And I believe in.....

Random write-ups about stuff that I like and things that I believe in!

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Impact of iPhone on Carriers EBITDA

In order to understand my post, I believe it is good to read this article first: http://money.cnn.com/2012/02/08/technology/iphone_carrier_subsidy/

I agree with most of the points made by this article but one point that the author does not hash out is the lock-in period and ARPU generated by new subs over a period.

When an operator sells the device, he/she essentially sells a 2 year service along with it (which of course comes with early termination fee and what not). Therefore by subsidizing the most wanted handset in the market they lock you in for at least 2 years. Now in order for the subscriber to be profitable for the operator they need you to hang in there with them for a period of 4 years or so. Hence by providing the latest handset at a low price point they actually help themselves in long run.

Yes, in a shorter time frame, it does affect the EBITDA but in long run a new subscriber sticking with the operator is lot more profitable. I would like the author of the article to work on ARPU from an individual new subscriber, who buys iPhone - say from Sprint or ATT or VZW - and a two year contract and ends up sticking for another 2 years thereafter - assuming he also buys another subsidized iphone after the first 2 years. I bet ARPU would still look good....

There is a dent in EBITDA because of iPhone subsidy but believe me it is absolutely worth it for the operators in long run!

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How informed are you about your Metro!

My wife and I, we have tough time keeping up to date with our DFW Metro. Not only because the information is scattered all over the web but also, we are not sure what all sources we should be looking at!

Though we have figured out a solution.

The question is, do you have a similar problem? Lots of my friends whom I talk to seem to have the same problem.

Share your thoughts, experiences....

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Tablets - Need or Luxury?

Yesterday I was talking to a good friend of mine Derek Kerton (Great guy - knows the industry in and out) about Tablets and how cheap they are now-a-days. We discussed the overall tablet market and our conclusion was that tablet market is a bubble. Just too many tablets out there that do not solve any pain in the market.

Tablets (iPad, Galaxy Tab, etc) are mainly used to consume media. I have seen majority of people carrying laptop and tablet in the meeting (along with the cellphone). Essentially in its current form today, tablet does not replace the laptop.

I for one would rather have a mobile phone with 5 inch screen that I can use for instant communication on the go and when I am back home or office, I would like to use my desktop/laptop. In meetings, I would rather use my phone for doing presentations (all connected via cloud) and stuff.

As Derek rightly said, tablets are like "convertible cars" - it is a luxury and not a need.

What do you think?

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Random write-up on solution for Washington DC's mess!

One of the biggest challenge the country is facing today is: politicians are making promises/policies to get more votes (ignoring what is best for the country - this reminds me of the political drama back home in India!). I think there is a three point solution that can help the country:

Allow fixed 4 year term for each party. First democrats will stay there for 4 years and then republicans (or vice-a-versa) for next 4 years and so on

Put measurable metrics for each term - as an example, for next 4 years the ruling party will have to decrease debt by X%, increase jobs by Y%, etc

If the party exceeds these goals then they get extension of 2 years

If not then the next party comes in and so on.....

Let me know what do you think?

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US Politics on Twitter

Awesome place to find all US politicians' Tweets in one place: http://www.politickerusa.com/ @Votizens should integrate with this portal!

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Analytics for Twitter!

Dataswift or Gnipp - Let's see who wins the race (or probably both will!).

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Want to gift?

Want a perfect gift for special someone, hop over to www.wantful.com! I like the idea - got a good potential!

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Khosla Ventures $1B fund

Great to see Mr. Khosla's determination for cleantech! 

http://online.wsj.com/article_email/SB10001424052970204774604576629281128995682-lMyQjAxMTAxMDEwMzExNDMyWj.html

Here is a better coverage of this and also an interview of Mr. Khosla at 2011 TechCrunch Disrupt: http://techcrunch.com/2011/10/13/khosla-ventures-1-billion-fund/ - got to love this man's thinking...

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Apple/Blackberry Fun! Awesome....

http://youtu.be/kAG39jKi0lI

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TouchPal for Android!

If you have an Android device, checkout the TouchPal keyboard. I Love it! It combines Swype and Swiftkey in one keyboard. #Satisfied

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Cadillac CUE will change the automobile experience forever!

Runs on Linux platform with haptics, Cadillac User Experience (CUE) is AWESOME! It will change the automobile experience forever. With full OnStar integration and incredible user interface (which by the way can be customized to your taste) - it takes automobile connectivity to the next level. If Cadillac's survey has any truth to it - 7 out of 10 people want connectivity in their car - then this is just the beginning. Cadillac 2012, I wait for it.........

Oh! It has an app store too :)

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otherinbox.com

What: Helps organize your inbox by arranging emails in categories (for known email marketers) and helping you to manage your subscriptions (no longer need to go through the hassle of removing yourself from mailing lists for which you have subscribed or never subscribed)

Why: Email management is a problem for sure. There are multiple solutions that try to address this problem in different ways such as Shortmail.com that allows you to write short emails (inspired from Twitter) and others. Reducing any sort of redundancy and junk and increasing work force efficiency by managing emails better is in huge demand - certainly Otherinbox.com is working in the right direction.

I Like: I love the subscription management feature.

I Recommend: There are few things that I would like these guys to do better:

Privacy & Security: It is not clear for me how they manage privacy. I am essentially giving them access to my email. How do they ensure that my trust won't be broken and no one will get access to my emails

Templates: I would imaging that this is on their roadmap if not already present. Basically, I am writing lots of emails with similar content - would help if I can have template feature for such emails.

Enterprise Play: It will be very interesting to see how they would approach SMB's. For that an integration with Outlook Exchange is important too!