Video Diary: Ben on the future of 'The Really Mobile Project'

by Ben Smith on 5th May 2009

Ben talks about the future of The Really Mobile Project and a few items that are in the works, including a quick look at the LG Arena and the Sonim XP3 which we’ll be looking at further in the future.

{ 28 comments }

Leebag May 5, 2009 at 01:43

great new site, this is TOP GEAR of mobile and we must all do our part to make sure this project really works thanks guys

constantine May 5, 2009 at 08:56

the homepage isn't really friendly for people who freshly type in the url. i get what you're trying to do with the windows as previews idea, but even then it isn't very intuitive.

the above commenter said “top gear of mobile,” well why not check out their site: http://www.topgear.com/uk/

wayne feltham May 5, 2009 at 09:52

An interesting concept. The one thing I would note is that I followed a URL that had been tweeted by @bookmeister on my iphone and….I couldn't view the video because it wasn't in an appropriate format. Also, I would have hoped for a mobile formatted version of the site – not really nescessary for the iphone as it features a fully funcitonal browser however it would have been a nice touch to have a more appropriate layout for my handset. But nice site and a good 2nd video.

Ben Smith May 5, 2009 at 10:48

Wayne – there is a mobile version of the site… see the top right corner of the main page. It *should* also auto-detect if you're mobile and display the correct version (unless you've previously chosen to switch back to the full version) – there's a 'touch' and a 'simple' variant of the mobile interface.

On the mobile version of the site all the videos are provided via YouTube instead of Vimeo and are playable on the iPhone just by clicking them.

I can't test with an iPhone right now, but it works OK from the G1 and a Windows Mobile handset (yuk) for me.

Anyone else see this?

Ben Smith May 5, 2009 at 10:51

What is it you feel is confusing Stefan?

Chris Rolinson May 5, 2009 at 11:48

Really great to have you guys back “on air”!

The internet has not been the same without you all!

Chris – Solihull

JamesVincent May 5, 2009 at 13:32

It's getting exciting now guys. Good luck with it all. I agree with Chris. I missed you while you were gone. Even though it was a little while.

squawkBOX May 5, 2009 at 15:54

I'm really liking the site, especially the mobile version of it – the design works well with the content and I don't think there is any other mobile that beats it.

Can't wait for the more content to start coming through!

Anon May 5, 2009 at 18:04

Looks good. Without Ewan's cynicism what's to stop this turning into a fan site where every new service or gadget is amazing?

E75 is a case in point. Come on. That phone is just wrong.

Constantine May 5, 2009 at 18:18

guess i'm just not used to the grid approach, i'm so used to seeing the blog format aka reverse timeline of posts.

DominicTravers May 5, 2009 at 18:25

Great. Will think of something constructive to shoot and contribute.

James Whatley May 5, 2009 at 18:27

Re: Cynicism, two words: Dan. Lane.

Also, I'm yet to see an E75 review on this site – but when one appears we'll happily take your criticism/opinions/comments. After all, that's what we're here for right – the conversation?

Cheers 'Anon', hope to see you back here soon.

J.

DominicTravers May 5, 2009 at 18:30

You'd probably be amazed at how popular the HTC S610 &S710 is with people who have to use Windows Mobile at work.

DominicTravers May 5, 2009 at 18:32

Genius award for mobile optimised video distribution :)

Ben Smith May 5, 2009 at 18:42

Why thankyou, sir :-)

We will have podcast / iTunes links too when the main show kicks off.

Ben Smith May 5, 2009 at 18:49

What's to stop it turning into a fan site? A fair question…

Well:

(1) The readers. You lot e-mail me to tell me when a graphic is 3 pixels to the left on a certain browser (and don't stop – we appreciate the help!). If we produce crap then we'll see the stats drop and the comments will be full of complaints. Seriously – you don't like it? Tell us. We listen, we cry a little inside and then we act.

(2) Our interest. Even to get to this stage we've invested a lot of time and money (not all of it publicly apparent yet). I've no more interest in producing a fan site than you have in reading one.

On the E75 – I disagree. I was one of the first group of independent people to receive a pre-production unit for test and review in the UK. It's not a handset I'd buy, but I'm a mobile geek…. What I will do though is recommend it to my boss who dislikes his Palm Treo for corporate access to e-mail, but won't appreciate the smaller keys of the E71 / E63. This device is well specced, well built and does a great hob of filling a slot in the whole E-series range.

Ben Smith May 5, 2009 at 18:51

Well we _are_ listening so we'll try to address that concern into the on-going improvements.

sloanb May 6, 2009 at 04:28

Really loving the idea as well as the simplicity of the site. If you continue to provide the great content you guys have a win on your hands. Look forward to helping you grow.

PatrickatJPR May 7, 2009 at 11:44

Welcome back guys.

Btw on the Sonim, “Dan Lane really took it apart ..” – No he didn't. That's kind of the idea. But I think I know what you mean.

Now, where did I see a video of him throwing it down some stairs … no, can't remember!

Ben Smith May 7, 2009 at 12:11

Fair point – the script editor will be shot.

PatrickatJPR May 7, 2009 at 12:39

Ben, a mild beating will suffice

2009/5/7 Disqus <>

PatrickatJPR May 7, 2009 at 12:41

Ben, a mild beating will suffice

2009/5/7 Disqus <>

jamesbody June 21, 2009 at 04:07

Comment from Sebastian (almost 10):

“What happened to Whatleydude coming down to the country to test waterproof phones in my boat?”

Ben Smith June 21, 2009 at 10:45

Dear Sebastian,

Whatleydude would love to test a waterproof phone in your boat and is really looking forward to it – he's also asking a man with a plane to squish it and another man with anger issues, and the tools to express himself clearly, to test them too… When the other two men have told him when he can visit them, Whatleydude will visit you all (but he'll come to see you first).

Yours sincerely,

Ben
Whatleydude's UK handler and diary assistant

grapeapester August 28, 2009 at 04:10

Great Blog… I really enjoy your writing.

Dual Sim Phones September 7, 2009 at 13:04

great video

grapeapester September 9, 2009 at 00:20

The Sonim XP3 is so cool.

max191 October 8, 2009 at 16:42

Interesting blog. It would be great if you can provide more details about it. Thanks a load!
regards
charcoal grill

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