Mobile Korea

As I have mentioned not long ago, I am forced to constantly move from one place to another due to the nature of my current position. If you are in the same situation as I am or simply want to save internet service costs, I introduce to you “Windy 31”, a portable USB like wireless internet router.

A Korean based networks and systems company, Mavericks Systems says that this tiny USB like device acts as a wireless LAN card, wireless AP, and wireless router, all in one. It includes IEEE 802.11 b/g which allows speeds up to 54Mbps.

As you can see, three of the most needed functions for wireless internet users are all included within this tiny device. It also works under Windows XP as well as Windows Vista without installing extra CD programs.

It means you could use this device as a wireless LAN card by simply plugging this device into the computer’s USB port. Also if you plug this device into a PC that is connected to the internet, by acting as an AP, it allows nearby computers to access the internet.

Using its router function, it is recommended that 32 computers (up to 253 computers) to simultaneously access the wireless internet using this device. Worried about setting each IPs? No worries, for each IPs are set automatically due to its Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol that is embedded.

Limited to PCs only? It also allows WiFi handsets, PDA, Nintendo DS, PSP, and many others to access the wireless internet.

Worried about security? It complies with 64/128 bit Wired Equivalent Privacy and Wi-Fi Protected Access security standards and Media Access Control address filtering and firewall security function that it ensures users to feel safe when using it.

Think about how much money you can save with this little device. Think about how much time and effort you can save using this little device. I believe the kind of device such as this will make everyone’s lives easier.

What do you think the upgraded version of this product would turn out to be?

With the kind of job that I’m in, I am constantly forced to move from one place to another. For this reason, I have connected my laptop computer to our company’s server so that I can access the necessary data from anywhere I want. I thought this was very convenient and even though it’s not a new concept, I have encountered many people being amazed by it.

Today however, I want to tell you about an upgraded service provided by SK Telecom. Telecommunication industry is so saturated that it’s difficult for MNOs in Korea to acquire new consumers and it’s difficult to earn revenue from the voice services anymore. Therefore, SK Telecom is focusing on providing various data services and for this reason, their revenues coming from the data service is higher than any other MNOs in the world.

This upgraded service, which is a part of their data service, is almost the same concept as the above, but now I can now access the computer via my cell phone! Frankly speaking, constantly carrying around my laptop was pretty heavy at times, but I had no problem carrying around my cell phone. The name of the service is called “Mobile Mini-PC” and the way it works is this: First, I have to apply for this service via my cell phone. Once that’s done, I download and install a program from an online site which allows me to link my cell phone with the computer. After that’s done, voila! I can now access my server computer via my cell phone! It also allows up to 5 people to access the computer and also allows transfer of files from my computer to other computers.

This service in a sense is similar to those provided by ORB (which provides the user with instant access to photos, music, videos, live television, and other digital content on their home PC at anytime and from any internet-connected device, such as a mobile phone, PDA or laptop) or that of Sling Media (which enables TV broadcastings to be viewed by PC, PDA, Cell phones, etc through networking). However, “Mobile Mini-PC” is more business oriented, which differentiates itself from these two companies.

As this service is expected to start tomorrow, it only seems yesterday how amazed I was to be able to check my email via my cell phone. As a person involved in this telecommunication industry, I am excited but at the same time worried about the increased dynamics in mobile industry. I’m excited that it’s advancing rapidly but worried about having to constantly be updated in this area. Whether I want it or not, MNOs from all over the world will continue to provide improved services such as this and many changes affecting our daily lives will occur.

What’s your perspective on how this service industry would turn out to be?

This August, I am speaking at iMobicon 2007 on the landscape of 'Korean Social Networking and Mobile TV'. If you are not familiar with iMobicon, it is an international conference organized by Informa only focuing on Korean Mobile industry.
Most major mobile related companies will participate such as SK Telecom, KTF,Cyworld and many more.

You can find some of the most fascinating stories and dynamics of Korean mobile industry.Any one thinking of participating in iMobicon, I am happy to keep in touch in advance.

Story: Husband come back to Korea after 2 years and his wife and son come to airport to meet him. His wife tries to jump into husband but..



Video call is not a dream any more in Korea

Have you ever dreamed calling your girl friend with seeing her face?
If yes, Your dream has already came true in Korea!

Now Koreans can use video conversation service.

You can see where she is, what she does and whom she meets by just calling her.
As you can see in video clip, picture quality is quite good and it operates both inside and outside.

Video call users gradually increase and are being common for Koreans through 3.5G HSDPA network.


But, be careful not to show her your 'extra' girl with video call