Mobility Phones - Mobile Phones

IBM today released a new study which reveals 80 percent of consumers would prefer a service provider that gave them more choice in the applications and services available on their mobile device. The study, titled, “Go mobile, grow” produced by IBM’s Institute for Business Value points to how consumer demand for customization and personalization will drive innovation and open standards in the mobile marketplace.The mobile web provides people with access to the Internet anytime and anywhere. The market for mobile Internet services is estimated to reach US$80 billion by 2011, with increasing usage expected to fuel growth in both the provision of services and mobile Internet advertising.(1) At the same time, the number of mobile Internet users worldwide is projected to approach 1 billion, a 191 percent increase from 2006 and a compound annual growth rate of 24 percent.(2) The ubiquitous availability of IP wireless broadband and more affordable advanced smart phones will change the way companies around the world operate and relate to their customers, employees and partners.

IBM surveyed nearly 700 consumers around the world on their preferences regarding the mobile internet. 69 percent of consumers reported they want devices that are open to personalization and configuration of applications.

The IBM survey found the mobile web will increasingly be used for utility and transactional services. For example, nearly 60 percent of consumers are interested in banking via mobile devices. Other utility services include e-mail, instant messaging, stock trading, news and information and general browsing. Also, entertainment applications are growing in popularity with the IBM study finding 53 percent of consumers interested in mobile TV and 45 percent interest in buying music via mobile devices.

“Clearly the same market forces which empowered consumers to choose personal computers that were open and enabled them to customize their applications are at play in the mobile web marketplace,” said Dr. Sungyoul Lee, Global Consulting Leader, Electronics Industry, IBM. “Our survey found 60 percent of consumers do not have a specific brand preference when using mobile Internet services. With consumers clamoring for choice, the marketplace will need to innovate around open platforms and models to build loyalty.”

Markets around the world will adopt the mobile web differently. In mature markets, IBM consultants predict the Mobile Web will extend and complement the personal computer. While in emerging markets like India and China, consumers are skipping their first PC purchase and going straight to high-end mobile platforms that deliver the same service. IBM consultants also predict that in semi-literate populations, people will use low-cost mobile phones, whose user interface will be voice-based, which will greatly expand their connectivity to people and data.

Implications and Recommendations for Mobile Device Makers

The IBM study, points to a number challenges which Mobile Device Makers (MDMs) will face in the “Era of the Mobile Web.” In particular, competition with established Internet brands looking to the mobile web as a source of potential revenue poses a huge challenge. Also, existing business relationships and channel conflicts will be a major obstacle as MDMs could be perceived as threats to offerings by their network partners and impact the core device business of MDMs.

“These challenges from portal players and mobile network operators will force MDMs to compete where they excel most by delivering innovation that wows consumers,” said IBM’s Dr. Lee. “Mobile device makers, confronted by numerous challenges to growth and profitability, need to develop new avenues to expand their core offerings. At the moment, the mobile internet market is still somewhat fragmented. But it is unlikely to stay that way for long. The time to act is now.”

Based on the consumer survey results and further analysis by IBM industry consultants, the IBM study identifies a number of factors which will help MDMs secure market share in the mobile internet space. Namely, a focus on driving their design and business models based directly on consumer insights will be vital. Also, the development of a participation in a standards-based, open ecosystem for devices and services will be a boon for innovation.

To take advantage of the opportunities offered by the mobile Internet, the study says many MDMs may need to transform from device-driven to service-driven. This may require changes in marketing and brand perception, partnership strategies, content delivery and management, as well as revenue models. This transformation in business model will also require a scalable and cost-efficient infrastructure that enables them to rapidly ramp up services. This may include looking at the benefits of partnering with a third party (e.g. outsourcing partner, system integrator, etc.) in order to bring in the necessary expertise, while still keeping the costs low.

Handset sales have reached saturation point in emerging markets therefore compelling MDMs to move to higher end devices that enable more services. This could bring a double boost to earnings and revenue as it raises the average device price point and provides MDMs a cross sell opportunity to high margin services.

As part of its ongoing consumer research efforts, IBM has the full report “Go mobile, grow” available at this IBM website.

In addition to working with clients on mobile web initiatives, IBM is making major investments in software, hardware, services and partnerships related to the mobile web. IBM Research has a number of projects in its labs focused on bringing simple, easy-to-use services to the millions of people in the world who have bypassed using the personal computer as their primary method of accessing technology, and are instead using their mobile phone to access the web, conduct financial transactions, entertain themselves, shop and more. Additionally, IBM has opened several worldwide telecom solutions labs focused on research and development in areas related to the mobile web. For more information, visit www.ibm.com/press/mobileweb.

While a large number of phones today still use browsers with very limited web browsing capabilities, many smartphones are incorporating browsers that support the latest capabilities such as AJAX and RSS, as well as websites optimized for viewing on a mobile device. ABI Research sees this segment of the mobile browser market accounting for the vast majority of growth over the next five years, as the open-Internet browser (OIB) segment for mobile grows from 76 million in 2007 to nearly 700 million browsers delivered in 2013.”The focus today for mobile browser developers is to take advantage of the latest web standards while also developing solutions tailored towards the unique experience of using a browser on a mobile phone,” says research director Michael Wolf. “The most recent commercial solutions from Opera, Openwave and ACCESS, as well as those using open source solutions such as Webkit, are targeted towards allowing consumers to access content on the web without limitations due to browser constraints.”

Still, it’s important to note that despite the best efforts of browser vendors and handset manufacturers, web usage on mobile devices has a significant distance to go in closing the gap with PC-based browsers. The absence of important plug-ins such as Flash on many handsets and the constraints of many phones compared to the PC mean that even OIB browser vendors such as Skyfire continue to see a need for server-assisted architectures for transcoding and web acceleration.

“There is a lot of development momentum for web content on mobile phones,” adds Wolf. “The move towards web-based applications means browser and web services engines will become increasingly important for mobile, whether these are in a commercial browser implementation or a customized widget. Ultimately, the long-term trend away from native applications to web-based applications means browser and web services engines will be increasingly important components in the mobile environment.”

Adroit Claretdene Infotech today announced the launch of a new mobile email solution — email@mobile which will allow worldwide mobile users to own a free mobile email ID which shall be accessed over any ordinary mobile phone capable of internet browsing.Users can now use their existing mobile phone with WAP 1.2 & above browser to wirelessly access their new e-mail box as well as register for new email ID through their basic mobile phone. email@mobile is the first solution of its kind which allows users to register for new email ID through a mobile phone.

Unlike other free Web-Mail services, email@mobile is built on the idea that users should neither have to rush to their computer nor buy an expensive mobile phone just for accessing their emails.

“So far people have heard the concept of Free Web Mail which allows one to check emails on one’s computer via a web browser, with email@mobile email IDs we have introduced the concept of Free Mobile Mail, accessible on ordinary GPRS enabled mobile phones, which will be more spontaneous, effective, and convenient” explained Arvind V. CEO with Adroit Claretdene Infotech. “There are companies providing mobile access to existing web-mail but the device compatibility and monthly subscription charges are the major constraints” Arvind added.

Users can read text/attachments, reply or compose new email, delete or send email, set up address book and avail other features what a web-mail program offers - from a basic mobile handset. Users neither have to buy any smartphone/PDA nor install any software on the mobile phone. All that is required is a mobile phone capable of internet browsing.

Users can sign up for this free solution at www.emailatmobile.com over a web browser or wap.email@mobile.com from mobile browser on the mobile phones.

As customers increasingly look to their wireless phones for their Internet “on the go,” Sprint will continue its leadership in employing an open Internet model with the launch of an enhanced mobile Web browsing experience on virtually all Web-capable Sprint phones. As the first U.S. carrier to launch the OpenWeb solution from Openwave Systems Inc., Sprint customers will be able to get faster, more user-friendly renderings of Internet sites, even those not optimized for the mobile device. This enhancement will be automatic for customers who currently access the Internet on their phones and will require no additional action on their part.Whether clicking through the Sprint portal or typing in a URL, both new and existing customers can use their Sprint phones to search virtually any Web site and it will appear quickly and in a format they’re used to seeing on their computer screens,” said Kevin Packingham, vice president of wireless product management for Sprint. “By working with Openwave, we’re making that Internet experience even more customer-friendly and useful by enhancing the ability to translate non-mobile sites onto the mobile phone. While other carriers are just beginning to talk about open ecosystem initiatives, Sprint is continuing its efforts to give customers an even better experience with the Internet that we have always allowed.”

Each month, millions of Sprint customers visit Web sites using their mobile phones. With Openwave OpenWeb, these pages will automatically appear on data-enabled Sprint phones in an easy-to-read format that’s closer to a desktop experience of the Internet, regardless of the memory or processing power of the device. The enhancement is designed to adapt the standard layout of a Web site and reconstruct it to properly fit the screen of the user’s particular phone, providing automatic in-page navigation so users can reach the most important data from the Web site faster.

Available nationwide in the coming weeks, this enhancement follows Sprint’s launch of a more user-friendly mobile search product, Microsoft’s enhanced Live Search for mobile, in 2007. Sprint plans to launch additional mobile Web innovations in 2008 that will further enhance users’ experience on their mobile device. To access the mobile Web, customers should click on the Web icon on their phone’s main menu.

Today, at CeBIT 2008, T-Mobile and Nokia announced the Nokia 6650, a stylish and easy to use device optimized for use with T-Mobile services. Available exclusively for T-Mobile International customers, the Nokia 6650 is equipped with the latest wireless features, such as an integrated GPS and multimedia player, allowing T-Mobile customers easy access to a wide range of services such as web’n'walk, MyFaves, Mobile Jukebox and NaviGate.The Nokia 6650 will be available from T-Mobile during the third quarter at T-Mobile sales points across Europe at a very attractive price. In Germany for example, the Nokia 6650 will retail for just 1 euro together with the Relax 100 rate.

The Nokia 6650 - exclusive multimedia device

The stylish, stainless-steel clad fold design is equipped with state-of-the-art multimedia features and supports T-Mobile’s services such as web’n'walk, a service that allows easy access to the Internet on mobile devices. High-speed HSDPA data connectibity enables fast web browsing and downloading while the 2.2″ TFT QVGA color display can display up to 16 million colours, making browsing and viewing photos, videos and menus a pleasure. T-Mobile service My Faves keeps you in touch with the people that matter the most while benefiting from the device’s extensive talk time. Mobile Jukebox users will appreciate the dedicated keys for the music player. Furthermore, the Nokia 6650 has built-in AGPS (assisted GPS) to enable quick positioning with NaviGate route management.

The Nokia 6650 comes with a 2 megapixel camera with flash, 30 MB of internal memory and a micro SD card slot, FM radio and many other features. Images and videos can be uploaded to the web, sent from phone to phone via a wireless Bluetooth connection, or viewed in full color on the device’s large display.

Opera made Google(TM) the default search engine in Opera’s mobile Web browsers. Now anyone using Opera Mobile or Opera Mini can access Google’s powerful mobile search directly from the browser start page, meaning they’ll be able to quickly and easily get the information they need, whenever and wherever they need it.Opera Mini’s ongoing success is proof of the mobile Web’s adoption by mainstream consumers. Because Opera Mini targets feature phones that have traditionally possessed limited browsing capabilities, millions of people have made the personal choice to download and install Opera Mini to their phones. These consumers tend to use the mobile Web more frequently and actively than consumers with more static, less dynamic mobile Web browsers. Every month, Opera Mini users browse more than 1.7 billion pages, with much of that traffic generated through the search function in the browser.

Google has been the default search option on Opera’s desktop browser for seven years. This new mobile collaboration covers all global territories except Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States, and includes all of Opera’s standard mobile Web browsers.

“Google and Opera have established a valuable relationship over the years and we look forward to continued collaboration on mobile products,” said Jon von Tetzchner, CEO, Opera. “With 2008 poised to be the year the mobile Web goes mainstream, Google and Opera are extending this collaboration to give our users immediate access to the quality and convenience of Google’s search results. We’re excited to extend this productive relationship and we hope that the nearly 100 million people using our mobile products will agree.”

Opera Mini is available completely free from http://www.operamini.com/. Opera Mobile is also available from http://www.opera.com/ in a free trial on select platforms. Google will appear as the default search engine for new and current users of Opera Mini as of March 1, 2008.

Nokia and Google today announced that Google’s popular search engine will be integrated with the Nokia Search application. The integration will begin in select markets with the Nokia N96, Nokia N78, Nokia 6210 Navigator and Nokia 6220 classic. Google search will be extended to additional Nokia handset models in the future. Ultimately, Nokia will make Google search available to its customers in over 100 countries around the world, serving mobile owners speaking more than 40 languages.Nokia Search, now with Google, offers fast and easy access to web information from the handset. In addition, Nokia Search also makes it possible for users to search content on their device and use local search engines for a complete search experience. Nokia Search is available on many devices and provides direct access with one click from the active standby screen, saving users time and steps in their searching. Once users have found the information they are seeking, Nokia Search enables users to act on that information by engaging device assets such as maps, messaging or the browser with just one click.

“Providing choices for our consumers is an important driver in Nokia’s Internet service strategy,” said Ilkka Raiskinen, vice-president, software and services at Nokia. “This integration allows our consumers the ability to use the innovative search technologies, which have made Google almost synonymous with Internet search.

“Adding Google to Nokia Search provides mobile users with fast, relevant and comprehensive search experience that will be familiar to the people who use Google to search the web from their desktop,” said Google’s VP of Engineering and Products for Mobile Vic Gundotra. “Google search combined with the high quality applications on Nokia devices help make information available to Nokia device users wherever they are and provide an excellent overall experience.”

The collaboration announced today builds on previous cooperation between Nokia and Google. Google search has previously been available on Nokia Internet tablets, and last year the Nokia N95 8GB became the first mobile device to fully support YouTube, the video-sharing platform owned by Google.

Sony Ericsson today announced the launch of the new Z770, an elegant clamshell phone optimised for the web and benefiting from HSDPA data speeds. This classic-looking clamshell phone offers capabilities beyond expectation. It is designed to make it straightforward to surf the web or receive the latest news, and the ‘email set-up wizard’ makes it simple to access your inbox. The Z770 can also be connected directly to a laptop (via USB cable) and can be used as a modem. “The Z770 is deceptively powerful for such a compact clamshell phone,” said Martin Winkler, Director Global Marketing and Head of Multimedia Web at Sony Ericsson. “It appeals to busy people who demand hassle-free email and high quality Web access on the move. These people need to be in-touch, need to be on top of their email, but don’t necessarily want a smartphone or PDA. The Z770 is the uncomplicated answer.” Z770 phone - Gets you online with effortless style # Easy email set-up - for ultimate convenience# High-speed web access and intuitive navigation features for fast web browsing

# Google(TM) Maps for Mobile - receive step-by-step directions on your screen to your destination Style in your pocket

A compact, reliable phone that helps you juggle work, home, friends and family. With HSDPA technology providing fast data speeds, the Z770 provides multiple methods of communication whether it’s for a business matter or just staying in touch with the family. This phone combines up to 8.5 hours talk time with easy email set-up and fast internet access. This makes the Z770 a versatile phone for those that have a hectic lifestyle both at work and at home with the family. Your inbox in your hand

The Z770 makes it easier than ever before to access your email. Even if you’re a technical novice you can access Web email (Hotmail, Yahoo etc) and retrieve mail, straight from your phone. And with Exchange ActiveSync(TM), you can even configure your phone to have work emails pushed straight to your phone, making it easier than ever to stay in touch on the move. Choose how you want to get online

The Z770 gives you online access, however you choose to get there. Surf the web or retrieve email directly on your phone when you’re in a cab. And when you’re in the hotel lobby, connect the Z770 to your laptop (via USB Cable) and use it as a modem to access the web on your computer. Once online, web browsing on the Z770 is easy thanks to the Magnetic Mouse Pointer that is controlled by the navigation key. The key changes the icon depending on its position on the Web page (i.e. from text input to pointer or to link). Plus, pan and zoom into an area you’re interested in for easy reading on the good-sized (2.2″) screen. Stay up-to-date

The Z770 offers you all the information you need, right at your fingertips. Receive RSS feeds from news or entertainment websites as the action happens. Or simply click on the RSS tile, or ‘widget’, for instant access to your favourite webpage from your phone’s desktop (or standby screen). In addition, the Z770 has a useful built-in weather forecast application, allowing you to receive regular weather updates and plan your long weekend accordingly. As well as receiving the latest news and weather forecasts, you can also keep loved ones informed about your own news. Snap a photo on the Z770 and upload it instantly to your own blog site. Stay in touch in your car

You don’t need to hold the phone in your hand to get the best out of the Z770. With the Bluetooth ™ Handsfree HCB-150, also announced today, you can catch-up with your client or family in your car while staying focused on the road. The HCB-150 also features a convenient text to speech feature; the HCB-150 verbally alerts you who is calling. The HCB-150 has a talk time of up to 25 hours and 700 hours standby time- long enough to last for quite a few trips! The Z770 is a UMTS/HSDPA 2100 and GSM/EDGE 900/1800/1900 phone that will be available in Vogue Red, Graphite Black and Exquisite Gold in selected markets from Q2 2008. The Bluetooth(TM) Car Speakerphone HCB-150 will be available globally from Q2 2008.

ACCESS CO., LTD., a global provider of advanced software technologies to the mobile and beyond-PC markets, will be an exhibitor again this year at the GSMA Mobile World Congress 2008 (formerly 3GSM World Congress), the mobile industry’s biggest event, which is taking place February 11-14 in Barcelona, Spain. This year’s event marks the seventh time that ACCESS will be present at the Mobile World Congress.The ACCESS theme this year is “Open Up Your World.” ACCESS products that anticipate the latest trends in the mobile industry will be on display, notably ACCESS Linux Platform(TM), the Company’s next-generation mobile platform; NetFront(TM) Browser Widgets, a comprehensive mobile widget platform; and NetFront(TM) Transcoder, ACCESS’ PC website-to-mobile conversion solution.

ACCESS Linux Platform

ACCESS Linux Platform is an open, flexible, Linux-based mobile platform that helps speed up the market launch of increasingly advanced and complex handsets. For this exhibit, ACCESS Linux Platform will be installed in a variety of hardware from ACCESS partners.

NetFront Browser

ACCESS will present the latest capabilities of NetFront(TM) Browser, a user-friendly browser for mobile handsets and information appliances. In addition, ACCESS will demonstrate a new module from Digital Aria Co., Ltd that is optimized for viewing of Flash content. The module’s integration into NetFront Browser enables YouTube content to be viewed in a mobile environment.

NetFront Browser Widgets

NetFront Browser Widgets, a comprehensive mobile widget framework, uses open web technologies to support the creation and use of simple and dynamic Web applications with rich user interfaces. It enables easy access to frequently viewed content such as movies, photos and maps, while allowing users to keep track of online auctions, news and weather reports. Visitors to the ACCESS booth will be able to participate in demonstrations showing how to download and use a variety of widgets.

NetFront Browser DTV Profile DVB-H Edition

NetFront(TM) Browser DTV Profile DVB-H Edition is a mobile TV solution combining ACCESS’ NetFront(TM) Browser DTV Profile with EXPWAY’s Electronic Service Guide (ESG) solution for mobile DVB-H and 3G networks. Reflecting ACCESS’ expertise in Japan’s well-established market for One-Seg browser technology — installed in nearly 60% of the mobile handsets sold in Japan — this complete solution addresses the growing demand for multimedia devices integrating DVB-H, a global standard for bringing broadcast services to handheld devices that is fast gaining momentum across Europe, America and Asia. For this exhibit, DVB-H data broadcasting and VoD/Unicast extension will be demonstrated.

NetFront Transcoder

NetFront Transcoder is a server solution that can convert and edit PC Web sites for mobile use that also supports JavaScript, CSS, and Flash. This solution enables a diverse range of Web content designed for the PC to be optimized for viewing on mobile handsets. ACCESS will demonstrate mobile display of PC Web sites converted using NetFront Transcoder.

NGN (Next Generation Network) solutions

ACCESS will demonstrate internetworking devices using ZebOS, the switch/router middleware from U.S. subsidiary IP Infusion that supports advanced network technologies. In addition, visitors to the ACCESS booth will be able to experience hands-on demonstrations of a next-generation multimedia home network that seamlessly connects mobile handsets and consumer electronics using NetFront(TM) Living Connect, the DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance)-compliant solution for digital content.

Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. and the world’s leading GPS manufacturer, today announced its entrance into the mobile phone market with the nuvifone, an all-in-one, sleek and slim, touchscreen device that combines a premium phone, mobile web-browser, and cutting-edge personal navigator. The nuvifone is a work of art in features, design and functionality and is destined to transform how individuals connect, communicate and navigate their life.”The nuvifone is an all-in-one device offering unmatched integration of utility and function in a single mobile device,” said Cliff Pemble, Garmin’s president and COO. “This is the breakthrough product that cell phone and GPS users around the world have been longing for — a single device that does it all.”

The nuvifone is an innovative mobile phone that has a wide range of advanced yet easy-to-use features. The all touchscreen device is the first of its kind to integrate premium 3.5G mobile phone capability with an internet browser, data connectivity, personal messaging, and personal navigation functions in one device. When powered on, the 3.5-inch touchscreen display reveals three primary icons — “Call,” “Search,” and “View Map” which allow the user to effortlessly master the nuvifone’s functions.

The nuvifone is the ultimate multi-tasker. Calls are easily initiated by tapping the “Call” button and selecting a name from the contact list or by using the on-screen keypad. When the user is trying to juggle talking on their phone while entering their vehicle to start a trip, the nuvifone makes the transition simple. When the nuvifone is docked onto the vehicle mount, it automatically turns on the GPS, activates the navigation menu, and enables hands-free calling so that the user never misses a beat in the conversation and is able to begin routing to their destination with ease.

Customers familiar with Garmin’s industry leading nuvi product line will feel right at home using the nuvifone’s personal navigation features. It includes preloaded maps of North America, Eastern and Western Europe, or both, and allows drivers to quickly find a specific street address, establishment’s name or search for a destination by category using the nuvifone’s built-in database with millions of points of interest. Turn-by-turn, voice-prompted directions guide the user to their destination. If they miss a turn along the route, nuvifone automatically recalculates a route and gets them back on track, speaking the names of the streets along the way.

The nuvifone is Garmin’s first device to include Google local search capability, which harnesses the vast point of interest information available from the world wide web. Nuvifone users can search for locations like “coffee shops” and Google will sort the results based on the user’s current location and relevance. Information provided by Google includes a web-based rating so that users can select the most appropriate destination and route directly to it. In addition, the nuvifone includes a web browser incorporating premium features and touchscreen operation for an optimum mobile browsing experience. The nuvifone also includes personal messaging functions, including email, text, and instant messaging.

For the ultimate in safety, the “Where am I?” feature lets users touch the screen at any time to display the exact latitude and longitude coordinates, the nearest address and intersection, and the closest hospitals, police stations and gas stations. The nuvifone also helps drivers find their car in an unfamiliar spot or crowded parking lot by automatically marking the position in which it was last removed from the vehicle mount.

In addition to navigation, the nuvifone includes access to Garmin Online(TM), an online service offering constantly-updating information such as real-time traffic, fuel prices, stock prices, sport scores, news reports, local events and weather forecasts.

The nuvifone also includes numerous mobile entertainment applications. The built-in camera allows individuals to take a picture that will automatically be tagged with the exact latitude and longitude reference of where the image was taken. The user may then save the image so they can navigate back to the location, or email the image to a recipient who can navigate directly to the location. The nuvifone also provides direct access to millions of geo-located landmark and sightseeing photographs available through Google’s Panoramio picture sharing site. The Panoramio photo search feature enhances the enjoyment and adventure of sightseeing in an otherwise unfamiliar location. Other multimedia functions of the nuvifone include a built-in video camera, MP3 and MPEG4/AAC.

Garmin anticipates that the nuvifone will be available in the third quarter of 2008. Specific details about pricing and sales partners will be announced in the future. Additional information about nuvifone is available at http://www.garmin.com/nuvifone.

NXP Semiconductors, the independent semiconductor company founded by Philips, and Purple Labs, a leading supplier of embedded Linux solutions for mobile phones, jointly announced today the release of a 3G Linux reference feature phone offering video telephony, music playback, high-speed Internet browsing and video streaming at a transfer price below US$100. The new Purple Magic phone serves as a reference design for phone manufacturers creating entry-level 3G handsets, including those targeting mobile markets such as Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe and Latin America.According to the GSA mobile industry trade group, there are now 197 commercial 3G/WCDMA networks in 87 countries, but the adoption of 3G services is concentrated in mature European and Asian markets. The viability of 3G services in emerging markets requires large volumes of affordable data-capable devices — and the 3G Purple Magic has been highly optimized specifically to meet this market challenge.

“During the recent holiday period, mobile operators were purchasing entry-level 3G phones for $120 to $145,” commented Simon Wilkinson, CEO of Purple Labs. “Leveraging our Linux technology, the Purple Magic design now enables manufacturers to deliver compelling 3G products at a transfer price below $100.”

The Purple Magic reference phone is based on the NXP Nexperia Cellular System Solution 7210 for 3G, coupled with the Purple Labs Linux suite, and is available as a fully integrated, turnkey solution. Production of an initial quantity of fully working phones has enabled Purple Labs to undertake considerable testing and validation, further reducing investment and time to market for OEMs and ODMs that leverage the Purple Magic design.

NXP offers powerful 3G and 3.5G multimedia platforms running on a single ARM926 processor core. The Nexperia Cellular System Solutions with Linux support true UMTS performance, delivering seamless service coverage in 2G and 3G networks as well as advanced multimedia features that allow consumers to take full advantage of next generation applications and mobile operator services.

“NXP believes in Linux as the basis for the next generation of mobile handset innovation,” said Dan Rabinovitsj, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Cellular Business, NXP Semiconductors. “We’ve been working closely with Purple Labs to develop Linux-based mobile terminals that meet the cost and performance requirements of the mass market. Our joint achievement is to bring the advantages of an Open OS environment to the mass market based on industry leading silicon and software.”

“The Purple Magic reference phone clearly demonstrates our combined leadership in the mobile Linux arena,” added Wilkinson. “While the mobile Linux industry has largely concentrated on high-end devices, the Purple Magic is the first 3G Linux mass-market reference feature phone available today.”

The Purple Magic phone will be exhibited at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain on February 11-14, 2008 in the NXP booth (Hall 8, B110).

Nokia Siemens Networks has signed an agreement with Ubiquisys Ltd, developer of the ZoneGate intelligent 3G femtocell, to provide femtocell solutions that offer greatly improved 3G network coverage and quality of mobile services at home.Under the agreement, Nokia Siemens Networks and Ubiquisys will cooperate in the marketing and sales of the joint solution to mobile operators worldwide. The widely-recognized ZoneGate femtocell supports industry standard interfaces and conforms to Nokia Siemens Networks’ Femto Gateway’s open architecture.

Nokia Siemens Networks Femto Home Access Solution offers reliable indoor connections for voice and data calls, allowing mobile phone users to enjoy high transmission speeds and quality of service for data applications like browsing, email, music or video downloads.

“We are pleased with our new cooperation with Ubiquisys. Together we can offer an excellent indoor solution for operators to serve their 3G customers. The solution benefits from Ubiquisys’ maturity in femtocell design and deployment, supports open standards and complements our open Femto ecosystem,” said Timo Hyppola, head of Indoor Radio Solutions Product Line, Nokia Siemens Networks.

“The femtocell market is moving at an astonishing speed and 2008 will undoubtedly prove to be ‘make-up-your-mind’ time for many operators. We are currently involved in 10 trials and expect several to expand into larger deployments later this year,” said Chris Gilbert, CEO of Ubiquisys. “We decided long ago to concentrate on the device and then partner with leading SI vendors who share our vision on the femtocell industry ��������� in Nokia Siemens Networks we have found a perfect ally.”

The Ubiquisys femtocell is a small ‘zero-touch’ plug-and-play 3G access point that uses a mobile subscriber���������s broadband connection to transport voice and data calls to the 3G core network using a range of standards based interfaces. In June 2007 ABI Research rated Ubiquisys as the number one femtocell vendor in a survey of the top ten players in the sector, based on product innovation and implementation.

Launched in July 2007, the Femto Home Access Solution from Nokia Siemens Networks introduces open interfaces, boosting the femtocell ecosystem and enabling operators to further enhance their 3G service offering and coverage.

Today at the DEMO 08 conference, Skyfire unveiled a new mobile browser that makes browsing on a smartphone just like browsing on a PC. For the first time ever, smartphone users can experience the “real Web” to access and interact with any Web site built with any Web technology, including dynamic Flash, advanced Ajax, Java and more - at the same speeds they are accustomed to on their PC. With this free downloadable browser, users can finally watch videos from the real YouTube, stay connected with their friends on the full-feature PC versions of Facebook and MySpace, and listen to any Web music service like Last.fm. Before Skyfire, users painfully waited for these Flash and Ajax-heavy sites to render - often resulting in error messages or crashes.”For too long consumers have been promised the ‘real Web’ on their phone, only to be disappointed by slow rendering, error messages, no Flash support, watered down WAP pages or second-rate mobile versions of their favorite site,” said Skyfire CEO Nitin Bhandari. “Skyfire has remedied those ills at a speed not seen before on the mobile platform. By extending the PC Web experience to smartphones, we fully expect Skyfire to fundamentally change the way people use their phones.”

Users will not have to change their Web behavior on their smartphones because Skyfire allows them to access the same Web content, and interact with that content, exactly as they do on their PC. When users load their favorite sites, they will not encounter unrecognizable content, unfamiliar page layouts, or missing content, like they have with other mobile browsers. To date, Skyfire is the fastest loading mobile browser on the market.

“Many sophisticated technologies are launched at DEMO, and in my many years of hosting the event, it’s the simple and elegant products like Skyfire which seem to have the most staying power,” said Chris Shipley, executive producer of the DEMO conferences. “Mobile browsing has not advanced at the same rate as other mobile technologies, so I am delighted to see Skyfire bring a new product to market which directly addresses one of the biggest pain points in the mobile experience today.”

Skyfire has broken down the two primary barriers for Internet adoption on smartphones - speed and user experience. Recent studies point to the demand for mobile content, but the browsing experience has hindered the potential growth. As prices continue to drop, more users will adopt the full functionality offered by smartphones. According to ABI Research, 115 million smartphones were to be shipped in 2007, and that number will rise to 410 million by 2012.

“Skyfire’s ability to support Flash video can give a shot in the arm to consumption of video on smartphones which currently stands at 18.4 percent,” said Seamus McAteer, senior analyst, M:Metrics. “Technologies that improve the user experience of mobile applications will bolster the adoption of mobile media as it becomes increasingly mainstream.”

Skyfire includes numerous features aimed at simplifying the mobile browsing experience. For example, when a user conducts a Web search from the home page, Skyfire pulls results from multiple search engines and displays the results in multiple tabs that consumers can easily navigate. In addition, users can bookmark specific locations on a Web page to get to the content that matters most to them in one click - such as stock quotes, sports scores, blog messages, etc. Skyfire’s user interface features full screen navigation, thumbnail views and zooming to seamlessly resize the Web content to fit the mobile screen.

Private Beta Announced

Skyfire announced a private beta to support Windows Mobile phones, both touchscreen and non-touchscreen, in the U.S. The company will introduce a version for Symbian smartphones in the coming months and other platforms and geographies are on the product roadmap. Users can sign-up for the private beta by visiting www.skyfire.com.

SymbianGuru released the new software Cute Keys that allows quick access with keyboard shortcuts to applications, documents, multimedia files, websites, calls, messages editor and much more.Cute Keys create shortcuts for your mobile. You can open applications, send SMS or MMS messages to the often used numbers, send email messages and open different Word, Excel and multimedia files. Using this application you organize and simplify your work with mobile phone. After key pressing the action which was assigned to the combination will be performed at once.

There are no limits to numbers of shortcuts in your phone. Shortcuts can be set of two, three or even four buttons; it depends on phone model which you use. More shortcuts you can set on mobile phones with QWERTY keyboard, which allows you more possibilities as the keyboard is similar to PC keyboard.

One of Cute Keys advantages is that you can use the created shortcuts anywhere in the mobile phone: while making a phone call or while using other applications.

You can create a shortcut to:

- Open desired application installed on the mobile

- Open selected multimedia file or document

- Call a certain recipient

- Open selected contact from your contact book

- Change Bluetooth status

- Send SMS/MMS/eMail to selected recipient

- Browse selected website

The Strategy Analytics User Experience Team has released its latest report, “Wireless Device Laboratory: 5-Star Safari Leads Mobile Browsing Experience.” The User Experience team observed and captured the pain points of 50 mobile users who were asked to undertake seven key tasks with the Safari, Internet Explorer, Opera and Mini-map browsers, both in the UK and US.Paul Brown, a Senior Analyst in the User Experience Team noted “Safari received 5-star ratings for five out of the seven attributes rated by participants, including Ease of Accessing the browser, Ease of Entering a Website Address, Ease of Web Page Navigation, Saving a Bookmark and Ease of Returning to Previous Pages.”

David Kerr, Vice President of the Global Wireless Practice, added “Internet Explorer matched Safari in terms of ease of web access and ease of saving a page as a bookmark but could not equal Safari in terms of entering website addresses and overall page navigation.”

Other key findings include:

* Over half of the participants rated Safari as providing the best mobile experience.

* Participants using the Internet Explorer-equipped HTC Touch had difficulty in actually entering an address using the virtual keyboard and stylus;

* Participants using the Mini-Map back navigation feature, as implemented on the Nokia N95, found it useful for familiar sites but less beneficial for new or unfamiliar sites;

* Adding a bookmark was confusing on the Opera Mobile browser as implemented on the T-Mobile Dash.

DealMine.com’s personalized comparison shopping tools allow shoppers to save favorite deals and membership numbers to myDealMine for easy wireless access, anywhere!

Personalized comparison shopping site, DealMine.com announces the launch of its wireless application for consumers to access their membership deals on the road. With thousands of discounts, miles, points and cash back rewards from credit cards, frequent flier programs and associations, DealMine.com guides consumers how to take advantage of the programs where they belong as well as learn about new programs.

Free membership with DealMine.com enables travelers and shoppers alike to bookmark their favorite deals and save their membership numbers – all in one place. Now when checking in at the rental car or hotel desk, or checking out at their favorite store, consumers can access DealMine.com (http://www.dealmine.com or http://m.dealmine.com) on any WAP-enabled wireless phone to compare deals and put them to work.

“We are all members of countless programs designed to save us money; the hard part is keeping track of which deal is best. By making our discounts and rewards search wireless, we hope to make choosing the right deal much easier and more accessible.” said Scott Cherkin, CEO and Founder of DealMine.com. The site currently features over 100 car rental deals, hundreds of hotel deals, 12 JCPenney.com deals, 11 Target.com deals and much more from programs including American Express, AAA, AARP, Veterans Advantage, Visa, Delta SkyMiles, American Airlines AAdvantage, Upromise and more.

On the web, DealMine.com is the only place consumers will find a one-stop shopping website that showcases how membership-based deals compare with general sales and discounts available to all consumers. In Spring 2006, DealMine.com was proudly awarded an honorary mention in the first annual Web 2.0 Awards (http://web2.0awards.org) for its innovative approach to online shopping. “The Web 2.0 phenomenon is fast becoming an integral part of the innovation and direction of web development and ecommerce,” said Rand Fishkin, CEO at SEOmoz and founder of the Web 2.0 Awards. “We are proud to recognize DealMine.com for its ingenuity and bringing more transparency and greater ease to the online shopping experience.”

About DealMine.com DealMine.com is the first personalized comparison shopping site to match discounts, miles, points and other rewards from a wide range of programs to prices at the best stores online. Its mission is to bring more relevant and personalized information to comparison shopping sites to make them easier to use for consumers.

About Web 2.0 Awards and SEOmoz SEOmoz is a leading Internet marketing consultancy, providing search engine optimization services for global clients including the Saatchi Gallery of London, Benchmark Capital, Primal Pictures Ltd., Avatar Financial Group and others. SEOmoz’s website is an informational hub for the online search marketing community, providing authoritative articles and reports on search engine algorithms and web marketing. SEOmoz.org (http://www.seomoz.org) has 13,000+ subscribed members and serves more than 100,000 unique visitors each month. Originally founded in 1981, SEOmoz is privately held and headquartered in Seattle, WA.

Opera Software today announced the worldwide release of Opera Mini, the full Web browser that runs on almost every mobile phone, including low- and mid-end handsets. Today’s global launch follows the trials of Opera Mini in the Nordics and in Germany during the fall of 2005, which resulted in a user base of over one million people. Opera Mini is available free of charge via WAP download, or for a small fee via SMS.

Go to http://mini.opera.com for more information and download instructions.

“With Opera Mini most people can start surfing the Web with the mobile phone they have today,” says Jon S. von Tetzchner, CEO, Opera Software. “We are proud to be the first to offer full, mobile Web browsing to the majority of the world’s mobile phone users.”

Installing Opera Mini is as simple as downloading a ringtone or a game. You simply send an SMS or direct your phone’s WAP browser to http://mini.opera.com. Opera Mini compresses Web pages by up to 80% and reformats them using Small-Screen Rendering(TM) for easy and fast browsing on small, mobile screens. For the end-user, this means faster browsing and dramatically reduced phone bills for those who pay per KB in data traffic.

Opera Mini’s start page features a Google search box for quick access to Web search. And the customizable bookmark list makes it easy to save and surf your favorite sites.

The first trial of Opera Mini was launched in Norway in August 2005, and Michael Gartenberg, VP & Research Director of Jupiter Research, called the little, but powerful, browser “a really big breakthrough for the mobile space.” Opera now also offers customized versions of Opera Mini to mobile phone operators, handset manufacturers and other companies interested in offering a branded, full mobile Web browser to their customers.

Availability
Opera Mini is available as a free download by directing the phone’s WAP browser to http://mini.opera.com. It can also be downloaded for a small fee via SMS download. Opera Mini requires that the phone supports Java.

Opera Mini is available in the following languages: English, German, Spanish, French, Russian, Polish, Norwegian, Swedish, Danish, Finnish. More languages will be available shortly. 

• Official Opera Mini Web site: http://mini.opera.com
• List of SMS download numbers and fees: http://www.opera.com/products/mobile/operamini/sms/
• Opera Mini images for editorial use: http://www.opera.com/press/images/mini/

About Opera Software ASA
Opera Software ASA is an industry leader in the development of Web browser technology, targeting the desktop, mobile, PDA, home media and vertical markets. Partners include companies such as IBM, Nokia, Sony, Motorola, Adobe, Macromedia, Symbian, Sony Ericsson, Kyocera, Sharp, Motorola Metroworks, MontaVista Software, BenQ, Sendo and AMD. The Opera browser has received international recognition from users, industry experts and media for being faster, smaller and more standards-compliant than other browsers.

Opera’s browser technology is cross-platform and modular, and currently available on the following operating systems: Windows, Windows Mobile, Linux, Mac OS, Symbian OS, BREW, QNX, TRON, FreeBSD, Solaris and Mediahighway. The Opera browser is also available as a Java-based (J2ME) browser solution called Opera Mini™ for the world’s 700 million Java-enabled mobile phones.

Opera Software ASA is headquartered in Oslo, Norway, with development centers in Linkoping and Gothenburg, Sweden. The company is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol OPERA. Learn more about Opera at www.opera.com

SGH-d307 Features Remarkable Swivel Screen Design and Qwerty Keyboard For Dynamic Speech and Messaging Communication

Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung) today announced the availability of the multi-functional designed SGH-d307, which features a swivel display that morphs the clamshell phone into a virtual mini-laptop. With a quick flip of the screen, the d307’s numeric keypad becomes a full QWERTY keyboard, unveiling a productive messaging device for users to send and receive emails and instant messages on the fly. The d307’s large internal display features a 262K-color TFT screen, making it easy to view and move from one message to another. Its integrated EDGE technology takes advantage of faster connection speeds, allowing quick and efficient browsing of HTML pages and navigation of emails, and the internal antenna keeps the lines of the device smooth and unobtrusive, without compromising network reception. Packed with an array of advanced communication features, the d307 includes advanced voice recognition with VoiceMode™ speech-to-text dictation technology and voice-enabled dialing, as well as a speakerphone and Bluetooth® wireless technology support. Additionally, the phone includes multimedia messaging for sending pictures, animation and sound files.

“The d307’s breakthrough design showcases Samsung’s ability to embed real-life, relevant technologies in sleek, user-friendly packages,” said Peter Skarzynski, senior vice president, Samsung. “With the increased popularity of messaging, products such as the d307 will resonate with consumers, meeting their ultimate communication needs.”

Additional features of the d307 include:

• EDGE, Class 10
• GSM: Tri-Band 850/1800/1900 MHz
• Bluetooth® wireless technology support:
• Profiles supported: headset, hands-free, file transfer, dial-up networking
• Cingular Mobile eMail
• AOL®, ICQ® and Yahoo!® Instant Messaging
• Internal Display: 262K-color TFT; 176 x 220 pixel
• External Display: 4 Grey Scale; 96 x 96 pixel
• Weighs 4.3 ounces; Measures 3.7 x 1.9 x 0.85 inches
• MP3 ringtones and 64 note polyphonic ringtones
• T-9® easy text entry
• Wireless Internet access
• Wireless modem capable
• Java™ support
• Tone, image and ringer download
• Integrated games
• Trilingual user interface: English, Spanish and French
• Voice recorder
• Personal information manager
• Calendar, calculator, alarm clock, to do list, currency converter, world time

The d307 is available at Cingular Wireless retail stores, in select markets throughout the U.S., for $149.99 with $50 mail-in rebate. For more information visit www.samsung.com.

About Samsung
Samsung Telecommunications America, a Dallas-based subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Company, Ltd., researches, markets and develops wireless handsets and telecommunications products throughout North America. For more information, see STA’s website at www.samsungusa.com/wireless.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2004 parent company sales of US$55.2 billion and net income of US$10.3 billion. Employing approximately 123,000 people in 93 offices in 48 countries, the company consists of five main business units: Digital Appliance Business, Digital Media Business, LCD Business, Semiconductor Business and Telecommunication Network Business. Recognized as one of the fastest growing brands, Samsung Electronics is the world’s largest producer of color monitors, color TVs, memory chips and TFT-LCDs. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com .

Launch Features Demonstration of Streaming TV, Video Conferencing, Enterprise Web Collaboration Tools, Streaming Music, Online Gaming and Very High Speed Internet

T-Mobile launched commercial services of “Internet 4G” today, a super fast, next-generation wireless service that will allow subscribers to access the Internet, watch streaming video, download music, and transfer large files at broadband speeds with unprecedented ease. Powered by UMTS TD-CDMA technology from IPWireless, T-Mobile’s Internet 4G service is fast enough to allow subscribers to replace their fixed line services, but is also mobile, allowing them to enjoy rich multimedia experiences wherever they are in the service area.

During the launch events for the new service over the coming week, T-Mobile will show the capabilities of Internet 4G to highlight the enhanced wireless experience that customers will enjoy. Video of the country’s top- rated television show will be streamed smoothly for a broadcast-like viewing experience. Music will be downloaded from T-Music, T-Mobile’s online music service. Enterprise collaboration tools that allow coworkers to hold videoconferences, share presentations, and hold online whiteboard sessions wherever they are will be demonstrated. T-Mobile will also demonstrate the “speed and latency difference” of Internet 4G over other wireless networks for web browsing, email, and online gaming.

“Internet 4G gives our subscribers full connectivity to work and play on the go, and provides a connection that’s fast enough to replace the home fixed connection,” said Roland Mahler, managing director, T-Mobile CZ. “With Internet 4G, we are confident that T-Mobile will strengthen its position as the No. 1 communications provider in the Czech Republic.”

Services are available initially in Prague, expanding to other area of the country rapidly. Service plans start at 699 koruna (US$29) + VAT 19% for unlimited use at 512 Kbps and 999 koruna (US$41) + VAT 19% for 1 Mbps (speeds are not guaranteed). Subscribers will be able to use either the very small external modem or a PCMCIA card for laptop use, both of which can be set up by the subscriber in minutes.

T-Mobile’s Internet 4G service is powered by UMTS TD-CDMA, the 3GPP standard broadband wireless technology designed for mobile operators. The T-Mobile network will utilize the 1900MHz spectrum that is specifically allocated for the technology and owned by GSM operators across Europe and parts of Asia. An ideal technology for mass market mobile broadband networks, the technology’s very high downlink and uplink performance, low latency, high average sector capacity, strong cell edge performance, low cost per megabit, and support for a high number of simultaneous users, allows mobile operators to offer a range of differentiated mobile broadband services to both enterprise and consumer markets, and to maximize revenue on their networks.

About T-Mobile
T-Mobile Czech Republic a.s. has been operating in the Czech market since 1996. Since its establishment, the Company has placed emphasis on the quality of services offered to the customers. Thanks to their trust and satisfaction, T-Mobile has become the biggest operator according to the number of active SIM cards. By 2Q 2005, 4.6 million people were using the mobile communications services provided by T-Mobile. The Company has also strengthened its position of No. 1 in the business segment.

T-Mobile operates a public mobile communications network on the GSM standard in the 900 and 1800 MHz bands and is a holder of a licence to operate a third-generation network, UMTS. T-Mobile has launched the service as the first operator in the Czech Republic on October 19, 2005 under the name Internet 4G.

T-Mobile is a member of the international telecommunications group T-Mobile International. Thanks to T-Mobile’s international presence, customers can count on the worldwide availability of their favourite services and take advantage of unified, favourable prices of calls when abroad.

More info: http://www.t-mobile.cz/ or http://www.t-mobile.net/ .

Nokia today opened an on-line store enabling consumers to purchase the latest N-Gage accessories easily. Consumers in the UK, Germany, Italy, Spain and France can buy N-Gage accessories directly from Nokia at www.n-gage.com/store.

“We want to provide easy consumer access to the new N-Gage accessory portfolio through the online store. The accessories expand the functionality and usability of the N-Gage QD game deck, and combine attractive price points with a distinctive N-Gage accessory design,” said Jukka Hosio, Director, Global Sales, Games Business Program, Nokia.

The new portfolio of N-Gage accessories complements both the gaming and smartphone functionality of the N-Gage QD game deck. With the N-Gage QD MMC Expander gamers can switch easily between two of their favorite games. The N-Gage Wireless Dual Headset can be used on one or both ears and provides consumers with a high quality wireless experience over Bluetooth connectivity. Sharing the gaming audio with friends is easy with the N-Gage QD Snap-on Speaker.

Other stylish accessories include N-Gage QD Dual Headset, a comfortable headset with volume control, N-Gage QD Carrying Case that protects the game deck while on the move, N-Gage Aluminum Game Card Case and N-Gage Game Card Case to carry and organize game cards in style, and N-Gage Key Strap, a multifunctional carrying strap.

For new N-Gage fans, Nokia offers the N-Gage Starter Kit - a combination of the N-Gage QD Carrying Case, N-Gage Aluminium Game Card Case and N-Gage Key Strap.

In addition to the online store the N-Gage accessories are available through Nokia and GN Mobile sales and distribution network. GN Mobile is widely known for its Jabra branded products. For more information about the N-Gage accessories and the online store go to www.n-gage.com/store.

About GN Mobile
GN Mobile is the world’s largest producer of mobile Bluetooth headsets and a division of GN Store Nord headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark. GN Mobile’s business activities include both their own brand of products and GN’s original equipment manufacturing (OEM) business. www.gn.com

About N-Gage
The N-Gage game deck is an innovative mobile device that is creating an entirely new market for the games industry. Built for active gamers, the N-Gage platform is the first mobile and connected game deck to feature online high-quality 3D multiplayer game play over Bluetooth wireless technology and GPRS. The N-Gage device also offers unique online games services as well as a comprehensive and growing games