As someone who works in software, I’m often confronted with wishes and change requests from users. Those wanting these features themselves would find them useful; whether or not they would be beneficial to other uses the whole other story. Part of my job is to allow them to have those by working with our developers to make them happen. Or not.

For myself I often have requests for the software I use, which these days is mostly business applications and mobile apps. From my years of experience, I realize making such requests is often a fruitless endeavor. Why? Most likely there’s no channel to make such requests and if there’s a contact it is likely a one-way ticket to an abyss. That being said there’s an issue I have had with iOS, the operating system that powers iPhones, that has been bugging me for years.

My wish is for the option to turn off the default grouping notifications for all apps.

How It Is Now

Whenever you install a new app and first open it you are most always prompted if you’d like to receive notifications from the app. Such notifications are message banner that appear or persist over your home or lock screen. These are for “useful” information from that app - whether an alarm, a bid came through on an auction or whatever. By default, these notifications are grouped by app so they appear “stacked” and you must click on the stack to see each one.

Often I have an issue where sometimes I miss a single notification as there are multiples for an app. To mitigate this, I have to go into Settings and turn off notification grouping every time I install a new app. When I flashed my phone recently due to a power-hogging issue (which resolved it by the way) and manually added each app back rather than using a backup, I had to turn off this grouping for each and every app, which needless to say was a pain in the ass. The accompanying image to this post shows the switch in iOS settings for an individual app.

How It Should Be

I wish there was an option where I (or you or anyone else) could set notification groupings to default to being off for all apps instead of on. Where in the world of Settings on an iPhone would this exist? I’ll leave it to the user interface/user experience (or UI/UX) experts to design. This would make my life so much easier – yes, I am asking for more notifications, not less. Sadly, I rely on the technology to tell me what to do too often, and this is why I surround myself with computers, because aren’t they supposed to make life easier?

Are you with me on this? Or not? Let me know either way in the comments of this post.

Deconstructing Software Features

Productivity is measured in different ways by different people. App notifications help me keep on top of what’s due or next especially at times when there’s too many things going on. Having the ability to easily customize those en masse would be a lot easier than doing them one by one, which is the only current option. I think it’s a valid request. I don’t know if Apple would listen to me, but I have to put it out there in the abyss.

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This is from The Hot Iron, a journal on business and technology by Mike Maddaloni.

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It was 10 years ago this week that several mobile phone enthusiasts from across the US gathered at a beach house to create a video for a specific device. What was commonplace back then is perhaps unusual now. I’d like to tell the story of the making of this video and a time when the world was a little different from now.

The scene was Sunset Beach in Huntington Beach, California. The place was a rented, multi-story beach house with an amazing view of the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island. Myself and several others converged from across the country on Friday night, and a number of others from Southern California joined us the next morning. This was all under the careful orchestration of WOMWorld/Nokia, which was the name of Nokia’s word of mouth (aka WOM) marketing program run by 1000heads, a global word of mouth agency. The trio who were our hosts and managed the weekend’s events from 1000heads were from London.

The task, if we chose to accept it, was to make a promotional video for the newly released Nokia E73 Mode mobile device, which was exclusively being offered through T-Mobile in the US. The device, as shown here, had a full keyboard and ran the Symbian operating system. It was similar to the E71 and E72, the latter I already owned. The name “Mode” came from the ability where you could switch between different modes, such as work and personal, and have a different screen setup and layout, as well as separate email accounts in each mode. Where today we may setup separate screens with like app icons, at the time it was an innovative idea. The full QWERTY keyboard was a nice feature as well, something not seen these days with the move to “black slab” devices.

Allow me to share the end result of this, the Nokia E73 Mode video that was created, and if you don’t see it embedded below you can click here to watch it.

You can also read here my preview blog post as well as my recap of the weekend, both of which needed some recent editing as many links in the original posts no longer work.

Why even do this?

Many of you reading and learning of this for the first time may be wondering, why? Why fly people out and create such a video? Aren’t there other or better ways to promote the phone? Where these are of course valid questions, I’d like to provide some context and opinion, and not simply to justify a weekend away at a beach house.

Back in 2008, at the height of its reign as the world’s largest manufacturer of mobile devices, as well as the early days of social media, Nokia engaged with 1000heads on WOMWorld/Nokia. One of its main focuses was to get devices in the hands of mobile enthusiasts to evaluate and eventually promote online in the form of blog posts, YouTube videos and social media. This was an evaluation program – people were lent a device and had to return it, and no devices were given away. By managing it this way, there was no implied quid pro quo that you got a new phone for free and had to say nice things about it. In addition to the lend program, WOMWorld/Nokia held amazing events and activities around the world to connect with mobile enthusiasts.

This is how I got engaged with the program. In 2008 I was invited to Nokia OpenLab, a weekend retreat in Helsinki, Finland, just outside of Nokia’s headquarters in Espoo, where about 3 dozen people convened from all over the world to discuss connectiveness and technology, among other things. Previously I had not had heard about WOMWorld/Nokia but had blogged quite a bit here about mobile technology. Because of this – and to this day nobody told me specifically but I suspect it’s why – I was invited. Following this amazing weekend, I remained and engaged with the program and the people. I wrote several posts of devices I evaluated here, and participated in virtual events as well. Then, almost 2 years after OpenLab, I was invited to the E73 Mode Beach House, as 1000heads was to produce a video for T-Mobile in this style rather than the mobile carrier having a typical commercial created. Where I don’t know if the commercial was ever broadcasted on TV, it did get good traffic when it was posted on T-Mobile’s YouTube channel back then – this version above is from WOMWorld/Nokia’s still-active YouTube channel.

What a difference a few months makes

Where a lot has happened in the mobile device and social media landscape since this event 10 years ago, most of what change the direction happened within mere months from that August 2010 weekend.

A few months after the beach house weekend, WOMWorld/Nokia invited me to Berlin, Germany to attend the Microsoft TechEd Europe conference. Nokia had a booth there, and the big Nokia news was the E7 device, a “black slab” device with a full slide-out keyboard and HDMI output – all unique features in the marketplace. As no surprise at the conference was the strong presence of the Windows Phone, which by this point was far behind Apple’s iPhone and Google’s Android. Little did I know that within a few months, Nokia would partner with Microsoft to create devices running Windows Phone, and phase out its Symbian and MeeGo operating systems. Making a long story short from there, it was the beginning of the end of Nokia mobile devices as they were known not to mention their world dominance, and with it went the WOMWorld/Nokia program. Where its Web site is long-gone as well, you can still find it on the Wayback Machine. Today in 2020, Nokia’s business is more in connectivity hardware and it licenses its brand to a manufacturer of Android devices.

This time was also the early stages of social media. It was celebrated as something new and unique and where many were on it, many were not. The opportunity to connect and communicate with people of like interests – or not – around the world was enticing and something I advocated for. But a lot has changed since then, and new channels and volumes of new people are using them, and the feel is not the same for me. I have long been off of Facebook and other social platforms and have even reduced my Twitter usage to a minimum. I am still holding out on LinkedIn to remain a professional business platform. All is not completely gone, however, as 1000heads is still going strong, connecting brands and their customers around the globe with their unique programs and experiences.

Deconstructing the E73 Mode Beach Party 10 Years Later

As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. Where the excitement and energy of the WOMWorld/Nokia program and the connection with hundreds if not thousands of people around the globe has gone away, what transpired with these events and people should still be remembered.

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This is from The Hot Iron, a journal on business and technology by Mike Maddaloni.

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When the spotlight was shown on Apple’s “feature” to reduce the power of later model iPhones to compensate for degrading batteries without the owner’s knowledge, the tech giant’s remedy for this, accompanied by an apology, was to reduce the price they charge for a replacement battery from US$79 to US$29. A future upgrade to the iOS operating system will allow owners to disable this “feature” which should close the loop on this issue.

Like any action, there is always a reaction, or maybe 2 or several. In this case, Apple’s reputation has lost a little more of its luster, continuing what many have seen in a decline of their public perception since the death of founder Steve Jobs. No iPhone owner will be surprised if they receive an email or letter in coming months about a class-action lawsuit against Apple. I would add to this an observation I made when I was packaging up and sending in 2 iPhones for new batteries – a new life for otherwise “outdated” devices that may impact their future sales.

Reasons for Upgrade

Whether it’s a car, house, clothing or a smartphone, we all have reasons for upgrading to a newer model when available. On one end of the spectrum are more functional reasons, such as the “need” for new features – in the case of a smartphone, a faster processor or more memory. On the other end are reasons more for “form” or simply the desire to have the latest and greatest of whatever it is. Where I know people in the latter category, I know more that, especially with the rising cost of these devices, are sticking with older models.

Typically, these decisions were merely personal. With the lower battery cost, economics comes into play. By getting a new battery for around $30, you are in essence getting a new, older model smartphone. If you still want to upgrade to a new model, by making a small investment you can conceivably have a more valuable older model device, or one you can pass along to be used by someone else as if it were new.

As the ability to buy a used or new, older model device already exists, the aftermarket for iPhones will now expand with the opportunity for additional devices to be available in it. Or in my case, the demand for buying a new or additional devices has decreased with additional, well-suited devices, available to be reused for a lower cost.

Digital Hand-Me-Downs

Recently I got a new iPhone 8 mainly for the memory, as my iPhone 6’s paltry 16 GB was forcing me to delete apps just to take a few videos of a few minutes in length. And of course, the battery was spent to the point where I had to charge it several times a day, not to mention carrying a spare battery with me all the time. Despite these drawbacks of the 6, it was in great physical condition, and would be well suited for someone else to use.

Such a reuse is going to happen, as the device will be used by a family member who is upgrading from a flip-phone. I have sent it and paid the approximately $30 (I believe there was tax on top of it), once I get the phone back I will set it up for this family member as their more-than-perfect entry into the world of smartphones. Other older models of iPhones are already in use in my family, as my kids use them as WiFi devices and without a SIM card, after I followed what I shared before on how to best setup an iPhone for this purpose.

With the number of iPhones sold over time, there’s a demand for the new batteries. I personally ordered and sent in 2 iPhones, a 6 and a 6S, as I no longer live within walking distance of an Apple Store. Where I sent in the 6 before the 6S, the 6S came back within 3 days. Looking into it, there is a shortage of 6 and 6+ batteries. Apple’s Web site gives me no indication my replacement is pending for this reason though. Once again, a spotlight is being shone on Apple that they have to react to.

Deconstructing a New Life for old iPhones

How will this new life for these iPhones impact the market for new ones from Apple? It’s hard to say exactly. Technology today is made to be disposable, as repair costs will typically cost more than buying a new item. However, with the cost of the new iPhone X at US$999 or even the new iPhone 8 at US$699, paying thirty bucks for a new battery is almost a no-brainer, whether you personally need the device or are looking to sell or hand it off to someone else.

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This is from The Hot Iron, a journal on business and technology by Mike Maddaloni.

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With great anticipation I am pleased to announce a networking event for people who work in the tech and creative fields in Northeast Wisconsin. Introducing dMorning.

So what is dMorning?

The idea behind dMorning is relatively simple - informal networking before the busy workday starts, with no set rules and no agenda. Since I moved to the Fox Valley of Wisconsin this past summer, I have been looking for something like this, as I work in the Web and I am looking to meet people who work in similar fields in my new home area.

In the past I have hosted a variety of meetups where I used to live in Chicago – some specific and some general – and I have found the latter to be more interesting. A casual gathering of people to talk about what they are working on, sharing stories and bouncing ideas off each other… this is something I have wanted to restart for a while, and why not here? My plan is for this to be a monthly event.

The first dMorning will be on Friday, November 17 at 7:30 am at All Seasons Coffeehouse in Appleton, which is conveniently located off I-41 at Wisconsin Avenue. I only say it goes until 9:30 am as that is likely as long as I will be there. There is no cost for dMorning, you only have to pay for any beverages or food you purchase from this locally-owned business.

What’s in a name?

You may be wondering about the name, dMorning. As I sought out a name for this, I didn’t want to pick something limiting. On the Web site at dMorning.com there are some ideas of what the “d” could stand for.

Hope to see you there!

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This is from The Hot Iron, a journal on business and technology by Mike Maddaloni.

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A common situation in my household and others is when parents upgrade their mobile phones they then give the old one to their kids. With more and more apps tailored to kids, their desire to take pictures as well as shorter device upgrade cycles, it is a logical scenario. Not to mention kids know how to use them better than most adults and, frankly, they make for the occasional babysitter, but I digress.

As good as they are, and as much as they can be used for educational purposes, simply handing over your old device without restrictions when you get a new one is not the best approach.

For the iPhone and Beyond

Here I will be specifically talking about the Apple iPhone, as it is what I use and know best. Where some or all of these tips may apply to other mobile devices, such as an Android, I don’t know them as well, so I will only vouch for what I know and lessons I have learned.

Where there are some features for managing the use of them by the kids, and apps are continuously coming onto the market to address this, there is already some features and settings out of the box built-into iOS – the iPhone’s operating system – you can leverage, along with good old-fashioned common sense.

As someone who first did this years ago, and has learned a few things along the way, I’d like to share with you some tips I learned – some the hard way – for giving a kid an iPhone. Note many these apply to whether or not the iPhone you give has a SIM card in it or not, and I indicate which ones apply to specifically to having one or not.

1. Wipe It Clean – Once you have activated your new iPhone, synced all of your photos, contacts, calendar, music, apps, etc. to the new device and did one final backup of it, have your kid start with a “fresh” iPhone by wiping it clean, or doing a hard reset. This article from Lifewire takes you through doing a hard reset on various versions of the iPhone. This way, your kid will not see any of your old information, apps, texts, notes, email… or something you may have forgotten was on it.

2. Use Your Own Apple Account – By using your own apple account for the kid’s iPhone, they won’t be able to install any apps on their own, and it will require you to enter your own password to have any added to the device. Any photos they take will also appear in your Photo Stream, as another way of monitoring their activity. And when you enter your password, make sure nobody else sees it!

3. Use a unique passcode, different from your own – Their iPhone should be locked with a passcode… just like yours is, right? You should know their passcode, and tell them not to change it (they will likely find where to do so), and if they do and don’t tell you what it is, you will have no choice but to wipe it clean again.

4. Turn Off Cellular Data For Apps – Streaming Pandora and watching all of the Angry Birds app videos is certainly fun, and can add up if they are eating at cellular data. If your device has a live SIM card in it, make sure to turn off the settings to use cellular data, which will force them to use WiFi for such app features. Even with recently launched “unlimited” data plans, the more data you use, the slower the connection can be.

5. Turn Off Notifications In Apps – It’s one thing if they use the iPhone, it’s another if it keeps beeping and vibrating for whatever random notifications. Turn off these notifications so they have less reasons to keep it in their hands… any more than they are now. Where you can do it for already installed apps through the Settings, you can also be with them when they first launch a new app, and when prompted to show notifications, you can always decline them.

6. Do not give them a charger – If they don’t have a charger and need their iPhone recharged, they need to give it to you. Granted many households have chargers everywhere (mine included) but one place should not be in their possession. Most likely the battery on your older iPhone is not too strong and draining quickly, so it this adds an additional control mechanism on the device.

7. Do not “give” the iPhone – You’re probably reading this and saying, Mike, so far you have been talking about giving them a device, now you’re saying not to? What the… Ok, ok, let me explain! The kiddos can use the device – customize the icon locations and wallpapers, get a case for it… but it is still your iPhone and their use of it is a privilege! A privilege can be revoked if abused or as a consequence of not getting out of bed in the morning or whatever other challenge you have with them as a parent.

Take a few steps before you simply hand over the old iPhone, and you’ll be glad you did.

Demystifying Giving Your Kid An iPhone

Parents are faced today with challenges they themselves and their parents didn’t have to deal with, one being mobile technology. Where it is impossible to watch the kids constantly and how they use the devices, taking some preventative steps will go a long way to instilling responsibility in using the technology.

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This is from The Hot Iron, a journal on business and technology by Mike Maddaloni.

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