Health Care Seen as Central Focus for M2M in 2012

January 4, 2012

Despite the recent research that shows that less than one percent of US hospitals have fully functional tablet systems, health care applications will become a dominant use of machine-to-machine technology this year.

ConnectedMagWorld.com says, “Early predictions for 2012 indicate healthcare will be a booming sector of the M2M (machine-to-machine) technology market. From increasing the accessibility of healthcare through remote-monitoring services, to improving the quality of in-home monitoring tools that can collect and wirelessly transmit critical health data, M2M is a game-changing force that could impact the way Americans of all ages get well and stay healthy.”

Companies from all health arenas are creating applications for both personal and professional use. Below are just a few applications changing healthcare procedure:

Philadelphia-based insurer Independence Blue Cross (IBC) mobile application helps members find doctors, verify referrals, compare the prices of medications, track spending, view health history, and apply for a temporary ID card.

AirStrip enables medical professionals to use their smartphones to gain access to vital signs, critical waveform data and other clinical information, which is sent directly from the hospital and can be viewed from virtually anywhere a cell phone or other wireless connection is available.

The iTriage app, which was developed by two ER doctors, offers both a symptom checker and doctor search. Users can look up symptoms, learn about possible causes of your symptoms, based on the causes, the app guides you to the most appropriate treatment path, locates the closest appropriate healthcare providers to current location or any location chosen


TNW: How mobile is forcing us to change the way we measure the Internet

October 31, 2011

The Next Web’s Jon Russell, explains how the expansion of the mobile market not only changes how we receive information but how we should measure the Internet.

The potential of mobile

Fixed-line is just one of the many ways we access the Internet today, and if we are to analyse and look at the way nations use the web – as Internet penetration is used for – then other popular touch points and platforms must be included. The issue is more significant when stepping out of the western web, where connection to the Internet is pretty much ubiquitous amongst society.

In regions like Latin America, Africa and Southeast Asia, Internet access is less widespread for a number of reasons. Cost is one key factor, as fixed-line Internet requires hardware – such as PCs – which are often luxury items beyond the reach of many. There is a strong culture of pre-pay in many developing markets, particularly visible when looking at mobile. ISPs require long-term agreements which many are reluctant to engage.

Finally, those in remote areas suffer from lack of access to technology, if ISPs don’t have the necessary infrastructure in place they can only offer a slow service, if anything at all.

Mobile Internet offers the potential to hurdle many of these obstacles, however its usage is not recognised in reports or analysis which assesses national access through Internet penetration rates.

To read the article in it’s entirety, visit:  How mobile is forcing us to change the way we measure the Internet

 


4 Questions on the Security of using a Mobile Wallet

October 19, 2011

By: Mark Raleigh, Director, CoreCARD Software, Inc.

Mobile wallet is becoming a hot item in the payments space.Many payments industry experts see a promising market for the technology.Here’s a quick look at some of the high level questions around security of using a mobile wallet.

1. How does it work?

Typically, a mobile wallet is just another form factor, replacing or supplementing the need to hold plastic. Your phone can be used to complete a transaction at the point of sale through NFC (near field communication). The phone would use an application to provide the details necessary to complete the transaction and validate the user’s identity. The mobile wallet may be linked to an existing debit or credit account through a bank or card issuer or it may be a pre-paid account. Existing technology is used to forward the transaction information through the proper channels for authorization and settlement.

2. Is it safer than using a regular debit or credit card?

A typical mag-stripe card has built in safe guards to protect the holder from fraud when the card is used. A chip card typically has more safeguards than a mag-stripe card. A mobile wallet used in a transaction provides the possibility of some new security benefits and possible new security concerns. A mobile wallet may be able to more securely store personal information needed in the transaction – by storing information encrypted on the SIM card like a chip card does. Also, the mobile wallet application can be password protected. Thus there are two layers of security built into mobile wallet: at chip level and at application level. Another argument that proponents make in favor of mobile wallet is that it takes about 12 hours for a person to notice his/her lost or stolen credit card but it takes only about an hour to realize that you have lost your phone. Mobile wallet looks secure on paper but so did magstripe cards in the beginning. Mobile Wallet is not without its security challenges. Since the card information can be accessed by wireless RFID readers, sniffing card information during the transaction is a possibility. The current marketplace for mobile wallet applications could possibly favor speed to market over security at first. When (not if) security flaws are revealed and exploited, there will no doubt be a need to put an emphasis on security no matter who controls the application on the mobile wallet. The new form-factor can go either way on the potential for fraud. While the security of using a phone to store personal information may be healthier than a mag-stripe, it may depend on the phone and the application itself.

For full article, visit: PaymentSolutionsBlog.com


Kindle Fire, Serious iPad Competitor

September 28, 2011

Amazon began taking pre-order sales today on much anticipated Kindle Fire. Unlike the Kindle readers, Kindle Fire is a full functioning tablet. Running on the Android operating systems, Kindle Fire supports, movies, television, games and apps. Many are saying it’s the first real competitor of the iPad. Besides great features and services, the Fire retails at $199 while the iPad is $499.


Dick Tracy Watch Now a Reality

September 26, 2011

Smartphones won’t be the only thing you can’t leave home without.  Connected watches are gaining more interest as ‘growth market’. With the ability to connect to your smart phone via Bluetooth, store payment and medical information and link to iTunes, connected watches are being forecasted as the newest must-have gadget.

To view gallery of 10 Connected Watches and their capabilities, visit:

http://www.forbes.com/pictures/mmj45hgdg/blue-skys-im-watch#content


How to Use Tablets for Business

August 31, 2011

With desktops, laptops, netbooks and smartphones, do we really need another device to help us get our work done? Sure, tablets are nice to have on a long flight or road trip- the large screen for movies and multiple game apps like Angry Birds are good distraction but, why would you need a tablet for business purposes?

According to a survey by ChangeWave, 45% of tablets used for business are for sales support.  With software for presentations and sales apps, such as SalesForce.com, the light weight tablets are perfect for toting to meetings. With sales’ accessories like, Square, companies can even make sales transactions directly on their tablet. Square sends a free card reader that fits in your tablet or smart phone.

Other uses for tablets are as simple as note-taking. There is still a large group of professionals who take pleasure in crossing items off a to-do list. With apps like Evernote, you can now organize your to-dos in tidy folders. Another neat feature is you can set reminders and alarms to remind you of due dates.

Many companies are creatively implementing tablets into how they do business. Best Buy’s plans to use of tablets for salespeople on the floor. Mercedes-Benz announced last fall that it would distribute iPads to all of its 355 dealerships in the United States. Loan applications and other paperwork involved in the sales and leasing processes can now be completed by salespeople right next to customers on the sales floor. And, SAP AG has already deployed 3,500 Apple iPads as a way to provide executives with real-time access to vital business intelligence data. To read more, visit: 6 Ways Businesses are Using Tablets

Also, for more informationoin which tablet is best for your business needs, read Business Insider’s The 5 Best Tablets For Business


zBoost Helps Wireless Business

May 26, 2011

As technology expands into all aspects of our lives, we put ourselves in a position where we are reliant that the technology work as advertised all the time. Companies are always looking for cost efficient and convenient alternatives for all aspects of business- bill pay, communication, inventory, etc.

Companies such as, Square, allow small businesses to make transactions directly on their tablets or smartphones.  Companies and individuals can request a free credit card reader. Once a credit card is swiped, the entire check out process is handled via phone or tablet- transaction, customer signature, and digital receipt.

Advances in technology may simplify business needs but without available wireless signal, these continuing advances are useless.

Wi-Ex customer, Don Little, co-owner of a popular snowmobile rental company, DJ’s Snowmobile Adventures, in California explains that because of his rural location, his credit card machine struggled to make timely transactions.

“My credit card machine worked on an old analog system. The CC machine was tied into the analog phone via an interphase box. We bought zBoost and since then we have had no dropped credit card transactions and 100% better cell service with our main office. [Eventually] our cell provider informed us that the analog system was to be phased out. We replaced our old credit card machine and analog phone with a wireless CC machine. [zBoost] worked with the new CC machine and saved me from buying a satellite phone and another CC machine. We do about 90% of our business by credit card. I can’t tell you how happy I am with your extender/booster. Thank you!”

Not only does Wi-Ex love to hear from happy customers, but testimonials, like Little’s, highlight all the unique ways that zBoost can be useful. zBoost enhances wireless signals for cell phones, smartphones, tablets, wireless data cards and wireless machines!


Wi-Ex Adds Security Solutions Inc. To Increase Sales in Security and Custom Installer Market

April 20, 2011
Wi-Ex, a leading provider of consumer and commercial cell phone signal boosters, announced today Security Solutions Incorporated as a dealer for security, alarm and custom installers.

“Even in the down economy, investments in home technology continue to grow and we are excited to have Security Solution working with us to help meet the needs of the ADI and CEDIA markets,” said Lloyd R. Meese, CEO of Wi-Ex. “With consumers increasingly relying on connected devices including iPads, smart phones and laptops to access the Internet at home and in the office, a strong in-door cell phone signal is a necessity for today’s digital lifestyle.”

The zBoost line allows users to take full advantage of data, voice and Internet services on their iPhones, BlackBerry, DROID, connected devices, smartphones and other mobile devices including 3G high-speed data and video, instant messaging, pictures and more – at home, in their personal workspace or in a corporate office, both in the U.S. and abroad.

About Security Solutions Inc.

Providing the best factory sales representation in the security industry since 1989, Security Solutions Inc. offers product solutions IP/CCTV video, fire, access control, or residential technology needs. Combined Security Solution’s team represents more than 100 years of experience in the low voltage arena including IP/CCTV, fire, access control and residential technology industries. For more information visithttp://www.4ademo.com/index.php.

About Wi-Ex:

Wi-Ex (http://www.wi-ex.com), a leading provider of cell phone signal boosters, developed zBoost, the first consumer-priced signal booster that “extended cell zones” for the small office/home office cell phone market. Wi-Ex expanded their “extending cell zone coverage” beyond consumers to corporate enterprises and large commercial applications. From M2M applications to large commercial complexes to the rising number of teleworkers, the zBoost line provides a business-centric solution for improving poor in-door cell phone coverage domestically and internationally. The zBoost product line works with most carriers in the US and abroad including AT&T, Sprint, Vodaphone, Verizon and T-Mobile. The award-winning zBoost home and office solutions help today’s connected consumers including iPhone, iPad, Android (DROID), Blackberry, and smartphone users with dropped calls and slow data. They were awarded a 2007 and 2010 Consumer Electronics Association Innovations Honoree by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). They also were selected as a finalist for the 2007 and 2009 CTIA Emerging Technologies (E-Tech) Award. As the leader, zBoost has more awards, more sales and more locations than all their competitors combined. Wi-Ex continues to develop innovative products to meet the demands of an increasingly wireless society by enhancing wireless signals.


Wi-Ex Announces Launch of Machine-to-Machine, M2M, Division

March 22, 2011

Orlando – March 22, 2011 – Wi-Ex, a leading provider of consumer and commercial cell phone signal boosters, announced today the launch of its machine-to-machine (M2M) division.  The new division will focus on providing M2M solutions for key markets including consumer facing point-of-sale devices such as kiosks, vending machines and ATMs, mobile data collection, health and medical monitoring and industrial machine-to-machine communications. Wi-Ex will display the zBoost consumer and commercial products at CTIA Wireless in booth # 3059.

“The launch of the Wi-Ex M2M division is in direct response to the growing need for reliable service in this expanding market. Recent reports predict the number of cellular M2M connections will grow to more than 160 million by the end of 2011 and up to 390 million by 2014,” said Lloyd R. Meese, CEO of Wi-Ex.  “While some consumers have become accustomed to dropped calls and slow data, many M2M applications carry vital information such as healthcare and financial making cell phone signal quality a top priority.”

According to IDC Technology Spotlight, Sponsored by Wi-Ex,  “From Consumer-Centric to Business Essential: Extending Smartphone and Mobile Broadband Device Service into the Workplace,” IDC #1073, January, 2011, “Used for years to improve sub-par cell service in homes, signal-boosting technology has come of age to provide increased signal strength throughout a business facility.”

The Spotlight continues, “From a machine-to-machine perspective, quality of service inside a facility also is essential. For example, automatic meter reading and transmission of usage data improve production planning, cost savings on service employees, and damage control. More advanced systems will take advantage of two-way communications to deliver and manage sophisticated services such as smart grids to better manage power and resource consumption.”

The Spotlight adds, “Strong cellular signals are critical for any of these smartphone and machine-to-machine solutions to be effective. These devices are frequently located in basements, deep within buildings. Weak signals are more susceptible to interference and therefore must be strengthened to ensure that coverage across a campus or within a building is strong.”

Visit http://www.wi-ex.com/IDCSpotlight.aspx to download a complimentary copy of IDC Technology Spotlight From Consumer-Centric to Business Essential: Extending Smartphone and Mobile Broadband Device Service into the Workplace, IDC #1073, January, 2011.

About Wi-Ex

Wi-Ex (www.wi-ex.com), a leading provider of consumer and commercial cell phone signal boosters, developed  zBoost, the first consumer-priced signal booster for the small office/home office (SOHO) cell phone market. Wi-Ex manufactures and distributes the zBoost line of cell phone signal extenders for the home, office or car. The zBoost product line works with most carriers in the US and abroad including AT&T, Sprint, Vodaphone, Verizon and T-Mobile. The award-winning zBoost home and office solutions help today’s connected consumers including iPhone, iPad, Android (DROID), Blackberry, and smartphone users with dropped calls and slow data. They were awarded a 2007 and 2010 Consumer Electronics Association Innovations Honoree by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). They also were selected as a finalist for the 2007 and 2009 CTIA Emerging Technologies (E-Tech) Award. As the leader, zBoost has more awards, more sales and more locations than all their competitors combined. Wi-Ex continues to develop innovative products to meet the demands of an increasingly wireless society by enhancing wireless signals.


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