bobsled

T-Mobile USA's Bobsled, an Internet-based calling and messaging service, has become the little engine that could.

In a little more than a year, Bobsled has exceeded 1 million users. That's an impressive benchmark considering the service gets practically no marketing support and has little consumer awareness.

"The popularity and continued growth of the Bobsled service is testament to consumers' desire for simple ways to stay connected with friends and family," said Brad Duea, senior vice president of T-Mobile.

Bobsled was one of the side projects T-Mobile launched last year in the middle of its planned takeover by AT&T. The service was a bit counter-intuitive for those who follow the industry. Because Bobsled runs off the Internet, it could circumvent traditional voice minutes and text messages, something T-Mobile depends on for much of its revenue. That means any data plan or Wi-Fi connection would suffice. … Read more

T-Mobile USA, despite being the only national wireless carrier without the iPhone, has found a way to get on Apple's smash-hit smartphone.

The carrier today launched a mobile version of its Bobsled Internet-based calling app. The app will work on any iOS device, from the iPhone to the iPad, as well as Android smartphones and tablets.

T-Mobile is attempting to branch out of its core wireless service and dip its toes into adjacent growth areas such as Web-based phone and messaging services. The mobile app represents an expansion of its Bobsled initiative, which allows users to log in with their Facebook credentials and make phone calls, leave voicemails, and send messages for free. … Read more

T-Mobile has temporarily shut down its newly introduced voice-chatting service for Facebook users.

The company launched the new VoIP (voice over Internet Protocol) chat service, which it calls Bobsled, less than a week ago. The service is embedded into Facebook and allows Facebook friends to call each other through the Facebook Chat window.

T-Mobile is suspending the service because the company believes that in Facebook's current design it's not clear that the service is from T-Mobile.

"We are voluntarily and temporarily suspending the Bobsled service as we work with our partners at Facebook to address their design … Read more

Links from Tuesday's episode of Loaded:

Facebook launches Facebook Deals in a few, select cities

Facebook also rolls out the Send button, which is similar to the Like button, only not so public

Sony plans this fall to launch two tablets that will run Android 3.0 "Honeycomb" and have access to PlayStation content.

Yahoo buys IntoNow, a social network for couch potatoes

The Barnes & Noble Nook Color gets an update that allows it to run apps

T-Mobile pulls the Bobsled app because it was confusing Facebook users

Links from Wednesday's episode of Loaded:

Sony has made its last PSP Go and shall make no more

T-Mobile launches an app that lets you make voice calls through Facebook

Facebook is expanding its social reporting system for users to report harassment

Microsoft offers up Office 365 as a public beta

Google opens Map Maker to Americans

AT&T closes shop on its local listing site, Buzz.com

A robot will throw the opening pitch at the Phillies game today

WHISTLER, B.C.--Steve Holcomb stood proud as he and his bobsled team were honored with the Americans' first gold medal in that sport in 62 years.

Then, offstage, he did his now famous Holcy dance. Unfortunately, CBS doesn't have broadcast rights, so I can't show you that. But I will put a YouTube video at the bottom so you can get the idea.

In an interview, Holcomb told me that he's done a lot of crazy things in his life, but said, "this is a better high than anything." The huge adrenaline rush makes … Read more

WHISTLER, B.C--Though clearly excited at winning a gold medal--the first U.S. bobsled gold in 62 years--Steven Holcomb wasn't quite sure what to say.

"I think I'm supposed to say I'm going to Disneyland."

In reality, the avid gamer and computer junkie is far more likely to go home and play Xbox than visit Mickey Mouse.

As for future plans, Holcomb said he wants to stay with bobsled as long as he can. "I'm a lifer," he told reporters here.

Teammate Steve Mesler also said it was impossible to describe the … Read more

WHISTLER, B.C.--Leading at the midway point of the four-man bobsled competition, the Night Train sled piloted by Steven Holcomb is aiming to help the United States break a 62-year-old streak without a gold medal in bobsled.

Holcomb and his teammates turned in track record times in both runs on Friday, giving the team a 0.4-second lead over Canada and a 0.44-second lead over a tough German team, piloted by Andre Lange, who is trying to become the first man to twice win the two-man and four-man events at the same Olympics.

As a world champion, Holcomb … Read more

WHISTLER, B.C.--With snow backdrops and with subjects moving at upwards of 80 miles an hour, Canon figured that the Olympic would be a perfect testing ground for one of its new lenses.

The lens, an updated version of its 70-200mm L-series lens, is slated to ship in a few weeks. But Canon made about 300 just for the games to get some feedback and make any last minute tweaks, if necessary.

Both Canon and rival Nikon are at the Games, helping photographers with demo lenses and cameras.

I took advantage of that, borrowing a lens from Canon to … Read more