Archive for December, 2009

Google Maps vs AT&T Navigator Mobile GPS Service on Blackberry

Published on December 29, 2009 in Ideas. 0 Comments

I’m a big fan of GPS on mobile devices.  I pay a monthly fee for AT&T Navigator.  I remembered that Google announced a free GPS service, so I decided to install the Google Maps app on my Blackberry to see how it stacks up.

My first test with Google Maps found my location without GPS service which is a big plus since my Blackberry tends to get crummy GPS reception.  It has a cool street view where you see the actual street where you turn.  Very cool.  I don’t think this looks good for AT&T Navigator.

Google Voice Working with Skype and ATT

Published on December 17, 2009 in Ideas. 0 Comments

I went ahead and got a skype number, added it to my Google Voice account along with my mobile number and made the switch to Google Voicemail.  An incoming call rings my mobile and Skype numers.  Check.  But to answer a call, it takes clicking a few numbers with Skype, but it seems to work fine.  There are a few drawbacks.  One, if you answer the phone with Skype, it shows a missed call on your mobile.  Two, Google Voicemail has to be downloaded to hear it on your mobile phone.  With ATT, this can be a pain.  The Text messages are nice, but the voice to text is pretty bad.

My second text says “Hi, Sorry, I wanna alright.  So hello.”  I can’t remember the actual message, but this text has “Hi” right, but that’s about it.

The next thing I need to figure out is how to keep all my contacts synced.  I’ve got Google Sync doing my contacts from Google contacts to my blackberry (I love the Google Dedupe), but I need a way to sync them to Skype as well as  sync them from My Google for Domains Contacts to my personal contacts.

Google Voice, Skype and AT&T, Will it Work?

Published on December 16, 2009 in Ideas. 0 Comments

I use my mobile phone with ATT service for all my calls.  The problem is the service has been so poor in San Francisco that I keep dropping calls which is pretty annoying.  So, I started using Skype in the office, which is great for outbound calls, but not so good when someone calls my mobile.  So, I thought I’d get a Google Voice number.  Have it redirect my calls to Skype and my Mobile, so I can pick it up from Skype if I’m at my desk or my mobile when I’m out.  Will this work?

It’s a pain to switch my number, but I think I’ll give it a try.  At least I don’t have to give up my mobile number.