AT&T Wi-Fi is a far-reaching Wi-Fi network with hotpots at most Starbucks and other retail locations.� By recognizing their customers are mobile and need Wi-Fi access while out and about, Qwest has given each customer a value-add that is pretty great.

Qwest, the number 3 US telephone company behind AT&T and Verizon, commissioned a study that found nearly half of respondents would appreciate being able to use Wi-Fi when traveling for business or pleasure.

Any Qwest customer can get more info at Qwest.com/wifi.� As a Qwest customer, I’m happy about this development, however I’m going to continue to use my Boingo account for Wi-Fi access when I need it.

The press release is available after the jump:

DENVER, May 7, 2009 — Starting today, millions of Qwest High-Speed Internet® customers, including small-business customers, can enjoy free, unlimited nationwide access to Qwest Wi-Fi offered at 17,000 hotspots, including popular coffee shops, bookstores and restaurants.
“Mobility is important to our customers, as is value,” said Dan Yost, executive vice president for Qwest’s Mass Markets Organization. “With free Wi-Fi, our high-speed Internet customers can extend the benefits of their Qwest broadband experience to the nation’s largest Wi-Fi network, powered by AT&T Wi-Fi� .”
Recently, Qwest (NYSE:Q) commissioned a study conducted by Impulse Research Corporation, a full-service market research firm, that found nearly half of all respondents valued Wi-Fi because it provided them with the freedom and flexibility to stay connected beyond the home or office.
“This finding underscores the fact that people expect Internet access wherever they are,” said Yost. “In fact, our study showed that nearly half of all respondents get ‘antsy,’ in about an hour, if they can’t check e-mail, social networking sites or instant messaging. Our free solution keeps Qwest customers connected.”
Free Qwest Wi-Fi, powered by AT&T Wi-Fi, builds on Qwest’s commitment to offer the freedom of mobile access to the information, services and entertainment on the Internet.
All current and new Qwest High-Speed Internet customers are automatically eligible and can look for the “QwestWiFi” service set identifier or SSID, which will be rolling out to venues over the next couple of weeks. To take advantage of free Qwest Wi-Fi, customers can visit www.qwest.com/wifi to search Wi-Fi hotspot locations and to get login instructions.
About the Survey
Impulse Research Corporation, a full-service market research firm, conducted an online survey with 1,000 people (age 18 and up) nationwide. Results were collected from a random sample of 1,000 men and women, 18 and over, representing a cross-section of the United States. All participants are members of the CyberPulseTM Advisory Panel. All results are representative of the American population. All survey was conducted in April 2009. Impulse Research is headquartered in Los Angeles, Calif.

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Qwest Offers Free Nationwide Wi-Fi to Broadband Customers

One interesting note – my buddy Alec Saunders of Calliflower, gets a sweet include.

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Social Media Rap

One fantastic new feature – there’s a blog on the front page.� I hope this new site continues the social media features and transparency that Obama had in his campaign!

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Welcome To Your New WhiteHouse.Gov

What’s a techcraver to do?� Well, fire up Boingo and hope that this Starbucks is on the Boingo network.� Lo and behold they are!

I ran a speed test and I got some *decent* speeds…not great but good! Not nearly as good as Toronto, that is.

So – Boingo again came through! Thanks Boingo!

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Boingo Comes Through Again

Image Courtesy Flickr User akrobat77

After today’s little debacle regarding Michael Arrington and Techcrunch’s new stance on embargoes and Marshall Kirkpatrick’s response on ReadWriteWeb, I wanted to take my stance:

Without a doubt, I respect and will not break embargoes. So entrepreneurs, startups, and their respective PR firms, please pitch to me at my email address – I’m at jason <at> techcraver <dot> com.

I work with a few PR firms and get very relevant story pitches from them.� I appreciate their time and want to get a heads up if a product or service is going to be announced.� I won’t post everything, just things I feel are relavent to my audience and my interests…but please feel free to contact me when you have a product/service to promote.

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Entrepreneurs and Startups: I Respect Embargoes

First, looking at the Maps application, the mobile mapping software client has been updated to include high-resolution images, 3D landmarks for 216 cities and terrain maps.� Using their relationship with NAVTEQ, Nokia is to giving users high-resolution images so they can pinpoint their location or destination.� Additionally, the new Maps version has camera alert spots, and traffic information for select cities (not in North America, unfortunately).

To internet-enable the Maps application, Nokia is tying in the Ovi service to allow users to pre-plan routes on their computer and then sync their mobile with the destination and routing information.� Also, users can synchronize their favorite locations between their mobile phone and desktop computers.

With Ovi and Maps combined, you can share your your trips with your friends.� As another social feature, you can share your current location with friends within the Maps application using GPS.

As always, you can purchase turn-by-turn driving directions with voice guidance.

Bring Ovi To The Table

It’s great to see Nokia pushing the Ovi services finally.� For the longest time, I saw Ovi merely as another account to push photos to, send email from, and so on.� I never used it because I already have Flickr, Gmail, and other online services that give me that utility.

However, using Ovi an over-arching services layer, Nokia is building a “cloud” for all our mobile-centric data.� Think MobileMe from Apple for everything mobile.� Except that Ovi is tied in with NUMEROUS applications and doesn’t cost you $99/year.

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Exciting Additions to Nokia Maps; Ovi Taking Shape

Flickr Image Courtesy: Brooks Elliot

What could Nokia be announcing?� On their European site – europe.nokia.com, the Finnish mobile phone giant has put up a mysterious countdown timer, which at the time of this writing is set to 42 hours and some minutes.

It’s interesting that the countdown timer is set to when Nokia’s CEO will be giving the opening speech/session at Nokia World.� Well, I’m going to Nokia World, so I’ll have a front row seat as to what is happening as it happens, and you can be sure I’ll be reporting it here first on techcraver.com!

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Nokia Puts Up An Intriguing Countdown Clock

I have tried a few Nokia NSeries phones and I have been impressed thus far.� With that, Nokia’s Blogger Relations Program recently included me in a trial of the Nokia E71, the Finnish mobile handset maker’s follow up to their extremely popular E61 and E61i handsets.� For my thoughts on the E61i, see my review in the archives.

At First Glance

This phone, at first look, is drop dead gorgeous.� It’s sleek styling includes a shiny metal case dominated by a bright and sizable lanscape-oriented screen.� The phone is about the same height and width of an iPhone, yet noticeably thinner.� A full QWERTY keyboard take up the bottom third of the phone’s face and are joined by a directional pad and dedicated keys for the home screen, calendar, contact list, and email application.

The E71 isn’t a touch screen phone like the iPhone, but in my opinion this is good!� The E71 has actual buttons that give tactile feedback which is invaluable when composing an email or SMS message.� I have never been able to get used to the iPhone’s on-screen keyboard, so I’m happy the E71 has a full keyboard.

The metal back of the E71 has been punched to create an extremely effective non-slip surface.� In months of using the E71, it has never fallen out of my hand; a rarity for a modern mobile handset.

The E71 demands your attention when you see it.� I have had iPhone owners tell me they like the aesthetics better than their beloved Apple device.

In the E71 box, you will find a USB cable, the handset itself and a battery, instruction booklet, a nice looking leather case and carrying strap, and a software CD.� Also, Nokia includes a week of voice-guided navigation with the Nokia Maps application.

Functionality

The E71 is a loaded handset when it comes to features and capabilities.� The phone features Quad-Band GSM calling and support for 3G networks.� There are two versions of the E71, one for North America (that supports AT&T’s 3G network), and the E71-1 which supports 3G networks in Europe and Asia.� In addition to 3G support, the E71 can also utilize wi-fi networks, has a built-in GPS chip with assisted GPS, and sports a 3.2 megapixel camera.� The phone takes Micro-SD cards, allowing for massive storage capabilities.

On the software side, the E71 is fully loaded and capable.� The phone comes with out of the box support for Exchange email via Nokia’s Mail For Exchange client.� Along with syncing email, Mail for Exchange will also sync your Outlook Calendar items, Tasks, and Contacts.

Also, utilizing Nokia Email (currently in Beta), you can have push email from whoever your email service happens to be.� I have been using Nokia Email with my Gmail account and the service has been flawless.� Having my personal and work email, schedule, and tasks on one mobile handset has been a blessing.

Based on Symbian 9.2 Feature Pack 1, the E71 has thousand and thousands of applications available for download.� Unlike the Apple iPhone and the corresponding iTunes App Store, there is no central authority who says which apps are “blessed” and which aren’t.� This factor makes for a variety of applications available.

The native applications onboard the E71 include the fantastic webkit-based browser, Mail for Exchange, Nokia Maps, Nokia Sports Tracker, a Barcode scanner, RealPlayer software, FM tuner, podcasting application, voice recorder, and many other useful applications.

Messaging

There is no doubt, the E71 was created for messaging.� This phone was made to send emails, text messages, conduct instant messaging conversations, and do it all in style at the same time.� As I stated before, you can have multiple mailboxes set up so you can receive mail from all your various email sources.� The on board keyboard feels comfortable and is easy to type on and the auto-fill feature makes composing messages a breeze.

The E71 supports IMAP4, POP, SMTP, and Exchange email protocols, making it very flexible when it comes to email messaging.

Performance

The E71 is by far the fastest Symbian phone I have ever used. I noted in my review of the N95 that going through menus seemed sluggish at times.� This is not the case with the E71.� Nokia equipped the E71 adequate memory and processing power to make this a zippy handset, even with multiple applications open at the same time.� Additionally, switching applications is quick and easy.� Opening messages is a snap, along with composing them.� Up until my exposure to the E71, I thought the N82 set the bar for speed on a Symbian phone.� Not any longer – the E71 takes the cake.

GPS performance is stellar on the E71. The GPS chip quickly locks onto satellites, pinpointing my exactly location, normally within 10 seconds of me starting the Nokia Maps application.� Having voice-guided navigation on my person at all times has come in handy when trying to find a location with friends, either on foot or in a car.

The E71′s voice quality, like every other Nokia handset I’ve trialed, has been stellar.� Callers say I sound crisp and clear and to me, caller’s voices sound remarkably good.

Another shining point for the E71: battery life. The phone features a tall, thin battery that takes up almost the entire back of the phone, but it provides enough juice to last me 2 days between charges, even with heavy data use.� Most smartphones I’ve used require a charge each night, but this hasn’t been the case with the E71.

If there was one area of complaint with the E71, it would have to be the camera.� Being spoiled by the Nseries, devices with their 5 MP cameras, I was expecting more from the E71.� The 3.2 MP camera is fine for little snapshots here and there, but image quality overall leaves much to be desired.� In the devices defense however, this is a “business” phone.

Conclusion

In short, the E71 is a fantastic looking device that does what any connected consumer or business person needs from a mobile handset and more.� This phone will keep you in touch with the office, navigate you to your destinations, allow you to take good (not great) looking photos and upload them to Flickr, and allow you to watch your video podcasts all in one device.

This phone is definitely an iPhone competitor in terms of being an all-in-one Internet connected device.� It’s user interface isn’t as sexy, but the E71 gets it done with regards to messaging and Internet access.� The E71 is probably more accurately phrased as a Blackberry competitor.

The design and build-quality of the E71 is captivating.� The landscape nature of the screen makes for easy reading of web content and messages.

Nokia really knocked the ball out of the park with the E71, aside from the OK image quality, the E71 deserves a look if you are seeking a modern smartphone.

The Nokia E71 lists for $500, however I saw the North American version on sale at Amazon.com recently for $345.� Keep in mind this is an unlocked phone, so you are not bound by any contract to any phone carrier when you purchase the E71.

If you decide to pick up an E71, do me a favor and use the link below. It helps me out by paying part of the hosting fees for this site.

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Techcraver Review: Nokia E71 Hands-On

Defining the Problem

Keynote Systems queried iPhone users to gather their satisfaction rates when visiting mobile-optimized websites.� They found that mobile surfers are frustrated with the usability of web sites and very few click on advertisements.� In the study, participants were asked to find an entertainment news story, read it, and search for another topic and send that story to a friend.� According to the News.com article, Keynote found that even well-known internet news sites were hard to use with Yahoo only scoring 51% satisfaction and Fox News scoring 64% satisfaction among users.

What This News Means

Right now, companies who build mobile websites do so as an afterthought.� Mobile websites are constructed by being stripped down of all valuable content and usability factors that they pour into the full web versions they spend large amounts of money to produce and engineer.

As more mobile customers purchase smart phones and data plans in North America, mobile web sites will have to start paying attention, especially if they want to attract mobile advertising.� It should be alarming to mobile webmasters that only 4% of mobile web surfers report clicking on mobile ads.

How can this trend be reversed? Start thinking mobile!� Hire great mobile consultants such as Rachel Hinman to help you think about the intricacies of building out mobile solutions at the onset of your project.

Also…ask me � I’m quite helpful and full of (what I feel) are some good ideas.

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Imagine This: Users Are Unsatisfied with Mobile Websites

On the other hand, Symbian Guru author dotsisx notes her N82 has been fabulous after a few months of use.

How has my experience been with the N82?

I have to agree with dotsisx.� I have been using the N82 on a daily basis since May when I received it from the Nokia Blogger Relations Program.� I have found that the candy bar phone is made of high-quality components that have withstood being dropped 2-3 times from waist height, daily cramming in an out of my pants pockets (with coins at time), and being stuffed in my work back (along with pens, coins, and keys) on a regular basis.

Sure, there are a few scrapes on the screen.� However, they can only be seen if the screen is completely black and you look the screen from a 45 degree angle.� When viewing the screen and interacting with the phone, you cannot notice the scrapes caused by keys and coins and what not.

As far as the buttons and overall phone go, the N82 is a pristine as the day I pulled it out of the box.

Shifting gears to the N81 8GB

The N81 8GB however, is a different story.� The phone, even out of the box, seems to be made of lower quality material.� The buttons creak when you push them and the slider mechanism has a cheap give to it as you move it into the ‘open’ slider position.

So, as far as the Nseries goes as a whole, I feel the series is made of quality components that hold up over time.� I have used the N82 and N81 8GB for an extended period of time.� I have had two-week trials of an N95-3 and N95 8GB and have noted both of these devices were solid little multimedia computers.

What is your experience with Nseries and build quality?� Please leave a comment below.

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Nokia N82 Build Quality Is Fabulous