Comments
mhhf1ve
3/7/2016 8:45:29 PM
User Rank Platinum
Just wish Google could include more carriers...
I'd switch to Google Fi if it were more like Tracfone's MVNO -- and it operated on top of Verizon and Sprint. If only Fi had either AT&T or Verizon's network....
But I assume that would never happen -- unless Google bought Tracfone (and there wasn't some clause in the contracts that would allow Verizon to back out of supporting Tracfone's service).
afwriter
3/7/2016 10:07:23 PM
User Rank Platinum
My Pipe Dreams
I don't know why I was hoping for iPhone support but I was. I would also love to be able to access it from my Laptop, which I guess I could by creating a hotspot with my phone...If my phone were supported. I may be a little bitter.
mhhf1ve
3/8/2016 3:05:05 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: My Pipe Dreams
> "I don't know why I was hoping for iPhone support but I was."
Well, it works on "newer iPads" so maybe there's a way to fool it into thinking an iPad is an iPhone? Not sure how it checks... Or if you don't mind hauling around an iPad everywhere (iPad mini?), you might be able to tether an iPhone to an iPad on Fi all the time...?
I assume the reason for this limited use is that there's a cap on Google's deal with T-mo and Sprint -- and Google doesn't want to have a sudden surge of usage that it didn't anticipate.
Maybe someday Alphabet will buy T-mobile...
jbtombes
3/7/2016 10:11:21 PM
User Rank Platinum
aka Beta?
Inivitation only - was that another way to say "Beta" testing? Also looks like another case of Google/Alphabet/Android being disruptive on costs. A VentureBeat review of the service even praised the billing statement. That's really disruptive.
Fantastic Idea
As someone who uses a lot of data, I love the idea behind this. Especially since more often than not, I seem to accidently switch off the possibility of using WiFi, then forget to turn it on, or don't realize it's off. Then I end up munching through data at an absurd rate until I get a notification. And data is expensive. Google has found a way to save me from myself! The saddest part of this program is that I don't have any of the phones the program is on, and I have no plans to purchase one either. So hopefully this technology will be so successful, we will eventually find it on most phones.
I fear the reason this may not happen as the preference phone carriers might have for clients to use, and eat up data. Do you think other cell phone carriers might try to block this type of technology in their phones?
jbtombes
3/8/2016 11:06:40 AM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Fantastic Idea
Another way approach is Apple's WiFi Assist, which moves a user from a weak WiFi signal to a stronger cellular one. But there's lots of interest in turning that default feature off given concern about blowing through data without realizing it.
dlr5288
3/8/2016 12:49:19 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Fantastic Idea
Yes me too!
I also think this is a very impressive idea. I too use a lot of data and sometimes when I get frustrated with the slow wifi, I turn it off. Then before I know it I realize it's been off all day. I go through way too much, so it's great that Google has come up with this. Also I don't have any of the devices that it is given on, but I hope Google can expand their program.
mhhf1ve
3/8/2016 3:10:50 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Fantastic Idea
> "Google has found a way to save me from myself!"
I'm not entirely sure that Fi would save you from yourself... if you have slow WiFi, you'd still be able to switch to T-Mo or Sprint data... and get charged for that data. There's no "unlimited" data with Fi, is there? It's just pay as you go (plus a refund for unused data).
Ariella
3/8/2016 7:44:22 PM
User Rank Author
Re: Fantastic Idea
Interesting development. When I was in Manhattan on Sunday, I noticed signs all over the place for the city's expanded free WiFi offerings. I wonder if cities do take off in that direction if it would make people less concerned about features that allow their phones other options for connecting to the web.
mhhf1ve
3/8/2016 7:59:39 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Fantastic Idea
WiFi hotspots are only good for certain use cases... they're not going to have the same kind of coverage as cell towers (unless WiFi occupies some other part of the radio spectrum someday). I'm all for expanding WiFi hotspots, but... how about allocating better spectrum to more wireless carriers?
mpouraryan
3/10/2016 11:24:51 AM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Fantastic Idea
Although a noble effort (and google should be given an "A" for it) it is still kind of far from perfect-and I would argue that the traditional Telco's will not be standing idly by.
freehe
3/10/2016 7:45:41 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Fantastic Idea
It is a great option but I don't think it is the best option. I think AT&T's approach of moving customers to a strong signal is a much better approach. If Google is only charging customers $20 per month to use Project Fi, how much does it really cost Google to offer it to customers on a per customer basis.
I would be concerned about security risks. Google promises to encrypt your data but if you use your phone like a laptop or customer you should ramp up security protection measures on your cell phone prior to signing up for Project Fi.
mpouraryan
3/11/2016 4:33:10 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Fantastic Idea
There is no question that Google has some "growing up" to do before it matches the prowess of AT&T--and we all know that the traditional Telcos' are not sitting "idly by" either. However, Google will give Telcos' a run for their money--and it will be fascinating to be witness to. As for Security, it is the 1000-pound gorilla in the room and I have repeatedly underscored it in my comments here "In community".
DHagar
3/11/2016 5:48:04 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Fantastic Idea
@mpouraryan, great assessment. Google may be late to the game but they do know how to compete. They also have capabilities to address the security challenge.
AT&T, though, continues to put together an impressive design, with new service models, that will be highly competitive.
Placing any bets?
mpouraryan
3/12/2016 11:06:50 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Fantastic Idea
Google/Alphabet has had its' stumbles (Google Glass being the most notable). They have some work to do--and the current price model I checked was not that impressive. The transition was going to happen away from Google Voice--but I would not put anything past Google/Alphabet!!
DHagar
3/14/2016 2:13:09 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Fantastic Idea
@mpouraryan, agreed. It is just where Google places its priorities!
They had another big wind with their AlphaGo competition in South Korea over the weekend in AI - so they do accomplish what they set out to.
mpouraryan
3/14/2016 2:31:37 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Fantastic Idea
The Good news is that the Champion is giving Alpha Go a run for Google's Money...but we have to guard against it--and make sure the transformation continues to be controlled.
DHagar
3/14/2016 3:41:43 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Fantastic Idea
@mpouraryan, absolutely. The human equation is still essential to create value, redirect, interact, etc. Even though Alpha Go won the championship - even the Google engineers agreed that it was the ability of AI to recall and apply the vast data that was fed into it to select the best move. That is not "intelligence", but rapid "recall".
There is tremendous value in AI, but human intelligence is still king and AI can best serve by augmenting the HI, not replacing it.
mpouraryan
3/14/2016 4:38:55 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Fantastic Idea
I am with you--however you and I seem to be in the minority as Kurzweill reminds us all the time that at some stage computing will be as smart as humans--and as you know Kurzweill has a major role @ Google.
Interesting times--no question.
DHagar
3/14/2016 4:55:11 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Fantastic Idea
@mpouraryan, thanks! Well we just won't turn over the keys yet!
Yes, I think it will be sometime, however, before everyone embraces computer run cars, or any unleashing of the computers, and trusts them to take control.
There is a place for AI, without question, and I am a fan of Google (and self-driving cars) and IBM's Watson, but within limits. I believe the future will be finding the right fit, not an either or, which has limits on both sides.
In the meantime, we won't give them the keys.
mpouraryan
3/14/2016 5:00:12 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Fantastic Idea
We have to be careful--the problem is that we seem to forget this very fact especially as we are looking at this notion of the "post work economy" and the enthusiasm for automation that seems to be the order of the day. I have no choice but to be optimistic despite such developments.
DHagar
3/14/2016 5:05:47 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Fantastic Idea
@mpouraryan, very true. Actually there is some excellent leadership in this area about the reality of automation of work and replacement for humans with MIT. Thomas Davenport, with Boston University, has studied the man vs. machine for a number of years and is now "thoughtfully" promoting the right mix - i.e., augmentation, etc. So I take comfort in knowing that thoughtful analysis is going into finding the right fit.
Clearly there will be advocates on both sides - for AI and against AI - I believe AI is an excellent tool to be properly combined with HI. But we will have to learn new ways.
So we are not totally alone!
mpouraryan
3/14/2016 5:12:54 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Fantastic Idea
Thanks @DHaggar--I am aware of his work. But as we are becoming digitized, we also need to see how this digitization will continue to have impact beyond the shores of the United States--It is critical for us because we have to have a World View of it because more than half the World continues to be left behind.
DHagar
3/14/2016 5:19:14 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Fantastic Idea
@mpouraryan, you raise another excellent "reality" check. As we have experienced with industrialization of the developed nations, the growing disparity creates problems and deepens the divide between the haves and the have-nots.
As we are now increasingly a global economy, we are bounded by the progress in both undeveloped nations as well as the developed nations. We will not truly make sustainable progress if we lose sight of this fact.
Note: Another point for human intelligence!
mpouraryan
3/15/2016 1:16:31 AM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Fantastic Idea
What you underscore is why we have to encourage initiatives such as smart cities and be able to think through and embrace iOT in a major way in order to be able to make sure that all enjoy the fruits of this transformation that we have been witness to especially as we celebrate PI Day and all the possiblities it represents.
DHagar
3/15/2016 12:41:14 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Fantastic Idea
@mpouraryan, I am with you. In order to make sustainable progress, it has to be balanced and advance the quality of life, economics, advance of science AND the opportunity for humans to succeed.
I am actually working with Smarter Cities in bringing together public/private economic partnerships and when you involve all the stakeholders it does work. Failure to balance the interests will result in a win/lose game.
Note: Good news for HI - even though AlphaGo won the championship (best 3-5) they are still playing the final two games and Lee won Game #4 yesterday. He says he won by incorporating a new "variable" that AlphaGo was prepared for. So see, Human Intelligence is still needed!
mpouraryan
3/15/2016 12:45:32 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Fantastic Idea
Very Glad to see this @DHaggar--Looking forward to seeing this on a more concerted basis. As for AlphaGO, it won 4-1 :-(
Have a Fab Tuesday!!
DHagar
3/15/2016 1:07:41 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Fantastic Idea
@mpouraryan, thanks - you too! We have excellent leadership with Telco Transformation that gives us the opportunity to connect, learn, and share knowledge. Together we can all make things better!
mpouraryan
3/15/2016 1:19:19 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Fantastic Idea
Indeed--With our growing community, we can create the atmosphere for the dialogue necessary to Educate, Encourage and Empower. That's the key in order to make sure we maintain the "human-centric" status necessary for ultimate success--although success itself is indeed subjective.
batye
4/1/2016 7:51:49 AM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Fantastic Idea
@DHagar I think we already making things better and moving towards positive changes... as learning and sharing create better life - how I see it :)
DHagar
4/1/2016 3:09:44 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Fantastic Idea
@batye, good vision! Yes, we can make things better with the right use of human/technology collaboration. It holds great promise for the future.
batye
4/2/2016 4:38:20 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Fantastic Idea
@DHagar thank ypu I say it as I see it :) as it true my opinon :)
batye
4/1/2016 7:50:20 AM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Fantastic Idea
@mpouraryan in Canada over last 10 years in Toronto we are keep hearing smart city...but for now when Ièm in Toronto... I do not see it yet.... do hope maybe in the next 5 years...
Re: Fantastic Idea
@batye: In order for cities to transform, they have to get smart. I am surprised that Toronto has not moved--although i would suggest that the Rob Ford Years was not helpful to the development of Toronto.
Have a great weekend.
batye
4/1/2016 1:35:25 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Fantastic Idea
@mpouraryan thank you, same to you...
with Toronto and Rob Ford is never ending story.... but I do hope we get smarter and wiser with technology....
batye
4/1/2016 7:48:01 AM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Fantastic Idea
@mpouraryan interesting point, but the process get more and more complicated, how I see it... but with new technology and research it should improves at the end... - how I see it...
Re: Fantastic Idea
Technology is always fun and exciting to be witness too--but I continue to struggle with insuring that the human touch is never ever forgotten. As we Transform, that must not be forgotten.
batye
4/1/2016 1:42:14 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Fantastic Idea
@mpouraryan yes, I could not agree more we should never overlook human factor/touch/interaction as it could make or brake technology... and the Co....
vnewman
3/14/2016 6:31:12 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Fantastic Idea
@DHager - If Stephen Hawking, Bill Gates and Elon Musk are scared of AI -then I'm scared too!
DHagar
3/14/2016 7:03:54 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Fantastic Idea
@vnewman, absolutely - great points - we are in good company.
Machines that just compounds tactical knowledge would be unpredictable. They are exceptional at processing, but what are they processing and why? That's why we humans need to keep our hands on the controls, right? Reasoning and critical thinking, integrity, and morals still need to rule.
batye
3/12/2016 5:31:25 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Fantastic Idea
@mpouraryan interesting observation and i think you are 100 % right ...
mpouraryan
3/12/2016 11:08:07 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Fantastic Idea
Thank you Sir for the kind words--the power of choice is something that I welcome and hope that Google can create a true viable alternative. As I see it now, it is yet to be the "one" that may entice anyone to move. Time will tell.
mhhf1ve
3/8/2016 3:07:04 PM
User Rank Platinum
bonded wireless lines?
I'm still wondering if Google might be able to "bond" together Sprint and T-mo wireless lines to get speeds that no other carrier can offer. I assume there's probably some technical reason why it can't be done, but people used to have bonded DSL lines to try to get better broadband....
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