5 Reasons why mobile phones will go Virtual

Mobile Virtualization – a natural evolution

Over the past few years virtualization technology has proven itself as a valuable and green technology. What is virtualization technology? Simply stated virtualization software provides a platform that allows multiple instances of other environments/operating systems to operate simultaneously on one physical device (usually servers). Since most of the time most servers use only a fraction of the available resources this allows a much better overall utilization of the most important resource – electricity. It also equates to cooler server rooms that are doing the same job with less physical machines. It is therefore reasonable that this technology could be used in other environments and why not mobile?

The top benefits of Virtualizing the Mobile Device

1. Support for multiple environments
2. Easier product development cycle
3. Extend Legacy software window
4. Improved Security
5. Cost Savings

Support for multiple environments

Because a virtualized environment is operating system agnostic phone vendors can develop both their own Real Time Operating Systems (RTOS) and use other popular operating systems such as Android, Linux, Symbian or even Windows. These environments could even be multiple versions of the same Operating system allowing you to operate both a work/security optimized version as well as a personal version all on the same phone, securely and easily.

Easier Product Development Cycle

Since there is a consistent platform that sits between the phone hardware and the operating system engineers will not have to re-invent their products for every new hardware platform that OEM’s produce. This will mean instead of designing 2, 3, 4 or even more versions of an RTOS or OS builds they can build one and it can be used across all virtualization equipped phones. This equates to major cost savings as well as shorter development cycles for new products.

Extend Legacy Software Window

By controlling the underlying system you now have the flexibility to continue to run older versions of software on a newer phone without having to port them over to the platform. This will increase the window of time that a given RTOS or Operating System build can be used.

Improved Security

It has already been suggested that a security optimized version or “work” version of an OS could be offered adjacent to a personal use environment. In addition to that flexibility there is definitely some innovation occurring from the security perspective. Open Kernel labs run their OKL4 Microvisor in the privileged secure cells. This information was provided directly via OKL:

“Mobile/embedded virtualization, as realized in the OKL4 Microvisor, works by using on-chip memory management to isolate guest OSes from one another. On architectures lacking hardware-assisted virtualization (e.g., ARM), OKL4 also employs paravirtualization to replace privileged instructions in guest OSes with calls to OKL4 “hyper APIs”. Paravirtualization ensures 100% isolation among Secure Cells with minimal overhead compared to native (bare metal) execution.

OKL4 is unique among mobile virtualization platforms in several ways. First, it implements “true virtualization”, fully isolating and managing all guest OSes as equally “untrusted” software in Secure Cells (virtual machines). Second, OKL4 is built over a real-time microkernel, with a small memory footprint for easy certification (minimal trusted computing base), and with APIs to support stand-alone software in lightweight Secure Cells (e.g., shared device drivers). Third, OKL4 provides secure and configurable communication among guest OSes, allowing safe sharing of system devices and other resources.”

Joe’s Security Summary – some very sophisticated security apparatus have been used to allow secure multi-use of phones. This will allow users the flexibility of using their work phone for personal use without worrying about compromising the work environment.

Cost Savings

The independence achieved via the virtual environment also creates additional cost savings above and beyond those already addressed in the product development and legacy software support. OKL CEO Steve Subar gave an example where the end user price of the Evoke phone was cut substantially because of the flexibility of screen choices. At the manufacturing level they saved ~$45 which equates to ~$100 Wholesale and up to ~$200 retail. This coupled with the ability to use single core processors and smaller batteries can drastically reduce the overall cost of the phone to the end user.

Conclusions

While really only scratching the surface here of what is really an impressive and exciting technology this should serve as a good primer into some of the benefits it offers. Since there are benefits for OEMS, wholesalers, providers, businesses and consumers alike it is likely that this technology will continue to proliferate in the marketplace.

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Tags: #mobile, Joe Hackman, OKL4, open kernel labs, technology, virtualization
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Joe’s Idea Farm – Proposing a new Web 2.0 Idea

The Idea in a Nutshell

It is a simple idea, I promise. You propose changes to any website, the intermediary website will allow commentary and a preview of what the proposed changes would look like. That content can then be used by the target of the proposed changes.

An Example

For example, let’s say you visit a blog and you read an article and really like it but have ideas how it can be improved. If you provide proofing services this could be career oriented outreach. You use the browser add on for the proposing website and it brings you to an editable version of the page. You make the changes you would like to “propose” then tweet it out to Twitterverse, Share via Facebook, clip via Amplify, etc. The blog owner may notice a trackback, a google alert or some analytics data. They can organically discover the modified version of the article. They can even grab the proposed changes and insert them in the blog, preferably including some citation to the individual that modified the content. This could be enforced via some type of embed option. There could be a social network built out of the proposing website, voting on the best changes, recognition, prizes and awards.

Provide input

Now that I’ve shared the root idea, would you like to propose features to improve this idea? Or maybe you want to ship me chests full of money, armies of interns and great advisers to try it out, either way I’d love to hear your thoughts.

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Tags: Idea Farm, Joe Hackman, Joesgonesocial, Social Media, Web 2.0
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Adding the Twitter Tweet Button to WordPress

Update 8/13/2010 – there is now a plug in called Twitter Tweet Button 1.0 that can be installed and enabled via WordPress Plugins. I am still using this original method described below because for me the formatting is off with the button.

I recorded this screencast for people who don’t want to wait for a decent plugin for the Twitter Tweet Button. There are some ways to add this to the single post template manually but with my template it was a complete nightmare to do. Until a plugin is released I this might help you add the new button to your WordPress blog:

This video does provide information on how to use the append plugin to add code or text to every page/post or both:

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Tags: Dave Yankowiak, Hotwo, Joe Hackman, Lift Development, Tweet Button, Wordpress
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Joe Reviews Thumbtack.com (Video)

I ran across a reference to Thumbtack on Chris Brogans blog earlier today and followed his link to Thumbtack.com. I think it is a really powerful tool for people providing freelance type services but I suppose you could utilize it for other things as well. I recently blogged about On the Fly Expertise connections and consider it a related subject. Please let me know what you think via comments.

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Tags: Chris Brogan, Joe Hackman, Joesgonesocial, thumbtack.com
Posted in Social Media Strategy, Technology, Tools, Video | View Comments

On the Fly Expertise Connections (Idea)

A light-bulb moment creates Web 3.0 idea

I had an idea while driving to a client after hours last night. It was one hour each way and my second trip there for the day. I often do a couple of different things while driving, one of them is make calls and the other is just think or let my mind wander. Last night I was thinking what could we use all these cumulative hours for? Then it occurred to me, the best thing would be something I am good at. During the day that would ideally be something I could get paid to do. Then I considered that others around me probably would have a similar desire and that others would equally have a desire to have access to that information at any given moment. Conceptually the idea could be considered a relative of Aardvark.

Then just imagine for a moment that there was a place I could go to register topics I am knowledgeable about. I would probably include things like:

1. Information technology
2. Social Media
3. Non-profits
4. Community

Of course those topics are a little vague, so let’s add a little more clarity in the form of tags of some areas of experience:

Information Technology

Windows XP, Windows 7, Networks, Gnatbox, Lenovo, Microsoft Office, PC Hardware

Social Media

Blogging, Facebook, LinkedIn, Amplify, Twitter, Hootsuite, Youtube, Bit.ly, Google Reader, Blogtalkradio

Non-Profits

Rotary, Volunteering, 501(c)3, Asante Africa, Danville/Sycamore Valley Rotary

Community

Leadership San Ramon Valley, Leadership Programs, City Government, Danville CA USA, San Ramon CA USA, Bonita CA USA, Yuba City CA USA

Information side

So now I’ve built a picture of things I might be able to speak about, teach, answer questions, troubleshoot, consult, coach and mentor about. I know that at any given moment when I am driving in my car, done with my calls, done thinking and ready to either help people or perhaps help people while also earning a few bucks that someone is going to have a great need for that information at that very moment. The app would put that individual in touch with me and say after a 2 minute conversation both parties could agree to continue the discussion for some pre-established fee, points, credit or nothing at all.

Information Seekers Side

On the “need” side, an individual could access the website/install the app or whatever else made the most sense. Put the information or expertise they are seeking and be connected to the resource that fits the criteria of timing, cost, experience, and other variables.

Application Summary

Overall this could be built as a purely social chat roulette meets vark to a robust commercial platform. It could easily start as one extreme and morph over time to encompass more.

Closing thoughts and Questions

This has gotten my gears spinning a bit, anyone know of an application (that wasn’t already mentioned) that does this or something similar? Am I going out on a limb here calling this a Web 3.0 idea or would you argue it falls under Web 2.0? I am curious also what people think, please share your thoughts. The most interesting responses will be featured in this post and I’ll link to your blog, so people can also check it out.

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Tags: community, ideas, Information Technology, Non-Profits, Social Media, web 3.0
Posted in Amplify, Facebook, Web 3.0, community | View Comments

Fuzemeeting Does Android

Fuzemeeting delivered a Droid client for there service and I had to install it. Of course then I had to sign up for a trial so don’t be surprised if you get a webinar invite from me in the near future! Check out the cool use of the QR code:

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Tags: Droid Does, Fuzemeeting, Joe Hackman, Joesgonesocial
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Real time Matching YouhaveIwant

While browsing my Google Reader feed today I saw a post on Vator.tv about YouhaveIwant. This is a real time matching based startup out of New York. Co-founder Vik Panda recently presented at a Vator Splash event in San Francisco.

The product has some interesting highlights including:

• Persistent Search
• Short Messages
• Enhanced Privacy
• Location-based
• Real-Time Intelligent Matching

It was quite easy to access the site, I used my already logged in Facebook account to connect to the system. In the age of instant gratification I was not disapointed as I was able to post an item to test the interface within seconds of account creation. The site seems as though it will be very useful for people who have unwanted items to allow them to easily find people who need those items. While browsing the recent items I found a need/want that matched ironically right on top of one another in the feed:

Need a Microwave? Here is one. How convenient!

Once these two find each other as a match they can connect using the instant messenger in real time or click links to send an SMS message or call the other user. The privacy settings are well done, they allow you to specify when your phone link is available and mask your Email address by providing a nick name. Another interesting aspect of the “Browse” function is the tag based navigation that we’ve all grown to recognize, know and love:

Familiar Tag Cloud Navigation

Once you’re ready to post an item, you can take the simple approach where there is very intuitive suggestion text:

Simple Posting Interface

Or if you prefer, there are more advanced options including a link to an external URL, min/max price, Location and additional description:

Advanced Posting Interface

I find the concept of this site to be fairly brilliant, but how do they intend to make money? They intend to connect businesses that provide matching products with the people who want them for a fee. This is a very consumer friendly model and shows some promise. Overall I can think of a lot of reasons why the idea could succeed but it may largely weigh on my ideology rather than my business sense. I see this as a great opportunity to prevent waste by matching people who have “junk” with people who want that “junk”. It takes E-Bay, Craigs List and Free Cycle to new heights. I’ve got a practically brand new Seally Box Spring that I cannot find a home for. I am hoping that someone will take it off my hands, Free. If I succeed using YHIW I will update this post.

Access YouhaveIwant.com

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Tags: Facebook, Google Reader, Joe Hackman, Vator
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Monthly community chat Eric Goldstein CEO of Amplify

I’ll be moderating a monthly community chat with Amplify.com CEO Eric Goldstein. Our next session is scheduled for May 20th, 2010 at 5PM Pacific/8PM Eastern. Subsequent episodes will be scheduled for the third Thursday of every month at the same time/place. This will be a great opportunity for the Amplify.com community to actively participate in the development of the fast growing social network. Save this link and set your calendar:

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Tags: Amplify, Amplify.com, Blogtalkradio, Eric Goldstein, Joe Hackman, Joesgonesocial
Posted in Amplify, Podcasts, Social Media Strategy, Technology | View Comments

Google Site Speed Ranking Game Changer

I noticed some major changes to my search results from Google today. I double checked them right after reading this article on REELSEO. This will be a game changer and it is likely to have some positive implications for internet performance. I think website owners got a little complacent in the age of uber fast broadband. Many of us stopped paying attention to load times, and if you look back to the days of dial-up Internet access – load time was king. So what have we created? In many ways a bloated version of the internet.

I recommend you check some of your key search terms today and see if they’ve benefited or been hurt by these changes. REELSEO had a great list of tools to check your website speed performance several I have used and one I have not:

• Page Speed, which is a Firefox add-on that evaluates the performance of web pages and even offers tips for enhancement.
• YSlow, a free tool from Yahoo! that suggests ways to improve website speed.
• WebPagetest, which offers data on site load performance.
• Webmaster Tools, which shows your site’s speed performance data.

Website operators – Any time the game changes there is opportunity to disrupt. The question is which side will you be on?

This article has been optimized for speed – certified graphic free!

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Tags: Google, Google Webmaster Tools, Joe Hackman, Joesgonesocial, Page Speed, YSlow
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Nurph vs Chatroulette battle for top web handshake

Ok there is quite a bit of buzz over the infamous Chatroulette, a site where random people are placed in a video chat session together. I personally don’t have the stomach to even try it since I’ve heard “found mostly depressed looking guys and naked men (about 1 in 5 shuffles was a guy’s bits)” source: Chris Brogan. Not my idea of a fun or practical application. Nurph on the other hand is exceptionally cool for several reasons:

• It’s easy to setup
• It works with most websites
• Easy authentication
• Realtime text chat, no video or audio

Easy Setup
The setup is very simple, you go to Nurph’s website and type in the url you wish to add a chat to. You can then use that URL in the future to access chat at that site or you can even create a link on the website to that url. For example if you click this link, you should be connected to the chat on this blog. If you see me online be sure to say hello.

Compatibility
I tested Nurph with Chrome, Mozilla and Internet Explorer. The only issue I had was a flash component (my cumulus tag cloud) overlaid the chat window. I was able to resolve that by enlarging the browser window. There may even be a setting to change the “always on top” aspect of Flash components. Please comment on this post if you are familiar with a way to do that. Websites that require authentication such as Facebook do not currently work with Nurph. No doubt that will improve with time as the product matures.

Authentication
In the battle for authentication dominance, I always find Twitter to be the most comfortable. Fortunately while Nurph is in beta you can only use Twitter to access it unless you are part of the beta program. Just use the connect with Twitter button, but make sure you are logged in to Twitter first.

Text Chat
My comments about Chatroulette were largely in jest, but plain old text chat is a good handshake medium. Rather than investing in voice or video chat via the anonymous web you have a simple medium by which to say hello and assess your new contacts before taking that step. For that reason Nurph is a great way to “shake hands” without committing too much. Since it is multiple user you can also see how the participants behave with groups.

Video
I am a screen-cast addict, if I need to explain how to do something a lot of times I just record a quick screen-cast and send that. Here is a Youtube video I created where I talk about Nurph and demonstrate how simple it is to use.

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Tags: Joe Hackman, Joesgonesocial, Nurph, Tips, Twitter
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