Inside IS&T Staff Spotlight
Andrew Yu, Mobile Devices Platform Project Manager
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Inside IS&T recently sat down with Andrew Yu, Mobile Devices Platform Project Manager, to learn about the MIT Mobile Web (m.mit.edu), his vision for mobile devices at MIT, and much more. |
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Apple released the iPhone 3G on July 11, 2008. |
Question: What's the status of the MIT Mobile Web (m.mit.edu)?
Answer: IS&T launched the MIT Mobile Web over the summer with nine different modules that allow the MIT community to get essential MIT information and services anytime, anywhere ¯ and on any mobile device. On July 11 (coincidently the same day that Apple launched the iPhone 3G), the MIT Home Page spotlighted the MIT Mobile Web, which set the single day record of approximately 7,000 page views. As IS&T continues to build more awareness by marketing the MIT Mobile Web site to the MIT community, we will expand the content and features to address the needs of a growing number of mobile device users.
Q: What was the MIT community’s early response to the launch of the MIT Mobile Web?
A: The MIT Mobile Web has been getting a lot of positive feedback from the MIT community. Below is a testimonial from an incoming freshman that reached us recently.
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To the Geniuses behind this Innovation: This is amazing! I will soon be a freshman at MIT, and I have had many concerns about living on campus. What if there is an emergency? How can I find my way around? How on earth do I keep track of buses? This website answers it all. And, since I already have my iPod Touch with me at all times, this information will always be at my fingertips. I should never be lost. I should never be late. And - though I pray this will never happen at MIT or anywhere else - I will be safe in case of tragedy thanks to the "Emergency Info" link. Thank you for this. Not only is this an innovation you should be proud of and expand upon, this technology should be spread to schools nationwide. Thank you! - Student, MIT Class of 2012 |
Q: What's the next milestone for m.mit.edu?
A: One of the major goals of the next phase for the MIT Mobile Web is to explore personalization and customization. Since most mobile devices did not support easy-to-use secure user authentication previously, the first version of m.mit.edu focused on providing publicly available MIT information.
This year, with more mobile devices supporting X.509 certificates (e.g., iPhone 2.0, Windows Mobile, BlackBerry, etc.), IS&T can now explore ways to provide personalized information in a secure manner via the MIT Mobile Web. For instance, it would be great if students using mobile devices can securely check their grades or the balance of their MIT TechCash account and make simple transactions instead of having to pull out their laptop. Our team is brainstorming the next set of modules and arranging meetings with various departments at MIT. We expect to include content from MIT News, Campus Dining, TechTV, MIT World, and other areas in coming months.
Q: What is your personal vision for mobile devices at MIT one year from now? Three years from now? Five years from now?
A: One year from now, I expect that MIT users of smartphones such as the iPhone and BlackBerry will have a better user experience when it comes to accessing email and synchronizing their calendar on their mobile devices. IS&T has been working on making improvements in these areas. I also expect that mobile device users at MIT will have access to more content via the MIT Mobile Web.
Three years from now, MIT mobile device users will also have access to a set of native applications on selected mobile platforms. These native applications will provide additional benefits, such as easier-to-use authentication and off-line access.
Five years into the future ¯ who knows? The technology is changing so fast.
Q: What are the key elements of your strategy for achieving this vision?
A: The Mobile Devices team has a lot of work to do in order to achieve this vision. Here are three major things that we need to accomplish:
First, we need to work with different parties involved in the mobile device space (e.g., manufacturers, carriers, software companies) so that they make improvements that will benefit the MIT community. As an example, the original Apple iPhone did not support X.509 certificates that MIT users need in order to access secured web sites. IS&T has been working with Apple to make sure that the new iPhone software allows iPhone users to access certificate-protected websites at MIT. Another example is IS&T’s current work with AT&T on trying to improve its coverage at MIT. The ability to make reliable phone calls on the iPhone at some of the key locations at MIT today is extremely limited. We are working to make this a non-issue (as it should be).
Second, we need to make the source of MIT information “mobile-friendly.” Whether deploying mobile web applications or native applications, we need the backend infrastructure to provide a superb end-user experience. Often times, IT organizations focus on check-lists for things like email, calendar, or authentication. But, this is MIT, so I believe we need to work on providing an excellent end-user experience, too.
Third, we need to explore new technologies that will make the MIT mobile user experience leading-edge. I am not suggesting “bleeding-edge” with technologies that are premature. I am suggesting technologies that will retain MIT’s position as a leader in mobile technology usage. An example is NFC (near field communication).
In many Asian countries, for the past few years, mobile users have gotten used to paying for transportation, lunch, and much more using their mobile devices. I think it would be great if MIT students could begin to do the same. This will not only be useful to the students, but also spark their imaginations for future mobile applications. My personal experience is that when you actually use something, you start thinking of ways to improve it. MIT can and should provide this level of mobile experience.
Q: If an IS&T staff member is going shopping soon for a mobile device for personal use, which would be your top personal recommendations ¯ and why?
A: That is a really tough question. Today, there is no perfect mobile device for the MIT user, as there are deficiencies in each mobile platform. In many cases, these deficiencies have less to do with the actual device, and more with MIT’s infrastructure and cellular networks (which we are working on improving). With that in mind, here are my current personal recommendations:
For someone looking for a robust user experience, I would recommend a Verizon Wireless XV6800 (Windows Mobile 6 Professional). This device provides email and calendar synchronization capabilities that are essential to many MIT users. The XV6800 device features a touch-screen display, Wi-Fi, and a large slide-out QWERTY keyboard. Also, Verizon Wireless generally has better cellular coverage around the MIT campus than do other carriers.
For someone looking for a great phone and email functionality (but not a calendar application), I would suggest a BlackBerry Curve from T-Mobile. With this device, you can make phone calls and send/receive text messages even in areas where cellular coverage is poor as long as the device is within a Wi-Fi coverage area. Also, when using Wi-Fi to make phone calls (even when you are abroad), your calls will be treated as domestic phone calls.
Lastly, I have seen many first-time Apple iPhone users with the new iPhone 3G. Despite the poor battery life, poor AT&T coverage, problems with dropped calls, and other issues, many new iPhone 3G users are happy with its advanced features and functionalities. I also have to give credit to Apple for continually addressing MIT users’ needs by fixing bugs and releasing software updates.
For those planning to purchase an iPhone 3G device, I recommend that you consider getting an extra battery pack and charger.
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