Nokia N97: Upsetting the Apple Cart.

Nokia have apparently upset a few of their carrier partners by shipping a native Skype client on the new N97 mobile computer, well what did they expect? that Nokia's flagship mobile communications platform was going to leave out a key communications component. People are finding a way to get VoIP on iPhone, I use Fring, it's great, I can chat to people in the message window and if I really need to I can speak/crackle at them free; great for me I have a software developer in Brisbane.

Operators cannot turn back the tide, or squeeze the Genie back into the bottle. Nokia are right to offer it because if they don;t they will lose share to someone who will. If service provider doesn;t want to carry the N95, it's a free country... But one of their competitors will, that's a free market...

I switched to iPhone because my old Communicator lacked features the N97 now has. Though Mac compatibility may remain an issue, I don;t know yet.

Commercially the service providers are right to resist, and try to limit the leakage of voice minutes; they have shareholders and jobs to protect. But, in the longer term they must find a model that accommodates all aspects of ubiquitous and free Wireless Internet.

Maybe it's to charge a small fee for providing high quality long-distance backhaul for mobile VoIP users. Now, I'd pay for that.

An iPhone Accessory that won;t sell anywhere it snows

I was pleased to see another clean tech (or electric) vehicle manufacturer loving the iPhone it's there in the interior shots just like the Chrysler Peapod. The oddly cute Aptera 2e looks like a Cessna with the wings lopped off and is due to ship later this year, .Maybe, if I lived in Silicon valley I might buy one; except of course the roads there are jammed with big cars and giant trucks, and drivers on PCP.

Back in the 80's I got a lift to work in an ancient Morgan 3 wheeler which spent the entire trip going sideways. with the rear wheel hopping from rut to rut at random intervals.Morgan; No iPhone adaptor, No Wimax, Not great in the Snow... but likely to be around longer than the 2e.

Things you might find in an O2 Shop

In response to my ravings, so common of a new iPhone owner, a friend sent me this today.

The Chrysler Peapod.
Is it the ultimate iPhone accessory? Will we be seeing it in the O2 shop in Cambridge any time soon? I hope not, it's pug ugly.

Integrating a mobile 3G device directly into the vehicles onboard systems, is going to add a whole new dimension and opportunity in mobile content. You thought SatNav was big... mix it with location based services and maybe even guide books.

Thanks to our friends at The Register for the original post.