Mobileslate

A few weeks ago I started a new project that involved ordering a bunch of handsets and getting them unlocked for mobile application development. The initial overwhelming number of devices that I had to order was a great chance for me to test out a bunch of devices to see what they could do and how they look and feel in person. But the real value that I wanted to share is the unlocking procedures. While there are bunch of sites and services that will sell the unlock codes, I’m just here to provide the instructions. So far the steps work out for all the devices that I have had to unlock.

For RIM Blackberry devices on AT&T/Cingular, here are the steps. This works for all devices except for the Curve.

First, turn off the Radio

Next go to Settings > Options > Advanced Options > SIM Card

You might see a blank screen. Not to worry, just do the following.

Hold down the ALT key and press the keys that correspond to: m e p d

Next hold down the ALT key again and press the keys that correspond to: m e p 2

You should see a menu where you can put in a 16 digit code and 10 tries to punch it in correctly.

After you enter in the code, press Enter.

It should say “Device Unlocked” and you’re done!

Last month, I did an interview with Peggy Anne Salz from MSearchGroove and Medio had some comments about it. Well, in trying to focus on the problem regarding mobile search recommendations, I published the follow up article: Recommendations & Mobile Search Via Verizon’s Get It Now: Performs Better Than Some, But Does It Really “Get” It.

Here’s hoping that as an industry this result begins to fade away:

Earlier this week on the 22nd of April, I was asked at the last minute to speak on a Panel about Innovative Mobile Applications at the Carnegie Mellon SoftCon08, The Mobile Future conference, that took place at the Santa Clara Convention Center.

The slides are posted as well as the videos. Thanks to everyone who put on a great show!

From speaking with the conference organizers, there were over 200 people in attendance. My one comment would have been to see more industry presentations about what people are doing in mobile today with software and services as well as have a more global perspective on the subject. While I certain appreciate the number of folks who are working in academia and research, but I’m sure that everyone want to see what’s happening now and what is just around the corner that we can touch, feel, and experience.

Here is a link to the recent interview Peggy Anne Salz from MSG when asking me about some research I conducted regarding mobile search and recommendation. A link to the article is posted here.

Stay tuned for more info about collaboration between Peggy and myself on some Mobile Search Projects.

Carnegie Mellon and UC Berkeley will be hosting a conference on Mobility on April 22, 2008 at the Santa Clara Convention Center. Dubbed Softcon08, the annual conference will cover topics in mobility from development, innovative applications, business models and more. Below is the description of the event:

In a not-too-distant future, the computing platform of choice for a significant number of consumers will be a hand-held device. Signs of this trend are already apparent in Asia and Scandinavia, and all indicators suggest that this evolution transforms the lives and work of individuals in ways that are both chaotic and enriching. Given the diversity of global communications mechanisms, how can network operators, software vendors, and handset providers accelerate this evolution? The Mobile Future brings together experts from industry and the research community to share and discuss their visions of possible futures, along with technology and business models for achieving them.

With panelists from 25 great companies and two great universities, the discussions around these and related topics promise to be lively and provocative. Join us for an exciting day of interactive discussions that will offer a framework for the mobile future and pointers for creators, investors, and customers on where the best opportunities will be found.