All Mobile All the Time

By Brad

The New York Times’ Brian X. Chen attended CES in Las Vegas last week and came away with an interesting take on how mobility is changing our lives:

For several years, technology companies have promised the dream of the connected home, the connected body and the connected car. Those connections have proved illusory. But in the last year app-powered accessories have provided the mechanism to actually make the connections. That is partly because smartphones have become the device people never put down. But it is also because wireless sensors have become smaller, cheaper and ubiquitous.

Chen’s full piece is worth checking out.

Big Bird & Broadband

By Jamal Simmons

CES is an absolute avalanche of tech. Simply keeping up with the various announcements and news reports can be a challenge. But as someone very much interested in both education and technology — and where they often cross paths for the good of society — I wanted to highlight an app showcased during the convention earlier this week. It’s called “Big Bird’s Words,” and comes courtesy of Qualcomm and the Sesame Workshop. At Fast Company, Anya Kamenetz has a good description of the app:

Big Bird’s Words lets kids use their parents’ phone to scan the world around them for printed words. Big Bird then helps them learn to read by sounding out the first letter. (“You found the word Milk! It starts with the letter M.”)

Beyond the cool factor, Big Bird’s Words is yet another example of how technology is turning the traditional idea of learning on its head. This is something we touched on last summer in our “Back to School With Broadband” seminar (archive here), and the fact that Big Bird’s Words made its debut during Qualcomm’s keynote address at CES shows the collision of technology and education, specifically in the mobile space, is only heating up.

That makes ensuring broadband access all the more important. Not just by wiring schools, although that’s critical, but expanding the reach of mobile broadband. To get there will take investment — particularly in next-generation IP-based networks that can handle the constant deluge of data. It will also take a commitment from both the government and industry to make achieving the goal a high priority. If Big Bird’s onboard, we all should be.

App Crazy

By Brad

According to Fierce Wireless’ Sue Marek, this year’s CES is all about app developers. As she writes:

If you are an innovative application developer, you are definitely in the driver’s seat at the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show. Everywhere I turn at CES, I encounter companies that are talking about the work they were doing to attract app developers to their platforms.

From Ford Motor Company launching its new developer program aimed at getting more apps for its Sync connected car system, to Verizon Communications announcing its “Powerful Answers” application contest, it seems nearly every company appears to be courting developers.

The heavy focus on mobile apps — which is only going to increase — highlights the importance of the other big topic at this year’s CES, which is the need to transition to all IP-based networks. Since data-intensive apps depend on fast, next-generation networks, you can’t really separate one from the other.

Genachowski Talks Spectrum at CES

By Brad

Amidst all the talk at CES about innovation, new gadgets, and the coming transition to all IP-based networks, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski reminded attendees yesterday there was another issue of importance for the tech industry: spectrum. As Broadcasting & Cable’s George Winslow reports, Genachowski sat down with CEA president and CEO Gary Shapiro during the convention and reiterated the need to free up more airwaves for wireless use:

Shapiro began the hour long interview by telling Genachowski that “we want to call you the spectrum chairman because freeing up spectrum has been the hallmark [of your tenure at FCC chairman]...On behalf of the industry I appreciate your focusing on spectrum and the dire need for spectrum.”

Genachowski quipped in reply “I accept this honor on behalf of the FCC staff” and reiterated his longstanding contention that freeing up spectrum would encourage innovation.

“I don’t think it is a surprise that broadcasters who aren’t interested in tendering [spectrum] would rather this not happen,” he said. “But we need to do this for the country. It doesn’t make sense in New York to have 28 full power licenses.”

The FCC is currently receiving comments for its spectrum incentive auctions, which will hopefully go a long way toward easing America’s spectrum crunch.

Speaking of CES

By Brad

Over at the Verge, Laura June has assembled an amazing gallery of photos from the tech event over the years. The entire spread stretches way back to 1967, and is definitely worth digging into.

Keeping Up With Connected Devices

By Brad

This week, the tech industry, tech reporters, and tech enthusiasts have descended on Las Vegas for the Consumer Electronics Show. Over at Forbes, Eric Savitz has penned a preview highlighting four trends for this year’s show. Chief among them is what Savitz calls the “post-smartphone era,” which he describes as:

[E]arly commercials for the first iPhone show that it really was originally designed primarily as a mobile telephone. Now 65% of mobile phone use time is in non-communications activities. The eco-system is becoming less beholden to the phone. There are unintended consequences of phones and tablets becoming hub devices: TV remotes, power notebook computers, measure blood pressure, weigh babies, etc.

With the gadgets we carry with us doing so much more than transmitting our voices, transforming the backbones that keep our gadgets connected — a transition to all IP-based networks — will be increasingly important.  As Savitz also notes in his piece, 350 million IP devices are expected to ship this year, which means keeping up with demand will require more and more investment.

We’ll have more highlights from CES throughout the week.

CES 2012

By Brad

The eyes of the tech world are on Las Vegas this week, as the Consumer Electronics Show — also known as CES — is going down. For coverage on announcements, innovations, and generally all things tech, check out The Verge, Engadget, and TechCrunch.

IIA was unable to be at CES this year, unfortunately, but if you feel like taking a trip back in time you can check out our presence at the show last year.

Views on Broadband From CES

By Brad

As part of our participation in this year’s CES, we asked visitors to the IIA booth to write out their thoughts on the importance of broadband. Here’s the winning entry, from Michael Kilgore. For his efforts he will receive a new iPod.

As the Net Neutrality debate foments in Washington, I find it unfortunate that the primary stakeholder, the user, has little representation there. Hopefully, some progressive voices can help maintain our wildly productive status quo. At CES, a non-profit called the Internet Innovation Alliance is calling attention to the fact that broadband internet access saves normal household users serious money.

As Lawrence Lessig explained in The Future of Ideas, the reason that the internet fostered so much creativity and economic growth is that it was set up using the same end-to-end model as voice telephony. Just as AT&T and its descendents were not allowed to discriminate on the content of calls, internet application developers were free to use the IP-based infrastructure to communicate with distant customers without worrying whether their uses complied with any guidelines or restrictions from the companies that owned the intervening segments.

If cable systems, for example, are allowed to restrict unapproved, free video content, home users will be forced to pay more for entertainment and news. New IP-based TV services such as Hulu, Netflix, and ivi.tv can make it easier for households to “cut the cord” and pay for only those services that they really use.

A study by the IIA claims that the average US household can save $7700 per year in various ways by using a broadband connection. I’m unconvinced on some of their numbers, but it’s easy to believe the largest: over $2700 saved on entertainment. While broadband access might require usage tiers at some point, it’s vital that broadband providers deliver their public service without favoring their own content over what’s free from anywhere around the world.

—Michael Kilgore

Unlocking Knowledge

By Brad

Hear how a father helps his son unlock new information with the power of the Internet.

Broadband Boosts Business Success

By Brad

Broadband can boost the economy by allowing businesses to grow beyond state lines — and internationally.

Views on Broadband From CES

By Brad

We’ve been asking attendees stopping by the IIA booth CES to give us their thoughts on the power of broadband. We’ll be posting responses throughout the show. — IIA

I think it is important to support national broadband adoption because of its numerous benefits to the end-user. Not only does it seamlessly provide access to the world wide web, but it is the port to efficiently and effectively meet your daily needs in a variety of aspects. Broadband provides access to entertainment, information, and practical tools that are essential to everyone. There is a need to support broadband because of the endless benefits it provides.

— Jose Mazas

I work with students at a Vocational College. Many students are low income and have never had enough access or training on a computer to be able to apply for financial aid online, let alone set up an email account.

Our schools are considering issuing a table type computer to each student as part of their book costs. Free or low cost broadband access would enable students to be able to do research and complete homework assignments outside of school. Many of our students can only access the web through the schools computer lab and requires students to spend additional time on campus.  Most of these students are single mothers and have to often choose to spend extra funds on daycare in order to stay on campus and do their work in the lab.

Provision of access to the web for low income students could change lives.

— Stephanie Hunt

Broadband is needed simply the world needs to be connected.  Efficiency is what pushes our society to improve, and efficiency can not be realized without people connecting with each other. Some of the most creative ideas that change people’s lives are often created outside of work. People need connection to record their thoughts, ideas, on the go.

— Kevin Chiu

Broadband Brings Families Together

By Brad

Learn about how families are using broadband to stay connected with loved ones around the world.

Snapshots From CES — Day 2

By Brad

Just across the aisle from the IIA booth at CES is the Skype live demonstration booth. MC’s are hosting non-stop live video chat calls with people around the country and around the worlds. And they are checking in with their roving mobile team that is doing interviews around the CES floor. The Skype team dropped by the IIA booth to broadcast our “Elvis” team member.

The IIA Booth is located in the Access on the Go neighborhood of the CES South Hall.  Our show “neighbors”  feature innovative products and services for sharing information where ever you go.

Check out this 2011 version of the Victorinox brand Swiss Army Knife. Two 32 GB flash drives that fold out for when you need them. And a mini scissors too.

Motion sensing technology is hot this year.  This booth is showcasing TV menus, games and the Internet that can be played and browsed with the wave of a hand.

These little TV-mounted cameras sense movement for motion-controlled menu navigation and game play.

Look for IIA in the Access on the Go zone in South Hall 3.

Skype Stops by for a Visit

By Brad

The Skype crew dropped by the IIA booth to do some live broadcasts from the “living room” and interview our Elvis, IIA team member Samantha.

Views on Broadband From CES

By Brad

We’ve been asking attendees stopping by the IIA booth CES to give us their thoughts on the power of broadband. We’ll be posting responses throughout the show. — IIA

A major area that broadband will effect business and our lives is in the streaming media arena. As more and more companies (Netflix, Hulu, etc.) provide content (HD content) to stream, the demand for broadband will increase quickly.

—Tom, Sunnyvale, CA

Talking Spectrum at CES

By Brad

Also attending CES this year is FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski. As the Washington Post’s Cecilia Kang reports, during his Friday address the Chairman will be focusing mainly on spectrum:

“If we don’t tackle the spectrum challenge, network congestion will grow, and consumer frustration will grow with it,” Genachowski will say Friday, according to a prepared text of his speech. “We’ll put our country’s economic competitiveness at risk, and squander the opportunity to lead the world in mobile.”

Falling Behind

By Brad

Speaking at CES yesterday, U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke warned that the U.S. is behind when it comes to technology and innovation. Via The Hill, Locke said:

“A report from the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation concluded that no advanced economy in the world has done LESS than the United States to improve its competitive position over the last decade. No wonder then that this past decade featured the slowest average annual GDP growth in America since World War II.”

Locke then went on to talk about the Obama administration’s attempts to right the ship, including reducing the backlog at the U.S. Patent Office and increased national funding for research and development.

Views on Broadband From CES

By Brad

We’ve been asking attendees stopping by the IIA booth CES to give us their thoughts on the power of broadband. We’ll be posting responses throughout the show. — IIA

Broadband is a must in all households nowadays, not only can it help family get closer together, but it helps kids do their homework, research and even find and connect with new friends from all over the world.

Broadband internet can help share information faster and better than any other type of systems available to the general public right now.

Just in Healthcare, a patient can find himself thousands of miles from home but his doctor could still access his very own file in case of emergency, no more waiting for hours in the ER, faster and better, the two best adjectives to describe Broadband communications.

Social Networking is only one aspect of the incredible possibilities of information sharing and networking that can occur when you input broadband in a community.

— Sebastien Mineau, Montreal, Quebec

Snapshots from CES — Day 1

By Brad

Attendees stopped by our booth to have their photos taken and snack on popcorn as they explored all that CES has to offer.

Questions For CES Attendees

By Brad

As part of our presence at this year’s CES, we’re asking attendees who stop by our booth to answer these four questions:

1. How do you think broadband will revolutionize health care, education, and/or public safety?

2. Why do you think closing the digital divide is important for American society?

3. How has broadband changed the way you do business?

4. What is an example/anecdote of how broadband improves your quality of life?

We’ll be posting responses throughout the show, so make sure to check back.