AT&T Activation of iPhone 4S = Epic Fail

I couldn't have been more ecstatic to receive my iPhone 4S today!  I even drove home at lunch (25 minutes each way) to pick up the delivery.  I am now moving on to hour 2 of trying to activate my shiny new iPhone 4S.  After looking on Twitter and other sites, I am not the only one experiencing these issues.  I ask myself many questions when this happens:

• Apple can logistically get this mapped out and deliver on time with the great help of vendor partners (big shout out to UPS for knocking it out of the park and meeting expectations on the delivery time)!  This is a HUGE under taking but they always set expectations and meet them (...and always exceed with the hardware).
• This is the 5th iPhone released by Apple.  I remember many who experienced this same issue on previous launch days.  I think AT&T should really have a lessons learned session.  Come on...5th release and you still can't get it right?
• Let's also mention that many of the prior releases, the activation/server issue was not much cause of concern since AT&T had exclusive rights to the iPhone.  Now they have Verizon and Sprint to compete with. 
• While some might argue that the sheer number of activations of AT&T compared to the volume of Verizon and Sprint are an explanation, I would have to disagree and refer you to the above bullet that this is AT&Ts 5th launch.
• Preparation is always a better plan than Reaction.
• Mixed Messages

• One of the error messages tells me to contact Apple.  Knowing this is an AT&T issue, I decided to try that Apple to see what happened...'Please Activate Your iPhone' (See Above):
• While I know I will be ecstatic when I can finally start chatting with Siri and using the magnificent camera but it makes me wonder what the point of pre-order is...AT&T knew the number of activations...PREPARE!
• So...I will continue to stare at the screens below.  What a GORGEOUS paper weight my iPhone 4S will be until successful activation....

It's HERE!!!!

App Review - Tiger Woods PGA Tour 12 - FREE Today!

iPad App is FREE today!!  Download from iTunes

Yes...The Avatar is a bit manly...and she scares me!

YUP...my Golf Game is as bad on the iPad
as it is on the real course!

No way would I pay $6.99 for this App.  Free...it's amazing.  I suppose if you are an avid gamer or golfer, the $6.99 would be worth it.  For me, Free makes it awesome!  I would not have tried it out otherwise.

Pros

• For today only, this App is FREE!  Normally priced at $6.99 makes this a MUST get today!  
• I am not typically one that gets a lot of games.  When I saw this on MacDeals, I figured I should download the App.  Immediately, I really loved the UI.
• The UI has a very real feel of the golf course.  It makes you feel like you are really playing...so much so that the commentators are talking about your swing, which is normally what you're saying to yourself in your head on the course (but they don't drop the F-bomb).
• Addictive.  Not sure that is a Pro...but it is for me.  I've found a game that I really like to play!
• Get to build yourself as a player
• Get to pick the wardrobe
• Get to pick the sex and wardrobe
• Different Game Modes.  There is variety in what you can play in the game:
• Closest to the Pin Challenge
• PGA Tour
• Tiger Challenge
• Multiplayer
• Play Now
• Pro Shop Cash
• There are some elements I list as a con, but you do get an initial starting amount as well as the ability to gain cash if you display mad skills, such as 'Close Approach' to the hole (Apparently I can rock that one).
• Saves Games
• This will let you go out of the App and have the opportunity to begin playing where you left off...or start over if you have already completely embarrassed yourself.

Cons

• To get Pro Shop credits to buy things, you have to pay with an In App purchase feature.  Not that you are required to do this to play the game but it is something to definitely watch out for if there are younger ones using the App.  It's very clear and spelled out that there is a charge, so it isn't that much of a con.  The pay is as follows:
• $50,000 = $.99
• $125,000 = $1.99
• $330,000 = $3.99
• $2,200,000 = $19.99
• Upgrade Golfer.  To improve your game and Upgrade some of your skills that your Avatar might not have, you have to use Pro Shop cash.
• $5,500 for Power
• $5,500 for Power Boost
• $3,250 for Drive Control
• $3,250 for Impact
• $3,250 for Approach
• $5,500 for Putting
• $3,250 for Recovery
• $5,500 for Spin
• While I probably need to purchase all of these, as displayed on my score after the first 9...I'll just suffer through listening to the announcers make fun of my mad skills ;)!

Mobile & Social Trends

A new slideshare presentation I have put together that compiles some key stats.
To take a look, click here: Mobile & Social Trends

iTunes Match Beta "Supposedly" Available

I was very excited when I received the email informing me I could now download the iTunes Match Beta from the Developer site.  In the Developer site it stated that "Important: iTunes Match beta is currently available to developers in the United States."  However, after successful installation and opening iTunes, it states that 'iTunes Match beta testing has begun with an initial set of developers.  Over the next couple of days we will continue to expand our testing.  Please check back later to subscribe.'
Bummer...

Volvo On Call version 2.0 Released in iTunes Today...Kicks It Up A Notch!

Volvo On Call 2.0  Download for Free in iTunes

Volvo On Call Description

Volvo Drives Safety and Security even further with a new free iPhone App.

Volvo On Call is a smartly designed new app that provides a whole new level  of safety and security should you find yourself with a flat tire, out of gas, locked out of your car, or in need of a tow due to a mechanical failure.  It puts you in directly in touch with a roadside assistance agent who can quickly dispatch reliable and professional roadside assistance to your exact location via GPS-enabled technology, 24/7/365.  It even provides the service provider’s E.T.A., as well as updates throughout the event.  Plus, it lets you input critical data about your Volvo – including its VIN – for more efficient service.  And for added safety, Volvo On Call  includes an emergency response button for urgent situations.  Safety comes first at Volvo – we invite you to download the free app today.

What’s New in Version 2.0

For Volvo On Call version 2.0, we have added several features.

Multi-Vehicle Support

With the initial version of the On Call app, users were only able to enter one VIN for use with this app.  Now, owners with two or more Volvos can use the same app for all their vehicles.

Retailer Locator

The retailer locator allows users to find all the nearest Volvo retailers and dealers.  This feature will be helpful for customers in a situation where they need maintenance or are looking to purchase another Volvo.  Users are able to view retailer details such as address and phone number.  In addition, the user can easily access directions to their dealer from this feature.

Maintenance Information

The maintenance information allows Volvo owners to see exactly what maintenance is suggested for certain mileage.

Recall Notifications

Recall Notifications feature lets the user know if there has been a recall on their vehicle so they can take necessary action for a continued safe driving experience.  Specific recall reasons, corrective action advice and contact information can easily be accessed by the user.

Promodoro - Pomodora Technique - Challenge Myself for the Review of App

The Pomodoro Technique® is a way to get the most out of time management.

The Promodoro App incorporates the foundational concepts of this technique into an easy to use App.  The App is simple, as is the theory behind the technique. 

For a Product Manager, time management is critical.  I had not been exposed to this technique prior to seeing this App in the App store.  The technique is as follows (which was taken from the Pomodoro website where more detail can be found here: http://www.pomodorotechnique.com/):

The basic unit of work in the Pomodoro Technique® can be split in five simple steps:

Choose a task to be accomplished

1. Set the Pomodoro to 25 minutes (the Pomodoro is the timer)
2. Work on the task until the Pomodoro rings, then put a check on your sheet of paper
3. Take a short break (5 minutes is OK)
4. Every 4 Pomodoros take a longer break

The App consists of a timer and the ability to track the number of Pomodoros on a specific day and overall for App Usage.

Settings allow the user to customize the Pomodoro:

• Time can be set for 25, 30 or 35 minute increments
• Ring an alarm at the end
• Ticking sound
• Start a break at the end of a timed session
• Break time can be set for 3, 5 or 7 minutes
• Ring an alarm at the end
• Set a Pause time for 15, 20, 25, 30, or 45 seconds
• Set a Long break time for 10, 15, or 20 minutes

I’m actually intrigued by the simplicity behind the technique.  Due to running across this App, I am going to challenge myself to implement this technique over the next few weeks and will write a review then.  We'll see if it can help diminish my 'shiny ball syndrome'.

The App is On Sale today for Free!  Promodoro App in iTunes