With the release of the iPhone 3G version the door has been opened to a whole new world of digital content. The slow speeds of previous mobile networks have made it difficult for content providers to get into high end content such is streaming video or video chat applications. Now, because of the speed of 3G, all of that is certainly going to change. According to Wikipedia, "it is expected that IMT-2000 will provide higher transmission rates: a minimum speed of 2Mbit/s for stationary or walking users, and 348 kbit/s in a moving vehicle", [1] the ITU does not actually clearly specify minimum or average speeds or what modes of the interfaces qualify as 3G, so various speeds are sold as 3G intended to meet customers expectations of broadband speed." The article continues to say that the current EDGE network, used on iPhone is part of the 3G standards, but as an end user, I can assure you I don't get anywhere near those speeds.



In Japan, Softbank, the country's third largest mobile provider, has the rights to sell the iPhone 3G. There's been no word on whether or not this is an exclusive deal or not, but they will apparently be selling the iPhone later this year. Now, I've heard stories that commuters on trains are already watching live broadcasts and high quality streaming video on their handsets. If the 3G rates mentioned above hold true, this is easily understood. The near-DVD quality of video found on iTunes would stream over the stationary rates quoted above, and as you can imagine the small screens on hand sets wouldn't need even a quarter of that screen size or data rate, making full motion video a realm to watch for digital content creators eyeing the mobile market.

I know that I personally have been eyeing mobile content for some time, though it may not be the ideal venue for the types of shows I want to do. Before this site, I was always found holding a Sony PSP and had intended to create comics and graphic novels for that amazing screen. Now I am enamored with creating the same for the iPhone. It's touch screen seems ideal for it. If I could produce animation fast enough, I might even consider that, and with the 3G handset, the streaming of said animation would actually be possible. I see a future with huge potential and I, for one, can't wait to see what kind of amazing products come out for it.

Tags: Mobile Content, iPhone, TV, Japan, Pop Culture

Well, it seems my favorite iPhone packing Vampire will not be returning for another season as MoonLight has been cancelled. It's a sad day for pop culture appearances of the extremely popular mobile device. Thanks to the recent writer's strike, Moonlight had a very short season and didn't really get enough time to catch on. Another iPhone filled show I wrote about, the spy comedy Chuck, hasn't seen a new episode in weeks. I don't know if it will come back or not, but Moonlight is unfortunately fading into darkness. I, personally, enjoyed the show for its short 16 episode run, and will surely miss it. I guess the fate of Beth and Mick St. John will have to be left to the imagination.

Not surprisingly, the show did have its loyal fan base and they tried to keep the show alive, but as with other efforts to save doomed TV series, nothing could put the bite back into this supernatural detective show. Websites like savemoonlight.com are still fighting the good fight. The say, "This DOES NOT have to be the end of the show though. Until Joel Silver closes up shop there IS hope." They are asking fans to contact CBS and let them know they desire a second season. There is even a petition online to save the show that, to date, has 6106 signatures.



Moonlight was actually closer to home for me than many might think. That is due largely to this man (pictured right), actor Gideon Emory who, believe it or not, lived across from me in my apartment building. He appeared in episode 8, titled 12:04 AM. I wrote a post about it back in November of last year. He played the vampire who picks up Mick St. John's iPhone and uses the contacts menu to find the victim he is after. I never knew it was him when I saw the episode, but when I last ran into him he mentioned playing in Moonlight and after describing the episode I realized that I had seen it, and didn't even recognize him.

Who knows? Maybe the fan reaction will prompt popular producer Joel Silver (The Matrix, Speed Racer) to try another venue. If not, I have the iTunes versions of every episode and will have fond memories of vampires using the iPhone.

Tags: iPhone, TV, sightings, Pop Culture

The other day I went to Apple's website, as I often do since it is still my default home page, and I saw the ad for their new Mobile Me service. At the time I thought, this looks really cool, but I have to sign up for yet another service? Don't get me wrong, the service seemed like everything I could ever want. After a major computer crash recently I realize the value of having all my contacts and other information in an easily accessible place. I also liked the idea of being able to have the same information available to every device. Still, it wasn't something I wanted to think about right now, so I gave it no more thought.

Tonight I got a surprise. Lo and behold, in my .Mac mailbox was a message. If you're a .Mac user you already know what it said, but if you're not, this kind of thing doesn't happen everyday. Basically, starting in July, all .Mac member accounts will be upgraded to Mobile Me! How cool is that?



Needless to say, I am extremely happy. I plan to do some very serious traveling soon and this is exactly the kind of thing I need. I am planning to add a Macbook pro to my Mac and iPhone arsenal so this announcement couldn't have come at a better time.

Tags: iPhone