- Week summary
- General wireless data market related news
- Wireless data related middleware vendors news
- Terminal development for mobile data
- Vendors of software for client wireless devices news
- Mobile application related news
- Application outsourcing and hosting news
- News about financing for wireless data businesses
| * - Star sign marks especially important (from the editor's point of view) news items and is also a link to the next important news item. |
Week summary |
- Sony Reader is finally out - marking the important event of actual first mass availability of a device for digital content viewing simultaneously with a real marketplace to buy this content from (unlike it was with music and video)
- Nokia announced a lot of powerful new phones - including
N95 with everything a powerful PDA dreams about already on board - as well as music phones with 8GB memory. Accompanying portal services are announced as well.
- Intel disclosed details of its next-generation Centrino Duo - that has 802.11n and 3G built-in.
- fring and iSkoot introduce software (with fring supposedly being client side only) that puts VoIP on mobile into same commodity category as IM - with gateways to all proprietary vendors including Skype.
- GoLemur! offers a storage/application portal and complementary J2ME client that allows developers to piggy-back on it - potentially creating a development platform with really wide client base.
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This section lists all breaking wireless data related news that do not belong to any particular section (or should belong to multiple) as well as to general reviews of interest.
| dotMobi Launches General Availability of .mobi Domains Original news source |
| The general public is invited to register .mobi domain names. The first and only top level domain dedicated to delivering Internet content to mobile devices, .mobi sites make using the Internet on a mobile phone faster, less expensive and more reliable by offering tailored content for mobile devices. General Registration begins with Landrush on September 26, followed by Standard General Registration on October 11. |
| ABI Research: GPS-Enabled Location-Based Services (LBS) Subscribers Will Total 315 Million in Five Years Original news source |
| In 2011, the total population of GPS-enabled location-based services (LBS) subscribers will reach 315 million, up from 12 million in 2006, according to a new study from ABI Research. Put another way, that represents a rise from less than 0.5% of total wireless subscribers today to more than 9% worldwide at the end of the study's 5-year forecast period. The LBS market took off first in South Korea and Japan, driven by personal navigation and some family- and people-finder services. In the United States, Nextel and Sprint initially drove LBS adoption with a focus on fleet applications. In 2006 Verizon Wireless also entered the market and has three applications available currently, with as many as five more planned for rollout over the coming months.
Market growth in Western Europe has been limited by the fact that very few GSM/WCDMA handsets have GPS, but ABI Research expects that beginning in 2007 and increasing in 2008, many more WCDMA 3G phones will contain GPS chipsets, allowing operators to offer LBS. |
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This section lists breaking news from companies which provide middleware used by carriers and software developers to offer access to diversified corporate data.
| General Availability of Funambol Mobile Open Source Software
Enables Mobile Data Access for Mass Market Consumers Original news source |
| Funambol, the mobile open source
software company, announced the general availability release of Funambol v3.
The announcement extends the company’s reach to the mass market and puts open
source on a collision course with proprietary mobile email vendors in what some
consider the next technology battlefield.
Funambol v3 provides mobile carriers with an open, cost-effective solution that can
provide address book and calendar synchronization, and push email, for hundreds of
millions of consumers with commodity cell phones. For enterprises, the new version
helps cut costs as more of their workforces go mobile. The software also opens push
email – long the domain of RIM BlackBerry -- to a global community of open source
developers, which the company expects will drive greater innovation and benefits for
consumers. |
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This section lists breaking news from companies which manufacture actual end user wireless devices (phones, pagers, PDAs etc.), as well as other information relevant to such companies.
| Sony and Sprint Deliver First Integrated EV-DO Revision A Mobile Broadband-Capable Notebooks Original news source |
Sony Electronics will soon be
offering the first ultra-portable computers to include integrated
broadband-capable wide area network technology, from Sprint for ultra-fast
Internet access. Road warriors with the new VAIO VGN-TXN10 Series notebooks can connect
to the Sprint Power Vision Network for wireless, broadband-speed for
downloading e-mail and accessing the Internet and large data files. Later
this year, Sprint expects to upgrade its network in select markets with
EV-DO Revision A (Rev. A) technology so customers will experience broadband
upload speeds as well where and when the Rev. A network is deployed. |
| * Sony Reader Out in Time for Holidays Original news source |
| The wish of avid readers and technology buffs is coming true today with the debut of the highly-anticipated Sony Reader Portable Reader System.
Available today direct for those who can't wait, the Reader will also be on retail shelves next month, just in time for holiday gift giving.
Sony also announced the premiere of its CONNECT eBook store. Agreements with a number of major publishing companies have made more than 10,000 eBook titles available to download to the Reader via the companion PC software.
And for a limited time, when a Reader is registered on the CONNECT site, people will receive a $50 credit towards the purchase of any available eBook titles. |
| Vodafone launches first Vodafone-only branded 3G consumer handset Original news source |
| Vodafone has unveiled its first Vodafone-only branded 3G consumer handset, the Vodafone 710, which will see the mobile network operator become a brand name in its own right in the consumer handset market.
Vodafone 710The Vodafone 710's features, design and functionality were specified by Vodafone to maximize customers' use of its services. It is the first handset manufactured for Vodafone by China's Huawei Technologies as a result of a strategic handset alliance signed by the two companies in February 2006. The device is supported by the leading, industry standard, Qualcomm chipset. |
| * Nokia Nseries delivers the latest in mobile multimedia Original news source |
| Nokia announced new devices and experiences that show how the boundaries are blurring between the Internet world, mobility and the consumer electronics industry. The new Nokia Nseries multimedia computers showcase the high-performance multimedia experience that becomes possible when you combine connectivity with cutting edge mobile technology. The Nokia N95, an all-in-one multimedia computer with a pioneering dual slide concept, integrated GPS functionality, a 5 megapixel camera and support for high-speed mobile networks, makes it easier to watch and record videos, listen to songs, take high-quality photos, browse the internet, or catch up on email whenever you want. The Nokia N75 multimedia computer, designed especially for the Americas market comes in a slim fold form factor supporting all of the Nokia Nseries multimedia experiences, including music, photography and access to Internet services. The Nokia N95 also includes integrated GPS and the Maps application with country, region and world maps that allow users to explore the world, find specific routes or locate services such as restaurants and hotels in more than 100 countries.
Forty leading independent music experts from around the world are working with Nokia to create Music Recommenders, a way for music enthusiasts to stay in touch with great music across continents and genres, as well as helping them discover new artists. Once registered, subscribers can receive an instant playlist of 30 second samples tailored specifically to their tastes and purchase the tracks they like. Once a month, users will receive the latest recommendations and editorial features direct to their email inbox.
Nokia also unveiled music editions of three Nokia Nseries multimedia computers, the Nokia N70, Nokia N73 and Nokia N91 8GB. The Music Range combines sleek black design with heightened mobile music experiences appealing to the music enthusiast in everyone. Key benefits include dedicated music access keys, Nokia PC Suite and new software for easy sync and music management, and additional storage capacity - with an 8GB hard drive, the Nokia N91 8GB is a fully-loaded music machine. |
| Nokia 5300 XpressMusic headlines a fresh lineup of new music handsets Original news source |
| Nokia launched an exciting new range of music phones during an exclusive event at Nokia Theatre in New York's Times Square. Headlined by the Nokia 5300 XpressMusic, which features a stylish slide design and holds up to 1,500 tracks, these music phones make it easier than ever to carry a single device by combining the best of mobile communication and mobile music. With announcement, Nokia broadens its portfolio of music-driven mobile products, giving consumers an unparalleled array of choice. The new products announced today will begin shipments in select markets within weeks. he Nokia 5300 XpressMusic can hold over 100 albums worth of music (approximately 1500 tracks) on a 2GB microSD card. Thanks to dedicated music keys, consumers can easily control the playback of their music while simultaneously enjoying other functions such as texting, browsing or taking pictures. For an even better groove, consumers can plug in their favorite headphones or external speakers with a 3.5mm headset jack by simply connecting them to the Nokia 5300 XpressMusic using the inbox adapter. The Nokia 5300 XpressMusic swiftly transfers albums and music collections to a PC using a standard micro USB connector. When traveling, consumers can use the Nokia Wireless Audio Gateway AD-42W to stream their music collection and favorite playlists wirelessly to any stereo from their Nokia 5300 XpressMusic. No one-hit wonder, the Nokia 5300 XpressMusic also comes with the latest messaging functions complemented by a 1.3 megapixel camera. Incoming calls can be enhanced with video ring tones on the high resolution display. The Nokia 5300 XpressMusic is expected to retail for approximately 250 EUR, before taxes and subsidies. |
| * Intel Centrino Mobile Technology Gets Multiple New Features, Improvements Original news source |
Intel Corporation disclosed details of its next-generation Intel Centrino Duo mobile technology platform that will enable laptops to operate faster and with enhanced wireless communication capabilities. At the heart of the platform, the Intel Core2 Duo processor will deliver greater performance and power saving capabilities. The company also announced a unique interoperability program for upcoming 802.11n products, designed to ensure fast and seamless communications with a variety of Wi-Fi access points. ntel, in collaboration with Nokia, will deliver integrated wireless broadband connectivity products utilizing Nokia’s 3G technology for upcoming Intel Centrino Duo mobile technology platforms. This will further expand connectivity options for laptop users with the broad availability of 3G networks. |
| Motorola brings style to mobile T.V. Original news source |
| Motorola Inc. revealed the MOTOVIEW – Motorola’s latest addition to its growing range of iconic handsets. Behind the MOTOVIEW’s sleek and simple design lies a stunning range of features selected to appeal to Korea’s cool and fashion-conscious consumers, including a mobile television capability.
Created for hip and trendy mobile consumers , the MOTOVIEW exudes both coolness and elegance. With a slim clamshell form-factor, an internal antenna, external touch keys for easy one-handed operation, and superior components, materials, and finishes, the new handset makes for a singular marriage of Motorola’s iconic design language and rich multimedia functionality. MOTOVIEW incorporates S-DMB satellite television technology, which means that consumers can enjoy their favorite programs with high-quality sound and video anywhere in Korea.
In addition, the MOTOVIEW features a full range of multimedia capabilities, including a 1.3 megapixel camera with camcorder modes, MP3 and video playback, 128-tone polyphonic sound, and Macromedia® Flash Lite™ from Adobe. With its swivel form factor and external touch keys for television tuning, video-on-demand, music-on-demand, and MP3 playback operation, the MOTOVIEW is a well-rounded and highly versatile multimedia handset. |
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This section lists breaking news from companies which provide client software that runs in end user wireless devices (phones, pagers, PDAs etc.).
| * Announcing the release of fring - mobile VoIP Telephony Original news source |
| fring provides mobile users with completely free Mobile VoIP calls and chat by leveraging your handset internet connection to make VoIP calls with other fringsters as well as with your Skype and GoogleTalk contacts (Skype calls, Skype-Out, Skype In, Google Talk calls, etc.).
fring is a 3G mobile application that allows you to make free mobile calls, send instant messages to other fring users, and communicate with PC based VoIP applications such as Skype and Google Talk. fring, patent pending P2P Mobile VoIP technology is PC independent, completely free, mobile VoIP service with no air-time costs, no need for proprietary hardware and no Wi-Fi or other VoIP network limits. |
| * GoLemur!, Mobile Lifestyle Portal, Ready to Launch Mobile Application Original news source |
| Winmax Trading Group, Inc. is pleased to announce that its subsidiary GoLemur!, Inc. mobile lifestyle portal, has aggressively and extensively been developing its proprietary J2ME GoLemur! Media Player. The GoLemur! Media Player has been designed to encode, decode and transcode files to and from the GoLemur! WAP and website. Users will have the ability to set up a Blog, create a photo album, upload and download MP3s, ring tones and wallpaper. he J2ME GoLemur! Media Player will be flexible and scalable enough to be used in a variety of mobile phones needed to meet a wide range of user requirements. The Media Player will have the ability to function on a number of cellular phone operating systems such as the Palm OS, UIQ, Symbian OS (Versions 7.0 +), Brew and Microsoft's 5.0 mobile platform.
To ensure the standard for global network interoperability that will allow the player to work on many mobile phones, GoLemur!'s in-house development team has engaged in developer partnerships with top tier operators such as Cingular Wireless, Sprint Nextel, and Verizon Wireless. As well GoLemur! has partnered with some of the mobile software providers such as Palm, Nokia, Motorola, Symbian and Qualcomm. In addition to this the GoLemur! Media Player will support the complex requirements of network protocols worldwide that will enable the broad international developer community to add API (application programming interfaces). This in turn will allow for a global mass-market of advanced, open, programmable mobile phones. |
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This section lists news that describe innovative and competitive implementation of wireless data applications.
| * iSkoot Introduces Application for Dual-Mode Phones - iSkootDuo Original news source |
iSkoot, provider of mobile Internet communications solutions, introduced a new
technology solution for enabling dual-mode phones (supporting both GSM/CDMA
and WiFi networks) to connect with VoIP services, such as Skype,
GoogleTalk, AIM, Microsoft Messenger and Yahoo Messenger. iSkoot's
technological breakthrough - a Java-based thin client phone application and
a network server - provides a popular application for dual-mode phones.
iSkoot's breakthrough technology is the only one to enable VoIP over
three different network connections, WiFi which is typically free, 3G/GPRS
data which typically is offered for a fixed monthly charge, and GSM/CDMA
voice which typically is billed by the local-minute. In addition iSkoot's
thin client technology, which is approximately 100K in size, utilizes the
standard resources available on the telephone so that the widest variety of
devices, including lower power CPUs, can take advantage of this capability.
Dual-mode phones with iSkoot's new client software allow a user to make
telephone calls over the Internet using all three networks utilizing one
small application. |
| MarketTools Mobile Gives Marketers and Researchers Fully-Integrated Mobile Research Solution to Get Consumer Feedback Anytime, Anywhere Original news source |
| MarketTools, provider of on-demand market research, announced MarketTools Mobile, fully-integrated market intelligence solution that lets marketers use the mobile phone as a live data collection tool and a valuable extension of their research strategies. MarketTools Mobile is mobile research solution that covers all aspects of gathering feedback – from recruiting mobile survey panelists, to designing and deploying the survey, to seeing the data in real-time through a web-based portal. By leveraging the growing ubiquity of mobile phones and the expanding capability of wireless applications, MarketTools gives researchers, marketers and advertisers the ability to reach consumers more quickly and conveniently, and to capture feedback at the moment they're evaluating or engaging with brands, products and services. |
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This section lists news about outsourcing/hosting of mobile corporate/enterprise applications by e.g. software developers, network carriers, and consulting companies. News about mobile access to portals are also included here.
| AskMeNow Launches Intelligent Mobile Answer Service 'ASKME' Original news source |
| AskMeNow, a wholly owned subsidiary of Ocean West Holding Corporation, announced the immediate availability of its intelligent mobile answer service in the United States for anyone on the Alltel, Cingular, Sprint-Nextel, T-Mobile and Verizon wireless networks. Any person with a cell phone and text/SMS capability now has access to virtually all of the information on the Internet through AskMeNow. In addition to receiving basic searches to 411, Weather, Directions, Travel and Trivia information, customers can ask free-form questions on any subject. |
| go2 and Enpocket Form Strategic Mobile Advertising Alliance Original news source |
| go2 Directory Systems, provider of local search and movie guide information over mobile devices in the U.S., and Enpocket, specialist in intelligent mobile marketing, announced a strategic alliance for designing and integrating sophisticated campaign mechanics into mobile advertising and marketing programs. go2 and Enpocket will work together to jointly design, develop, operate and market enhanced mobile marketing solutions with a focus around go2’s expertise in location-based services and Enpocket’s deep experience in mobile advertising. |
| AirIQ Launches Field Service Fleet Solution Original news source |
| AirIQ Inc., specialist in wireless enabled location-based services, announces its entry into the Field Service market with its low-cost, high functionality solution. AirIQ enters this market segment leveraging its investment and experience with its digital (GSM) communications platform, online fleet management interface called AirIQ OnlineTM and robust AirIQ Onboard device.
AirIQ’s Field Service solution offers fleet operators the functionality they require at a price much lower than most industry competitors, enabling them to increase business operating efficiencies with optimized fleet utilization, enhanced customer service capabilities, while providing increased protection of their mobile assets and workforce.
The new Field Service offering meets the needs of small fleet operators who include; HVAC, contractors, facility management, towing companies, telecom service fleets, waste management, oil and gas and other service vehicle fleets. |
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This section lists news about new financing opportunities for and in the wireless data industry.
| Mobile Cohesion Closes Second Funding Round of $4.8m Original news source |
| Mobile Cohesion, the UK based
telecommunications software firm, has announced that it has closed its
second major funding round of $4.8m. |
| Air2Web Announces $25 Million Financing Original news source |
| Air2Web, provider of mobile messaging and marketing applications, announced it has completed a $25 million round of new financing led by The Carlyle Group with participation from existing investors including Vantage Point, technology luminary Jay Chaudhry, and UPS. With these funds, the company plans to strengthen its leadership position as the world’s first full-service mobile marketing solutions provider, expand its global footprint and continue to enhance its portfolio of mobile marketing services. |
| Digital Orchid Acquires European Mobile Game Developer, Blue Tech Original news source |
| Digital Orchid, developer and distributor of wireless applications for major sports, lifestyle and entertainment brands, announced it has acquired Blue Tech, the prominent European developer and distributor of branded mobile games and wireless applications. The acquisition provides Digital Orchid with advanced Java and gaming application technology as well as an extensive line of popular games for carrier distribution. Digital Orchid’s current wireless line-up includes real-time mobile applications, wallpapers, gaming, ringtones, WAP services, SMS services, and other content from more than 65 worldwide brands. |
| Visto Secures $51 Million in New Financing Original news source |
| Visto, global provider of secure push email for mobile professionals, announced that it closed on more than $51M in new financing led by Oak Investment Partners with new investor DFJ Growth Fund and existing investors including Draper Fisher Jurvetson, Meritech Capital Partners, DFJ ePlanet Ventures, Rustic Canyon Ventures, GKM, and Blueprint Ventures. Visto will use the funds to grow its subscriber base within some of the world’s largest operators such as Vodafone and Softbank and to fuel continued global expansion while supporting the sustained development of innovative mobile technology. |
| NII Holdings and Motorola Sign Supply Agreement Extension for iDEN Handsets and Infrastructure Original news source |
| NII Holdings, Inc. announced that NII Holdings and Motorola have extended their supply agreement for iDEN handsets and iDEN network infrastructure for an additional five (5) year period through year-end 2011. NII Holdings also announced that its subsidiary, Nextel Mexico, has signed an agreement to acquire Cosmofrecuencias, S.A. de C.V. in Mexico for $200 million, providing Nextel Mexico with a local concession, significant operational cost savings, increased flexibility for additional revenue generating opportunities, and 50MHz of 3.4GHz spectrum nationwide in Mexico. |
| Mobile Espn To Adopt Licensing Model Original news source |
| ESPN will cease its Mobile ESPN MVNO operations later this year but remains committed to growing its presence in the wireless industry through licensing its critically acclaimed Mobile ESPN application to existing service providers.
Mobile ESPN’s wireless voice and data services, including the Mobile ESPN sports content, will remain active for current customers until at least December 31, 2006. Current customers will continue to receive complete billing and customer care support during the transition. Future sales of Mobile ESPN handsets and service plans are discontinued immediately. |
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A recommended introductory reading that may be helpful in understanding the scope of this publication is the Wireless Data Forum's Wireless Data Primer.
A glossary of wireless industry terms and acronyms can be found at the Wireless Week site.
Disclaimer: The information presented is personal opinion of Leonid Iakovlev (the editor) and does not necessarily represent the opinion of any company with which he may be affiliated or of any referred third party. All information in this report is NOT guaranteed to be accurate. The information and links were however verified at the time this text was created. Editor does not take responsibility for any actions you may take based on the information you find here. Editor accepts no liability to any party for loss or damage caused by errors or omissions or by statements of any kind in this publication, whether such errors result from accident, negligence, or any other cause. Editor assumes no liability for incidental or consequential damages arising from the use of information in this publication. Editor provides no warranties regarding the information contained in this publication, whether expressed, implied, or statutory, including implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Editor also does not assume any liability for links from this publication to publications from other companies, organizations, or individuals. Editor does not imply endorsement of any specific company, organization, or individual through offering links to this content. All information provided within this publication is subject to change at any time and is provided for informational purposes only by the editor. All products and company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
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