“Looking for free apps for your Palm? Check out this compilation of what we think are the top 40 best free Palm apps @ Top 40 best free Palm apps from Blorge “
Everybody is talking about it: “Will Google OS beat Windows?”… I would say YES on many platforms…
July 13, 2009“Can Google’s Chrome OS Challenge Windows in the Fast-Growing Netbook Market?
Google’s new Chrome Operating System (OS) represents a direct challenge to Microsoft’s hegemony in the burgeoning market for netbook software, according to iSuppli. Google’s Chrome OS will launch in the second half of 2010 and will initially target netbook PCs. However, the OS will not only run on netbooks based on Intel’s X86 architecture microprocessors, but also those using ARM-based chips, clearly showing the operating system is targeted at very low-cost netbooks….
…Google versus Goliath
The announcement of Chrome sets the stage for battle royale between Google and Microsoft.
“Google’s launch of the Chrome Web browser served as a preliminary bout in the company’s battle with Microsoft, taking on the market leading OS, Internet Explorer,” said Matthew Wilkins, principal analyst, compute platforms research, for iSuppli. “However, with the PC OS version of Chrome, Google is ringing the bell for the main event.
“The arrival of the Chrome OS is a direct threat to one of Microsoft’s main revenue streams: sales of the Windows operating system for netbook PCs. It also comes at a time when Microsoft is on the eve of launching its most promising operating systems in a number of years: Windows 7.”…
…
…Google’s Chrome OS: A boon for wireless operators?
A key aspect of Chrome, and a major differentiator from Google’s Android, is that it runs in the “cloud,” meaning it’s essentially a Web-based OS, rather than one that entirely resides in the actual device’s hardware. This feature also distinguishes Chrome from the new wave of other mobile operating systems.
“The Chrome OS stimulates data traffic usage on mobile devices such as netbooks and Mobile Internet Devices (MIDs) by encouraging users to access applications running on the cloud,” said Jagdish Rebello, senior director and principal analyst at iSuppli. “Because of this, Google’s Chrome OS has the potential to drive increased data usage on netbooks and notebooks in a way that allows operators to monetize this data traffic.
“Revenue from broadband access will be a very important component of the data revenue of total revenues of wireless carriers worldwide. iSuppli projects that global revenue from mobile broadband access will grow to more than $180 billion in 2013, up from $61 billion in 2008.”…”
This news was picked from and details continue @ http://www.cellular-news.com/story/38480.php?s=h
Twitter + iPhone 3Gs + Augmented Reality = TwittARound
July 10, 2009“This is a video of the first beta version of TwittARound – an augmented reality Twitter viewer on the iPhone 3GS. It shows live tweets around your location on the horizon. Because of video see-through effect you see where the tweet comes from and how far it is away….
This news was picked from & details continue @ http://i.document.m05.de/?p=685
Christian Dior makes fashion statement with mobile marketing
July 8, 2009“Luxury brand Christian Dior has made mobile fashionable in its multichannel effort to promote its iconic Lady Dior handbag.
The LVMH-owned apparel and accessories brand has made its black-and-white Alfred Hitchcock-like film, “The Lady Noire Affair,” available to iPhone users via a new application. Consumers can watch a trailer, the entire movie and its making all from their iPhone.
“With in-market competition and global demand for luxury goods at unprecedented levels, the world’s most respected designers and luxury brands are recognizing that old-fashioned marketing tactics are no longer the most viable means of engaging target audiences, particularly in a world dominated by online and mobile device usage,” said Paul Palmieri, president/CEO of Millennial Media Inc., a Baltimore, MD-based mobile ad network….”
And to ‘fashion-up’ your day a bit; here is the actual movie. Enjoy 
Jem R
This news was picked from & details continue @ http://www.mobilemarketer.com/cms/news/video/3624.html
Nokia Ovi Maps gives a fresh breath to mobile/online mapping!
July 6, 2009
New version of Nokia Ovi Maps, launched in UK last week and it is “enhanced through additional features and services, opening up a new world of possibilities with better maps than ever before: high resolution satellite and terrain maps – both in 2D and 3D views – 3D landmarks for over 200 cities, rotation, tilting, night view, and fly-overs and fly-throughs. Ovi Maps on the device offers also enriched POI information by Lonely Planet, Michelin and Wcities, as well as a weather service that provides 24 hour and 5-day forecasts.”
Really interesting & slick user interfaces; have a look when you have a chance:
“The latest version of the Ovi Maps for your device is available for download at www.nokia.com/maps.The Ovi Maps Beta on the web is accessible at www.maps.ovi.com.”
Wish you all a great week!
Jem R.
This news was picked from and details continue @ http://www.3g.co.uk/PR/July2009/New_version_of_the_Ovi_Maps_Now_Available.html
Footwear Giant Foot Locker’s Mobile Strategy
July 1, 2009“…Foot Locker offers consumers mobile coupons, text alert services, has a mobile VIP club, a mobile Web site and has done text to win promotions.
Foot Locker is a specialty athletic retailer that operates approximately 3,800 stores in 21 countries in North America, Europe and Australia.
…To join the mobile VIP Club, consumers are encouraged to text JOIN to short code 562537. Or, they can go to the VIP Club’s mobile site at http://vip.footlocker.com from any Web-enabled phone.
Consumers that text in get a coupon texted to their phone for $10 off their next purchase of $50 or more. This coupon can only be redeemed in-store.
…The VIP Club’s mobile site gives consumers 24/7 access, since members always have their phone on them.
VIP members also get advanced notice of new product arrivals and get offers and content from Foot Locker partners.
Membership is customizable so users can choose preferences to receive more info about the brand and products they want to hear about.
The mobile site at http://mobile.footlocker.com to find a store, get directions, or click to call. Consumers can even bowse sneakers and buy them right from their phones…”
The article was picked from & details continue @ http://www.mobilemarketer.com/cms/news/database-crm/3581.html
Free Calls Forever: Three (UK) Launch Nokia N97 With Skype!
June 30, 2009(UK) “It’s the new flagship smartphone that’s got everyone talking and it’s coming to 3 – the only network in the UK currently promoting free Skype on the Nokia N97, as well as most of their handset range.
Announcing itself as the world’s most advanced mobile computer, the N97 isn’t afraid to make big shouts, and now it has arrived. 3 is the first operator to embrace free Skype-to-Skype calling and IM on the phone via the Skype on 3 application.
As with all of 3’s Skype-enabled phones, making Skype-to-Skype calls on N97s using this application in the UK won’t cost consumers a penny. The phone will be available on contract from £35 a month, with voicemail and 300 minutes/texts. Internet can be added for £5 a month…”
The news was picked from & continues @ http://www.3g.co.uk/PR/June2009/Three_Launch_Nokia_N97_With_Skype.html
Another Mobile Wallet news: Western Union Mobile to hit global
June 29, 2009“…
The Western Union Co., together with its Vigo and Orlandi Valuta-branded money transfer services, provides consumers with ways to send and receive money worldwide, as well as send payments and buy money orders.
Western Union entered the mobile finance space in the second quarter of 2008, with an endorsement for a global pilot program by the GSM Association, a global trade association representing more than 750 mobile carriers worldwide.
The Western Union Digital Vendor Program is open to mobile finance platform vendors who have successfully deployed a mobile money offering.
Certified vendors agree to maintain current version control against the Western Union money transfer service interface…
…Successful mobile money service offerings are typically deployed on a single-country basis and include three service providers working together in a single mobile finance ecosystem, according to Western Union.
Participants in this ecosystem include carriers, financial institutions and mobile platform providers.
Western Union connects into this ecosystem by providing money-transfer capabilities.
The company is certifying mobile platform vendors to reduce integration costs and accelerate go-to-market activities for banks and carriers by creating standard technical deployments.
Once a bank or carrier contracts with Western Union to activate its mobile money transfer service, its consumers will be able to send and/or receive money through Western Union’s global money transfer system, connected to more than 334,000 agent locations in 200 countries and territories…”
The article is picked from & continues @ http://www.mobilemarketer.com/cms/news/banking-payments/3564.html
(note: mobile wallet, mobile commerce, mobile banking… an important space to watch… jr)
Best Australian iPhone 3GS Deals
June 29, 2009
“…Best deal on a 24-month contract: Vodafone’s $69 deal for the 16GB model offers 1GB of data and $400 of calls. On launch day, Optus announced a $10 rebate on its $79 plan which means it offers more calls and texts — but the fact you’ll still have to pay the tethering charge makes it a pricier deal unless you really just want the iPhone to be a phone.
Best deal on a 12-month contract: Optus was originally the only provider offering a 12-month contract, but Vodafone has also added that option, albeit with high handset charges. hard to pick here, though again tethering would be an issue for Optus users.
Best deal for an outright buy: If you can get to an Apple store, then its apparent prices of $879 for the 16GB model or $1040 for the 32GB will be hard to beat.
Best telco for tethering: Vodafone is the best option if tethering is a feature you want to use regularly as (opposed to occasionally) — Optus’ tethering charge puts it out of contention and Telstra’s data allowance is way too stingy…”
Picked from: http://www.lifehacker.com.au/2009/06/best-australian-iphone-3gs-deals/
Worlds First MOBILE Augmented Reality Browser
June 26, 2009“SPRXmobile has created what they claim is the world’s first augmented reality browser for mobile phones, named Layar. The program, which will only be available for Android phones at the moment, displays real-time digital information on top of the real-world locations it sees through a mobile device’s camera. Layar does not work by using any kind of image or object recognition, but rather through a combination of camera, compass and GPS.”
SPRXmobile explains:
“Layar is derived from location based services and works on mobile phones that include a camera, GPS and a compass. Layar is first avaliable for handsets with the Android operating system (the G1 and HTC Magic). It works as follows: Starting up the Layar application automatically activates the camera. The embedded GPS automatically knows the location of the phone and the compass determines in which direction the phone is facing. Each partner provides a set of location coordinates with relevant information which forms a digital layer. By tapping the side of the screen the user easily switches between layers. This makes Layar a new type of browser which combines digital and reality, which offers an augmented view of the world.”
picked from & continues @ http://www.psfk.com/
Ford revs up mobile campaign for 2010 Mustang launch
June 26, 2009“Ford revs up mobile campaign for 2010 Mustang launch Ford Motor Co. has rolled out a multi-faceted mobile campaign that includes branded content and mobile advertising to promote the launch of the 2010 Mustang.”
Ad-supported mobile entertainment site Myxer’s new Mobile Media Storefront showcases Ford-branded content and the user-generated content related to Mustang in a custom-designed storefront, available on both the wired and mobile Web. The Ford campaign also includes mobile advertising…”
Picked from & continues @ http://www.mobilemarketer.com/cms/news/advertising/3543.html
Gartner’s eight mobile technologies to watch in 2009 and 2010
June 25, 20091. Bluetooth 3.0 —The Bluetooth 3.0 specification will be released in 2009 (at which point its feature set will be frozen), with devices starting to arrive around 2010. Bluetooth 3.0 will likely include features such as ultra-low-power mode that will enable new devices, such as peripherals and sensors, and new applications, such as health monitoring. Bluetooth originated as a set of protocols operating over a single wireless bearer technology. Bluetooth 3.0 is intended to support three bearers: “classic” Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and ultrawideband (UWB). It’s possible that more bearers will be supported in the future. Wi-Fi is likely to be a more important supplementary bearer than UWB in the short term, because of its broad availability. Wi-Fi will allow high-end phones to rapidly transfer large volumes of data.
2. Mobile User Interfaces (UIs) — UIs have a major effect on device usability and supportability. They will also be an area of intense competition in 2009 and 2010, with manufacturers using UIs to differentiate their handsets and platforms. New and more-diverse UIs will complicate the development and support of business-to-employee (B2E) and business-to-consumer (B2C) applications. Organizations should expect more user demands for support of specific device models driven by interface preferences. Companies should also expect consumer interfaces to drive new expectations of application behavior and performance. Better interfaces will make the mobile Web more accessible on small devices, and will be a better channel to customers and employees.
3. Location Sensing — Location awareness makes mobile applications more powerful and useful; in the future, location will be a key component of contextual applications. Location sensing will also enhance systems, such as mobile presence and mobile social networking. The growing maturity of on-campus location sensing using Wi-Fi opens up a range of new applications exploiting the location of equipment or people. Organizations delivering business or consumer applications should explore the potential of location sensing; however, exploiting it may create new privacy and security challenges.
4. 802.11n — 802.11n boosts Wi-Fi data rates to between 100 Mbps and 300 Mbps, and the multiple-input, multiple-output technology used by 802.11n offers the potential for better coverage in some situations. 802.11n is likely to be a long-lived standard that will define Wi-Fi performance for several years. High-speed Wi-Fi is desirable to stream media around the home and office. From an organizational perspective, 802.11n is disruptive; it’s complex to configure, and is a “rip and replace” technology that requires new access points, new client wireless interfaces, new backbone networks and a new power over Ethernet standard. However, 802.11n is the first Wi-Fi technology to offer performance on a par with the 100 Mbps Ethernet commonly used for wired connections to office PCs. It is, therefore, an enabler for the all-wireless office, and should be considered by companies equipping new offices or replacing older 802.11a/b/g systems in 2009 and 2010.
5. Display Technologies — Displays constrain many characteristics of both mobile devices and applications. During 2009 and 2010, several new display technologies will impact the marketplace, including active pixel displays, passive displays and pico projectors. Pico projectors enable new mobile use cases (for example, instant presentations projected on a desktop to display information in a brief, face-to-face sales meeting). Battery life improvements are welcome for any user. Good off-axis viewing enables images and information to be shared more easily. Passive displays in devices, such as e-book readers, offer new ways to distribute and consume documents. Display technology will also become an important differentiator and a user selection criterion.
6. Mobile Web and Widgets — The mobile Web is emerging as a low-cost way to deliver simple mobile applications to a range of devices. It has some limitations that will not be addressed by 2010 (for example, there will be no universal standards for browser access to handset services, such as the camera or GPS). However, the mobile Web offers a compelling total cost of ownership (TCO) advantage over thick-client applications. Widgets (small mobile Web applets) are supported by many mobile browsers, and provide a way to stream simple feeds to handsets and small screens. Mobile Web applications will be a part of most B2C mobile strategies. Thin-client applications are also emerging as a practical solution to on-campus enterprise applications using Wi-Fi or cellular connections.
7. Cellular Broadband — Wireless broadband exploded in 2008, driven by the availability of technologies such as high-speed downlink packet access and high-speed uplink packet access, combined with attractive pricing from cellular operators. The performance of high-speed packet access (HSPA) provides a megabit or two of bandwidth in uplink and downlink directions, and often more. In many regions, HSPA provides adequate connectivity to replace Wi-Fi “hot spots,” and the availability of mature chipsets enables organizations to purchase laptops with built-in cellular modules that provide superior performance to add-on cards or dongles.
8. Near Field Communication (NFC) — NFC provides a simple and secure way for handsets to communicate over distances of a centimeter or two. NFC is emerging as a leading standard for applications such as mobile payment, with successful trials conducted in several countries. It also has wider applications, such as “touch to exchange information” (for example, to transfer an image from a handset to a digital photo frame, or for a handset to pick up a virtual discount voucher). Gartner does not expect much of the NFC payment or other activities to become common, even by 2010, in mature markets, such as Western Europe and the U.S. NFC is likely to become important sooner in emerging markets, with some deployments starting by 2010.
http://www.gartner.com/it/page.jsp?id=867012
Coco Chanel, Another Fashion Giant, Goes Mobile!
August 31, 2008
“Luxury retailer Chanel has made a move into mobile with the launch of an iPhone application.
The application, called “Chanel – Haute Couture Show Fall/Winter 08/09,” lets consumers browse the upcoming seasons’ Chanel products and then click-to-call to make an order. Other popular features of http://www.chanel.com, such as locating a local store, images and videos, are also included in the application….
…The mobile application puts exclusive Chanel content at these consumers’ fingertips. It’s full of pictures of the brand’s fall-winter couture and other useful features.
“Mobile is helping retailers connect with consumers through an interactive brand-building experience and by offering information at different points in the purchasing process,” said Lars Albright, vice president of business development with Quattro Wireless, Waltham, MA.
It seems as though going mobile is becoming quite fashionable in the world of fashion, with brands such as Polo Ralph Lauren, Armani Exchange and Dolce & Gabbana launching mobile initiatives.
Dolce & Gabbana has proven that mobile advertising is effective as well as fashionable by running a mobile campaign on the Nokia Media Network.
Armani Exchange is doing a text-to-win promotion in an effort that also involves future SMS marketing.
Polo Ralph Lauren has launched a mobile commerce service to let consumers buy products through their handsets…
…”Mobile has the power to keep brand names consistently and effectively in the minds of consumers across all demographics – that’s what makes it such a powerful media in today’s wireless world,” Ms. Simmonds said.”"
This news was picked from and details continue at: http://www.mobilemarketer.com/cms/news/commerce/1629.html
Condom Ringtone Launched in India to Promote HIV Awareness
August 15, 2008
The creative idea of the ringtone winning approval from men and women of all ages reinforces that condoms mean good sense and those who know it are the real winners in life.
“As part of its work to fight the spread of HIV, the BBC World Service Trust has launched a novel ringtone in India designed to break down the social taboo of using condoms. The new advertising campaign, which features a ‘condom a cappella’ ringtone is also funded by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation…
…This original ringtone can be downloaded in India by SMSing ”CONDOM” to 56887 (download charges apply) or free from anywhere worldwide on the website www.condomcondom.org .”
This news was picked from and the details continue at: http://www.cellular-news.com/story/33059.php
US Mobile Advertising Experiences 13 Percent Quarterly Growth
August 14, 2008
Though mobile phone marketing exposure is prevalent in all three countries, the mobile delivery tools vary.
“A new report has found that the vast majority of Indian mobile phone users have received adverts on their handsets. The report, commissioned by US mobile social website, Limbo and GfK Technology also found that 51% of Brits and 37% of Americans have also reported mobile adverts on their handsets….
…Though mobile phone marketing exposure is prevalent in all three countries, the mobile delivery tools vary. Text messaging, however, remains the most common advertising format in all; 74 percent in India, 48 percent in the UK and 22 percent in the US.
Mobile web advertising was most prevalent in the UK, with 16 percent of respondents recalling advertising compared with 8 percent of those in the US and 4 percent of those in India….
… The report shows that younger males typically view mobile Internet advertising the most.
The brands recalled in advertising via this channel were mainly mobile carriers, handset manufacturers, media brands and digital entertainment companies…”
This news was picked from and details continue at: http://www.cellular-news.com/story/33024.php?source=newsletter
World’s First Solution for Targeted Advertising over Mobile TV
August 14, 2008
Please click to enlarge
“Packet Vision and UDcast announced what they believe to be the world’s first solution for targeted television advertising over mobile TV. The two companies have developed a technology showcase to demonstrate how targeted advertising will be delivered across mobile TV. The first public presentation of their technology will take place at this year’s IBC (the annual event for the broadcasting industry held in Amsterdam during September).
The technology showcase (on UDcast’s booth, 1E-90), will include an example of a geographically targeted advertising campaign, showing how content can be delivered to mobile TV users over standard DVB-H networks. The showcase also aims to highlight the symbiotic relationship between mobile TV and targeted advertising: the latter brings revenue to mobile TV, which in turn, provides the targetable platform and customer base which will help to accelerate the growth of addressable television advertising. According to MultiMedia Intelligence mobile video revenue will exceed $3.5 billion in 2008, and grow to $15 billion by 2012…”
This news was picked from and details continue at: http://www.3g.co.uk/PR/August2008/6472.htm
More details: http://www.udcast.com/solutions/udcast_solutions_tv_mobile.htm
Mobile Widgets ::: WIDSETS
August 13, 2008
Widsets on mobile
If you aren’t already a fan of mobile widgets, Widsets may change your mind!
Here is their website: http://www.widsets.com/
“With WidSets you can get your favorite web content straight to your mobile phone. Find news and information, stay in touch with email and blogs, play games, share pictures and more. WidSets uses mini-applications called widgets to push updates from your favorite sites directly to your phone. Why waste time surfing for information when WidSets can do it for you?”
And to get started, simply type in http://get.widsets.com/ to your phones browser…
Cheers
Jem
60 Million IPhone Applications have been downloaded!
August 12, 2008
Applications on an IPhone
“Consumers have downloaded over 60 million applications for the Apple iPhone from the Apple online store.
In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Apple CEO Steve Jobs said that most of the downloads were for free applications – but the company has still sold an average of US$1 million worth of software per day.
Based on current sales – and remembering that the iPhone is still only available in a few countries – the company is forecasting sales of half a billion dollars soon. “Who knows, maybe it will be a $1 billion marketplace at some point in time.” Jobs said.
“I’ve never seen anything like this in my career for software,” he added….”
This news was picked from and details continue at: http://www.cellular-news.com/story/32994.php
