Comments for Life Without Wires™ by Eric Broockman http://blog.alereon.com Life Without Wires™ Sat, 05 Jul 2008 20:07:22 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3.3 Comment on A Rose by any other name . . . Whatever . . . Or my frustration with Wireless Product Reviews by More Money for Ultra-wideband Startups - GigaOM http://blog.alereon.com/2007/10/29/a-rose-by-any-other-name-whatever-or-my-frustration-with-wireless-product-reviews/#comment-12691 More Money for Ultra-wideband Startups - GigaOM Tue, 04 Mar 2008 19:02:04 +0000 http://blog.alereon.com/2007/10/29/a-rose-by-any-other-name-whatever-or-my-frustration-with-wireless-product-reviews/#comment-12691 [...] at speeds far below the promised 480 mbps. I already do that over a Wi-Fi network, so color me (and several other critics) [...] […] at speeds far below the promised 480 mbps. I already do that over a Wi-Fi network, so color me (and several other critics) […]

]]> Comment on WiMax or Why Max? by khassan http://blog.alereon.com/2008/02/26/wimax-or-why-max/#comment-12558 khassan Thu, 28 Feb 2008 14:55:50 +0000 http://blog.alereon.com/2008/02/26/wimax-or-why-max/#comment-12558 WiMax had lost the game by the middle of 2006, by that time, the chipset developers came to realise the incredible degree of backing for LTE by the operators. For instance all the 806.16e (Mobile Wimax) effort was re-directed towards LTE around that time within Freescale's advanced technology groups. The value for Wimax is in fixed broadband services (802.16d) especially in developing countries where the cable network is non-existent. Inspite of that need, 802.16 chipset and system developers are having a hard time to generate signficant revenues. Navini ended being acquired by Cisco. Apertonetworks recently completed its Series E funding inspite of being around for 9'ish years. The most interesting battle in the 4G race (LTE) is to who holds the key patents. Qualcomm purchase of Flarion for ($600+$205 million=$805 million) was to essentially grab the key patents and talent. Thus qualcomm is trying to position itself in the same way as it had done for CDMA (a side note, Flarion only had revenues of $10 million at time of purchase). This indicates the importance of solid patent portfolio. WiMax had lost the game by the middle of 2006, by that time, the chipset developers came to realise the incredible degree of backing for LTE by the operators. For instance all the 806.16e (Mobile Wimax) effort was re-directed towards LTE around that time within Freescale’s advanced technology groups.

The value for Wimax is in fixed broadband services (802.16d) especially in developing countries where the cable network is non-existent. Inspite of that need, 802.16 chipset and system developers are having a hard time to generate signficant revenues. Navini ended being acquired by Cisco. Apertonetworks recently completed its Series E funding inspite of being around for 9′ish years.

The most interesting battle in the 4G race (LTE) is to who holds the key patents. Qualcomm purchase of Flarion for ($600+$205 million=$805 million) was to essentially grab the key patents and talent. Thus qualcomm is trying to position itself in the same way as it had done for CDMA (a side note, Flarion only had revenues of $10 million at time of purchase). This indicates the importance of solid patent portfolio.

]]> Comment on No Moto No Mo by khassan http://blog.alereon.com/2008/02/20/no-moto-no-mo/#comment-12533 khassan Wed, 27 Feb 2008 17:47:44 +0000 http://blog.alereon.com/2008/02/20/no-moto-no-mo/#comment-12533 Well said. Being a former part of PCS (Handset division of motorola), and then Freescale's WMSG (wireless division), there are some interesting observations to share. Corporations are like world empires,they decay over time, bad mangament/political expendiency creeps in. Motorola's primary problem has been bad management with no accountability. There was an excuse for every failure and a culture of running in circles assigning blames. I was there when in early 2000 when the market share dropped to around 11 % from yesteryears of 50+%. Mike Z (from GE) was brought on board to lead PCS. He addressed the operational problem, by simplying platforms and encouraging reuse. He also got the focus back on the industrial design and software UI(questionable how much they succeeded in software). The market share started inching up. Guys from apple were hired to do phone design. By the time Ed Z came, the PCS was stable and growing. Ed Z came with big ideas of "seamless mobility" but in practical reality there was no clear idea in his or other people mind of what exactly it means and how to go about doing it. Listening to Ed Z's first quarterly conference with analyst (which also happened to be a great quarter for PCS), Ed Z seemed to be more interested in taking credits and cutting into Mike Z's answers. Mike Z eventually left the company. A number of changes did take place, a large number of VP's and middle managers were cut. But Ed Z in my opinion came from Sun which had ridden the wave. Here he was in a commodity business. His skill sets of showmanship was not what the Motorla needed. Now to Freescale (former SPS). The problem with the wireless segment was essentially "LACK of Knowledge". PCS used to command SPS to go, integrate and fab the wireless chips. SPS was basically used as an outsourced backend group. On top of it, it was a hodgepodge of so so quality workforce. The architecture, protocol , software knowledge in SPS was nill. Mike Z decided to decouple the handset business from chip making business , WITC (Wireless Integration Technology Center) was given to SPS's wireless. Pete Shineda who twas he GM of the group was happy to take it, as the individuals in WITC had the core hardware knowledge (minus software). Pete Shineda was a good human being but weak administrator. To his credit he did realised the weakness of not owning the destination and formed the architecture group. He also pushed towards the merchant market with complete phone platform. However, there are too many global groups, with no accountability. It was difficult to figure out who was doing what. Eventually he was replaced with Franz Fink. Franz was a great energetic leader. More about him and other issues with WMSG later. Well said.

Being a former part of PCS (Handset division of motorola), and then Freescale’s WMSG (wireless division), there are some interesting observations to share.

Corporations are like world empires,they decay over time, bad mangament/political expendiency creeps in. Motorola’s primary problem has been bad management with no accountability. There was an excuse for every failure and a culture of running in circles assigning blames.

I was there when in early 2000 when the market share dropped to around 11 % from yesteryears of 50+%. Mike Z (from GE) was brought on board to lead PCS. He addressed the operational problem, by simplying platforms and encouraging reuse. He also got the focus back on the industrial design and software UI(questionable how much they succeeded in software). The market share started inching up. Guys from apple were hired to do phone design. By the time Ed Z came, the PCS was stable and growing. Ed Z came with big ideas of “seamless mobility” but in practical reality there was no clear idea in his or other people mind of what exactly it means and how to go about doing it. Listening to Ed Z’s first quarterly conference with analyst (which also happened to be a great quarter for PCS), Ed Z seemed to be more interested in taking credits and cutting into Mike Z’s answers. Mike Z eventually left the company. A number of changes did take place, a large number of VP’s and middle managers were cut. But Ed Z in my opinion came from Sun which had ridden the wave. Here he was in a commodity business. His skill sets of showmanship was not what the Motorla needed.

Now to Freescale (former SPS). The problem with the wireless segment was essentially “LACK of Knowledge”. PCS used to command SPS to go, integrate and fab the wireless chips. SPS was basically used as an outsourced backend group. On top of it, it was a hodgepodge of so so quality workforce. The architecture, protocol , software knowledge in SPS was nill.
Mike Z decided to decouple the handset business from chip making business , WITC (Wireless Integration Technology Center) was given to SPS’s wireless. Pete Shineda who twas he GM of the group was happy to take it, as the individuals in WITC had the core hardware knowledge (minus software). Pete Shineda was a good human being but weak administrator. To his credit he did realised the weakness of not owning the destination and formed the architecture group. He also pushed towards the merchant market with complete phone platform. However, there are too many global groups, with no accountability. It was difficult to figure out who was doing what. Eventually he was replaced with Franz Fink.

Franz was a great energetic leader. More about him and other issues with WMSG later.

]]> Comment on OLEDs, 2160 HDTV and more from CES 2008 by mmcgown http://blog.alereon.com/2008/01/23/oleds-2160-hdtv-and-more-from-ces-2008/#comment-12237 mmcgown Sat, 16 Feb 2008 01:51:11 +0000 http://blog.alereon.com/2008/01/23/oleds-2160-hdtv-and-more-from-ces-2008/#comment-12237 I was sitting here with my laptop, wishing I could wirelessly transmit something to my Samsung 46-inch HDTV using the WiseLink capability........so I went Googling for a way to do it and landed here. You're describing what I want to do, but it sounds as though you're not quite there. When you get there, I want to hear about it. In fact, I want to come pick up what I need to do it. Turns out I'm only 20 miles away from your HQ. I'll be following this closely. I was sitting here with my laptop, wishing I could wirelessly transmit something to my Samsung 46-inch HDTV using the WiseLink capability……..so I went Googling for a way to do it and landed here. You’re describing what I want to do, but it sounds as though you’re not quite there.

When you get there, I want to hear about it. In fact, I want to come pick up what I need to do it. Turns out I’m only 20 miles away from your HQ.

I’ll be following this closely.

]]> Comment on Sometimes Roses Have Thorns – What to Expect Next from Wireless USB by ehuang http://blog.alereon.com/2007/11/19/sometimes-roses-have-thorns-%e2%80%93-what-to-expect-next-from-wireless-usb/#comment-10627 ehuang Thu, 29 Nov 2007 22:57:28 +0000 http://blog.alereon.com/2007/11/19/sometimes-roses-have-thorns-%e2%80%93-what-to-expect-next-from-wireless-usb/#comment-10627 The Price of CWUSB products. As I recall WiFi pairs when they were introduced were $500 or more at their introduction back in before 1999? And that was when $500 was worth something. I adopted WiFi in 2003 when the pairs cost about $230. As I recall this is around the time 802.11b was introduced at a price premium in the laptop chipset. You still needed to buy a router for $120 in those days. How fast did the throughput those systems run? Did we need to cut cables in 2000? 2003? Can we live without WiFi today? For more, go to my shamelessly, self-promoted blog at: http://synopsysoc.org/tousbornottousb/?p=10 The Price of CWUSB products.
As I recall WiFi pairs when they were introduced were $500 or more at their introduction back in before 1999? And that was when $500 was worth something. I adopted WiFi in 2003 when the pairs cost about $230. As I recall this is around the time 802.11b was introduced at a price premium in the laptop chipset. You still needed to buy a router for $120 in those days. How fast did the throughput those systems run? Did we need to cut cables in 2000? 2003? Can we live without WiFi today?

For more, go to my shamelessly, self-promoted blog at:
http://synopsysoc.org/tousbornottousb/?p=10

]]> Comment on iPhone - a Truly Elegant and Innovative Product - So What About the Future? by Life Without Wires™ by Eric Broockman » My Virtual Entry in the Google Phone Contest – The Clean Desk™ Wireless Docking Station http://blog.alereon.com/2007/01/22/iphone-a-truly-elegant-and-innovative-product-so-what-about-the-future/#comment-10556 Life Without Wires™ by Eric Broockman » My Virtual Entry in the Google Phone Contest – The Clean Desk™ Wireless Docking Station Mon, 26 Nov 2007 18:11:57 +0000 http://blog.alereon.com/2007/01/22/iphone-a-truly-elegant-and-innovative-product-so-what-about-the-future/#comment-10556 [...] time ago I posted a blog (see iPhone – a Truly Elegant and Innovative Product – So What About the Future? ) discussing the possibilities of an ultra smart phone if it were powered by a processor such as [...] […] time ago I posted a blog (see iPhone – a Truly Elegant and Innovative Product – So What About the Future? ) discussing the possibilities of an ultra smart phone if it were powered by a processor such as […]

]]> Comment on A Rose by any other name . . . Whatever . . . Or my frustration with Wireless Product Reviews by GlennFleishman http://blog.alereon.com/2007/10/29/a-rose-by-any-other-name-whatever-or-my-frustration-with-wireless-product-reviews/#comment-9527 GlennFleishman Tue, 30 Oct 2007 19:55:52 +0000 http://blog.alereon.com/2007/10/29/a-rose-by-any-other-name-whatever-or-my-frustration-with-wireless-product-reviews/#comment-9527 You're ignoring price. People shouldn't pay $200 for the convenience of cutting one cable. Wireless USB will shine when the radios are built into peripherals and the drivers ship with the operating systems. Then you'll have devices scattered around, no driver installation and management, and the benefits you're talking about -- and not spend $200 for the privilege of cutting a single wire. You’re ignoring price. People shouldn’t pay $200 for the convenience of cutting one cable.

Wireless USB will shine when the radios are built into peripherals and the drivers ship with the operating systems. Then you’ll have devices scattered around, no driver installation and management, and the benefits you’re talking about — and not spend $200 for the privilege of cutting a single wire.

]]> Comment on Wireless USB, HDTV, and Venture Capitalists by Bill54494 http://blog.alereon.com/2007/03/27/wireless-usb-hdtv-and-venture-capitalists/#comment-8793 Bill54494 Tue, 07 Aug 2007 14:16:29 +0000 http://blog.alereon.com/2007/03/27/wireless-usb-hdtv-and-venture-capitalists/#comment-8793 I think that HP may soon be releasing a TV that does what you described: http://h71036.www7.hp.com/hho/cache/366142-0-0-225-121.html?jumpid=ex_R602_info/hho-ng-1299-MediaSmartTV Bill I think that HP may soon be releasing a TV that does what you described:

http://h71036.www7.hp.com/hho/cache/366142-0-0-225-121.html?jumpid=ex_R602_info/hho-ng-1299-MediaSmartTV

Bill

]]> Comment on Google’s Play for 700 MHz Spectrum by foremski http://blog.alereon.com/2007/07/25/google%e2%80%99s-play-for-700-mhz-spectrum/#comment-8606 foremski Wed, 25 Jul 2007 20:49:59 +0000 http://blog.alereon.com/2007/07/25/google%e2%80%99s-play-for-700-mhz-spectrum/#comment-8606 Eric, you are right about the benefits to Google. And the rest of Silicon Valley would benefit too because the telecom cartel has been keeping disruptive technologies at bay. Eric, you are right about the benefits to Google. And the rest of Silicon Valley would benefit too because the telecom cartel has been keeping disruptive technologies at bay.

]]> Comment on Where else can UWB go? by Chris http://blog.alereon.com/2007/04/23/where-else-can-uwb-go/#comment-8019 Chris Wed, 20 Jun 2007 08:20:38 +0000 http://blog.alereon.com/2007/04/23/where-else-can-uwb-go/#comment-8019 Where else can UWB go? Having many flavours of Wireless all about the house & work (WiFi, Bluetooth, RF, IR, etc.), I live for the day when there is a solution as common as USB (a simple extension of USB). I'm hoping that UWB will be attacking ALL sorts of Markets when ready... __1st & most important, ___the DSL router market___: We have seen how Cisco/Linksys have simply stuck a PCMCIA WiFi card into it's DSL router & called it a Wireless Router... Do the same, with UWB & you've opened up the short range wireless to the world... (remote syncing SyncML, or even VoIP (ie: direct connect Skype phones, cool!) etc.) & streaming from any USB compatible device with anything on the Net... From camera images/videos to MP3 direct from the net. __Corallary market 1: ___PDA/Smartphone Market___. Your predictions is correct IMHO: as everything moves towards Data transmissions (rather than analogue voice or video streams, etc.) these devices simply become "communicators" with a given set of applications to accomplish rudimentary tasks. Using UWB, these communicators could connect virtually anywhere "to the net". This would be a killer solution for Wireless Skype/VoIP! Finally, I have a smartphone myself, with a seperate, Bluetooth GPS to feed coordinates... A UWB-enabled GPS device will be necessary ;-) __Corallary market 2: ___SmartHome (Domotics) Market___. Home wireless Alarm systems. Imagine my UWB-enabled security system connected to my UWB-enabled DSL router in such a way as to be able to TELE-control (on/off & video monitoring, etc.) the security. By the same token, the Electricity, Heating & even the Water Sprinkling systems could be tele-manipulated. __Corallary market 3: ___The Car Market___ How many bluetooth radios are in cars, now to allow IPOD/MP3 streaming? I now have a cool communicater PLUS an MP3 player for the car... Why not one device? Also, depending on UWB's range & the car's proximity, it may even be possible to pass data directly from the home PC/DSL/communicator into the car! (GPS coordinates... Maps... music... films... etc.) Finally, Automotive Garages all have tele-diagnostic equipment for their particular brand of cars... There are more and more Wireless garage solutions... Guess what... __Corallary market 4: ___the Peer-2-Peer market___ This is future type of stuff, but particularly in Cars, Manufacturers are looking for wireless solutions that will permit cars to communicate together in a dynamically changing, meshed network (warning of upcoming traffic & weather conditions, etc.). On foot, the biggest craze today are in the area of community based services. I will be personally watching Alereon closely. BEST of luck! regards, Chris Where else can UWB go?

Having many flavours of Wireless all about the house & work (WiFi, Bluetooth, RF, IR, etc.), I live for the day when there is a solution as common as USB (a simple extension of USB). I’m hoping that UWB will be attacking ALL sorts of Markets when ready…

__1st & most important, ___the DSL router market___: We have seen how Cisco/Linksys have simply stuck a PCMCIA WiFi card into it’s DSL router & called it a Wireless Router… Do the same, with UWB & you’ve opened up the short range wireless to the world… (remote syncing SyncML, or even VoIP (ie: direct connect Skype phones, cool!) etc.) & streaming from any USB compatible device with anything on the Net… From camera images/videos to MP3 direct from the net.

__Corallary market 1: ___PDA/Smartphone Market___. Your predictions is correct IMHO: as everything moves towards Data transmissions (rather than analogue voice or video streams, etc.) these devices simply become “communicators” with a given set of applications to accomplish rudimentary tasks. Using UWB, these communicators could connect virtually anywhere “to the net”. This would be a killer solution for Wireless Skype/VoIP! Finally, I have a smartphone myself, with a seperate, Bluetooth GPS to feed coordinates… A UWB-enabled GPS device will be necessary ;-)

__Corallary market 2: ___SmartHome (Domotics) Market___. Home wireless Alarm systems. Imagine my UWB-enabled security system connected to my UWB-enabled DSL router in such a way as to be able to TELE-control (on/off & video monitoring, etc.) the security. By the same token, the Electricity, Heating & even the Water Sprinkling systems could be tele-manipulated.

__Corallary market 3: ___The Car Market___ How many bluetooth radios are in cars, now to allow IPOD/MP3 streaming? I now have a cool communicater PLUS an MP3 player for the car… Why not one device? Also, depending on UWB’s range & the car’s proximity, it may even be possible to pass data directly from the home PC/DSL/communicator into the car! (GPS coordinates… Maps… music… films… etc.) Finally, Automotive Garages all have tele-diagnostic equipment for their particular brand of cars… There are more and more Wireless garage solutions… Guess what…

__Corallary market 4: ___the Peer-2-Peer market___ This is future type of stuff, but particularly in Cars, Manufacturers are looking for wireless solutions that will permit cars to communicate together in a dynamically changing, meshed network (warning of upcoming traffic & weather conditions, etc.). On foot, the biggest craze today are in the area of community based services.

I will be personally watching Alereon closely. BEST of luck!

regards,
Chris

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