Chippy's UMPC Moblog

Geo-enabling a moblogging tour.

2009-01-14T05:56:00.000-08:00

On my new project over at MIDMoves.com, i'm talking about how i'm going to Geo-enable my part of the tour. Obviously it's something i'm very interested in but there's a long long way to go before this stuff becomes easy enough for the the mainstream customers.

Here’s the list of what i’m trying to achieve.

Location. Where am I now? Exactly?
Turn-by-turn, step by step. Where do I need to go. How long will it take?
Public transport. Where is it? When does it depart and arrive?
Phototagging. Ensuring that my images are tagged with their location
Live location tracking and networking. Allowing other people to view my location and to enable notifications when friends are near.
What’s near me? How do I find the nearest hotel? Wifi? etc.
Location tracking. How to I archive my locations and route?
Map mashup. How do I create a map that shows my tracks along with all the ‘e-things’ I did along it. Photos, blogs, podcasts, twitter updates etc.

Check out MIDMoves for the posts and more moblogging action.

Wibrain and movie maker

2009-01-04T07:03:00.001-08:00

Click to Play

Video created and processed completely on the Wibrain i1. Samson usb mic and Philips webcam also used.

Formats available: Windows Media (.wmv)

Tags: umpc, podcast, mobile

More Jog than Blog.

2008-07-15T09:10:00.001-07:00

Well that was pretty much a total failure on the blogging front wasn't it. I definitely should not have taken the M528 out with me. It's not ready for service yet. [Note: Its a production sample from at least 2 months ago. No indication of what the final build will be like] I just couldn't get the browser to work without crashing on blogger.com. I lost two posts!

What was a success was the tracking and photo tagging. The S60 Sports Tracker software does a really nice job there. There are lots of things for Nokia to improve on but the core system is sound. I'm sure we'll eventually see it merge with Nokia Chat and Nokia Maps under Ovi.

Other things that didn't quite work so well:

My Jack Wolfskin body bag. Despite having some good straps, this over-the-shoulder style doesn't work when blogging.
Battery life on the N82. With audio playing, GRPS data uploads, GPS calculations and other apps running, the phone needed a battery swap after a few hours. It wasn't dead but I definitely would not have made it back
The crappy Nokia headset keeps falling out of my ears. I hate those in-ear things.
It was a bit too hot for jogging. 30 degrees!

In the end I did 10km in three stages taking 11500 steps and burning 839 kcals. At least that's what SportsTracker is telling me so I think i'll go and light the BBQ after this post!

As for the blogging part, well i'm going to have to try that again I think. I think online tools are going to be OK through the browser so I won't have to switch to XP or anything silly like that. TheM528 form factor is pretty much perfect and it appears that the CPU power, although less than I'm used to, is acceptable for this sort of work. I'm going to need a slightly better keyboard than the one on this demo device though. I hope they use a different one on the final version.

So that's it for Jog and Blog #1. There's a few thing to work on for #2. You'll see a notification through friendfeed if I do another one.

Jog and blog stop 2

2008-07-15T07:04:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately the m528 crapped out on me so here i am T9ing the text into blogger.com on the n82. So you could say that the experiment failed although really i shouldn't have chosen alpha release hardware!

The experience is painfull but at least the view is good! Im off on the return journey in a few minutes.

Jog and Blog. Tracker is live.

2008-07-15T04:12:00.001-07:00

Here's the URL for my tracking page.

http://sportstracker.nokia.com/nts/user/profile.do?u=chippy
Update: No, that doesnt work if you're not logged in which is strange because I can make a track public and you can follow live. For example, here's the track i'm running now.

If I can't find a better way, you'll have to just use the tracking app on the right.

~~The latest track is shown on the right and is marked 'NOW' Click through to see live updates.~~

It appears that the latest live info is shown. I'm not sure if it auto-updates. I'll test it out.

The other problem is that images can't be updated live. I have to finish a stage and upload images before they show.

Its free and it's beta so I guess I can't complain too much!

I'm off to put sports clothes on and fill up my water bottle now. Will set off in about 30 minutes.

Jog And Blog. A new Tech Sport!

2008-07-15T03:46:00.001-07:00

I have some great ideas in the shower. Possibly!

One problem with pro-blogging is that can be unhealthy, especially when you do it from home. I rarely get enough sleep. My breakfast is sometimes lunch. I don't move around as much as I should and I'm surprised that I don't have back and eyesight problems! I've tried a bit of Live Photo-blogging before and that's been fun. My Wife is doing a good job of getting me out of the house too but I need to do more. My latest mad idea is to combine work, sport and UMPCs in a new activity called Jog and Blog. I'm sure this will be an Olympic sport in London 2012!

It's fairly self explanatory. You jog with and think about work. When you want to write something, you stop and blog. You can add fun things like photography and tracking too which will earn you extra points from the judges. Today I'm going to give it a try.

To start, you need a light, small, rugged computer with a keyboard. A notebook style PC might be to big for this but maybe an ASUS SSD-based Eee would be OK. Alternatively you can use a UMPC with a thumbboard. The other option is a mobile phone with a good keyboard and the right software to connect to your blog.

For my experiment today I've got three SDD-based PC choices. The Raon digital Everun, a low-end, light, Windows-XP UMPC with a tiny and difficult chicklet thumboard or a Samsung Q1 U with SSS and HSDPA, also with a tiny and difficult chicklet thumboard or, and this is the device i'll be using today, a Gigabyte M528 MID that has been loaned to me by Expansys. Although the software is incomplete on this sample device, all I need is a browser window and fortunately that works on thia M528. At 350gm its light and with built-in HSDPA I'm going to be able to access the net anywhere. It's a shame that the built-in GPS doesn't have any software to drive it yet but I'll use my Nokia N82 for that. SportsTracker will give you a live update of my position as well as being able to geo-tag any images I take with it. You will also be able to see my completed track on my SportsTracker applet in the right hand column on the blog. (I don't think it updates in real-time unfortunately.)

In addition to tracking, i'll use the N82 for instant messaging (send cheers and abuse to chippy@ovi.com via Gtalk or an Ovi Talk account) and music while I work. Of course i'll be switching off 3G and taking an additional battery because if I did all that with 3G enabled I probably would get past 90 minutes without getting a low battery alarm!

So al I need to do now is to wait for my devices to charge and then i'm off! I'll run the experiment here at Chippys UMPC Moblog so stay tuned. I'll post the URL for the live tracking as I start the experiment.

You heard it hear first people. Jog and Blog will change the world. This is the end of the blogosphere and the start of the blogosvelte!

Sportstracker Applet launched by Nokia

2008-05-06T05:20:00.001-07:00

At last, Nokia have created a way for Sportstracker users to export their tracks onto an external website. I've been using sportstracker for mobile photo blogging recently and exporting data was one thing I highlighted as a possible improvement for the service. Although the data still seems to be locked into a Nokia Applet and i'm not sure if it's live, i'm testing as I post here! (see right hand column for applet)

These are the sort of apps that lock me into a brand. Nokia is showing me I need to stick with them with these sorts of apps.The next stage for Nokia maps and photography has to be integration into Nokia Maps 2.0 which would allow you to see friends on a live, local map. Awesome! MID manufacturers and Moblin software developers take note!

More details and a how-to at All About Symbian

Sony Ericsson Xperia X1 Preview

2008-05-01T08:35:00.001-07:00

Click to Play

This is an overview of the X1 prototype. I show the hardware and the software on the phone. Note that I'm slightly sick and that this is one of my first videos. Enjoy! Article: http://www.umpcportal.com/2008/05/exclusive-preview-24-hours-with-the-sony-ericsson-xperia-x1/ Product Information: http://www.umpcportal.com/products/product.php?id=175

Formats available: MPEG-4 Video (.m4v)

Tags: xperia, x1, sony, ericsson, umpc, umpcportal, mid

Cricket in Germany.

2008-04-27T06:39:00.001-07:00

My Dad often asks me if they play cricket in Germany. Here's proof that they do!

Blog posted on-the-spot with a Samsung Q1 Ultra HSDPA.

Moblogging Kit details.

Sitting under a tree.

2008-04-27T06:09:00.001-07:00

This has got to be more interesting than Twitter right? Mobile microposting with real content!

I was messing around with the color highlighting feature on my Canon with these shots. Im going to have to be careful not to overuse the feature.

Originals on Flickr.

Now it's time to head back home. If you're quick you can track my position here. Feel free to @chippy twitter me too. I need encouragement for the 200 meter climb on the way back!

All shots taken with the Nokia N82. Posts created with the Samsung Q1 Ultra HSDPA. For more info see this post.

The Next Web. Amsterdam

2008-04-03T04:07:00.001-07:00

I'm here, at an old gasworks in Amsterdam, listening to some really cool web-based businesses talk about the future of the Web. We've heard about funding, about opening up website to public input and in a minute, well hear a presentation that will be guided, live, by social media feedback. This will be an interesting one if they can get the WiFi working properly here!

Later on this morning Kevin Rose will be talking and then, at 1800, he will be teaming up with his Diggnation partner, Alex Allbrecht, for live recording of Diggnation. Beer O Clock!

The Q1 Ultra is doing well. I feel really comfortable with the split keyboard and ive got enough battery life to last all day. At lunchtime ill by some credit for my local Vodafone SIM card and sign up for 30 days of 3G Internet access form my mobile phone for 9Euros. Not bad eh!

2008TheNextWeb

Vista sucks on UMPCs

2008-03-22T18:08:00.001-07:00

Click to Play

UMPCs had a chance until Vista came along.....

Formats available: Windows Media (.wmv)

Podcasting with a UMPC

2008-03-22T17:02:00.001-07:00

Click to Play

Using the Samsung Q1 Ultra as a podcasting tool using Skype and Samplitude Studio. Uplading to Podshow.com. Podcatching it using the Nokia N82 a few minutes later.

Details in the full article here.

Formats available: Windows Media (.wmv), Flash Video (.flv)

Tags: umpc, podcasting

The 3 device strategy

2008-03-18T17:13:00.001-07:00

I'm testing Shozu Desktop on the Q1 Ultra and thought that this might be a good photo to post. Its my current three device line-up. Desktop device (1.6Ghz Samsung R40) with the Nokia N82 that i'm really really happy with as my voice, rss reader, podcatcher, navigation and MP3 player device. The third device there is the Samsung Q1 Ultra (the 800Mhz version) that i've now upgraded with 2GB, the extended battery (6 hours) and an HSDPA modem. I'd really like to add a fourther device to the setup - a MID. Possibly the Gigabyte M528 which is pocketable and much more powerful as a pocketable Internet device than the N82.

Intel at CeBIT 2008. MID Interview.

2008-03-14T06:15:00.001-07:00

Click to Play

UMPCPortal and JKKMobile spend some time with Pankaj Kedia of Intel and discuss some of the upcoming MID products.

Formats available: Microsoft Video (.avi), MPEG-4 Video (.m4v), Flash Video (.flv)

Eee PC 900 hands-on. Overview. CeBIT 2008

2008-03-12T16:16:00.003-07:00

Click to Play

JKKMobile and UMPCPortal hands-on with the Eee PC 900 at CeBIT 2008.

Formats available: Windows Media (.wmv), Flash Video (.flv), MPEG-4 Video (.m4v)

Tags: umpc, eeepc

Eee PC 900 hands-on. Overview. CeBIT 2008

2008-03-12T16:16:00.001-07:00

Click to Play

JKKMobile and UMPCPortal hands-on with the Eee PC 900 at CeBIT 2008.

Formats available: Windows Media (.wmv), Flash Video (.flv), MPEG-4 Video (.m4v)

Tags: umpc, eeepc

Gigabyte M528. User interface.

2008-03-11T06:15:00.001-07:00

Click to Play

From CebIT 2008, here's a video of the Gigabyte M528 Mobile INternet device. Based on an Atom processor (Intel) with a slide-out keyboard, 3-4 hours battery life and and operating system based around Moblin and Ubuntu Mobile.

Formats available: Windows Media (.wmv), Flash Video (.flv), MPEG-4 Video (.m4v)

Tags: umpc, intel, mobility

ASUS R70a hands-on

2008-03-10T05:01:00.001-07:00

Click to Play

UMPCPortal and JKKMobile with a hands-on video of the ASUS R70a UMPC. Taken at CeBIT 2008.

The R70a is an Intel Atom-based UMPC with a 7" screen and 120GB drive aimed at business users.

Formats available: Windows Media (.wmv), Flash Video (.flv)

Tags: umpc, mobile, internet

Portable 15-hour car/desktop PC

2008-02-18T10:02:00.001-08:00

Click to Play

Using the Everun UMPC its possible to build a portable car/desktop PC with quality keyboard and a 15-hour battery life for about $1100 and 1.5kg of weight.

Formats available: Windows Media (.wmv)

Tags: umpc, carpc

Portable 15-hour car/desktop PC

2008-02-18T09:56:00.001-08:00

Click to Play

Using the Everun UMPC its possible to build a portable car/desktop PC with quality keyboard and a 15-hour battery life for about $1100 and 1.5kg of weight.

Formats available: Windows Media (.wmv)

Tags: umpc, carpc

Linpus Lite demo on UMPC

2008-02-18T04:13:00.001-08:00

Click to Play

Linpus Lite running on Samsung Q1 Ultra 1024x600 UMPC (Intel 800Mhz Stealey CPU)

Formats available: Windows Media (.wmv)

Tags: umpc, linux, linpus

WiBrain B1 keyboard demo

2008-02-17T05:34:00.001-08:00

Click to Play

This is the WiBrain B1H UMPC keyboard in use. The main problem is getting used to the key locations but it is possible to improve over time.

The main keyboard uses slightly rubberised plastic keys that have a good feel. The mouse pad is very good quality and very easy to use.

Formats available: Windows Media (.wmv)

Tags: umpc, wibrain

14 hours later...Its white!

2008-02-02T02:41:00.001-08:00

Sun-down, yesterday

14 hours later..

1100m and still Moblogging

2008-02-01T03:41:00.001-08:00

I'm up on the Alpspitz in Bayern, Germany and having a great time. Here`s the google map link. N47.5982 E10.5022.

Claudia and Sophie didnt want to go up to the top on the open, single chairlifts but I wish they were here. Austria is across the next valley!
Unfortunately it's too cold to do too much typing in the freezing wind so I might have to retreat to a 'stube'

[5 mins later]

I think i've earned a beer. Cheers.

Blogging at 120kmh

2008-01-31T05:02:00.001-08:00

5.5 hour train journeys really aren't so bad when you've got some gadgets to play with.

Apart from the poor quality (stylus-in-hole) stand, the Everun is proving to be a good companion so far. I must admit though, i'm spending more time messing around with my N82 mapping software than anything else at the moment!

Google maps works well with the GPS so a least ill be able to find a nice restaurant when we get to our weekend holiday destination.

More Scribefire testing with the Everun

2008-01-28T15:07:00.001-08:00

Using a USB SD card reader and the Windows XP image resizer from Microsoft i'm doing another image upload test.

In some respects its easier than LiveWriter.

2 Mins per post!

Karneval and chips

2008-01-27T05:20:00.001-08:00

Family fun at the local 'zug'

Taken a few minutes ago. Post created on ScribeFire usinf Everun HSDPA.

Karneval at Carrypd central

2008-01-27T04:06:00.001-08:00

When a 7th birthday and Karneal clash in Germany, anything can happen!

Of course, I managed to find 5 minutes to test the Everun and ScribeFire out in between glases of Sekt.

Germans are partying.

2008-01-26T13:40:00.001-08:00

I had intended to do about an hours cycling but I had'nt gone more than a few km before I saw this.

Carnival season is here.

Im not a big fan myself but it's at least good photo op!

I would have posted these on he spot with the Everun but my HSDPA modem wasn't working. I haven't use it since I sent the Everun on a review tour so I guess it was suffering from that. A driver re-install did the trick.

Images taken with a Canon S2, downloaded onto a Raon Digital Everun. Cropped and resized using Windows Live Gallery. Post created using ScribeFire, which i'm really impressed with.

Pre Moblogging check.

2008-01-26T06:02:00.001-08:00

A quick test post with scribefire.

Check! Seems to work nicely on the Everun. Im going to replace the cam with a Nokia N82 for moblogging I think.

Until later..

Amtek U560 unboxing and overview.

2008-01-25T16:47:00.001-08:00

Click to Play

Unboxing the Amtek U560 UMPC. This is an Intel A110-based device with GMA950 grpahics. One of the best performing UMPCs i've tested and a good size. Its not pocketable though which will put a lot of people off but if you want the ultimate media player and can't afford the Sony UX, this is the one to buy!

Formats available: Windows Media (.wmv)

Tags: umpc, pmp, origami, handheld, pvr

U650 UMPC. Great PMP!

2008-01-25T04:21:00.001-08:00

Click to Play

The AMtek U560 UMPC doing very well in video performance testing.

Formats available: Windows Media (.wmv), MPEG-4 Video (.m4v), Flash Video (.flv)

Tags: umpc, video, pmp, h.264

HTC Shift unboxing

2008-01-25T04:03:00.001-08:00

Click to Play

UMPCPortal.com unboxes the HTC Shift.

Overview. More videos to come later.

Easynote XS 20 UMPC

2008-01-25T03:55:00.001-08:00

Click to Play

UMPCPortal.com Video review of the Packard Bell Easynote XS 7" UMPC

HTC Shift unboxing

2008-01-25T03:54:00.001-08:00

Click to Play

UMPCPortal.com unboxes the HTC Shift.

Overview. More videos to come later.

U650 UMPC. Great PMP!

2008-01-25T03:53:00.001-08:00

Click to Play

The AMtek U560 UMPC doing very well in video performance testing.

Testing the Moblog kit.

2007-03-12T06:16:00.001-07:00

This morning I finalised the kit I will take to CeBit on Wednesday. Unfortunately I couldn't find an HSDPA-capable Nokia mobile phone so I'm stuck using either 3G over Bluetooth on my existing phone or HSDPA on the USB modem. The second option is a pain in the neck to be honest. It will be ok for blogging in a conference or at a table but if I'm walking around the CeBit halls I don't want to have to connect up a USB modem all the time.

I'm sitting in the sun in the middle of lovely Bonn, Germany though so things aren't that bad. Photo time? Lets go and find something to photograph. Markets are usually good places.

Mmm!. Makes me thirsty. Time for a biergarten.

I'm sitting under that tree right now!

In the woods

2007-03-10T09:34:00.001-08:00

Location: Bonn Venusberg.
UMPC: Kohjinsha SA1
Internet: T-Mobile Web N Walk
Connection: UMTS via BT on Nokia 6280

Armed with a fresh T-Mobile Web N Walk account I was sitting down in the woods near the house and having a few problems signing up for a new blog. It appears that T-Mobile (in Germany at least) proxy the images for recompression. Unfortunately this doesn't seem to work for the blogger captcha image. It took ages to work it out. I hope this isn't the start of annoying problems with T-Mobile. I've heard of a few for sure. I have a 2-month trial period so I guess if it doesn't work, ill stick with Vodafone.

But back to the basics. What am I doing here? Well, I need a space for my MoBlogging. That is, using my UMPC and a mobile Internet connection along with my trusty tripod and Canon S2 IS to record photos, video and general MoBlogging thoughts that might be a little on the boring side for my Website.

Lets see how it develops as we go along shall we!