Microsoft's Zune Phone Might Not Be As Expected

[clevin]

http://www.brighthand.com/default.asp?newsID=12792

According to MarketWatch, Microsoft has advised the U.S. Federal Communications Commission that it will soon submit for approval the prototype of a model that offers OFDM. This is a technology for sending large amounts of data over a wireless signal by using different frequencies.

 

[Eraserhead]

Isn't this their usual tactic of pretending they are about to enter a market?

 

[clevin]

Isn't this their usual tactic of pretending they are about to enter a market?

don't know, but as the market situation like this, I think M$ wouldn't getting in, and what the article described sounds like a very interesting concept.

 

[GFLPraxis]

Sounds like competition for Cisco's iPhone, not Apple's.

 

[clevin]

i thought it more like a mobile internet device. shouldn't be limited to VoIP.

 

[mkrishnan]

So this disclosure states that OFDM will be used, which is used in WiFi and WiMax but not in cell service....

1) The iPhone and many other smartphones use WiFi, right? So wouldn't they all also make the same disclosure, even though they also work on cell networks?

2) Would be really interesting if someone tried releasing a WiMax handset. The availability is really limited right now, but in principle, over time, WiMax has the capability to replace both wired internet and cellular service.

 

[iMeowbot]

This appears to have nothing to do with Zune, it's a joint venture among Intel, Google, Microsoft, HP, Dell, and Philips.

One of the device characteristics is that it will fall back to a mode where it cannot transmit (it operates on unused television frequencies), so voice applications seem iffy.

Here is the letter (PDF). The only stated purpose is to "provide consumer broadband access and networking", leaving plenty of room for wild, unfounded speculation.

The idea that this has anything to do with Zune seems to have originated with Rob Enderle, so, well, you know.

 

[Chaszmyr]

Would be really interesting if someone tried releasing a WiMax handset. The availability is really limited right now, but in principle, over time, WiMax has the capability to replace both wired internet and cellular service.

So long as you're not planning on ever leaving a major city...

 

[mkrishnan]

So long as you're not planning on ever leaving a major city...

That's the over time part... its availability has to be dramatically increased.

 

[illegalprelude]

so can I share my Contacts with other Zune phones near me?