CO News Release / Onboard TV & WiFi Domestically
Jan 29, 2008, 8:14 am
#16
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So only Yahoo and Blackberry services will work?
So only Yahoo and Blackberry services will work?
Jan 29, 2008, 8:15 am
#17
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It says that laptops will work as well. I definitely want clarification on this.
Jan 29, 2008, 8:15 am
#18
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So only Yahoo and Blackberry services will work?
So only Yahoo and Blackberry services will work?
Jan 29, 2008, 8:16 am
#19
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And when I flew Song (or now the Delta planes with the Song technology) I actually enjoyed the music more than the TV. I guess CO isn't buying that technology. The bottomline is that, on most flights, it probably wouldn't be worth six bucks to me to watch TV. I suspect most people would feel the same way.
2) having said that, i would pay $6 for live TV without even thinking about it. i think that is a very fair price.
Jan 29, 2008, 8:16 am
#20
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Continental Currency
Continental will offer complimentary access to the system to all first-class customers. Economy-class customers will be able to access the system by paying a $6 access fee.
Jan 29, 2008, 8:17 am
#21
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Yeah, that's why I was confused. Somewhat useless if the laptop can only go to yahoo.com. :-)
Originally Posted by Hartmann
It says that laptops will work as well. I definitely want clarification on this.
Jan 29, 2008, 8:18 am
#22
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Jan 29, 2008, 8:22 am
#23
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As it turns out the entire Yahoo Mobile domain (us.m.yahoo.com) is available on BetaBlue. This means that I was able to look up Yahoo News in its ultra-light mobile form, check the weather in San Francisco, and check sports scores. (No, you can't play fantasy football.)
As for instant messaging, it took quite a few tries before I was able to load Yahoo Messenger, but eventually it juiced up--and let me say that the instant-message application is much sleeker and impressive than the e-mail one. (Yahoo has said that a 2.0 version of its Mail in the Sky app is on the way.)
As for instant messaging, it took quite a few tries before I was able to load Yahoo Messenger, but eventually it juiced up--and let me say that the instant-message application is much sleeker and impressive than the e-mail one. (Yahoo has said that a 2.0 version of its Mail in the Sky app is on the way.)
It is fine if your idea of Internet access is Yahoo!'s news portal, but not for much else.
Jan 29, 2008, 8:26 am
#25
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I used Virgin Blue's system in Australia a in early Jan , and it was pretty cool , they have a couple of setups for the video. On some routes they have live TV only , and some longer routes , live tv and movies.
But you get 5 minutes to try out for free and if you want to use it , you just swipe your credit card .
I think the cost was 5 AU Dollars. (Headsets are free without purchase).
But you get 5 minutes to try out for free and if you want to use it , you just swipe your credit card .
I think the cost was 5 AU Dollars. (Headsets are free without purchase).
Jan 29, 2008, 8:27 am
#26
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Basically it is Yahoo! and BB only as currently designed/implemented on the one B6 plane that has it in service. Details on how it works can be found in this article:
This provides zero value to any corporate/business customers who do not have a WiFi-enabled BlackBerry (and there are only a few models of those out there). You can't get to your corporate email system, your corporate IM system or any other corporate system for that matter.
It is fine if your idea of Internet access is Yahoo!'s news portal, but not for much else.
This provides zero value to any corporate/business customers who do not have a WiFi-enabled BlackBerry (and there are only a few models of those out there). You can't get to your corporate email system, your corporate IM system or any other corporate system for that matter.
It is fine if your idea of Internet access is Yahoo!'s news portal, but not for much else.
I guess this answers the bandwidth question for all of those were interested in getting their Slingbox to work in-flight.
Jan 29, 2008, 8:28 am
#27
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Awesome, and most appreciated! While I don't agree with allowing cell phones on active flights (please, please, please keep it that way!), I think that internet and live TV is a great idea. The folks that want to ban it because of porn need to chill out -- it's festivus for the rest of us!
^ to CO!
^ to CO!
Jan 29, 2008, 8:32 am
#28
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However, paying for the internet is one of those pet peeves that drive me nuts!! 
Jan 29, 2008, 8:33 am
#29
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i guess. and, will elite members be able to hand their card around for anyone to use? will there be a limit on the number of elite discounts? i can see elites wanting to get preferred prices for their kids. but, can the entire aircraft pass the elite card around?
i guess we have a year to hear. having said that, i wouldn't hold my breath. at the DO, larry seemed hell bent on figuring out a way to do this so that the economics work.
i guess we have a year to hear. having said that, i wouldn't hold my breath. at the DO, larry seemed hell bent on figuring out a way to do this so that the economics work.
Jan 29, 2008, 8:41 am
#30
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Continental has taken a very smart approach all around on this.
The installation timeframe allows the airline a better opportunity to "get it right" from the start and avoid some of the IFE reliability nightmares experienced by some of its competitors. The actual product offering will be comprehensive but not overwhelming to the point of excess. And the price point is set at a level that promotes substantial usage of the product while allowing the product to be self-sustaining financially from the airline's standpoint.
The only real question now is what size the screens will be, as that makes all the difference. I'd be forever grateful for 8-9" screens in Economy.
The installation timeframe allows the airline a better opportunity to "get it right" from the start and avoid some of the IFE reliability nightmares experienced by some of its competitors. The actual product offering will be comprehensive but not overwhelming to the point of excess. And the price point is set at a level that promotes substantial usage of the product while allowing the product to be self-sustaining financially from the airline's standpoint.
The only real question now is what size the screens will be, as that makes all the difference. I'd be forever grateful for 8-9" screens in Economy.