- Week summary
- General wireless data market related news
- Carriers news
- Wireless data related middleware vendors news
- Terminal development for mobile data
- Vendors of software for client wireless devices news
- Mobile application related news
- Application outsourcing and hosting news
- News about financing for wireless data businesses
- News about trade shows and conferences
| * - Star sign marks especially important (from the editor's point of view) news items and is also a link to the next important news item. |
Week summary |
- More and more carriers offer mobile search with found content being downloadable - and with queries entered by making a camera snapshot.
- Device vendors, carriers/portals and technology providers partner and merge to be able to offer competitive applications - SanDisk/Yahoo!, Sun Microsystems/SavaJe Technologies, NextWave Wireless/IPWireless, Benefon/GeoSolutions and Comcast/Fandango.
- Mobile payment, banking and credit applications continue to appear on a global scale
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This section lists all breaking wireless data related news that do not belong to any particular section (or should belong to multiple) as well as to general reviews of interest.
| ABI Research: Mobile Marketing and Advertising to be Worth $3 Billion by 1Q 2008 Original news source |
| The world market for mobile marketing and advertising is expected to be worth about $3 billion by the end of 2007, according to a recent study from ABI Research. By 2011, the value of this market will reach $19 billion, including mobile search and video advertising. ABI Research also expects some of the highest levels of spending to come in the broadcast mobile video space. |
| ABI Research: Twenty Percent of Mobile Handsets Will Include Near Field Communication by 2012 Original news source |
| In its latest analysis of the Near Field Communication market, ABI Research forecasts that by 2012, some 292 million handsets — just over 20 percent of the global mobile handset market — will ship with built in NFC capabilities. 2007 will be critical for NFC technology as key standards and operator trials complete the foundations for the first real deployments. |
| ABI Research: Mobile Broadband-Enabled Consumer Electronics Will Approach 100 Million Shipments by 2012 Original news source |
| According to a new study from ABI Research, portable consumer electronics — digital cameras, media players, portable game devices, and more — are beginning to offer direct mobile broadband connections to the Internet. By 2012, annual shipments of such devices are expected to approach 100 million. |
| Leading mobile companies to endorse common mobile TV implementation based on OMA BCAST Original news source |
| The profile simplifies the Open Mobile Alliance (OMA) Mobile Broadcast Services Enabler Suite (BCAST) specification for fast implementations ensuring interoperability and future proofing further developments. Support for DVB-H broadcast networks and cellular systems, as well as the 3G Mobile Broadcast Service (MBMS), are benefits of the OMA-BCAST specification. This allows companies to extend current business models and broaden current and future Mobile TV services. As a result, operators will be able to offer customers more choice in watching TV on their handset. |
| eMarketer: Mobile TV/Video to Reach $12.7 Billion Globally Original news source |
| Two key drivers of the market are 3G and smartphones, both of which are necessary for mobile video and TV. So any attempt to size up the potential Mobile TV/video market is largely a function of 3G penetration forecasts. eMarketer predicts that by 2011 there will be 120 million 3G subscribers who pay a premium for mobile video clips or streams. There will be 80 million mobile TV subscribers worldwide by 2011. |
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This section lists news about innovative and competitive usage of wireless data by network carriers.
| * Alltel and JumpTap Launch First Carrier-Branded Search on a Dedicated Handset Key Original news source |
| The new, dedicated search key launches an Alltel-branded BREW client that presents Alltel subscribers with a search box to find content, services and information. The visibility of the dedicated key will not only increase the uptake of mobile search, but also will increase content purchases by helping subscribers find what they want quickly and easily. |
| * Scanbuy and Telefonica Moviles Espana to Launch Solution Allowing Widespread Use of Barcodes with Mobile Handsets in Spain Original news source |
| By selecting Scanbuy's mobile barcode technology, TME will offer its Movistar subscribers access to content by simply pointing their camera phone at a two-dimensional barcode, to be found in advertising, on TV, business cards or websites. Scanbuy's client application ensures quick and easy access to online data and multimedia services from a wide range of handsets. Scanbuy's service platform will allow content providers to create, manage, and monitor their barcodes and to launch couponing and ticketing campaigns by sending barcodes within SMS or MMS. |
| QUALCOMM and Amp’d Mobile Bring BREW Services to Canada Original news source |
| Launched in the Canadian market on March 14, Amp'd Mobile is delivering its line-up of popular, exclusive entertainment content, information applications, messaging and more via TELUS' high-speed CDMA2000 1xEV-DO wireless network. The launch marks the first commercial deployment of BREW services in Canada. |
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This section lists breaking news from companies which provide middleware used by carriers and software developers to offer access to diversified corporate data.
| 24/7 Real Media Extends Mobile Search Marketing Services With Enhanced DECIDE DNA Platform Original news source |
| Decide DNA 6.1 improves advertiser ROI by providing greater understanding of the most profitable creative units, keywords, and landing pages, automatically adjusting keyword portfolios based on parameters defined by the advertiser. 24/7 Real Media’s full suite of search support services and tools, such as campaign analysis, creative development and landing page optimization, as well as its new mobile search capabilities. |
| Volantis And Mobixell Announce Joint Mobile Video Offering, Available For Immediate Deployment Original news source |
| Leveraging Mobixell’s Content Production suite for mobile multimedia production and adaptation, Volantis extends and enhances its content management and delivery capability to include intelligent asset transcoding and real-time streaming adaptation of video and audio of any format. This ensures that the mobile subscriber experience is always optimized for any type of media, regardless of mobile devices, domains and networks. |
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This section lists breaking news from companies which manufacture actual end user wireless devices (phones, pagers, PDAs etc.), as well as other information relevant to such companies.
| * SanDisk and Yahoo! Music Partner for Sansa Connect Wireless Internet MP3 Player Original news source |
| The partnership pairs SanDisk’s new wireless MP3 player with both free and subscription-based services from Yahoo!, allowing consumers to stay constantly connected to their music, photos and friends via WiFi, with no PC required.
The flash-based Sansa Connect MP3 player boasts several Yahoo! features that can be accessed with the simple click of a button and an open WiFi connection2. Owners with a Yahoo! ID can listen to LAUNCHcast Internet radio, browse Flickr sets and photos, and see what their Yahoo! Messenger friends and other Sansa Connect owners nearby are listening to. Sansa Connect users with a Yahoo! Music Unlimited To Go subscription are also able to discover and download music, as well as listen to or download tracks their friends are listening to or have recommended.
When the Sansa Connect is not connected to a WiFi network, the player behaves like a traditional Flash MP3 player and can be connected to a PC. Users can play music and view photos stored either on the player or on an optional microSD card. |
| SAMSUNG Launches New Mobile WiMAX Devices in Korea Original news source |
| Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. released three new Mobile WiMAX (WiBro in Korea) devices - a WiBro smart phone (SPH-M8100), a top of the range multimedia convergence device (SPH-P9000), a USB Dongle (SPH-H1200) and a PCMCIA card. Samsung's SPH-M8100 is a PDA WiBro smart phone which offers wireless Internet, voice telephony and video telephony services through WiBro and CDMA 1x EV-DO. The slider phone boasts a 2.8" color touch screen display, a TV-out, an MMC card slot, and 2 cameras; a 2 megapixel camera and a VGA camera for video calls. Samsung's M8100 also features T-DMB, Bluetooth with A2DP functionality, 128ROM/64MB RAM memory and Microsoft's latest view and edit function. |
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This section lists breaking news from companies which provide client software that runs in end user wireless devices (phones, pagers, PDAs etc.).
| Palm to release Linux-based platform Original news source |
| At a meeting with analysts in New York, Palm executives cited research that forecast the market for smartphones -- which surf the Web, send e-mail and manage data in addition to making phone calls -- growing to $36 billion by 2009. Palm said it would deliver new products, and suggested it was developing operating system software based on the open-source Linux platform.
But executives declined analysts' repeated requests for specifics, saying only that information would come soon. |
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This section lists news that describe innovative and competitive implementation of wireless data applications.
| * Gemalto Technology Empowers Secure SMS-Based Mobile-Payment Service Original news source |
| Gemalto is providing Belgian mobile operator BASE with a comprehensive solution which allows its subscribers to perform secure payment by just sending an SMS. Gemalto supplied BASE with a mobile payment application compatible with third generation SIM cards, incorporating the m-banxafe technology designed by Banksys, the company behind the authorization, security and guarantee of electronic payments in Belgium. Gemalto also provided the specific personalization services required to guarantee the highest levels of security for SMS-based transactions. The service went live on March 20, 2007. |
| * Smart SMS Corp. Launches MP3NY’s Mobile Visa Debit Card Original news source |
| The T-Weed Wireless Visa allows consumers the convenience of wireless banking. The card is designed to be accessible from a cell phone, PDA, computer or landline telephone. It’s the premiere mobile bankcard with advanced security features. T-Weed’s Wireless Visa Card intends to give unbanked Americans, small business owners, immigrants, and families the freedom of a bank debit card that can be used in coordination with a current bank account, powered by employment direct deposits or deposits made at Money Gram or Safeway locations. New Wireless Visa customers do not need to have a previous bank account or credit history, only a cell phone and a US address. The card carrier can make purchases or use ATMs with the Star or Visa logos worldwide. The
account-to-account transfer feature allows customers to transfer money instantly by phone, by texting the recipient’s cell phone or card account number. Cardholders can also receive funds by simply providing their cell phone number to the sender. |
| * Mobile phone based online payment service OneBip monetises Web 2.0 Original news source |
| New mobile phone based online payment service OneBip allows consumers to turn their mobile phone credit into money to be spent online, transforming any mobile phone account into a payment tool without the need for a credit card or bank account.
With OneBip consumers can purchase digital goods and services online from any merchant that accepts OneBip. The purchase is then securely processed and added directly to the consumer’s mobile phone bill, or taken from their pre-pay credit total. |
| CallWave Ushers in Next Generation of Text Messaging Original news source |
| CallWave, Inc. announced the launch of its text messaging gadget (also known as a widget) for Microsoft Vista – a free, desktop-based application enabling users to send text messages to virtually anyone, anywhere from their computer whether their handset is nearby or not. |
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This section lists news about outsourcing/hosting of mobile corporate/enterprise applications by e.g. software developers, network carriers, and consulting companies. News about mobile access to portals are also included here.
| * UpSNAP Pioneers Mobile Metasearch for Cell Phones Original news source |
| Looking for Justin Timberlake ringtones and wallpaper? Then go to www.upsnap.com and type in the query to receive a listing of content that will work on your mobile phone and that you can download to your cell phone. UpSNAP’s mobile metasearch is free, but there may be charges for downloading features. For access to more than 1,600 audio feeds, free 411 and other content, send a text message to UpSNAP’s shortcode 27627 (2SNAP). |
| Mobiya Signs up to Deliver Mobile Classified Ad System for Metro Original news source |
| Thanks to Mobiya's technology, Metro readers will be able to place classified ads through 'SMS Deal' - a user-friendly classifieds service. Advertisers can place an ad in the paper by sending a text message to a short code number; if they have a mobile phone with a camera, they can also send a picture. Their ad appears in the paper with a unique ad code and is also immediately published on Metro’s website. Responders simply send an SMS reply quoting the ad code which triggers the exchange of mobile numbers between the two parties who are then free to contact each other by text or phone call. |
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This section lists news about new financing opportunities for and in the wireless data industry.
| Vimio Establishes Ukrainian Joint Venture Original news source |
| Vimio, provider of live TV, media distribution solutions and content to mobile network operators, announced that it has entered into a joint venture with Nichols Limited, a British Virgin Islands company owned by Ukrainian investors, through a newly incorporated company VEE, to commence operations in the Ukraine. |
| Cellular applications developer pdway raises $3m Original news source |
| Israeli start up pdway Ltd., which is developing cellular coupon applications, has closed its first financing round, raising $3 million from a private investor active in the real estate market. The company will use the funds to complete the development of its technology and carry out commercial feasibility tests in the US, in which it has already invested a few million dollars. |
| 80108 Secured Financing Original news source |
| 80108 Media, a Boston-based local SMS alerts company, has received $12 million in two round of funding, and has launched its service. The round included General Catalyst Partners, IDG Ventures Boston, Khosla Ventures, and Borealis Ventures as investors. |
| * Sun Microsystems to Acquire Assets from SavaJe Technologies Original news source |
| Additional information regarding the acquisition of these assets will be unveiled at the annual JavaOne Conference being held in San Francisco, May 8-11, 2007. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to be completed during the fourth quarter of Sun's 2007 fiscal year which began on April 2, 2007. The terms of the deal were not disclosed as the transaction is immaterial to Sun's earnings per share. |
| * NextWave Wireless to Acquire IPWireless Original news source |
| Under the terms of the agreement, NextWave will pay approximately $100 million at closing, consisting of $25 million in cash and $75 million in NextWave common stock. Additional consideration of up to $135 million will be paid based on the achievement of certain revenue milestones in the 2007 – 2009 timeframe as specified in the agreement, with potential payments of up to $50 million in late 2007 or 2008, up to $7.5 million in 2008, up to $24.2 million in 2009 and up to $53.3 million in 2010. |
| Wherify Wireless Raises $4.6 Million Original news source |
| This financing is in addition to $1.2 million previously raised by Wherify's issuance of its 10% Senior Convertible Promissory Note as disclosed in the 8-K.
The Company plans to use the net cash proceeds of approximately $4 million for general working capital purposes, including purchase of inventory, and to re-launch its corporate strategy. |
| * Benefon Signs Letter Of Intent To Acquire Geosolutions Original news source |
| Benefon Oyj announced it has signed a letter of intent to acquire GeoSolutions BV, a developer of location-based technologies, products, and services for mobile and Internet-connected devices. Based in Amsterdam, GeoSolutions provides an innovative method enabling mobile users to access not only traditional Internet-based content but also access to user generated content and local information that is aggregated from third party information sources such as directory services. GeoSolutions´ products provide Mobile Network Operators, Mobile Handset Manufacturers and Directory Providers (Yellow and White pages) sizeable income potential from mobile-based localized geo-targeting. Benefon expects the acquisition of GeoSolutions
BV, a pre-revenue software company, to generate significant revenues and to be accretive to earnings reasonably soon from the acquisition to make it attractive. Benefon will acquire GeoSolutions BV for approximately €6 million in stock. Completion of the transaction, which will be made through a Dutch subsidiary to be established, is subject to regulatory and other customary closing conditions and is expected to be completed by April 30. |
| * Comcast Reaches Agreement to Acquire Fandango Original news source |
| Comcast Corporation, the nation's leading provider of cable, entertainment and communications products and services, announced that it has reached an agreement to acquire Fandango, destination for movie information, showtimes and ticketing, and one of the Web's top entertainment sites. The company also announced plans to launch Fancast.com, a new national online destination that will enable consumers to search, discover, manage and enjoy their entertainment experience across many devices and channels, including television, computers, DVDs and wireless services. |
This section lists the trade shows and conferences which are relevant to wireless data from either participation or exhibiting point of view.
| Press Registration Now Open for Computerworld's Mobile and Wireless World (MWW) Conference Original news source |
| Computerworld's Mobile & Wireless World (MWW) Conference held May 21 - 23, 2007 in Orlando, Fl. is a rare
opportunity to gain insight on the way user companies deploy their
mobile and wireless strategies in the enterprise. At Mobile &
Wireless World, CIOs and VPs of IT join thought leaders, key
solution providers, and their peers for a visionary overview of
mobile and wireless. |
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A recommended introductory reading that may be helpful in understanding the scope of this publication is the Wireless Data Forum's Wireless Data Primer.
A glossary of wireless industry terms and acronyms can be found at the Wireless Week site.
Disclaimer: The information presented is personal opinion of Leonid Iakovlev (the editor) and does not necessarily represent the opinion of any company with which he may be affiliated or of any referred third party. All information in this report is NOT guaranteed to be accurate. The information and links were however verified at the time this text was created. Editor does not take responsibility for any actions you may take based on the information you find here. Editor accepts no liability to any party for loss or damage caused by errors or omissions or by statements of any kind in this publication, whether such errors result from accident, negligence, or any other cause. Editor assumes no liability for incidental or consequential damages
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