Maxis Malaysia Officially Launches Apple iPhone 3G

Ladies and gentlemen, it is CONFIRMED! It started off in Twitter about a private launch supposedly happening in KLCC – March 20 – 22. But my friends on Twitter have helped confirmed this. All it took was this landing page; Maxis iPhone.

All great news and yippy-kai-yay aside, I personally think their Apple iPhone packages could be much better. The Apple iPhone price range is from as low as RM1080 (8GB – RM0 24 per month contract) to as high as RM2960 (16GB – RM2960 6 month contract).

The one thing I truly didn’t like; no unlimited data usage! Maximum is 3GB. And, this term attached to it I don’t understand:

Data included in i-Value Plans applies to GPRS usage only and excludes SMS, mobile content downloads and other subscription based services. Data bundle is for local usage only. While roaming overseas, the prevailing data roaming charges will apply.

Would that mean Maxis is asking Malaysia Apple iPhone users to pay additional RM99 per month for the unlimited data usage?! When we already might need to pay RM1470 for the 16GB and RM375 per month for the 12-month i-Value 4 plan.

In my mind, I’d say this is exploitation and dumb. But for the benefit of Malaysia Apple iPhone users, and myself which I’ve been interested at getting the Maxis 3G plan, it’s plain stupid.

If Maxis reads this, please bundle the unlimited data usage starting from the 12-month i-Value 1 plan.

Or, price the Apple iPhone lower in the Value Plus Plans. I’d recommend RM2000 for 8GB and RM 2500 for the 16GB Apple iPhone. This’ll not only assure Malaysia Apple iPhone market share, but you’ll also be winning over unofficial Apple iPhone reseller customers.

Don’t you Malaysia Apple iPhone users and fans agree?

Google Extends AJAX Search API Into News Aggregator

What is the Google AJAX search API? It’s an application programming interface (API) which lets you put Google Search in your web pages with JavaScript. However, Google has extended its functionality and announced the availability to add Google News on your own website.

Here’s what it looks like:

Being Google, they make it as easy as possible to create this Google News add-on. By using the Google NewsShow wizard, you can easily select the size of either 728×90 or 300×250.

The one thing I can’t really handle though is the news filter. I can’t define news solely from Malaysia. I’ll continue to get headlines from elsewhere.

Ideally, I only want to filter only Malaysia news – especially Internet industry related. That way, I could have this running on my sidebar in the new redesign later.

Nonetheless, check out the NewsShow wizard and give it a whirl.

Twitter Is Growing A Business Trend

A little blue bird called; Twitter, is spreading its wings very wide now. Though not a social network like; Facebook, it’s becoming a very effective social tool nonetheless. Some might brag or exaggerate by calling it a Web 2.0 thing. But to me, it’s called a social tool – no fancy jargon required.

It’s great to realize Twitter is rapidly growing. Because many have posed the question; can Twitter make money? Well, right now I’m seeing it as a definite possibility because businesses are using it for:

Marketing
Twitter is an open platform for announcing sales, specials, and promotions. Plus, Twitter is online so updates are received in an instant. And, you won’t have to worry too much about getting through spam filters like email.

Customer Service
Imagine TM (or P1 Wimax Malaysia) having an account where customers can pour their thoughts into. Especially ideas as to how they can improve or offer better quality to its customers. Though I’m pretty sure TM is going be work really really really hard later.

Free Publicity and Brand Awareness
A very good example of this I’ve found is practiced by a Malaysia books and stationary shop; CZipLee. Right now, they’re promoting their limited edition Helvetica Moleskine products. If you’re a designer, you’d definitely want to check it out.

Simple and Versatile
Twitter’s learning curve is a tiny degree. Plus, it’s application has been so versatile it not only can be accessed via the computer but mobile phones too. Therefore, you can share an idea or thought right away.

So, have you thought of implementing Twitter into your business plan?

New Websites Made Simple Design In The Mill

I know it’s been a long time coming, and mentioned. But when inspiration kicked in, I decided the grab the bull by its horns – before it kicks me in the behind. So here’s a sneak peek of the upcoming redesign.

But I’m stumped on a few thoughts, I hope readers of this can share with me.

1. Do you prefer reading a full entry on the homepage?
2. Would you follow me on Twitter or others?
3. What kind of content have had interested you in this blog in the past?
4. Would you read my reviews of Malaysia only websites or online services?
5. Has the larger type size made your reading experience more enjoyable?

Thanks a lot for answering the questions, if you did. Otherwise, I look forward to introducing you guys to the newly redesigned Websites Made Simple in 2009.

Intel Feeling The Recession Pinch

In the so-called times of crisis (I’m not believing it), everyone is affected from small guns to the big barrels; like Intel. And recently, Ryaz Pattel whom I met at the Tumpang-Intel Core i7 event, reported his visit to Low Yat plaza was proof of the recession. He calls it the ‘R’ word.

I really liked the part in his post regarding economics when he shared how a government incentive would help during this time. Which I’d like to quote:

Who benefits from a big, broad incentive like this?

Let’s think about the jobs it can create:

Directly, it’ll impact…

• the retail sales person who sells you the broadband and internet device (ie: the PC),
• the marketing people who created the broadband package you’re buying,
• the designer(s) who creates the flyers and brochures for the promotions.

Don’t forget…

• the technician who loads the software,
• the software developer who wrote some of the cool applications you use,
• the broadband technician who tweaks his network to support your subscription.

What about…

• the delivery man who stocks the stores,
• the factory worker who assembled your PC,
• the procurement person and
• the accountants, the banks, the finance people in the backroom?

The impact will trickle down to…

• the cleaner who keeps the store dust-free and windows clean,
• the security man who walks around making sure you’re safe after your purchase,
• the insurance salesman who sells insurance to the retail store in case of theft or fire.

His article; On the Growth Path to Emerge Stronger, to me tells Intel is as much worried like any other human living on this planet.

So in this time of so-called need, we’re relying on what the Malaysia government can do (with our taxes) to asisst us this year.

Has your company felt the pinch already?