Alan Reiter , of WirelessInternet.com writes in with a many splendid points about Microsoft ’s new wireless data connection that ’s being rolled out to transmit data point to wristwatches :
Not one clause about Bill Gates ’ keynote spoken communication at CES has reported that the entire concept — using an FM radio receiver subcarrier web to transmit data to ticker and other devices — is at least 20 years old . What Gates discussed has been tried many times and it has failed miserably !
It ’s actually kind of amusing . This purportedly brand - unexampled concept is so one-time that most newsman / analysts have no idea it has come and gone … and , now , come again ! I ’m one of the few analysts who is old enough to know about this . In 1983 I make what I conceive was the first FM wireless subcarrier newssheet to account on subcarriers , which the FCC deregulated in 1983 .
Some point about Microsoft ’s plans :
1 . Microsoft is leasing FM radiocommunication subcarriers from Clear Channel . In the eighties and 1990s , several companies , such as Reach , Inc. , Cue Paging and Seiko , established countrywide FM subcarrier connection in the U.S. Have you ever heard of them ? If you have n’t , it ’s no surprisal . They do n’t be anymore .
2 . Microsoft is touting FM radio set subcarrier vigil . class ago Seiko sold a Seiko MessageWatch using FM subcarriers . The venture was a failure . When I interviewed Seiko about this venture , they allege they understood why other ventures failed and why they would follow . Ha !
3 . Microsoft is touting applications like weather , bloodline , dealings reports and messaging . How innovative can you get ? ! All these applications , and many , many more , were implemented years ago by FM radio subcarrier connection — the same connection that do n’t exist today .
4 . The applications Gates gasconade have been available for years on cellular phone and one - path and two - room pagers . These applications are “ commodities . ” There ’s nothing especial about them . The value - MBD is special , to say the least . People did n’t require to pay $ 5 or more for these apps years ago . Why should they pay now ?
5 . There are significant progeny about the performance of FM radio subcarrier networks . They had serious problems with in - construction penetrations because of regulative constraints . Unless regulations have alter , radio stations can not retrace supplementary towers just for FM radio subcarrier coverage .
6 . FM subcarrier broadcast exponent is often much , much less than the main channel ’s force . In other lyric , you’re able to not get subcarrier signals wherever you’re able to the regular radio course of study .
Obviously , you ca n’t write off a speculation before it starts and you certainly ca n’t save off Microsoft . maybe mass will purchase the lookout because of some coolheaded blueprint or feature .
If you care for any more info , I have send a ludicrously long point on myWeblog .
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