The Importance of Balancing Instrument Dependence: Why Pilots Must Maintain Proficiency Beyond the Gauges

In the world of aviation, pilots are extensively trained to rely on their instruments to navigate safely through the skies. However, an over-dependence on these tools can pose significant risks. Here, we explore the reasons why pilots should not become overly reliant on instruments when flying, emphasizing the vital role of maintaining proficiency and situational awareness beyond the cockpit gauges.

Why Did Apple’s Stock (AAPL) Get Crushed When It Lost iPhone Exclusivity in 2011?

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) has been a trailblazer in the tech world for decades, with the iPhone being one of its most iconic and profitable products. However, back in 2011, Apple’s stock took a significant hit after the company lost its iPhone exclusivity with AT&T in the United States. Until then, AT&T had been the sole U.S. carrier offering the iPhone, but Apple’s decision to expand iPhone availability to other carriers marked a major change. So, what caused Apple’s stock to get “crushed” with this shift? Let’s take a look at the key factors that led to this market reaction and how they affected Apple’s stock performance.

1. Market Expectations and Investor Concerns

When Apple lost iPhone exclusivity, the news caught the market’s attention, raising concerns among investors and analysts alike. At the time, AT&T’s exclusivity on the iPhone was considered a significant advantage, as it created a sense of prestige and scarcity around Apple’s flagship product. By ending exclusivity and partnering with Verizon in 2011, Apple was signaling a change in strategy, but not all investors were convinced it would be a positive move.

• Loss of Exclusivity Appeal: Many investors feared that the iPhone’s loss of exclusivity could lead to brand dilution, as the iPhone would no longer be a unique offering for AT&T customers alone.
• Profit Margins in Question: Analysts speculated that Apple might need to compromise on its high margins by distributing through multiple carriers, impacting profit growth expectations.

2. Short-Term Drop in Stock Performance

Initially, Apple’s stock saw a pullback, as markets adjusted to the new reality of a non-exclusive iPhone. The drop in AAPL was largely driven by short-term concerns about the impact on Apple’s profitability. However, this response highlighted a fundamental fear: that an expansion strategy could hinder Apple’s historically tight control over the brand.

• AAPL Volatility Post-Announcement: While some investors saw the move as an opportunity for growth, others worried that increased carrier competition would pressure Apple to adjust its pricing, thus reducing per-device revenue.
• Market Reaction to Expansion Strategy: The market reaction also reflected broader concerns about how Apple’s relationship with carriers would change as it expanded partnerships, potentially affecting its negotiating power.

3. Increased Competition and Customer Choice

With the iPhone now available on multiple carriers, customers suddenly had more flexibility to choose their preferred networks, including Verizon. This shift intensified competition, not only among U.S. carriers but also within Apple’s product lineup. Other smartphone makers, such as Samsung and Google, had begun gaining traction in the market, adding further pressure to Apple’s sales forecasts.

• Loss of AT&T’s Exclusive Marketing: AT&T had been a powerful promotional partner, heavily marketing the iPhone. Investors feared that, without AT&T’s dedicated support, Apple might face a weaker market position.
• Risk of Lower Customer Retention Rates: The move to multiple carriers increased competition in the smartphone market, challenging Apple’s dominance. Investors were unsure if opening up the iPhone to multiple carriers would boost Apple’s customer retention rates or make it harder to attract new buyers.

4. Long-Term Impact and Stock Recovery

While Apple’s stock may have been impacted initially, the long-term effects of ending exclusivity turned out to be highly beneficial for the company. Expanding carrier options meant a broader reach for the iPhone, ultimately driving significant growth in sales volume. As it turns out, the move allowed Apple to solidify its place in the U.S. smartphone market, as well as expand its international presence by forming similar agreements worldwide.

• Growth in iPhone Sales Volume: By opening up distribution to additional carriers, Apple saw a sharp increase in iPhone sales over the years, which bolstered overall revenue and profitability.
• Stock Rebound and Continued Growth: AAPL eventually rebounded as the benefits of wider availability became evident, and Apple continued to be one of the most valuable companies globally.

Conclusion: A Short-Term Setback, But a Strategic Win

Although Apple’s decision to end iPhone exclusivity with AT&T led to a temporary drop in AAPL stock, it ultimately proved to be a strategic success that fueled the company’s long-term growth. The initial stock reaction reflected investor concerns around brand exclusivity, potential profit margin impacts, and heightened competition. However, by broadening access to the iPhone, Apple laid the groundwork for an expanded customer base and sustained growth.

Today, Apple’s choice to end exclusivity stands as a pivotal moment in its history, underscoring the company’s ability to adapt and innovate in a highly competitive market. And while AAPL experienced volatility in the short term, Apple’s strategy solidified its dominance in the smartphone industry—making it a lasting success in the tech giant’s evolution.

iPad Menus Needed in Restaurants & Bars from COVID

Phones and iPad restaurant menus are being used a lot more with Covid. 

A Palo Alto, Calif.-based startup called E La Carte is hoping to improve the experience of ordering food at restaurants. They have created an iPad that lets you order and pay right at your table without using a waiter.  How many times have you said, "Wow the food was great but the service really stunk?"  We seem to do that a lot here in LA where flaky people and actor/waiters are a "dime a dozen."  I wouldn't see the restaurant industry do away with the 20% tip rule and bake it into the price of food items.  Restaurant service and wireless service just ain't what it used to be.

The iPad app works like this: The company uses tablet computers that have credit-card readers attached. You select what you want to eat and add items to a cart. Depending on the restaurant's preferences, the console could show you nutritional information, ingredient lists, and photographs. You can make special requests, like "dressing on the side" or "quintuple bacon." Just add it to the console, and wait for the waiter to bring it to your table. When you're through with your meal, you pay on the console, splitting the bill item by item if you wish and paying however you want. And you can have your receipt emailed to you.

All this is wonderful but requires the restaurant to have quality free WiFi access on the premises and it's not likely that 4G or 3G will work indoors. It would surprise me to see location-based advertising try and get into this game. The company is currently rolling the product out after two years of development, testing, fundraising, and manufacturing. 20 restaurants have signed up and much more nationally have expressed interest.  This seems like a great adjunct business for a company like Boingo (Nasdaq: WIFI) to think about in the future.

What is not clear to me is does the restaurant provides the iPad for use or can the restaurant patron download the iPad app from the App store?  This to me would make more sense to manage costs and give early adopters some free coupons or promotions to promote the use.  

How to Tether an iPad to any 3G, 4G & 5G Phone

Since the iPad was first released, sophisticated users have been getting smart to avoid unnecessary additional data costs by tethering 3G phones to the iPad when a Wi-Fi signal is NOT available.  Android smartphone users have it easiest tethering ipad to a 4G phone, especially on T-Mobile. Not a surprise to see that AT&T has not been very consumer-friendly to iPhone users and has made it very difficult for their data subscribers on the iPhone to tether any devices to their 3G service.  However, the Wi-Fi-only iPad oan be used on the 3G network of any carrier to avoid purchasing another expensive data plan if they are already on Sprint, Verizon, T-Mobile or a smaller regional carrier. So here is a great option especially if your carrier never intends to cap your data plan.  Android users will likely be the heaviest adopters of this since most are already on other networks.

Save up to $400 on iPads with Trade In

Pay just $19 per month for 24 months. Retail price is $459

T-Mobile Digits Is Huge Carrier Game Changer!

One phone number for multiple devices: Works Android Phones, iPhones, iPads.

With DIGITS, your T-Mobile number works across virtually all your connected devices—phones, tablets, wearables and computers. And, in another Un-carrier first, DIGITS lets customers put multiple T-Mobile numbers on the same device, so you can combine work, home and personal numbers on a single smartphone.

For example:  You can text on your phone, iPad or PC or Mac all at the same time.  The messages are all synced on every device.  You call also make phone calls on every device.  No longer do you have to depend on quality cell phone coverage if you have great wifi.   Sign-up Now! 

DIGITS marks the first time customers can get a complete solution that lights up numbers on virtually any Internet-connected device, lets you use multiple numbers on one device and delivers carrier-grade calling. DIGITS prioritizes calls from your phone over other data so calls are more reliable with crystal clear HD voice quality and full mobility. That’s because DIGITS is your real wireless number with real wireless calling – not a best-efforts data connection like you get with over-the-top (OTT) Internet calling services. Sign-up Now!

Insta360 VR Live Stream 360 Degree Camera is Awesome!

Insta360 unveiling new Virtual Reality camera at CES 2017 https://t.co/vmms5fkA4s

— Can Bal (@canbal) January 5, 2017

What a great way to broadcast a your kid's game or an event to family and friends who cannot attend?  Would love to hear your feedback on the camera quality.

You can stream the video on a 4G network and also using WiFI.  4K video at 25 to 30 frames per second.  Available for Android, iPad and iPhone.

Here is a video of the Director of AR and VR for Twitter talking about the product.  

Does Your Car Have WIFI?

Does your car have wifi and do you use it?@ #WiFi #twitterpoll

— DeadZones.com (@DeadZones) December 6, 2016

Having Wifi in your car is pretty cool especially when you have kids who want to surf the web and use devices that don't have data plans.  Most new cars these days have the ability to plug in a SIM card directly into the dashboard.  This allows you to connect your navigation system and entire car.  

5 Must Have Mobile Games

Mobile phone games have exploded over the past couple years thanks to the rise of the smartphone and tablets like the iPad. These days phone games aren't just Tetris and Pong, but more like an arcade in your pocket with sophisticated titles. With so many to choose from, it's sometimes hard to sift through the deluge and find that diamond in the rough. A prepaid cell phone doesn't have to be left out of the gaming fun, either. There are plenty of great free mobile games out there, which are ideal when you're on a prepaid or limited data plan. Whether you're on a budget or just like a good deal, here are 5 great free games available to get your T-mobile phone gaming today.

1. Words with Friends (Zynga) - The latest sensation from Zynga (the studio which brought you Farmville), this game can be played with Facebook friends, a random online opponent, or between you and another friend live. It's essentially Scrabble with a few tweaks, but as a free game it can't be beat for linguaphiles everywhere.

2. Zynga Poker (Zynga) - Zynga Poker is the largest free-to-play online poker game in the world. Players can choose from casual Hold ‘Em tables, tournament play or VIP tables.  According to AppData, it is the fourth most popular game on Facebook, four years after its launch. Also available on Google Android and Apple iOS, Zynga Poker has been a top 10 grossing game in the Apple App Store.  If you are interested in real online gambling see these top 5 mobile casino games.

3. Madden NFL 10 (EA Mobile) - The classic football sim comes to your phone with this game free for T-Mobile Android phone users. This includes all 32 NFL teams and 300 plays to choose from, it's a full gaming experience. The latest edition, Madden NFL 12, can be had for only $6.99.

4. Angry Birds (Rovio Mobile Ltd.) - Free for most Android phones and iPhones, no list would be complete without this titan of the mobile gaming industry. It's popular for good reason, too. Tight physics puzzle game-play is paired up with a whimsical design and simple controls to make this an addictive game perfect for he mobile platform.  Its a perfect game for the youngest of kids to learn the basics of using an iPad or touch tablet computer.

5.  Tomb Raider – This mobile slot game is based on the popular Tomb Raider game. What we were first able to play on computers and later to see on movies, can now be played on your mobile with chance to win some big money! Enjoy this 5-reel game's graphics and sounds on the Platinum Play or Roxy Palace Casino. Get ready to see Lara Croft on your mobile and maybe even win the $56,250 available jackpot. Once you’re done with this themed slot game, then see this great page for a list of other mobile slots games, just pick the one you like the most!

Too Many iPads & Apple Devices in a Classroom Can Cause Wifi Problems

Too Many iPads in Class Can Cause WiFi Problems

Use "Airplane Mode" to Fix The Problems When Devices Are Idle

I volunteered today in my son's 1st-grade class and noticed a big problem with the WiFi in the classroom.  There were 41 devices simultaneously connected to the WiFI network.  12 of those devices were iPads and iPods that were "sleep mode" but they were connected to the network even though they were off and in the closet.  These devices were slowing the network down so much that the PCs stopped working in the class. 

26 of the other devices were Windows-based PCs that have never previously had a problem connecting to the network until the Apple devices were introduced into the classroom.  I have also noticed this problem at home as well.  Whenever my network is running slow it always seems to improve when I put the 3 iPads and 1 iPod in my home on airplane mode.  

I think Apple needs to get smarter about managing multiple devices communicating on the same network.  The problem with changing devices into airplane mode in the classroom is that it makes the devices untraceable.   Network administrators are currently able to view devices if they are removed from the classroom by tracing which Wifi network it connects to.  If anyone else is experiencing these issues please let me know.  

iPad & iPhone Chargers Are Not Working

Has anyone else noticed a problem charging their iPad Mini or iPhone?  I have had several problems charging my iPad Mini while connected to an outlet.  The iPad Mini and iPhone 5 connectors are smaller.  My solution to resolve the problem has been to remove this piece below and flip it over.  Sometimes cleaning it to remove any debris can make a difference as well.

Fix WiFi Reception With Multiple iPads on the Same Network

If your home has multiple iPads in your home or office running on the same network you should be aware of this problem. My home has 3 iPads: iPad 1, iPad 2 and an iPad Mini and our reception was getting worse and worse.  I noticed over time that each iPad was dropping the WiFi network more and more.  Each iPad would drop reception while searching from the Safari and Chrome browser and also while downloading from the App Store.

The first thing I did was to change the WiFi DNS settings to Google at 8.8.8.8.  This improved speeds a little bit but the connections kept dropping.

I took me a while to figure it out but I realized each iPad had the same name.  By simply changing the name of each iPad the reception problems improved drastically.

Verizon Fios apparently views devices with the same name on the network as the same device and thus each of the iPads were competing for the same IP address from the router.  

AT&T & Verizon Shared Data Plans Compared

Comparing AT&T & Verizon Buckets of Data for Multiple Devices

AT&T requires customers to have at least one smartphone on a plan. Data bucket pricing is staggered at $40 for 1 gigabyte; $70 for 4 GB; $90 for 6 GB; $120 for 10 GB; $160 for 15 GB; and $200 for 20 GB. Adding a required smartphone runs $45 per device on the 1 GB plan; $40 on the 4 GB plan; $35 on the 6 GB plan; and $30 on the remaining plans. “Basic” and “messaging” devices, or those that are not considered smartphones, runs $30 per device; laptops, mobile hotspots, and wireless modems run $20 per device; and tablets and gaming devices run $10 per device.  AT&T includes access to 30,000 wifi hotspot locations with a plan like this.

In comparison, Verizon Wireless charges $50 per month for 1 GB of data; $60 for 2 GB; $70 for 4 GB; $80 for 6 GB; $90 for 8 GB; and $100 for 10 GB. For customers needing more, the carrier charges $10 for each additional 2 GB. Device pricing is at $40 for each smartphone; $30 for each “basic” phone; $20 for each wireless modem or hotspot device; and $10 per tablet.

Both carriers charge $15 per GB for data usage over the plan.  Both carriers also do not distinguish between 3G and LTE data received.  Slow or fast the pricing is exactly the same.

This still begs the question about why tethering costs are so high?  Tethering is still the easiest option if you have one 4G LTE device and it's very easy to do when you create a wifi hotspot.  This option is still the easiest and cheapest if you have T-Mobile. 

How To Control Alt Delete MacBook, iPad & PC

Troubleshooting your iPad, PC, and Mac with these steps 

Apple Selling Lots iPads to Schools

Schools Using iPad as Teaching Tool

Apple is selling lots of iPads to school systems around the U.S.  School systems including San Diego and Redondo Beach have funding initiatives for this effort.  The iPad is a fabulous tool for teachers to use as a curriculum tool for their students.  

WiFi only iPad 2's are only $399 while the iPad 3 is priced at $499.  "The iPad price cut unlocked some education demand for customers who had a bit more price sensitivity," said Tim Cook on the earning conference call today.  At this price iPads could last for a long time in schools if properly cared for.  It makes sense for school systems to purchase these devices for all students in the classroom.  

Verizon & AT&T Waiting For iPhone 5 LTE?

Are Verizon & AT&T Consumers Waiting for iPhone 5 LTE? 

Verizon & AT&T scared Apple investors over the few days by reporting poor iPhone sales on their earnings calls.  At the same time, Apple sold 35 million iPhones in the quarter largely supported by Japan and Asia.  It has been rumored that the iPhone 5 will be debuted around October of 2013 just in time for Holiday sales.  However, is the iPhone 5 LTE really that revolutionary?  Yes, speeds are faster but the content experience is still the same and the iPad experience is better.

I tend to think that the iPhone will become a lost leader and the iPad will take its place.  Why?  Content is consumed much easier on a larger screen.  4 inches on the iPhone vs 10 inches on the iPad is just a better experience.  If you are away from WiFi just tether your iPhone to your iPad and you don't need a separate iPad data plan.  

How To Use iPad or Phone as Boarding Pass

Paperless Boarding Pass on iPhone Wallet

Save a tree and the hassle of printing a boarding pass.  A paperless boarding pass enables airline passengers to download their boarding pass on their cell phones or personal digital assistants (PDAs). This innovative approach streamlines the customer experience while heightening the ability to detect fraudulent boarding passes. Each paperless boarding pass is displayed as an encrypted two-dimensional bar code along with passenger and flight information. TSA security officers use scanners to validate the authenticity of the boarding pass at the checkpoint.

Airlines will make this option available when passengers choose their method of boarding pass delivery.  Here is an example of using the boarding pass on an iPhone.  The 2nd example is how to save your boarding pass as a PDF file by printing it.  Then email the PDF to yourself and save it to your iPad, iPhone, Android Phone or tablet device.  It is important that you download and save the document prior to arriving at the airport.  You don't want to mess with trying to download the document at the airport if the network is congested.

Save Boarding Pass as PDF File

iPhone Boarding Pass

iPad Boarding Pass

 

WiFi Only iPads & Apple Margins

Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL) disappoints Wall Street in their latest earning call beating guidance but not matching street expectations.  After looking at Mary Meeker's latest Awesome Web 2.0 presentation about the "State of the Web", this slide struck me the most as I listened to the Apple earnings call.

Apple's stock has risen over the last few years due to their close business relationships with the carriers and booming iPhone sales.  Have iPhone sales topped out due to insanely booming iPad sales?   iPads carry lower margins for both Apple and the carriers and have a incredibly better user experience than an iPhone.  Once you start using a tablet or an iPad you might only use your smartphone for tethering and essential messaging functions.  No longer are the thousands of iPhone applications relevant as the iPad has become the focus of my WiFi content data usage experience.   And yes its FREE!

Apple investors have also been expecting the iPhone 5 which technically is 2 years behind the curve on 4G standards. LTE and 4G phones have been on the market for a long time and Apple has not even announced the iPhone 5 yet as it just launched the iPhone 4S.  Surely Apple's inability to keep up with the pace of 4G data speeds on phones will catch up with them.

Carriers pay Apple handsomely for the right to sell the iPhone because the payback for the customer's data subscription is only in a few months.  Consumers are paying $50 to $100 for monthly data plan subscriptions and are NOT doing the same with iPads.  WiFi only iPad users are growing much quicker than the 3G iPad.  This translates into lower margins for Apple with a one time only sale price of $500 that will likely be lowered soon.  The current iPad selling at $500 will likely be forced to drop in price due to competition.

Amazon announced the Kindle Fire Android tablet at $200 and plan to make most of their money on data / content subscriptions.  Other Android tablet manufacturer including Google have grander visions of making money off of location based advertising which Apple is behind on as well.

This is the first earnings call since the passing of Steve Jobs where Tim Cook was alone at the helm.  Is he setting himself up for a great Holiday quarter? Apple could be sandbagging their next quarter before they release the iPhone 5 or have they run out of momentum?

Free 3G Amazon Kindle Fire Android Tablet?

Amazon Kindle Fire with Android OS is Coming for $199 

Amazon announced today a WiFi only 7 inch Android tablet that it will sell for $199.  However, will Amazon's next version of the Fire have free 3G wireless?  Amazon allows customers who have the black and white Kindle to access AT&T 3G for free.   The next Amazon Fire could have free AT&T 3G for $299 similar to the black and white Kindle for $79.  The current WiFi only Fire tablet has a 7 inch screen and weights only 14.6 ounces.  The Amazon does not include 3G and you can pre-order it for $199.  Shipping date is November 15, 2011.

This is a tremendous breakthrough for the industry where the device itself becomes a commodity and the services behind the device become the real value.  Subscriptions to content like Pandora, Netflix or Amazon movie become more important and thus will allow Amazon to subsidize the price of the device.

It remains to be seen if newspapers can get into the game of require subscriptions to view their content.  My speculations is they won't have much success getting people to pay for news and simply will have apps build in this Android platform that are filled with ads.

If you compare this device to the iPad 2 its $300 cheaper and does not have the following features.  Camera and GPS which are unnecessary for most tablet users.  Tablet users are primarily inside the home and office and only need WiFi.   Also, if you are a savvy user and have figured out how to tether WiFi devices to your 4G smartphone than the WiFi only version will also be sufficient.  

Why iPad is Losing WiFi Connection

Turn Off iPad Notifications to Fix Wi-Fi Problem