Mobility Phones - Mobile Phones

“Consumer grievances against wireless companies are taking on a new dimension. For more than a decade, mobile-phone customers have griped vociferously about what they consider unfair billing and inadequate wireless voice calling. But the advent of mobile data services — from texting to gaming to social networking to Web surfing — has given subscribers a whole host of new beefs to complain about.”

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.

According to a new report from the telecom research firm Berg Insight, more than 100 million mobile subscribers in Europe will use location-based services by 2012. Mapping, navigation and search are believed to become the top applications, followed by social networking and tracking. “All the pieces needed for successful LBS are more or less in place now,” said Andre Malm, telecom analyst, Berg Insight.”GPS is about to become a standard feature in mass-market handsets which are highly advanced and support third party applications. Many will try and a few players will most likely succeed in creating location-enabled mobile applications that will have the same impact on the mobile industry as MySpace and Facebook had on the Internet.” High adoption rates will however not immediately translate into high revenues. LBS providers are going to have to depend on advertising sales in the same way as other online players. The mobile advertising eco-system is still undeveloped and needs many more years to become mature. “First there must be a critical mass of active users to work with, then someone must create a successful model for reaching out to these individuals via their handsets and after that the mobile media must be embraced by the top spenders in the advertising industry,” said Andre.

Slingshot Communications Inc. has announced the availability of the first prepaid wireless broadband access product in the United States. With this service, companies and individuals who want to access the Internet through a wireless connection no longer need to be locked into an extended contract for services that often go unused. Slingshot provides wireless broadband access on a prepaid or pay-as-you-go basis, meaning users only pay for the Internet access they use.”Rather than paying upwards of $75 a month for ‘unlimited’ wireless Internet access, Slingshot enables you to cut your costs and doesn’t require a long-term contract,” said David Vindici, chairman and CEO, Slingshot. “You’re free to access the Internet wirelessly and on your terms.”

Slingshot provides consumers and enterprise users with flexibility, reliability and the security of knowing they can connect to broadband Internet through a trusted source at a low cost. As consumers and business users alike increasingly require secure wireless Internet access, Slingshot is positioned to fill a void in the growing market. According to CTIA, the wireless data market is growing rapidly with revenues that topped $23.2 billion in 2007. In addition, the wireless data market is growing faster than both the DSL and cable modem markets combined.

“There is clearly demand for wireless Internet connectivity, but until Slingshot there wasn’t a solution that truly worked for consumers and businesses,” added Vindici. “Slingshot brings everything needed to accelerate the consumer adoption model of wireless broadband access.”

With a growing number of Internet access options on the market, wireless broadband users need to understand the key differentiators between the products available in order to purchase the services that best meet their needs. Slingshot’s prepaid wireless broadband service offers customers several benefits, including:

* No Contract Required — Most competitors have a standard two-year contract. If an individual finds a better option elsewhere, these companies charge an early termination fee for breaking this contract. With Slingshot, customers are under no contract and have no cancellation fees.

* No Credit Check — When signing up with another service, the wireless provider pings an individual’s credit. Frequent credit checks can result in a lower credit score. Slingshot provides its services to individuals without these checks.

* Never Overcharged — With a typical wireless contract, users are required to pay per month. This fee is the same whether or not they ever use the service. With Slingshot’s pay-as-you-go plan, customers only pay for what they use.

* No More Unsecure Wi-Fi Hot Spots — Wi-Fi hot spots are extremely common, but they are also easily spoofed and unsecure. Malicious attackers can set up their own wireless access point that looks legitimate, but ultimately provide attackers with the means to find and steal personal and proprietary information from those who access the Wi-Fi hot spot. Users cannot know for certain whether a Wi-Fi hot spot is secure. Wireless broadband access through Slingshot’s wireless cards free individuals from these risks and allow them to safely access the Internet anywhere.

“Hot spots have popped up all over, from the airport to your local coffee shop,” said Scott Smith, COO, Slingshot. “The problem is, you never know if the network you’re connecting to is legitimate or set up by someone waiting to steal your information. You may think you’re secure, but unless you use Slingshot it is difficult to be 100 percent sure.”

In addition, users need the freedom and convenience of anytime anywhere Internet access. When a location does not offer wired or wireless connectivity, users still need to access the Internet. Rather than travel to a location that provides limited or unsecured wireless Internet access, Slingshot users can simply log on using their wireless modem giving them true anytime anywhere access, as long as they have their Slingshot wireless modem available.

Availability

The new Slingshot product will be available beginning June 1, 2008 at the various retail locations nationwide or online at www.slingshot.com. Slingshot’s wireless broadband service is offered on either a prepaid or pay-as-you-go basis.

Following the company’s historic coast-to-coast flight last week with fully operational Internet and email connectivity over its national network, Aircell announced today that it received two critical FAA approvals. These FAA approvals bring inflight mobile broadband connectivity one step closer to the flying public, who have consistently requested this service.Aircell is now the first and only communications operator to receive approvals from the FAA to provide air-to-ground (ATG) inflight mobile broadband for U.S. domestic flights. The two FAA approvals received include a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC), permitting installation and operation of the company’s ATG network on commercially operated Boeing 767-200 aircraft.

The second FAA approval is a Parts Manufacture Approval (PMA). This approval authorizes the manufacture of aircraft parts at the company’s Bensenville, IL facility. With its manufacturing facility fully operational and approved by the FAA, Aircell is producing the equipment needed to bring its inflight Internet service to American Airlines and Virgin America in 2008. Enough manufacturing capacity is in place to accommodate rapid service introduction to all future partners as well.

“Having received these critical approvals from the FAA, we now have the ability to rapidly expand to the rest of American’s 767-200 fleet,” said Joe Cruz, SVP and CTO of Aircell. “Initially we will provide passengers flying between Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York and Miami inflight Internet, which research indicates passengers want and need,” continued Cruz. “Working collaboratively with the FAA to receive the initial STC helps pave the way for future certifications on additional aircraft used by our airline partners.”

“Many critical milestones were announced today and last week,” said Cruz. “Collectively, with the network milestones and legal approvals, we confirmed Aircell’s Broadband System is here now, it’s proven, it is cost effective and it can work for all U.S.-based airlines.”

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.

“It was hailed as Internet for the masses when Philadelphia officials announced plans in 2005 to erect the largest municipal Wi-Fi grid in the country, stretching wireless access over 135 square miles with the hope of bringing free or low-cost service to all residents, especially the poor.”

“Google Inc has seen an acceleration of Internet activity among mobile phone users in recent months since the company has introduced faster Web services on selected phone models, fueling confidence the mobile Internet era is at hand, the company said on Tuesday.”

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.

Apple today updated its AirPort Express mobile base station with 802.11n to deliver up to five times the performance and twice the range of the previous model*. Priced at just $99, AirPort Express is the world’s smallest 802.11n-based mobile base station. It can be plugged directly into the wall for wireless Internet connectivity and USB printing at home or easily brought on the road for wireless freedom wherever there is an Internet connection. AirPort Express features AirTunes(TM), which works seamlessly with iTunes to give users a simple and inexpensive way to wirelessly stream iTunes music from a PC or Mac to any room in the house.”Apple is leading the way with a broad range of innovative 802.11n base stations for almost any wireless networking need,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “From the small and portable AirPort Express, to AirPort Extreme for workgroups of up to 50 users and the new Time Capsule for automated backups, Apple customers now have more great ways to extend their wireless networks with 802.11n.”

AirPort Express features a single-piece, compact design weighing just 6.7 ounces, providing maximum portability. AirPort Express offers both PC and Mac users the ability to share a single DSL or cable broadband connection with up to 10 simultaneous users. Users can also share a printer wirelessly that is connected to the USB port. Apple’s AirPort Utility software provides easy step-by-step instructions for setting up and configuring AirPort Express; and with its advanced security features, AirPort Express safeguards data on networked computers with support for Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA/WPA2), 128-bit WEP encryption and a built-in firewall. Apple now includes 802.11n as standard in its entire line of AirPort base stations and Mac notebooks as well as iMac, Apple TV and Time Capsule(TM).

AirPort Express includes a built-in combination digital and analog audio connector allowing users to connect to a home stereo or powered speakers. iTunes automatically detects remote speakers and displays them in a simple pop-up list for the user to select. Once the remote speakers are selected, AirTunes wirelessly streams iTunes music from the computer to the AirPort Express base station. Multiple AirPort Express base stations can be set up around a home, each connected to a set of powered speakers for a whole-home music experience. AirPort Express can also extend the range of an existing AirPort Extreme wireless network.

Pricing & Availability

AirPort Express is available immediately through the Apple Store (http://www.apple.com), Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers for a suggested retail price of $99 (US).

*AirPort Express is based on an IEEE 802.11n draft specification. Actual performance will vary based on range, connection rate, site conditions, size of network and other factors.

Today at CeBIT, Logitech unveiled the company’s first wireless stereo headset designed for Internet calling with a PC: the Logitech ClearChat PC Wireless headset. The ClearChat PC Wireless headset combines high-performance stereo audio with 2.4 GHz wireless technology, allowing people the freedom to move around when they make VoIP calls — no wires attached.The Logitech ClearChat PC Wireless enables people to move freely up to 33 feet (10 meters) from their computer. With the included USB transmitter, the headset effortlessly connects to a PC or Mac computer right out of the box — no software or pairing required. And to help ensure no call gets interrupted, the ClearChat PC Wireless headset’s 2.4 GHz wireless technology features both crisp, uncompressed stereo audio and an advanced algorithm that minimizes interference — even in the busiest wireless environments, such as an airport, office or hotel.

The ClearChat PC Wireless delivers rich, high-quality stereo audio through proprietary laser-tuned audio drivers. For optimal voice clarity, the headset features a noise-canceling microphone on a flexible boom that adjusts to the desired distance from the mouth. Additionally, volume and microphone mute controls are located on the right earpiece and the microphone automatically mutes when rotated to an upright position. As an added convenience, the microphone emits a soft, red glow when muted.

Designed with comfort in mind, the ClearChat PC Wireless headset features a padded headband and plush ear pads. The headset works with popular Internet calling applications, including Skype, Windows Live, Yahoo!, Google Talk and AIM.

In addition to Internet calling, the ClearChat PC Wireless headset provides high-performance audio and a comfortable design that make it ideal for listening to music, watching movies or playing games on the PC.

Pricing and Availability

The Logitech ClearChat PC Wireless headset is expected to be available in the U.S. and Europe in May for a suggested retail price of $99.99 (U.S.).

Nokia today announced the launch of the Nokia 6124 classic, exclusively available from Vodafone in Vodafone markets. The Nokia 6124 classic is a compact multimedia device offering Vodafone customers faster and easier access to all of Vodafone’s high speed Internet and entertainment services. Vodafone and Nokia will make it easier to access the Internet quickly at the click of a button on the Nokia 6124 classic. Customers will get the full suite of communications, content, Internet services and browsing, through seamlessly integrated Vodafone services on this Nokia device. Available exclusively for Vodafone customers world-wide, the Nokia 6124 classic features superior data rates with 3G broadband offering downloads up to 10 times faster than 3G networks. A large 2.0″ display with outstanding brightness and clarity adds more pleasure for internet browsing and video streaming. Taking pictures is convenient with the 2 megapixel camera, flash and panorama mode. The external memory card slot allows the user to expand the memory up to 8GB, which offers plenty of space for favourite images, videos and music. “With the Vodafone exclusive Nokia 6124 classic we continue the successful collaboration we started with the exclusive Nokia 6234,” says Jens Schulte-Bockum, Global Director Terminals at Vodafone “We are proud to offer the new Nokia 6124 classic which will allow our customers to access the complete suite of Vodafone communications, browsing, content and Internet services. In addition, the exclusive Nokia 6124 classic offers customers further improvement in their experience with many of Vodafone’s services already launched with leading Internet partners.” “The name says it all, as the Nokia 6124 classic represents the iconic design familiar to the Nokia brand, now made exclusively for Vodafone customers. It’s a great example of our collaboration and shows Nokia’s commitment to customers, says Markku Suomi, Vice President, Connect, Nokia. “3G broadband appeals to users who want convenient access to the latest information, as the device can even be used as a fast modem to access the internet from the PC.” Based on S60 and Symbian OS, the Nokia 6124 classic enables the user to download additional applications and content on the phone. It also allows the user to run several applications on the device at the same time - making it easy to browse the Web while listening to your favorite music or talking. The Nokia 6124 classic will start shipping in Vodafone markets in the second quarter.

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.

Pantech Wireless, Inc. - the U.S. subsidiary of Pantech Group, Koreas leading mobile phone manufacturer - today announced that the 3G Pantech duo smartphone, celebrated for its dual-slide, double-keyboard design, is now available in a striking shade of red in time for Valentine’s Day.The new Pantech duo incorporates a trendy variation in color to allow customers to express their personal styles as they transition between work and play. Sliding horizontally to reveal a brightly-lit colored QWERTY keyboard and vertically to expose a numeric keypad, the red Pantech duo is a UMTS/HSDPA-enabled smartphone that impressively houses both keypads and a large color screen in shell measuring only 4.02 inches tall, 1.97 inches wide and .83 inches thick.

The red Pantech duo speaks to the dual personalities in all customers by using a robust 240 x 320 pixel screen to showcase customized entertainment programming available through AT&T CV services. Whereas demands of the business day are met with Microsoft Windows Mobile 6, making it easy for professionals on the road to view PowerPoint presentations and edit and view Microsoft Word and Excel documents. Also incorporated are other widely-used features such Internet Explorer Mobile, Windows Media Player 10 Mobile and Stereo Bluetooth.

Red Pantech duo features include:

* Dual-slide form factor

* Red color casing

* Microsoft Windows Mobile 6 Standard Edition

* 3G functionality (UMTS/HSDPA)

* Coverage in more than 190 countries for phone calls; over 130 countries for data.

* Stereo Bluetooth (1.1, 1.2)

* Microsoft Office Mobile and Outlook Mobile

* Push Personal and enterprise email services

* AT&T Mobile Music service, including XM Radio

* AT&T CV video service

* Windows Media Player 10 Mobile

* Multimedia messaging

* Mobile instant messaging

* QWERTY keyboard

* Standard phone keypad

The red Pantech duo is available now in the U.S. exclusively from AT&T for a special introductory price of $199.99 at AT&T retail stores nationwide, online at http://www.wireless.att.com, at select national retailers and through AT&T’s business-to-business sales organizations.

Ericsson today announced the U380 mobile platform delivering a true mobile Internet experience and empowering consumers with advanced multimedia features. The U380 is an integrated and verified one-chip HSPA platform, supporting all major Open Operating Systems on the market and the first product based on the recently announced Open OS collaboration with Texas Instruments (TI).The continuous need for more powerful devices combined with the demand for mass market smartphones makes the U380 a groundbreaking platform for mobile device manufacturers addressing this rapidly growing segment. By integrating Ericsson’s HSPA modem with TI’s high performance OMAP3430 applications processor into a one-chip solution, the U380 is among the smallest and most powerful multimedia platforms on the market in this category.

With support for all major Open OSs, the U380 will provide mobile device manufacturers with a robust and flexible architecture for applications and services deployment, enabling easier delivery and management of services and content. This enables handset manufacturers and mobile operators to differentiate their products through rich, easy-to-use and customizable user interfaces. The extensive verification and IOT testing performed by Ericsson will also enable manufacturers to rapidly bring highly advanced mobile devices to the mass market while reducing risk and lowering development costs.

Robert Puskaric, head of Ericsson’s mobile platforms business, says: “This is truly a next generation platform for the rapidly growing Open OS market. The combination of powerful multimedia performance and Open OS capabilities in an extremely small package makes the U380 platform hard to match.”

Richard Kerslake, general manager for the TI-Ericsson business, TI’s Wireless Terminals Business Unit, says “The combination of Texas Instruments’ and Ericsson’s key competences has really paid off. TI’s OMAP3430 processing power, coupled with Ericsson’s HSPA access technology in a pre-verified and tested platform supporting all major open operating systems will provide great opportunities for device manufacturers worldwide.”

The U380 platform is expected to be commercially available in the first half of 2009.

Flash Networks, a leading provider of mobile Internet quality-of-experience (QoE) solutions, today announced integration of F5 Networks’ VIPRION application delivery controller with its mobile Internet platforms to provide faster and smoother browsing using mobile devices. VIPRION’s traffic management and load balancing capabilities enable more mobile Internet traffic to be processed in the same amount of time and for all users to have a faster response time. With a scalable chassis and blade architecture, and a top-end performance of 36G of L7 throughput and 200,000 SSL transactions per second, VIPRION provides the performance needed today as well as the ability to scale in the future.F5’s VIPRION routes all mobile Internet data traffic to Flash Networks’ quality-of-experience platforms for optimization while preventing bottlenecks and service delays by evenly allocating network load between several network servers. Flash Networks carrier grade QoE platforms run data acceleration, multi-media adaptation, video streaming shaping and content control solutions providing a superior user experience.

“The recent boost in mobile Internet traffic is putting tremendous pressure on network resources,” commented Eli Mahal, Vice President of Marketing at Flash Networks. “Response time is the number one factor for customer satisfaction for web browsing. F5’s VIPRION application delivery controller provides the extra speed and high availability that gives our Mobile Internet solutions a competitive edge.”

“The Mobile Internet is at an inflection point with tremendous potential for fast market growth,” commented Jim Ritchings, Vice President of Business Development at F5. “Consumer demand for media rich web content and the wide variety of web applications is burning up available bandwidth fast. The VIPRION application delivery controller integrated with Flash Networks’ mobile Internet platform can handle high volumes of traffic-driving up customer satisfaction, mobile Internet adoption and data revenues.”

New Innovations in S60 UIWhile the S60 design is kept familiar and consistent S60 renews and innovates to fill different user needs and provides alternatives for developers, manufacturers and Operators to design new type of applications, mobile devices and services. Now S60 expands the UI offering by Touch UI with tactile feedback to create new type of devices and applications and by UI Accelerator Toolkit to create graphically stunning applications.

Advanced sensors and sensor framework

S60 UI expands with sensors and advanced sensor framework. Sensors provide easy and entertaining way to engage with your devices while sensor framework opens this new exiting world to developers and licensees for new innovations.

Full Web browsing experience on S60

Web Browser for S60 provides best-in-class full web browsing experience on smartphones. Recent enhancements in this area - e.g. support for commonly used Flash Video content type and improved content download support - provide an even more desktop-like browsing experience.

Bring your Internet innovation to S60

Developers and designers can create exciting ways to connect and share using well-known desktop-class technologies (HTML, CSS, Flash) combined with the power of Internet information.

Powerful technology to create innovative experiences

Experienced developers can expand the capabilities of mobile devices and leverage the creativity of open source communities using powerful runtime technologies (C++, Open C, Java, Python).

S60 and Internet Community Services

A growing number of popular Internet community services are being mobilized on the open S60 platform. Optimized and integrated in-device client applications provide excellent user experience for users to connect to services that are relevant to them. They can also take advantage of device functionalities - such as GPS for location information - to go even beyond the desktop PC user experience.

S60 Device Showcase

The latest S60 devices at your finger tips.

Tune my S60

Let’s tune your S60 device and open it for new features! Decorate your personal S60 device with some free and funky add-on applications such as themes, wallpapers and ringtones. Match your own S60 handset to your style!

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).

NTT DoCoMo will participate in GSMA Mobile World Congress 2008, the largest exhibition of its kind in Europe attracting a large number of GSM technology related businesses, held February 11-14 in Barcelona, Spain. The exhibition is a platform for participating corporations to announce new products and technologies and attracts great attention internationally.From high-spec mobile phones and services to cutting-edge technologies such as the “Wellness Handset” prototype and networks such as Super 3G (LTE) and 4G, we will be showcasing a wide range of exhibits based on the theme of “advancement” and “technological prowess” — DoCoMo’s major strengths.

Don’t miss the chance to experience DoCoMo’s innovative technologies firsthand and discover how we imagine the near future. Further information about the displays

Latest Handsets — The “Multi-Talented” 905i Series / Latest Services

* Chokkan Games (intuitive motion/voice-activated gaming)

* Music & Video services

* One-Segment mobile TV

* GPS services, etc.

R&D

* Super 3G (also known as LTE)

* 4G demonstration experiments

“Wellness Handset” Prototype

* We are introducing a mobile phone prototype which monitors health with sensors that measure body fat, footsteps, heart rate, halitosis (bad breath), etc.

Lifestyle Infrastructure

* Mobile Internet service i-mode and i-channel (push-based information service)

* “Osaifu-Keitai” mobile wallet services, usage scenarios and business solutions

Conceptual Handsets — The “One-of-a-Kind” 705i Series

* Ultra-thin handsets

* Waterproof handsets

* Designer handsets

Global Business

* interTouch, a high-speed Internet access provider

* DoCoMo’s presence outside Japan

CSR

* Universal design phones: Raku-Raku PHONE, Kids’ PHONE

* “Sound Leaf Plus”, a bone conduction receiver/microphone

* Environmental activities: handset collection and recycling

On2 Technologies, Inc., a leader in video compression solutions, today unveiled plans for Mobile World Congress being held in Barcelona, February 11 - 14 2008. Following its recent acquisition of Hantro Products Oy, a leading mobile video company, On2 will present a complete portfolio of video technologies that enhance the web video experience and bring it to the palm of your hand.Consistently at the forefront of web video technologies, On2’s TrueMotion codecs deliver Internet based video content through applications and services provided by companies such as: Adobe, Skype, AOL and Move Networks, amongst others. With wireless Internet access becoming faster and more affordable than ever before, mobile consumers now have unfettered access to this content. As consumers increasingly expect a High Definition experience, On2 is uniquely positioned to offer the technologies for unprecedented mobile video experiences.

“For many years our proprietary codecs and, more recently, our Flix publishing software have been providing the internet community with high quality, low bandwidth and low complexity solutions for sharing video on their desktops.” says Bill Joll, President and CEO of On2 “Now, with Hantro fully integrated with On2, we uniquely bridge the worlds of web, VoIP and mobile video.”

Joll continues: “Chosen by leading device and semiconductor companies because of their ultra low power, high performance and proven interoperability, the embedded hardware and software standards based codecs Hantro is renowned for are pre-requisites in multimedia handsets. By adding our proprietary TrueMotion solutions to this mix we provide chip and device manufacturers with a one-stop-shop for the video technologies required to bring successful next generation multimedia handsets to market.”

With a common thread of making HD possible in extremely resource constrained environments and low bandwidths, On2 will be demonstrating solutions for the creation, sharing and consumption of video over the web and wireless. Visitors to the booth will see an array of desktop and embedded codec implementations and application solutions targeted for chip and handset vendors, network operators and content site owners.

Planned demonstrations to include:

– TrueMotion VP7(TM) — the codec used in Skype video conferencing for high quality, full screen video conferencing, capable of 720P HD video at 300kbps with fixed camera encodes.

– TrueMotion VP6-S(TM) — the codec used in AdobeFlash Player 8 and 9 which is designed specifically to allow HD video playback in power restricted applications.

– TrueMobile(TM) — a mobile video solution based on On2’s proprietary TrueMotion VP7. Enabling the fast deployment of compelling mobile video services, TrueMobile is capable of delivering high quality video with data rates as low as 20Kbps.

– Hanto RTL designs enabling ultra low power real time encoding and decoding up to HD resolution video. The designs are targeted for baseband and application processors destined for mobile phones and consumer electronics.

– Flix Engine — a video transcoding application SDK for UGC site servers, used by a majority of the 10 top UGC sites.