SkieGod Cyber Access

BlackBerry to Customers: We're OK!

Thursday, 17 October 2013

BlackBerry may seem a bit like the Black Knight of Monty Python fame, exuding confidence in the face of a good many flesh wounds, but it still has a few limbs left. "While BlackBerry is in a strategic positioning battle, the firm is fundamentally sound," noted Joseph, a business professor at Pace University. "Good cash position combined with no debt is a powerful statement.

BlackBerry issued an open letter in an effort to assure customers that it still has a viable future - See more at:
Consumers might have concerns after reading recent headlines surrounding BlackBerry's business, the company acknowledged. Most recently, those headlines revealed that it lost US$1 billion in its latest quarter and initiated layoffs of about a third of its workforce.
Those headlines have also reflected its struggle to compete in the smartphone market. The BlackBerry 10 OS and the new devices running it represented the company's high hopes for a turnaround, but they have not done well in the market.
BlackBerry to Customers: Seriously, We're OK!BlackBerry's customers might be confused about the next steps the company intends to take. It recently signed a letter of intent to go private through a deal with a consortium led by Fairfax Financial Holdings, which already holds a large stake in BlackBerry.
Private equity firm Cerberus may get involved in the bidding, and an SEC filing revealed that the company's cofounders also have been considering a buyout.

Still Strong on Many Fronts

The open letter -- run as a full-page ad in a number of newspapers -- was designed to quell some of the uncertainty. It points to the company's debt-free balance sheet and cash on hand, as well as to its plans to cut back on costs and improve efficiency.
The letter highlights the strengths of BlackBerry's mobile platform, including its productivity and data management capabilities for enterprise customers. It also points to its security, claiming it's recognized as the most secure device, server and global network in the industry.
The letter assures customers that the BBM messaging platform is the most robust mobile messaging service available and will only grow stronger following its upcoming launch on the Android and iOS platforms.
It points out that the company is being up front about the tough competition and the negative buzz surrounding it. It even acknowledges that its platform isn't for everyone -- but insists that its uniqueness is what sets BlackBerry apart from the crowd. Finally, it closes with a plea to consumers to "continue to count on us

Snagging More Consumers

There is still a customer base -- albeit a relatively small one -- that is counting on BlackBerry
BlackBerry's main problem right now is that it hasn't been able to expand that user base amid the rise of iPhones and Android devices.

The letter isn't necessarily trying to snag new consumers, said Joseph, professor emeritus at Lubin School of Business at Pace University. The company understands that is part of its overall challenge right now, but this letter is an effort to maintain loyalty in its existing customer base.

They did a good job of highlighting their strategic plans and initiatives," he added. "While noting they are a player in the social network market, they continue to stick with their knitting in the area of enterprise mobility management and [underscore their] devotion to ensuring a dedicated, high-quality security system which is vital to the commercial market.
It may not win over any iPhone users, but the message should serve as a solid reminder that BlackBerry is still in a position to compete -- or at least has the fighting spirit to do so

The messages are fundamental and begin with a powerful observation that while BlackBerry is in a strategic positioning battle, the firm is fundamentally sound," he noted. "Good cash position combined with no debt is a powerful statement

Our Gadget of the Week: Mini MicroSD Reader

Wednesday, 16 October 2013

gadget of the week teaserHere at jonesarena in our gadget of the week we show you a mix of extraordinary technology, simple solutions and cool gadgets that we find interesting - things that make life easier or just more fun. This week: the Mini Micro SD Card Reader for Android

What is the Mini MicroSD Reader?

The Mini MicroSD Reader was realized via a Kickstarter campaign, as so many of the gadgets we see were and are. About 5,700 interested parties supported the makers with more than 70,000 USD of pledges, and showed just how big the demand is for such a simple gadget. Because this microSD card reader is one thing for sure: incredibly convenient! It facilitates the exchange of data between smartphone and PC or vice versa, allows you to play videos or music directly from the microSD card and also proves to be very helpful when making a complete backup of your smartphone.

Specifications

Dimensions:21 x 23 x 8 mm
Weight:2.7 grams
Connectors:USB Micro-B, USB 2.0
Supported memory cards:MicroSDHC up to 32 GB, MicroSDXC up to 64 GB
Energy consumption:0.25 W
Compatibility:Windows XP/Vista/7/8, Mac OS X, Linux 2.6+
System Requirements:Android 4.0+ with USB OTG support/software support for USB OTG

How does the card reader work?

The Mini MicroSD Reader is easy to use: after inserting a microSD card, the reader is simply connected to the smartphone or tablet. Then you can access the memory card using a file manager just like you would a normal USB stick. For our test, we used Astro File Manager, and the data could be accessed and shuffled back and forth easily.
The following devices are compatible with the Mini MicroSD Reader:
Samsung: Galaxy S2, S3, S4, Note, Note 2, Mega, Galaxy Express, Galaxy Note 8.0 tablet.
HTC: One, One Mini, HTC First, One X +, HTC Evo 4G LTE DROID DNA.
Motorola: Moto X, Droid Mini, Droid Ultra, Droid Maxx, RAZR M, RAZR HD, RAZR MAXX, HD Xyboard 8.2 tablet.
Google: Galaxy Nexus, Google Nexus 7 (2012 and 2013), Nexus 10 (requires additional software, such as USB OTG drive or mount a device with root).
Sony: Xperia Z.
LG: G2, Optimus G Pro.
Other: Xiaomi 1S, 2, 2S, 2A, Xiaomi Box, Meizu MX, MX2, Asus MeMO ME171, Huawei Ascend D2, Ascend Mate.
Note: We have tested the card reader with the HTC Nexus One and Nexus 7 ( 2012). It does not currently work with the Nexus 4.

What's so cool about it?

With the Mini MicroSD Reader many devices get support for microSD cards, and thus more space, without necessitating a microSD card slot. The dimensions of the gadget are absolutely minimal and the card reader fits easily and conveniently on any key chain. For something that gives you up to 64 gigabytes of additional space it's perfect, especially for those who like to watch movies on your tablet or want to pack huge music libraries everywhere they go without using up precious app space on their device. With the Mini MicroSD Reader attached to your phone, you can record your movies in Full HD without having to worry about internal memory. Many more options for data transfer are also on offer.

Price

Anyone without a microSD card slot in their phone or with large memory needs, and simply those who do not particularly trust cloud services needs to pick one of these up. The gadget is available in four different colors and costs $12 plus $3 for international shipping.
What do you think of this gadget?

WhatsApp update allows you to change your number

The popular instant messaging application WhatsApp has gotten a little bit better. The last update version of the app added video playback and with this latest update comes a bunch of minor improvements and fixes. You are now also able to change the phone number that is associated with your WhatsApp account easily and from within the app itself.
Now there is a nice little shortcut to changing over your phone number should you get a new device, SIM card, or whatever the case that would merit this. I just recently had to change carriers and couldn’t port over my phone number, so I had to do a roundabout method of backing up my chat logs, restoring them to my new number,

Very simple operation

To change the number, you just need to head over to Settings > Account Info and you’ll find a new option which is called “Change Number”. This will migrate all your contacts, account information, and groups over to your new device/phone number.

For Android users,
Currently, the version is available as an APK that you can download by clicking the link but it should grace the official Google Play Store shortly. 

Microsoft Plans Remote Desktop On iOS And Android Soon

Microsoft have recently let slip in a press release that with the launch of Windows Server 2012 R2, it will release its Remote Desktop app, not just on Windows, Windows RT and OS X, but also iOS and Android.  Apparently, it is scheduled for later this month!
Remote DesktopThis marks the first time the popular remote desktop software has made it to rival mobile platforms, and could prove to be a warning shot to other apps in the same field, such as Parallels Desktop.  Michel Roth, one of Microsoft’s Most Valuable Professionals, adds that the OS X app has undergone a major overhaul; the iOS version will support iOS 6 and 7, while the Android variant should support everything from Gingerbread, going forward.
We’re not sure yet when Microsoft’s Remote Desktop will roll out to The App Store and Google’s Play Store but we do hope Redmond is at least giving some thought to making it available to Windows Phone 8 at the same time.

The following is an extract from the Press Release:
On Monday, Microsoft announced a wave of new enterprise products and services to help companies seize the opportunities of cloud computing and overcome today’s top IT challenges. Complementing Office 365 and other services, these new offerings deliver on Microsoft’s enterprise cloud strategy.  With Windows Server 2012 R2 Microsoft is introducing the Microsoft Remote Desktop app, available for download in application stores later this month, to provide easy access to PCs and virtual desktops on a variety of devices and platforms, including Windows, Windows RT, iOS, OS X and Android.  More information on Monday’s announcements can be found at the Microsoft News Center.

What do you think about this app?

The Future of Curved Smartphones

Tuesday, 15 October 2013

Curved screens are all the rage currently. The new screens help to deliver the latest in television tech. Many providers will be using the curved screens in their new releases of phones, televisions, and other devices. Here is what you should expect in the coming years:
LG Curved Screens
LG recently announced the introduction of flexible OLED panels for mobile devices. The company’s main competition is Samsung, and there have been numerous comparisons made between the two companies. LG is approximately 0.44 millimeters thick and is three times thicker than Samsung’s screen at 0.12 millimeters. LG’s product is more durable but still heavier. The radius of the phone is approximately 700 millimeters.
Samsung’s Curved Screens
The Future of Curved SmartphonesSamsung’s curved screens will be lighter and thinner than most of their competitors. Many people will choose Samsung for this reason. Still others will choose LG out of loyalty or other reasons. Samsung’s radius is approximately 400 millimeters. Samsung’s curved screens are expected to impress.
Rumoured leaked pictures of Samsung’s new curved screen phone currently being test.
How Panels Affect the Curvature
If future designs will be using panels, the curve size will vary. The amount of curve will not be determined until later in the design phase, but Samsung has stated that its panel may be approximately 5.7 inches. Curved displays may prove to be beneficial but they may not be as beneficial for people who need the functionality of digital inking.
The Benefits of the Curved Touchscreen Smartphones
Samsung is expected to launch a smartphone with the new OLED screens in November. These phones are expected to rival the competition because they allow the functionality of being able to bend without breaking. The new foldable designs are the new rage in the design community.
With the new changes, experts expect that the new market will grow to $1.5 billion by 2016 and by 2019; it will exceed $10 billion. This means great things for the world’s best-selling smartphone makers, which is Samsung and LG. If you want a display that is curved from top to bottom, LG is expected unveil a smartphone that exhibits these characteristics.
The flexible display market is expected to expand at a fast rate. This technology can expand to automotive displays and tablet. Designers can improve wearable devices by using this technology. Companies that get started in the flexible display market will have enhanced performance and a head start in the industry. Companies like LG are also expanding their markets and are launching a 55-inch OLED television later in the year.
These changes will also help companies improve profitability and product offering. Companies must remain on the leading-edge of technology to keep their customers impressed and purchasing products. When marketing products, LG will have the advantage of releasing the technology with their televisions before the competition.
What You Should Expect from Curved Smartphones?
Experts believe that curved smartphones will expand the functionality and durability of phones. Phones that are bendable without breaking will have greater longevity and also be more coveted by the customer. Consider how curved smartphones can improve your functionality.

Super Strong Skateboards Injected With Resin From Hydroflex

For young people this is exciting as far as Skateboards is concern.
Skateboards, normally made from laminated wood, just got a lot more exciting thanks to the surfboard producing company Hydroflex. The company uses its 3D-Glassing technology along with a unique honeycomb design to create a strong and stunning skateboard

Hydroflex Skateboard
Originally the creators were producing 70s-style retro decks for their own personal use, using left overs from the surfboard production. The patented, award winning 3D-Glassing technology, allows the producers to bond together both sides of the deck through the polythylene terephthalate foam and tri-axle fiberglass core, which is formed into the honeycomb pattern. Resin tints are then injected giving the decks a vibrant and unique finish, which glows when held up to the light.

This design, along with reinforced rails and integrated tail and nose guards, results in a strong, light and waterproof board. Tests have shown that the boards are stronger than those made out of wood.
Hydroflex are looking for funding through Kickstarter in order to get these boards to the market. As long as the company reaches the target pledge, the plan is to start shipping by January 2014.
You can choose from various designs like the Crilla Micro-Cruiser which is $90, the Beach Leach at $110 and the Angler downhill and freeride longboard for $230.
If you’re not really in to skateboarding but appreciate the work being done, you can pledge $1, just as a virtual high-five.

'Extremely Stable' Blood Found in 46-Million-Year-Old Mosquito

Mosquitoes have been annoying humans for hundreds of years, but they have been sucking blood from other animals for far longer, close to 50 million years, say scientists who have ancient blood to prove it. Researchers have found components of blood cells in a 46-million-year-old fossilized mosquito. (Photo : Smithsonian Institution)
46-million-year-old fossilized mosquito
This is the first blood-filled ancient fossilized mosquito ever found.

Researchers' report on the fossilized mosquito appeared Monday in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
"[The paper] shows that details of a blood-sucking mosquito can be nicely preserved in a medium other than amber," paleontologist George Poinar of Oregon State University, who was not involved in this research, told The Scientist.
The insect, with its visibly extended abdomen, was found trapped in oil shale, a sedimentary rock from an ancient lakebed in northwestern Montana
Researchers were surprised to find that the blood had not disintegrated before fossilization set in. The chances of this discovery occurring were very, very small.
Dale Greenwalt, a researcher at the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C., discovered the mosquito fossil after it was given to the museum as a gift, and he immediately realized the specimen's rarity.
Using non-destruction technologies, a team of researchers screened the fossil for a range of compounds, including two components of heme, the protein that transports oxygen in red blood cells.
Among the chemicals they recovered from the fossilized mosquito were iron and porphyrin molecules, which are organic compounds present in hemoglobin, a protein found in blood. This confirmed the iron was from the insect's last meal and not part of the fossilization process.
Unfortunately, it is impossible to tell what kind of animal the blood came from. DNA does not preserve very well - The Sydney Morning Herald notes that DNA cannot survive more than 6.8 million years - and current technology cannot pick out DNA from fossils older than that. The mosquito is from the Eocene epoch, lasting from 56 to 33.9 million years ago - about 19 million years after dinosaurs went extinct.
Unfortunately, that means no real-life "Jurassic Park."
The discovery of the fossilized mosquito with ancient animal blood in it is only the fifth time scientists have come across an insect fossil containing blood, according to IBTimes.
"Most fossils of blood-eating insects that have been found are of midges, a kind of biting fly, trapped in amber," Western Digs notes.
The mosquito preservation recovered from shale, a type of rock that forms from sediments deposited at the bottom of bodies of water is an extremely improbable event.
"The insect had to take a blood meal, be blown to the water's surface, and sink to the bottom of a pond or similar structure to be quickly embedded in fine anaerobic sediment, all without disruption of its fragile distended blood-filled abdomen," the researchers said in the report.
What is shocking is that the sedimentation didn't damage the fragile insect's blood-filled abdomen. 
Mary Schweitzer, a researcher at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, who was not involved in the study, confessed:
The study is exciting, because it provide more evidence that porphyrins, organic compounds found in "virtually all living organisms from microbes to humans in varying amounts" are "extremely stable" - and are thus a perfect focus for studying long-dead plants and animals. 

US Military Commissions Real 'Iron Man' Suit

It may not have superhero missions to complete or a billionaire genius behind it, but a real-life Iron Man suit has been commissioned by the US Military for battle, according to ABC News.
Iron Man.The Army's Tactical Assault Light Operator Suit, first announced in May, would provide the wearer with some of the advantages Tony Stark possessed in the film, including on-board computers (like Jarvis) and "advanced armor, power generators, and enhanced mobility exoskeletons," said USSOCOM in an appeal for proposals for the required tech in a suit.
With all of that on-board, the USSOCOM is also looking to liquid armor technology being researched at MIT to help ease some of the extra weight. The liquid armor would use "magnetorheological fluids and transform from a liquid to a solid in milliseconds with the application of a magnetic field or electrical current,
"The Marine Corps started adding more body armor to soldiers, but SOCOM is loath to do that since it'll decrease mobility," Jim Tinsley, a partner at the defense consulting firm Avascenttold ABC News. "What TALOS aims to do is to get around physics and make lighter  body armor, but also make it stronger.
The technology would also allow a user to manage their own heart rate and body temperature, with systems offering air conditioning, heat and oxygen if neccessary.
"It's advanced armor. It's communications, antennas. It's cognitive performance. It's sensors, miniature-type circuits. That's all going to fit in here, too," Karl Borjes, a science adviser assigned to Special Operations Command, said in a press release earlier this year.
The] requirement is a comprehensive family of systems in a combat armor suit where we bring together an exoskeleton with innovative armor, displays for power monitoring, health monitoring, and integrating a weapon into that."
The body armor is scheduled for a demonstration Nov. 19 at the MacDill Air Force Base in Florida, according to a report by the Defense Media Network.
Special Forces hope to create a prototype within a year, with a battle-ready suit arriving in 2016.
This is turning a movie fiction in to reality. 

Ancient DNA Reveals Migration History of Central Europeans

DNA preserved in the bones of ancestors provides a window to our genetic history that can solve many mysteries, including the story of where the people of Modern Day Europe migrated.
DNAAccording to National Geographic, some ancestors were hunter-gatherers, while others were discovering agriculture. Other than that, not much is known about these people. However, with the new Genographic Project, an ancient DNA study from Central Europe states that we know much more about these people from their DNA.

Archaeologists from Germany have sequenced and analyzed DNA from 364 people that lived in Central Europe from 5,500 and 1,500 BC. The DNA extracted from the teeth and bones were then analyzed, where the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) that is inherited maternally was then analyzed. We all carry nearly identical mtDNA to a female ancestor living 500 years ago to even 5,000 years ago. Sometimes an occasional mutation shows up, but other than that, it is completely the same.
Central European history was very busy around the Bronze Age, where lineages from 7,000 years ago are much different than 5,000 years ago and 3,500 years ago. Project director Spencer Wells, who was also National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence stated,  "Spanning a period from the dawn of farming during the Neolithic period through to the Bronze Age, the [genetic] data from the archaeological remains reveals successive waves of migration and population replacement- genetic 'revolutions' that combined to create the genetic patterns we see today.
According to Smithsonian Magazine, specimen samples from concentrated areas of Germany showed when changes within mtDNA occurred, and when farming started to replace hunter-gatherers. When these were compared with other finds around Central Europe as well as other archaeological finds, researchers can suggest the genetic history was affected by migration from cultures not only in the Near East, but from the west  and other Eastern European countries as well.
"With this genetic timeline, we can confirm that the first genetic change occurred between hunter-gatherers and farmers, and it's surprisingly stable for about two thousand years, when farming is completely established," Dr. Wolfgang Haak of ACAD explains. "Then, towards the end of the Neolithic, we gain a bit of momentum and see a bunch of early hunter-gatherer lineages coming back. And then again, shortly after that, we see new impulses, coming both from the East and the West. There are suddenly these additionally elements that make-up most of the modern-day diversity. By the time that we reach the early Bronze Age, we have mostly everything in place that we see today."

Windows 8.1 Release Date

Monday, 14 October 2013

The much-anticipated operating system update hits Oct. 17.

Windows 8.1 will cost $119.99 for the standard version and $199.99 for Windows 8.1 Pro. Microsoft is offering the update as a full retail release so users can upgrade from any other version of Windows.
Meanwhile, some users can get Windows 8.1without paying a dime.

Windows will offer the update as a free download for all users currently running Windows 8 on their home PC,

Meanwhile, pricing details have emerged for the retail release of Windows 8.1. The pending release of Windows 8.1 marks the return of the classic Start button -- but not the classic Start menu.
Now PC maker Lenovo has a remedy for those pining for the glory days of Windows' signature pop-up menu. New computers sold by the company will come pre-installed with a piece of softwareDescription: Description: http://images.intellitxt.com/ast/adTypes/icon1.png that mimics the old-school Start menu found in every version of the operating system through Windows 7.
Developer SweetLabs announced a deal with Lenovo to license the Start menu app, called "Pokki," for upcoming PCs
The new version also boasts tighter integration with Microsoft's cloudDescription: Description: http://images.intellitxt.com/ast/adTypes/icon1.png storage solution SkyDrive and updates to Snap, which allows users to quickly arrange windows on the computer screen.
Critics have mostly called the upgrade a positive step forward for Microsoft's ailing operating system.

Chinese e-Car Set for 'Transformers' Movie Debut

A Chinese-made car is set to make its international movie debut in the fourth "Transformers" film next year in a product placement aimed at raising the profile of Chinese models abroad.
Chinese e-car set for 'Transformers' movie debut
The Trumpchi E-jet, a sleek, plug-in electric hybrid developed by state-owned Guangzhou Automobile Group Co Ltd (GAC), will feature in "Transformers: Age of Extinction", the fourth in the popular movie franchise due for release in mid-2014, said two people close to GAC, based in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou.
The "Transformers" series has previously featured other Chinese brands, including PC and TV makers Lenovo Group Ltd and TCL Corp, and Meters/bonwe, a leading leisurewear brand. The movies are among the most popular to be released in China, with "Transformers 3, Dark of the Moon" grossing $165 million in 2011.
"Product placements with "Transformers" would boost the profile of GAC's car brands both at home and abroad," said one of those close to the carmaker, which has local joint ventures with Fiat SpA, Honda Motor Co Ltd, Toyota Motor Corp and Mitsubishi Motors Corp.
Neither source wanted to be named due to confidentiality agreements they signed in connection with the upcoming film. A spokesperson for Paramount Pictures, the movie's distributor, said the company wouldn't confirm specific brands until nearer the release date. Paramount's local partner,China Movie Channel, declined to comment.
The new movie is being filmed in both the United States and China, with Chinese singer/actor Han Geng making his English-language debut, according to a blog posted on Paramount Pictures'Facebook page.
The film's producer, Lorenzo di Bonaventura, told the Beijing News earlier this month the movie would feature locally-made cars. "The world's coolest, most exciting cars will appear in the film, including Chinese vehicles, so whether you're a car enthusiast or not, it will be a feast for the eyes," he said.
SALES BOOSTER
It wasn't clear if the Trumpchi E-jet would be cast as an heroic 'autobot' or evil 'decepticon' - humanoid robots that turn into familiar machines and mechanical objects - or have a more limited non-transforming, drive-on role.
One of those close to GAC said the firm wouldn't want the E-jet to be cast in an evil role. Ultimately, casting will be down to the movie's director Michael Bay.
Previous "Transformers" movies have featured an 'autobot' called Bumblebee based on the Chevrolet Camaro, prompting the company to bring out a Camaro Transformers Special Edition in 2011, which sold more than 1,500 globally, said Michael Albano, a Chevrolet spokesman in Detroit, adding: "We very much look forward to Camaro reprising its role in the upcoming film."
The E-jet, which GAC showed off at the Detroit auto show in January, is a concept car, which the company currently has no plans to commercialize.
As growth slows in the world's largest auto market from break-neck speeds over the past decade, GAC aims to have exports of its Trumpchi brand account for a fifth of total sales in five years. It currently sells just a few hundred cars overseas. Last year, GAC earned a profit of 1.1 billion yuanon sales of around 13 billion yuan ($2.12 billion).

Russia Launching A New Google Competitor

The name Sputnik should be familiar to a lot of people with a background in American history.  It was, of course, the vessell that helped spark the space race between the United States and Russia. A new Russian project is being started in order to play catch up in an area where the United States already has a commanding lead and that is in search engines.

The state controlled Telecom service has been tasked with creating a search engine which is supposed to compete with the likes of Google.
Even with the backing from the state, it will still be a challenging task for Sputnik to gain market share as Yandex, which is based in the Netherlands, claims that it reigns over around 62% of all search traffic in Russia. Google, the world leader in terms of search engines, also has quite a healthy percentage in terms of search engine traffic in Russia.
Recent events involving Yandex may leave the company in trouble. The website recently lost one of its founders, IIya Segalovich, to cancer earlier in the year. This has consequently had people questioning the long term future of the company.
It looks like Sputnik could be right on time with their launch, which seems to be coinciding with Yandex's slow decline. Rostelecom has already invested about $20 million in the project and the service is set to launch sometime next year on the domain www.sputnik.ru.

Google & Facebook Join Alliance For Affordable Internet

The Alliance for Affordable Internet is a group of tech companies and industry sponsors who are working together to reduce the cost of internet access, enabling developing countries to get connected via the internet.
Google and Facebook Join Alliance For Affordable InternetWhile it might seem incomprehensible to some people that a household might not have 4 internet devices, the fact of the matter is that two thirds of the world are not connected at all because they simply can’t afford it. By connecting these developing countries, the A4AI hope to increase the population’s exposure towards healthcare, education and science.

Popular By Demand
Recently, Google and Facebook have announced that they have joined the 30+ other companies who are involved with A4AI. These companies include:
  • Yahoo
  • Intel
  • Microsoft
  • Ericsson
  • Cisco
Objectives
The main objective of the alliance is to offer developing countries a more affordable internet access in the belief that by improving internet access, the countries will have access to some of the tools needed in order to grow and develop.
The technological genius companies and sponsors will use their knowhow as well as innovative technology to reduce the costs of internet access.
In order to track and assess internet affordability around the world, the Alliance for Affordable Internet will introduce a survey. The results of this survey will be used to formulate the next plan of attack in the war against internet costs.
There will also be changes to policies and procedures helping to reduce costs further which can then be reflected in the consumer’s price plan for internet access.
Lastly, the Alliance will work directly with the Governments of each country, educating and guiding along the way while cutting out the middle man.
By 2015, the A4AI hope to have reduced the internet costs to under 5% of the average wage in 12 developing countries.