiles.com - http://361podcast.com/best-smartphone Read more, comment and subscribe at http://361podcast.com/episodes/s10e06
The team talk mobile tech on the big (and small) screens this week, reviewing their nominations for best and worst use in film and TV shows. We consider which shows shaped our dreams of new tech and which films moved us to buy the devices they starred. We also consider the best ways to get and view video content on mobile. Tell us what you think the best smartphone on the market is and sign-up for our new newsletter for a chance to win it courtesy of http://TigerMobiles.com - http://361podcast.com/best-smartphone Read more, comment and subscribe at http://361podcast.com/episodes/s10e05
This week the team ask Rafe Blandford “What are you wearing?” and the answer - surprisingly - turns out to be “Practically every smartwatch on the market!". Working their way along Rafe’s forearms, the team review current offerings and discuss if this new type of device will succeed. Tell us what you think the best smartphone on the market is and sign-up for our new newsletter for a chance to win it courtesy of http://TigerMobiles.com - http://361podcast.com/best-smartphone Read more, comment and subscribe at http://361podcast.com/episodes/s10e04
This week the team look back 5 years to the devices and services of 2010. In that year Symbian and Blackberry began to falter, the iPad launched and some operators struggled to understand the rise of app stores. Tell us what you think the best smartphone on the market is and sign-up for our new newsletter for a chance to win it courtesy of http://TigerMobiles.com - http://361podcast.com/best-smartphone Read more, comment and subscribe at http://361podcast.com/episodes/s10e03
With Apple's 2015 Worldwide Developer Conference a fast-vanishing memory the team turn their attention to the firm's (apparent) dominance of the mobile market in terms of profit and mind-share. Can this year's announcements keep them a step ahead? Tell us what you think the best smartphone on the market is and sign-up for our new newsletter for a chance to win it courtesy of http://TigerMobiles.com - http://361podcast.com/best-smartphone Read more, comment and subscribe at http://361podcast.com/episodes/s10e02
Every year Google sets out its vision for the next year at its annual I/O developer conference. This week the team consider what mattered, how it will shape the future of the industry and whether Google really is a single ‘thing’. Tell us what you think the best smartphone on the market is and sign-up for our new newsletter for a chance to win it courtesy of http://TigerMobiles.com - http://361podcast.com/best-smartphone Read more, comment and subscribe at http://361podcast.com/episodes/s10e01
This week the team answer listener's questions... What would have happened if Apple hadn't made a phone? Does open source matter in mobile? Which phone would we save from the fire? What's the oddest place you've made a phone call? Also, several #AskRafeAnything questions, including his all-important concrete update.
This week Ben and Rafe discuss mobile operators (again)... Who's bought who, who's announced what and where some green shoots of interesting innovation are beginning to show, including Google's Fi. Ewan's not convinced. At all.
This week Rafe dons his lab coat and schools the team in wonderful - and frequently rare - materials that go into making smartphones and tablets. The team discuss the issues with using such materials and the ways in which they contribute to advances in screens, batteries, components and protective coverings. There's also - briefly - some singing... sorry about that.
This week the team are hugely under-qualified to discuss luxury and fashion technology (but try to anyway). With the arrival of the Apple Watch Edition, the subject of consumer technology 'priced to impress' has been re-ignited... some time after Vertu pioneered this segment. The team discuss how existing luxury brands 'do tech' and consider how some of the established watch manufacturers exhibiting at the famous Baselworld show addressed the challenge.
This week the team re-cap Mobile World Congress 2015 and consider the trends and announcements that stood out. They discuss the (continued) rise of the mid-tier handset, wearables, LTE in unlicensed spectrum, industrial internet of things, Blackberry's 'almost' attendance and Ewan invents "negative excitement".
This week the team discuss the products they use... the devices that have won them over (including a few changes of heart) and the services that are exciting them. Ben's decided phablets aren't all bad (although the name is), Rafe's embraced a 'transformer tablet' and Ewan's grumpy about everything except mobile shopping.
This week Ewan and Rafe head to Mobile World Congress and report live from a very noisy show floor, including visits to ZTE, Huawei, LG, Microsoft and HTC's stands. Rafe notes that the theme of the show this year seems to be 'really good mid-tier handsets'.
This week the team talk contracts... What are they, who are they good for, who does badly, what are the options, how do the tariffs differ and are they fit for a future of 'connected things'?
This week the team look back 10 years to the devices that shaped the smartphone revolution. We remember the big trade-show announcements, the top-selling devices and the big news of the day. Of course... the problem with nostalgia is that it isn't what it used to be.
This week the team discuss all things 'smart' and the value of connected devices. We consider what 'smart' devices really are; consider the value, standards and industry players; discuss ecosystems, connectivity and 'lock in'; and worry about who we should trust to run our 'connected appliances'. We also give mobile operators a bit of a kicking (again).
The team return, 'fresh' from an extended Christmas break to look forward to the big news of 2015. We discuss Apple's Watch, Amazon's Fire Phone, Google Glass and Samsung - not all favourably. The team also share rejected episode ideas including a Rafe Blandford Tinder experiment.
The team gather at the Blandford Manor for a review of 2014 and the much anticipated (by Ewan at least) final of the $100 handset challenge.
This week the team return with our (nearly) annual (nearly) traditional Christmas present buying guide. This year we're looking at supermarket tablets, luxury gifts, mobile accessories and some stocking fillers as well as considering what we'd like to receive in our own stockings.
The team consider the changes, impact and achievements of Android L. We discuss material design, the range of new features, the complexity of the (huge) Android ecosystem and commentators' reactions to 'L' so far.
This week the team take time to blow off some steam about three topics they feel passionate about: - Rafe wants to change people's attitudes to Microsoft. - Ewan's frustrated that people don't understand that 'mobile' is a user's context (not their device). - Ben calls out politicians that don't understand (or get advice on) the impact of their decisions on the mobile industry.
This week the team re-visit the subject of shopping (and paying for things) with and on mobile devices. We catch-up with the recent changes in the market and consider how things have moved with the advent of Apple Pay and others in the 2 years since we last discussed it.
This week the team re-visit the topic of phablets, reflecting on recent changes and the impact of Apple's (arguably) late entry into this market. We discuss what phablets really are, their impact on the mobile market, where they are popular, how they sell and give proper attribution to the person (we think) coined the term long before the date Wikipedia credits.
The team catch-up on the successes (few) and problems (more) with their $100 phones. We reflect on what it's like to live with our chosen devices and how we've dealt with the limitations. Ewan is unrepentant about his cheating, but has a surprise...
This week the team talk wearables. Apple's Watch (don't call it a 'smart watch') is exciting the press but consumer awareness of fitness trackers is also surprisingly high - even if usage isn't. We discuss wearable tech from specs to socks and consider the future for this emerging type of device.
This week the team answer a listener's question: When is the best time to buy a flagship phone? We consider what constitutes a 'flagship', share some research on price changes for different products and explore the best options for where to buy.
This week the team discuss everything Apple - new iPhones, new iOS and - possibly - a change in strategy. We reflect on Apple's late conversion to larger phone sizes, 'bend-gate' (but only briefly) and Rafe uses the phrase "price inelasticity".
It's our 100th episode so to celebrate the team have each bought the best phone they can find for $100. Arguments and cheating ensues.
In an episode recorded before IFA and the Apple iPhone 6 / Apple Watch announcements the team answers listeners' questions in a 'bonus' end of season special. Topics include smart TVs, the future of Microsoft and platform preferences if the 'app gap' wasn't a thing. READ MORE AND COMMENT: http://361podcast.com/episodes/s07e11-end-of-season-bonus-qa-special
It's our final week of season 7 and the team turn their attention to tablets. Rafe's gathered some research (so we know the numbers are right) showing the iPad has lost its market-dominating position with overall sales of tablets slowing too. Samsung is catching Apple fast with its broad range of tablets and price-points but the smaller, lower-cost devices are the real winners cumulatively beating both the big firms. In other news Ewan's finally a productive member of society again (well, he's started his new job) and Rafe's finding dual-sim phones useful in rural areas with poor network coverage. READ MORE, COMMENT & SURVEY: http://361podcast.com/episodes/s07e10-the-death-of-tablets
The team are back together this week and updating their 'good kit' guide - the equipment we use and love daily. It's not the best and it may not be the newest, but it's the gear that keeps us productive when mobile. In this season's update we focus a lot on power supplies and batteries, as keeping devices charged stays at the top of our worry list. In other news Ewan's bought a new family car (it's nice) and Rafe has joined the library. We're a rock 'n roll podcast. READ MORE, COMMENT & SURVEY: http://361podcast.com/episodes/s07e09-our-good-kit-guide
We're a man down this week. As Ewan discovers he actually has something better to do than visit the 361 studio he 'calls in' to set the rest of the team a challenge... To coincide with the 100th anniversary of the start of the 1st World War, to look back over the huge changes to wireless communication that coincided with that period and to pick out key points from the following hundred years. It's a tricky one... Ben and Rafe head to the books... In other news Rafe has a phone that's too orange and Ben's been (liberally) using the unlimited data roaming Three now offer in the USA. READ MORE, COMMENT & SURVEY: http://361podcast.com/episodes/s07e08-100-years-of-wireless
This week the team talk change and manufacturer's efforts to get us to change devices, platforms and even ecosystems. Ewan highlights an effort by Microsoft in the US to get Macbook Air owners to trade-in their laptops in favour of Surface tablets. Conversation moves on to the wider challenges of switching and the increasing use of cloud services to 'lock' users in to ecosystems as 'stealing' customers becomes a prime way to grow in markets where the majority have a smartphone. READ MORE, COMMENT & SURVEY: http://361podcast.com/episodes/s07e07-what-would-make-you-switch
This week the team discuss the impact mobile technology will have on our relationships and use of cars. Special guest Ilicco Elia from (our generous studio hosts) DigitasLBi joins to describe some of the issues and opportunities his team are examining through work with vehicle manufacturers. Discussions quickly move from in-vehicle entertainment to look at ways vehicle data could usefully be provided to drivers even before they get in a car. Options for personalisation are also considered - if cars can access data about our movement and preferences how could they further adapt to our needs? READ MORE, COMMENT & SURVEY: http://361podcast.com/episodes/s07e06-the-connected-car
This week the team talk about the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) and a recent beneficiary of that platform - Amazon and their new Fire Phone (like their Kindle tablets before). This week's discussion is kicked off with a (pre-announcement) blog post about an Amazon smartphone from an influential analyst's blog. The team discuss the background and usage of AOSP and consider how firm's like Amazon are using it to build alternative's to 'Google's Android', substituting replacement services for app stores, notifications, media and mapping to build or promote their own ecosystems. READ MORE, COMMENT & SURVEY: http://361podcast.com/episodes/s07e05-amazon-fire-phone-open-source-android
This week the team consider security: how to secure your devices; keeping your data safe; and how to achieve the right balance of security and convenience. Special guest and security expert Terence Eden joins the team and offers his 'top 5' tips for mobile security. The team discuss the security apps and techniques they use, recommending their favourites and considering how they fare against the 'obvious but forgotten' risks Terence highlights. Then a few resolutions are made and passwords changed... READ MORE, COMMENT & SURVEY: http://361podcast.com/episodes/s07e04-practical-mobile-security
This week the team consider the challenges of building the 'biggest' apps out there for banks, retailers and beyond. They're joined by previous 361 Live guest Ed Hodges - the brains behind Tesco's original app and Royal Bank of Scotland's apps for small businesses. There's some tech talk but things quickly move on to decisions and processes. It's a lively episode this week - Ewan calls Rafe an 'apologist for mediocrity' and Rafe (politely) suggests Ewan's not normal... Ben tries to get a word in edge-ways. READ MORE, COMMENT & SURVEY: http://361podcast.com/episodes/s07e03-what-does-it-take-to-build-a-big-app
This week the team are amazed at the way media consumption - driven by 'cord cutters' using services like Netflix - dominate use of both mobile and fixed-line broadband connections. If streaming media is now the primary use for mobile networks in some circumstances will they be able to cope? Can they sustain the service they offer? And how does the team's usage mirror a recent survey? READ MORE, COMMENT & SURVEY: http://361podcast.com/episodes/s07e02-cord-cutting-and-media-unbundling
After a slightly longer break than planned the team are back with a new-look season 7. This week we talk to Dan Lane, COO at Simwood and previously Head of Special Projects at Truphone, for his view on the future of mobile networks. We discuss 'apps in the network' and making mobile networks 'open' with interfaces that allow external services to control and interact with them. Could we be in for a not-so-dumb pipe after all? READ MORE, COMMENT & SURVEY: http://361podcast.com/episodes/s07e01-the-future-of-mobile-networks TRANSCRIPT: http://361podcast.com/transcripts/s07e01-the-future-of-mobile-networks
After a short break the team are back to highlight some mobile-relevant news from the (now almost completely forgotten CES) and to anticipate some of the big topics we expect to come out of Mobile World Congress 2014 later in February. SHOWNOTES & COMMENTS: http://361podcast.com/episodes/s06e11-bonus-mwc-preview
In the final episode of season 6 the team look back over all they've discussed. Starting with wearables and ending with apps they re-visit the topics that generated the most comments over the season. Ewan does a Scottish accent. Ben (possibly) offends some Iranians and there is some more singing which will probably upset everyone. SHOWNOTES & COMMENTS: http://361podcast.com/episodes/s06e10-all-your-letters Sponsored by O2 Refresh is the tariff which lets you get the latest phone whenever you want.
This week the team reflect on what one of us probably at some point calls 'the app store economy', but essentially means 'what apps cost and how you pay for them'. The team marvel at polished software sold for less than a coffee and wonder how (or even if) they could be good business. SHOWNOTES & COMMENTS: http://361podcast.com/episodes/s06e09-the-price-of-an-app
This week the team look back over the (mobile-related) highs and lows of 2013 and get excited about what 2014 will hold. SHOWNOTES & COMMENTS: http://361podcast.com/episodes/s06e08-looking-back-looking-forwards Sponsored by Phones 4u.
This week the team talk about the apps and services they use and recommend. What works well, what do we rely on for our own data and which apps don't get the recognition they deserve? SHOWNOTES & COMMENTS: http://361podcast.com/episodes/s06e07-a-very-appy-christmas Sponsored by O2 Refresh is the tariff which lets you get the latest phone whenever you want.
This week we re-visit our regular pre-Christmas topic - shopping for mobile gifts. This year we think is the 'year of the tablet' and with a huge number of retailers, models and prices to choose from we discuss how to choose a 'first tablet' gift. SHOWNOTES & COMMENTS: http://361podcast.com/episodes/s06e06-christmas-tablets Sponsored by Phones 4u.
This week the team revel in the terrible... the disappointing... the mis-fires and the hopelessly lost. We review 3 candidates for the good ideas that the mobile industry has managed to butcher. Which is your favourite lost cause? SHOWNOTES & COMMENTS: http://361podcast.com/episodes/s06e05-your-best-worst-idea Sponsored by O2 Refresh is the tariff which lets you get the latest phone whenever you want.
This week the team are talking security and privacy... In the light of recent revelations about mass internet data collection by intelligence agencies what can we learn about the safety of our internet use and (especially) our mobile data? Are we even aware of the data we generate? SHOWNOTES & COMMENTS: http://361podcast.com/episodes/s06e04-can-you-keep-a-secret Sponsored by Phones 4u.
This week the team are talking 'phablets' - those odd hybrid devices that exist between phones and tablets. We never really believed they were a good thing and we certainly never believed they'd sell well but they are and they have... and we are slowly (grudgingly) coming 'round to the idea. SHOWNOTES & COMMENTS: http://361podcast.com/episodes/s06e03-absolutely-phablet-ulous Sponsored by O2 Refresh is the tariff which lets you get the latest phone whenever you want.
This week the team record 'live' from the travel industry's biggest trade show: the World Travel Market. After presenting the event's first ever mobile technology session they reflect on the topics discussed and suggest 10 rules for mobile travel apps. SHOWNOTES & COMMENTS: http://361podcast.com/episodes/s06e02-10-rules-for-travel-apps Sponsored by O2 Refresh is the tariff which lets you get the latest phone whenever you want.
A lot has happened in the 6 weeks we've been gone so the team get caught up on the news , having had a little extra time to reflect. This week we cover: New iPhones and New iPads New Microsoft Surface Tesco’s Hudl and 'cheap tablets' Nokia’s 2520 tablet Who was mad enough to give BlackBerry $1bn? Our first reader’s question is "Who needs the other more to remain as the dominant player: Samsung or Google?". The team get stuck in... COMMENT: http://361podcast.com/episodes/s06e01-while-we-were-gone Sponsored by O2 Refresh is the tariff which lets you get the latest phone whenever you want.
This week it's questions, questions, questions... We asked what you wanted to know and you told us! We talk about the future of Nokia, multi-OS handsets, the cost of 4G, keyboards on smartphones, Samsung in 5 years and even how the team got together. See the full list here: http://storify.com/361podcast/s05e08-ask-us-anything Thank you to everyone who's supported us in Season 5. We'll be back in a few weeks after our late-summer break!
To emphasise the fact that this is definitely not a news podcast, this week the team reflect on all the recent news: Samsung's launch of the Note 3, a tablet with a long name and the Gear watch. Some other smart watches The Sony Silly Camera (possibly not the name they'll go to market with) Some Apple stuff Recorded prior to the Apple 5s / 5c announcement event we took a guess at what would be announced and the reaction... see how we did.
This week the team cover the sale of Nokia's smartphone and feature-phone businesses to Microsoft. Rafe schools us on how and why it really happened and we ask whether someone so knowledgeable about the deal really be blameless... really? The team reminisce about favourite Nokia phones and wonder how Ben made it to 2013 having never owned an N95. We also pause briefly (very briefly) to discuss how - annoyingly - you need to ignore the realities of proper corporate governance if you want to believe the conspiracy theories. Goodbye Nokia-branded smartphones and all the best to all those affected by the sale.
This week the team think about tablets - how do we use them, where will they exist in future, what (really) is 'post PC' and what are the differences in mobile vs tablet interfaces? We ponder the dominance of iOS and its total (current) overwhelming popularity. We also do a joke, complain about notification alerts, seek out alternative mobile email apps, ponder mid-range super-sized phones and forget a listener's name.
This week the team talk media - what we use, how we store it, who we trust, how we view it and our hopes / dreams for the future. How do the products and services differ between 'created' and 'purchased' media? We also live-cast a visit to the much under-rated rafeblandford.com. We also discuss the necessity for portable battery backup, that QR codes might (just) have some uses and Microsoft's SkyDrive rename.
This week the team consider how to buy mobile devices and the best options for convenience and price. We discuss how we bought our handsets and why 'operator-supplied' isn't always the best. Additionally... Rafe sheds some light on how manufacturers are tailoring devices to score well in benchmarks, Ewan has a haircut, Ben gets angry about BlackBerry bugs and there's some more coughing.
This week the team talk about connected TVs - Apple TV, Google's new ChromeCast, hardware from broadcasters like Sky's Now TV and how mobile devices are becoming the heart of the viewing experience. We also re-introduce our 'things of the week' - Rafe's excited by the Lumia 1020, Ewan's seen some more cool wearable tech and Ben's excited about connected cars.
Posted here: http://361podcast.com/episodes/s05e03-the-3rd-ecosystem-enough-apps This week we re-visit the battle for 3rd place in the battle of the eco-systems... Is anyone winning and are Nokia or Blackberry the only players to consider? Are Firefox, Ubuntu or Jolla real contenders or could Android fragment into competing strands? The team talk about the crucial part apps play in equation - reflecting on 'quality vs quantity' - and Rafe is sacked as 361's pop-culture correspondent for not knowing who Daft Punk are.
Posted here: http://361podcast.com/episodes/s05e02-wearable-tech This week the team talk wearable devices - smart glasses, smart watches, clever pedometers and even those clever 'sneakers' that Michael J Fox wore in 'Back to the Future'. What and why would you wear a device and what are the privacy implications?
Posted here: http://361podcast.com/episodes/s05e01-state-of-the-mobile-nation The team are back and - to say the least - a little time has passed since Mobile World Congress so a catch-up on the news is overdue. This week we look-back over Apple and Google's big announcements, consider the difficulty in describing the 'maturity' each platform has and Rafe Blandford does something odd to his cat.
The team stage a lavish (and largely imaginary) award ceremony giving awards for things such as 'best use of mobile', 'best future tech', 'best mode of transport' and 'best in show'.
The team discuss (well... argue) about the merits of NFC, which was very visible at MWC 2013. Ben argues it "doesn't work" and Ewan points out that it clearly does. Rafe suggests a longer-term view...
The team tour hall 3 - home to all the biggest exhibitors including Samsung, Nokia, Motorola, Huawei, ZTE and hosts GSMA to describe the stands and crowds.
The team review their 3rd day at MWC 2013: Ben and Ewan see the HTC One and are impressed, the Q10 is spotted despite Blackberry's absence, Chinese knock-offs surprise us and Rafe finds a lone Symbian handset on a stand.
The team wind-down after the final day of MWC 2013 and catch-up on some of the things they missed... Ben finally gets to see Sony's new hardware (and is impressed), Ewan looks at things behind the scenes (and is impressed) and Rafe finds some sapphire glass (and is impressed). Impressive stuff.
Ewan argues MWC is less exciting this year, Ben complains about his feet and Rafe explains it's the low-key news that matters. The team cover the interesting things they've spotted on the 2nd day of the show and realise how much there still is to see.
Live from Mobile World Congress the team preview the event and the trends we expect to see. Recorded live on the street.
The team review day one of Mobile World Congress including the Nokia, Sony, Firefox, busses and the panel that Ben and Ewan did.
It's the last show in season 4 but don't worry we have a very special guest in the shape of The Voicemail Podcast's own James Whatley and we're talking about Blackberry (again). Could Ewan be even a little right about a come-back? Is there anything possibly left to announce after all the leaks? We're not sure but the 'mood in the room' is warming to them (a bit). Don't worry - you won't have to wait long for more 361-goodness. We'll be reporting daily from Mobile World Congress - the world's biggest mobile event thing (in Barcelona) - with daily updates in a special mini-series. Checkout Whatley and The Voicemail: http://thevoicemail.net/
We're back and - after re-capping some of the big news whilst we've been gone - this week we talk about Ubuntu Mobile. Ewan's enthused, perhaps even keen. Rafe is dubious the small firm can make a dent in the world of mobile ecosystems and Ben is - well - flat out confused why they're bothering.
This week the team are in a festive mood, assessing who's been 'naughty or nice' in the mobile industry: Ewan celebrates 'Snapchat' and puts Apple on the naughty step. Ben enthuses about 'good' high-speed 3G and savages Vodafone's SureSignal. Rafe dreams of a winter wonderland without handset subsidies and puts coal in Google's stocking for the loss of Exchange ActiveSync for Gmail users. Thanks to everyone for their support in 2012. See you next year!
Our 'Question Time' event '361 Live' returns celebrating Internet Week Europe with a panel taking questions on the subject "Desktop Internet is Dead: Long Live Mobile Internet". On the panel: Tony Blake of Millenoki, Andrew Grill of Kred, Ilicco Elia of LBi , 361's own Rafe Blandford & Ben Lethbridge of 4G network EE. Ben chairs and Ewan takes the questions. In this part - 2 of 2 - the panel take questions on: - whatever happened to 'one web'; - whether Facebook could launch again today as a mobile service; - the impact of the move to mobile on hardware manufacturers; and - the future for fixed-line operators in a mobile world.
Our 'Question Time' event '361 Live' returns celebrating Internet Week Europe with a panel taking questions on the subject "Desktop Internet is Dead: Long Live Mobile Internet". On the panel: Tony Blake of Millenoki, Andrew Grill of Kred, Ilicco Elia of LBi , 361's own Rafe Blandford & Ben Lethbridge of 4G network EE. Ben chairs and Ewan takes the questions. In this part - 1 of 2 - the panel take questions on: - the reliability of mobile internet; - mobile data and device management for enterprise; and - pricing high-speed mobile data.
This week the team ask themselves, "If smartphones are so great shouldn't more things be available first (or better… or quicker) on mobile?" We discuss the candidates for being 'mobile first' and the challenges. We also discuss our 'things of the week' (in-store wifi, using VoIP to ditch international calling charges and the HTC / Apple patent settlement) and anticipate the next '361 Live' on 16th November: http://361degre.es/361-live-desktop-internet-is-dead-long-live-m
There you were waiting for someone to come and shake-up the tablet market and then an iPad Mini and a Microsoft Surface both come along at once... The team wonder what (and who) they're all for. We also chat about Ewan's recent Android rejection, Rafe's enthusiasm for Windows Phone 8 (it's here at last) and EE's terrible launch (see http://lc.tl/eefail - h/t to @AndrewGrill).
This week the team discuss mobile shopping, mobile payments (again) and how retailers are working around the challenges of payments and security. Ewan berates Ben for choosing the wrong mobile tariff and Ben invents a mobile credit card service that already exists: http://card.io We all like the BBC's "The Thick Of It": http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006qgrd
This week we talk about 4G as it arrives - at last - in the UK. Surely faster is better… isn't it? And if it won't be super fast why else might it be better? Rafe explains. Ben and Ewan complain. We also chat briefly about phone insurance, Snapjoy and contact-less payments.
We're back! Late... but back. This week we catch-up on all the Apple news and ponder whether their recent maps problems show the 'perfect' image is beginning to slip. Back in season 2 we'd asked if Apple was the new Nokia... Not because they are suffering the same OS problems, but because eventually firm's past decisions begin to catch-up with them. Was the rushed tie-up with Google Maps before the original iPhone launch now hiding some unexpected down-sides? Cumulatively are the issues for consumers reaching the levels it will deter some buyers? If not now, how soon? As ever, we'd love your views...
In an end-of-season double-length 'bonus special*' we re-cap the topics covered in season 3, reflect on how those stories have developed and (crucially) argue about who was right over a few celebratory drinks. we think it's special.
In the final episode of series 3 pause (briefly) to celebrate and then talk about Qualcomm's Uplinq event and the rise of the 'chipset brand'. Does it matter if a device has 'Intel Inside' or a 'Snapdragon'? For listeners struggling with British slang at the beginning: 'Pop' = Soda 'Sweeties' = Confectionary
This week we talk about 'Connected Living' following Rafe's recent meet-up with the GSMA. We cover 3G trash cans, connected fridges, traffic monitoring cars and the potential for 'm-Health' in treating long-term conditions such as diabetes. Ben's dubious about milk-ordering fridges and Ewan's impatient for his life to be more connected. Rafe notes it's an appealing new source of income for mobile operators. For more information on the GSMA's programme see: http://www.gsma.com/connectedliving/
This week the team discuss Microsoft's surprise announcement of the 'Surface' tablet, who's building it and why. We're split over the strategy and the impact on the firm's 'usual' hardware partners (and where this leaves Nokia), but in agreement on one thing - it's the first time we've been surprised by Microsoft for a long time.
Last week we held the first public '361 Live' event "Mobile Question Time" sponsored by Nokia and LBi at LBi's HQ on Brick Lane in London. This episode is part 2 of 2. On the panel were: Ed Hodges - Head of Mobile, Business & Commercial for Royal Bank of Scotland. Mark Squires - Nokia's Head of Communications for Western Europe. Stephen Pinches - Head of Emerging Technologies at the FT Group. Ilicco Elia - Head of Mobile, LBi. Rafe Blandford - Editor of All About Symbian and All About Windows Phone. Ben chaired the session and Ewan handled questions.
This week we held the first public '361 Live' event "Mobile Question Time" sponsored by Nokia and LBi at LBi's HQ on Brick Lane in London. This episode is part 1 of 2. On the panel were: Ed Hodges - Head of Mobile, Business & Commercial for Royal Bank of Scotland. Mark Squires - Nokia's Head of Communications for Western Europe. Stephen Pinches - Head of Emerging Technologies at the FT Group. Ilicco Elia - Head of Mobile, LBi. Rafe Blandford - Editor of All About Symbian and All About Windows Phone. Ben chaired the session and Ewan handled questions.
This week it's Samsung week... a firm we've neglected so far on the podcast despite recently it becoming the world's largest phone manufacturer. As the Galaxy S3 launches around the world to record pre-orders the team discuss Samsung, its recent stellar performance and the challenges of the future. Are 9m pre-orders 'enough'? What does Samsung stand for? Can they repeat the success of the Galaxy S2? And can they continue to grow using Google's Android as a platform?
This week we're 'live' from Nokia's Summer Party near Trafalgar Square: http://twitter.com/bensmithuk/status/205728224259477505 [pic] We 'audio unbox' a Nokia Lumia 610, discuss our forthcoming event and talk about how Facebook can make money with mobile (and why it matters). Register for our event in London on the 11th June: http://361live-june2012.eventbrite.co.uk/ Get the inside-track with the newsletter: https://tinyletter.com/361degrees
This week Ewan's unhappy... everyone has an iPhone 4 or 4S now. Massive network subsidies mean anyone willing to take a reasonably expensive monthly contract can buy one. The exclusivity, the prestige and his image as a connoisseur are being eroded away. He asks why the market doesn't offer more exclusive devices above the price point of a top-end iPhone (noting Vertu's place in the market) and we discuss how brands and styling could return mobile devices to the status symbols they once were. Rafe also points out the economics behind manufacturers' decisions about the devices they market and explains materials science may be the answer in the not-too-distant future. Don’t forget to sign-up to our new newsletter to discuss the podcast and get some ‘behind the scenes’ news: https://tinyletter.com/361degrees
This week we talk about (consumer) cloud services… what we use, why we use it plus our priorities and concerns. We talk about 'quality of service' and how it needs to relate to privacy and customer support just as much as the software and - crucially - how it's different to security. Rafe mentions the challenges of cloud data storage for those with slow internet connections, Ewan worries about his approach to back-up and Ben kicks himself about giving Path his data (again). We'd love to get your views on what you want from cloud services and whether 'lock-in' to one platform's solution worries you. Also, don't forget to sign-up to our new newsletter to discuss the podcast and get some 'behind the scenes' insight: https://tinyletter.com/361degrees
After a longer than planned break we're back with season 3. This week we re-cap the news whilst we've been away... We discuss Mobile World Congress - disappointing or just full of hidden gems? * Get distracted briefly by Apple's absence from other people's events and their lack of support for their developer ecosystem Re-visit Nokia (and Windows Phone) and RIM's trials and tribulations
Ewan and Ben visited the IT security show 'INFOSEC' to investigate the state of mobile security. We interviewed representatives from several exhibitors and discuss the challenges for mobile operators, businesses and consumers around mobile security, noting how immature the market still is.
Ewan and Ben visited the IT security show 'INFOSEC' to investigate the state of mobile security. We interviewed representatives from several exhibitors and discuss the challenges for mobile operators, businesses and consumers around mobile security, noting how immature the market still is.
Ewan and Ben visited the IT security show 'INFOSEC' to investigate the state of mobile security. We interviewed representatives from several exhibitors and discuss the challenges for mobile operators, businesses and consumers around mobile security, noting how immature the market still is.
Ewan and Ben visited the IT security show 'INFOSEC' to investigate the state of mobile security. We interviewed representatives from several exhibitors and discuss the challenges for mobile operators, businesses and consumers around mobile security, noting how immature the market still is.
Ewan and Ben visited the IT security show 'INFOSEC' to investigate the state of mobile security. We interviewed representatives from several exhibitors and discuss the challenges for mobile operators, businesses and consumers around mobile security, noting how immature the market still is.
Ewan and Ben visited the IT security show 'INFOSEC' to investigate the state of mobile security. We interviewed representatives from several exhibitors and discuss the challenges for mobile operators, businesses and consumers around mobile security, noting how immature the market still is.
Ewan and Ben visited the IT security show 'INFOSEC' to investigate the state of mobile security. We interviewed representatives from several exhibitors and discuss the challenges for mobile operators, businesses and consumers around mobile security, noting how immature the market still is.
Ewan and Ben visited the IT security show 'INFOSEC' to investigate the state of mobile security. We interviewed representatives from several exhibitors and discuss the challenges for mobile operators, businesses and consumers around mobile security, noting how immature the market still is.
Ewan and Ben visited the IT security show 'INFOSEC' to investigate the state of mobile security. We interviewed representatives from several exhibitors and discuss the challenges for mobile operators, businesses and consumers around mobile security, noting how immature the market still is.
Ewan and Ben visited London Book Fair to investigate how the publishing industry is innovating in digital publishing and how consumers' demands are shifting with growing use of mobile devices as book readers. We interviewed representatives from several exhibitors and discuss our views on the increasing cross-over we see between 'book' and 'app' development.
Ewan and Ben visited London Book Fair to investigate how the publishing industry is innovating in digital publishing and how consumers' demands are shifting with growing use of mobile devices as book readers. We interviewed representatives from several exhibitors and discuss our views on the increasing cross-over we see between 'book' and 'app' development.
Ewan and Ben visited London Book Fair to investigate how the publishing industry is innovating in digital publishing and how consumers' demands are shifting with growing use of mobile devices as book readers. We interviewed representatives from several exhibitors and discuss our views on the increasing cross-over we see between 'book' and 'app' development.
Ewan and Ben visited London Book Fair to investigate how the publishing industry is innovating in digital publishing and how consumers' demands are shifting with growing use of mobile devices as book readers. We interviewed representatives from several exhibitors and discuss our views on the increasing cross-over we see between 'book' and 'app' development.
Ewan and Ben visited London Book Fair to investigate how the publishing industry is innovating in digital publishing and how consumers' demands are shifting with growing use of mobile devices as book readers. We interviewed representatives from several exhibitors and discuss our views on the increasing cross-over we see between 'book' and 'app' development.
Ewan and Ben visited London Book Fair to investigate how the publishing industry is innovating in digital publishing and how consumers' demands are shifting with growing use of mobile devices as book readers. We interviewed representatives from several exhibitors and discuss our views on the increasing cross-over we see between 'book' and 'app' development.
In this final episode of season 2 we discuss patents and the huge impact they're having on the mobile industry. We highlight some of the reasons the mobile industry may be more prone to patent disputes, give the whole patent system a kicking in general and Ben proposes Rafe as a possible solution. We also briefly discuss valentines day, disappointed wives, babies and Rafe's new app. A huge thanks to all who have listened and commented during season 2 - especially Andy Hagon, Jamie Holland, Jack in Croatia, Craig, Simon Blackman, Derek Swalheim, James Burland and everyone else who left us such generous feedback by email and in the comments. It's much appreciated and makes us look forward to season 3 all the more!
This week we discuss the 'technology cycle' and how the need to refresh a mobile platform every 5 years - something that is currently causing Nokia and RIM so much pain - will eventually come to Apple. It's not all bad news though… We think Apple is one of the few firms with the vision and experience to navigate this tricky process successfully.
In our first episode of 2012 we wonder what this year might hold for mobile and offer some predictions: Ewan thinks this will be the year m-commerce goes big. Rafe thinks this is the year the smartphone market gets really competitive. Ben thinks this is the year operators start running additional services 'over the top' of their existing network to differentiate.
This week the team re-cap a round-table discussion we were invited to, discussing the challenges and possible solutions for handset manufacturers in the future: Ewan notes Apple's increasing 'mind-share dominance' which exists quite separate to their market share. Rafe longs for beautiful hardware and innovation in material sciences. Ben notes it's the networks preventing people from painlessly operating several handsets, switching according to occasion. This is our last episode of 2011. Thanks for listening! We'll be back in January.
This week the team set themselves a 'fun' challenge - to choose a new pre-pay mobile phone costing less than £100 to give as a as a Christmas present... [To avoid arguments we agreed to 'shop' at Carphone Warehouse] Rafe opts for a Nokia: A 'One Direction'-branded Nokia C2-02 for £59.95 Ewan buys something special for his Nan: A Doro PhoneEasy 610 for £79.95 Ben spots an Android bargain: The SonyEricsson X8 for £99.95 (or £69.99 direct from Three as Rafe points out later)
Recorded at MEF Americas 2011 in Miami, Ben interviews Neil Stiles, president of the Variety Group, on producing content for a 'multi-screen world'.
After a series of handset losses and breakages Ewan's been exercising his network operator-supplied handset insurance... something he'd forgotten he'd signed-up for. But do these policies offer good value for money and how should you choose who to buy from? The team discuss: Why we do (and don't) buy handset insurance (and a few war stories). The difference between network operator-provided insurance, independent providers and other types of policies. What we want (and value) from our network operators.
The UK has reached a tipping point - 50% of all mobile devices in use are now smartphones and the trend looks set to carry on, expected to reach 70% by 2015. We discuss the implications of this - for retailers, for consumers and the mobile brands that serve them.
We're back to the 'usual' format for this week's episode - recapping all the important events that happened between seasons 1 and 2. We discuss: iOS5 and the iPhone 4S - Has Apple 'grown up' to the point it now takes more than a year to create a new 'magic' product? HP, WebOS and an opportunity wasted - What was HP thinking…? Were they thinking…? And does WebOS (or Palm for that matter) have a future? Android - Now the biggest but is it the best? Google have revolutionised so many markets, but will Android's rough edges put consumers off?
In this episode - part 2 of the coverage from our live event at Nokia World - we carry on the audience discussion moving on to discuss the US market, Microsoft's Windows Phone ecosystem and Samsung's (possible) problems with Android. This episode was recorded with an invited audience of bloggers and mobile gurus. They pitched-in to give their comments and opinions and in this episode you can hear: Ed Lea, CTO at Grapple Mobile Edward Umana, NokiaMobileBlog.com Varun Krishnan, Fone Arena Matt Lacey, UK Windows Phone User Group Iain Wallace Ewan Spence, All About Windows Phone / All About Symbian Aditya Singhvi, Worldofphones.net Staska, Unwired View This is part 2 of 2 - you can hear the first part of our discussions in episode 1. Many thanks to Nokia who sponsored this event. They provided equipment and a venue, but did not have any editorial input. Special thanks too to Ewan Spence our impromptu (and highly effective) 'audience and microphone wrangler' for this episode.
We're back! To kick off our second season we headed to Nokia World and recorded our first ever 'live' edition in front of an invited audience of bloggers and mobile gurus. They pitched-in to give their comments and opinions and in this episode you can hear: Stephen Wing, UK Gadgeteer Iain Wallace James Whatley, 1000heads Stefanos Kofopoulos, Pestaola.gr Aditya Singhvi, Worldofphones.net Vinu Thomas, My Portable World Vaibhav Sharma, The Handheld Blog Varun Krishnan, Fone Arena Staska, Unwired View This is part 1 of 2 - you can hear the final part of our discussions next week. Many thanks to Nokia who sponsored this event. They provided equipment and a venue, but did not have any editorial input.
This week we're recording remotely again as Ewan calls in from Austin, Texas. In the last episode of series 1 (don't worry series 2 is already on the way) we have a bit of a whinge discussing 'bothersome things' (as Rafe terms them). Ben's list covered pages by the time we finished listing them pre-recording so here's a few choice ones... We discuss: WiFi hotspots MMS Batteries Mobile apps failing without coverage Context sensitive ringing Gumpy old men we might be, but these are the niggles which drive us mad daily. What are yours?
This week we talk about Nokia... How has it come to this and what next for the big firm? We discuss: The history behind the current problems. How and why the firm has to change. Windows Phone, the new strategy... and the parts which are often forgotten. Whether Nokia can recover and what its first Windows Phone device will mean. It all gets a bit heated this week... Ewan accuses Rafe of not seeing the warning signs and Rafe explains that the Silicon Valley view is too limited. Ben plays referee and offers some dire warnings about the short-term.
This week we talk about international roaming services and wonder why these services - and especially data - command such premium pricing. We discuss: The recent MACH conference. The products and services we use for roaming including Vodafone's data traveller service, Abroadband, Droam, Onavo, Truphone and MiFi devices. The wetpaint Wiki for information on global pre-paid wireless internet access. The EU regulator's efforts to reduce roaming charges. Who or what could disrupt the market for roaming services in future.
This week we reminisce about the devices we've owned and loved over the years. We highlight a few we think were real 'market changers', a few lemons and speculate about who might make the next game-changer. Rafe also lets slip the secret of his magic drawers. Amongst the devices we discuss this week are the: SonyEricsson P800 Sony CMD Z5 Nokia 6210 O2 XDA (HTC) Nokia N95 Nokia E61 and E61i Nokia N82 Blackberry 7230 iPhone 2G Orange SPV / HTC Canary Nokia 1011 Motorola RAZR Nokia 5110 and 3210 with Xpress-on Covers Original Sidekick Treo 180
Ben and Rafe head to the Millbank Tower in London for the official UK unveiling of Mango, Microsoft's latest (and most major) update to the Windows Phone 7 platform where we also interview Oded Ran, Head of Consumer Marketing, Windows Phone, UK. Ewan joins us afterwards as we discuss: The '500' new features in Mango The problems and benefits the new platform has Whether anyone should care about Windows Phone and whether it has a stand-out selling point First impressions of Mango WP7's business features
An introduction to the people and thoughts behind the podcast we briefly considered calling the 'All About Wireless Mobile Industry Symbian Worker Review' Podcast.
Episode 3 takes the form of a debate, which Ben chairs (because he's not brave enough to take sides): Rafe argues that App Stores are a passing fad, are limiting and lacking, addressing only a current need that will soon be left behind as innovation in the mobile space continues at a blistering pace. Ewan argues that App Stores are great enablers and have created a multi-Billion dollar industry in mobile applications that's here to stay.
Episode 2 covers the Connected Creativity event that took place in Cannes recently, where media makers and media buyers get together to trade TV content and discuss how it will be made and consumed in future. Some of the topics and companies mentioned in this podcast include: Connected Creativity at MIPTV Jon M. Chu - The Legion of Extraordinary Dancers and Justin Bieber: Never Say Never Second screen... or third screen... The importance of mobile for content consumption Tomi Ahonen - video interview at Connected Creativity Yoni Bloch's Interlude - video interview at Connected Creativity BitBop UltraViolet Dibidogs from Futurecode 361 Degrees hosts on a Connected Creativity panel
Episode 2 covers the Connected Creativity event that took place in Cannes recently, where media makers and media buyers get together to trade TV content and discuss how it will be made and consumed in future. Some of the topics and companies mentioned in this podcast include: Connected Creativity at MIPTV Jon M. Chu - The Legion of Extraordinary Dancers and Justin Bieber: Never Say Never Second screen... or third screen... The importance of mobile for content consumption Tomi Ahonen - video interview at Connected Creativity Yoni Bloch's Interlude - video interview at Connected Creativity BitBop UltraViolet Dibidogs from Futurecode 361 Degrees hosts on a Connected Creativity panel
Episode 1 covers "Smartphone convergence, the Sony Ericsson Xperia Play & a tiny bit of Dom Joly" and includes interviews from the Xperia Play launch party: Liam Green-Hughes of GreenHughes.com Dom Joly off the telly Rob Kerr of One Mobile Ring