WIRELESS AND MOBILE NEWS

Verizon BlackBerry Tour Updates 2Day: BlackBerry OS 4.7.1.61

2009-11-20T20:05:07Z

If you own a BlackBerry Tour, you'll be happy to know that there is update to your operating system available from Verizon. BlackBerry Tour OS 4.7.1.61 fixes many glitches, enhances features and has been reported to give the BlackBerry Tour an all-around speed tune-up.

Before you complete your BlackBerry Tour update make sure to backup your data. You can get the BlackBerry Tour OS 4.7.1.61 through Desktop Manager.

To Back Up Data:

Open up the Blackberry Desktop Manager Program and click on Backup and Restore.

Select Backup and save the data on your computer.

How to Update BlackBerry Tour From Your Computer:

Open up Blackberry Desktop Manager Program (available for download from your service provider or RIM.)
Click on Application Loader.
Click on Update software and follow the prompts.
Make sure the USB cable is connected to your computer and your BlackBerry Tour.

There were previous reports of sticky trackball problems with the BlackBerry Tour. Other problems reported with the BlackBerry Tour were muffled voices with Bluetooth use as well as GPS and nav software appearing when not activated by the user.

According to Verizon here's what this BlackBerry Tour update does to make your life easier:

Delete emails while composing messages, for greater efficiency.
Save contacts with only a company name.
Add email accounts in the simplified setup wizard at a moment's notice.
Geotag your photos and find a GPS connection with our BlackBerry Tour GPS upgrade.
Get music quickly and easily with V Cast Music with Rhapsody.
Enjoy smooth playback of your music through your device.
Enjoy crisp, vibrant video with the video player upgrade.
Keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road with simplified headset set up and removal.
Make calls quickly and accurately with improved dialing from the home screen.
Keep things organized more easily with recycle bin enhancements.
Be on time every time with the improved alarm application.

Previously, RIM briefly released BlackBerry Tour Update 4.7.1.53 and then pulled it.
]]> BlackBerry Tour OS OS 4.7.1.61:

Enhanced sound quality for voice calls on your BlackBerry Tour, wired headsets, or Bluetooth headsets.
Improved responsiveness while using Visual Voice Mail.
Ability to view plain-text emails with attachments in your BlackBerry Enterprise Server with the RSA SecureID application.
Improved MMS notification.
BlackBerry Messenger update notification: − Receive a notification message when a new version of BlackBerry Messenger is available. − Accept or decline the installation prompt. − Manually check for new versions of BlackBerry Messenger.

BlackBerry Tour Apps and Accessories.
Best Top Ten BlackBerry Tour Apps (So Far)..

ARM Solution Center for Android Open for Open Source Developers

2009-11-20T19:35:36Z

ARM has opened the Solution Center for Android, a resource for designers and developers of ARM technology-based products running on Android, the open source platform from the Open Handset Alliance.

The ARM Solution Center for Android (SCA) offers developers new to Android or to ARM, the widest range of Android resources for ARM architecture. SCA members come together to share their expertise, solutions and services, including:

Development tools.
Complete Android solutions.
Android software components.
Android services.
Android training.

]]> "As we have seen through the recent launches of handsets such as Motorola's Droid and Acer's Liquid, the Android platform represents a fundamental change in the open source ecosystem," said Kevin Smith, VP Segment Marketing, ARM. "ARM is the leading processor architecture for internet everywhere applications from mobile to the connected home and with that leadership, ARM is in a position to foster an innovative ecosystem to ensure that device manufacturers have the best development solutions at their disposal. The Solution Center for Android serves as a one-stop guide to provide developers with the tools and information they need to create innovative devices with applications that satisfy consumers' needs."

"Consumer adoption of smartbooks, smartphones and other 'always on' connected devices is forecast to increase significantly in the next few years," said Jeff, Orr, senior analyst at ABI Research. "Manufacturers of these devices need a support structure that enables them to develop cutting-edge devices quickly and affordably."

In addition to the support of major OEMs, Silicon Partners and solution providers, the Solution Center for Android comprises more than 35 members of the ARM Connected Community that provide development tools, solutions and services optimized specifically for Android on the ARM platform. Participating Partners include Acrodea, America Megatrends, Archos, Atelier, Beijing Farsight, CoWare, Datalight, Discretix Technologies, Embedded Artists AB, Enea, Haansoft, Incube Solutions, Ingenient Technologies, Intrinsyc Software, iWave Systems, Lauterbach, LSF Design, Mapusoft, Mentor Graphics, Mistrial Solution, Montavista, Movial, NECEL, Open Kernel Labs, Pathpartnertech, QSound, Symsource, SQLStar, Tata Elxsi, Texas Instruments, Thundersoft, Vayavya Labs, Viosoft, VirtualLogix, VisualOn, Wipro and Zii Labs

The Solution Center for Android is accessible immediately. For more information and a full list of participating Partners please visit www.arm.com/solution-center-android

U.S. Cellular Offers Overage Protection with Text Alerts

2009-11-20T19:25:20Z

U.S. Cellular is now offering a text alert service "Overage Protection."Here's how U.S. Cellular's Overage Protection works:

Existing and new post-pay customers can sign up by visiting a retail store, contacting customer service or accessing their account at uscellular.com. New customers who activate service on uscellular.com can also request that Overage Protection be added on to their account.

The customer decides who will receive the alerts. Once set-up is complete, the service runs nightly, calculating their usage. If a predefined threshold is reached, a text alert will be sent the next day during normal business hours.

]]> Customers who sign up will receive two types of free alerts, which they can use to keep track of voice minutes and text messages.

Preventative Alerts: A preventative alert is sent to customers who reach 75 percent of their total anytime minutes and/or available text messages in a given billing cycle. The message indicates that 75 percent of allowed minutes/messages has been reached and the date when their billing cycle ends.
Overage Alerts: An overage alert is sent to customers who reach 100 percent of their total anytime minutes and/or available text messages in a given billing cycle. The message indicates that 100 percent of the minutes/messages has been reached and the date their billing cycle ends

Traffic.com: Mobile Traffic Mobi, Text, and Phone Info Help

2009-11-20T19:09:39Z

Before you head out for the holiday weekend here are ways mobile ways to access free Traffic.com alerts this holiday week and whenever you need it:

Connect to http://mobi.traffic.com - a free wireless website for mobile traffic hotspot reports. Traffic flow patterns are displayed as familiar color overlays, which indicate free-flow traffic (green), traffic congestion (red), and shades of yellow and orange in between
Text your CITY CODE (NY, CHIC, PHL, LA, etc.) to TRAFC (87232) to get instant traffic updates for the worst city area delays. NAVTEQ Traffic.com city codes can be found at: http://bhelp.traffic.com/city-codes-used-for-sms
Call 1-866-MY-TRAFC (1-866-698-7232), a free automated voice hotline for speed dial access to roadway updates.

]]> While the holidays are a great time to see friends and family, they can be a challenging time to drive. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Thanksgiving is the most dangerous holiday of the year for drivers. NAVTEQ Traffic.com offers driving tips for the holiday season:

Get a good night's sleep before your trip (at least 8 hours).
Drive long trips with a passenger who stays awake to talk to the driver.
Schedule regular stops, every 100 miles or two hours. •
Refrain from text messaging while driving.
Avoid alcohol and medications that may impair performance.
Pull off into a safe area and take a brief nap, if you are feeling drowsy,
Walk around or do a few exercises to get rid of grogginess.
Check traffic information in safe ways.

Samsung Omnia II (2) Due @ Verizon on December 2

2009-11-20T18:46:47Z

The Samsung Omnia II has been rumored to be coming out for a while. Finally, leaked documents reveal that the the Samsung Ominia II will go on sale at Verizon on December 2.

The Samsung Omnia II will be running Windows 6.5 with an impressive feature list includes 3.7-inch WVGA AMOLED display, a 5-megapixel camera and 8GB of internal storage expandable up to 48 GB with a microSD card. Probably the most stunning feature of the Samsung Ominia II is the AMOLED display with DVD quality video viewing.

You can use the TouchWhiz interface or the Windows UI. It comes with widgets and you can multi-task while using them. Users can also access and download content speedily while on the move thanks to the Omnia II's HSUPA 5.76Mbps, HSDPA 7.2Mbps and Wi-Fi capabilities

The price tag for the Samsung Omnia II is $199 for the with a two year contract and two year agreement after a $100 mail-in rebate. You can use the Mobile News' Verizon online coupon-link to get the rebate instantly with an online purchase.

]]>

The much enhanced display and user interface make it even more pleasurable to enjoy the rich multimedia functions of the Omnia II including its DVD-like(480p) video recording/playback, smooth internet browsing as well as interactive 3D games. Generous memory up to 48GB lets users store more of their favorite content for on-the-go access.

Vivid, oversized AMOLED Display Ultra-brilliant AMOLED display technology provides vivid eye-catching colors, simply unmatched by any other display technology. AMOLED display offers a wider range of viewing angles and less strain on the eye, compared to LCD, so users can enjoy browsing the web, watching videos or looking through their favorite photos for longer periods with greater comfort.

Complete with large icons and a simple structure, Omnia II's touch-optimized UI lets you deeply customize your layout, for a mobile experience that speaks to your particular lifestyle. Innovative 3D interfaces make enjoying multimedia convenient and fun. Advanced R Touch enables faster, more accurate touch response for a touch experience that's 100% user friendly.

Powerful Multimedia Features Leave the extra equipment at home. Omnia II comes loaded to the max with all the multimedia features you need. DVD-like (480p) video recording and playback with a full series of editing tools will have you creating video masterpieces in no time. Enjoy the immediate satisfaction of loading documents, songs, videos and photos in seconds thanks to HSDPA 7.2 Mbps / HSUPA 5.76 Mbps network speed. Adding an extra dose of fun to the mix, Omnia II comes with embedded, touch and motion enabled video games - Asphalt 4, Crayon Physics, and Dice. OMNIA also comes with multi-codec support, a memory up to 48GB, and extra long-lasting battery life.

With OMNIA II, you've got a powerful office in the palm of your hand. With Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook you can view and edit documents anytime, anywhere. Push email with Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync support automatically notifies you when you receive an email, to you never miss any important communications. 3rd party applications let you customize your mobile for a user experience that speaks directly to your specific needs.

T-Mobile Completes PrePaid BlackBerry Plans: T-Mobile Complete

2009-11-19T20:10:50Z

T-Mobile has started offering T-Mobile Complete, a pre-packaged no-annual contract solution that offers the value of a monthly plan and the first pay-in-advance BlackBerry smartphone from a national U.S. carrier. Prepaid BlackBerry smartphones include the BlackBerry Curve 8520 for $299.99 and BlackBerry Pearl flip for $149.99.

With T-Mobile Complete, customers can choose from four handsets starting at $59.99, which includes first month free. Customers can also choose from a range of unlimited plans starting at $50 per month. T-Mobile Complete is currently available nationwide at Best Buy and at select Walmart locations.

]]> T-Mobile Complete kits are the easiest way to give phones this holiday season. Just buy the kit, wrap it, give it as a gift, and the recipient can activate service from anywhere, anytime - and they get the first month free! One of the four devices available through T-Mobile Complete is the BlackBerry Curve 8520 smartphone, the first pay-in-advance BlackBerry smartphone available from a national carrier. Smartphones will be a hot gift option this holiday season - in fact, T-Mobile expects smartphones to account for 40 percent of its sales in the fourth quarter of 2009.

T-Mobile Complete is just one great holiday gift option from T-Mobile. With a wide array of devices this holiday season - including the broadest lineup of Android smartphones of any carrier in the U.S. - there's something for every type of customer

Touchscreen Smartphones Account for 39% of Network Volume, Says Bytemobile

2009-11-19T19:59:39Z

Bytemobile issued its first mobile data report for the industry. The Mobile Minute Metrics report anonymously sources the data traffic in a global cross-section of larger Bytemobile customers' wireless networks and provides insight into the current state of the mobile ecosystem.

What is most notable from the data gathered in this report is the impact that touchscreen smartphones - the Apple iPhone in particular - is having on operators' wireless networks. Accounting for 39% of the total volume on networks, video has already become the dominant form of mobile data traffic. Considering that only 1-2% of wireless users are currently using their devices to watch video, it will be critical to keep a close watch on mobile media consumption trends.

The Mobile Minute Metrics Report provides a view into the type of insight carriers will be able to leverage using the Bytemobile Analytics service, using a cross section of Bytemobile's global carrier client base to highlight current industry trends including:

Mobile video consumption trends.
How device type is driving data traffic.
Data volume changes over the course of a day.

Other highlights from the Mobile Minute Metrics report include the following:

● Generally, there are 10-15 times more web users than video users. However, on average, video users generate an equal amount of network traffic - i.e., one video user produces the same amount of mobile data as approximately 10-15 web users.

]]> ● For the majority of operators without touchscreen smartphones, laptops dominate total network traffic at 94%. However, operators servicing touchscreen smartphones are finding that the devices generate 52% of the traffic on their network.

● The average internet video is approximately five minutes in length. However, 50% of videos are played for 60 seconds or less, with the majority of users viewing only 10-30 seconds of the video.

Obtain a copy of the Mobile Minute Metrics report for 4Q 2009.

Mplayit Plays IPhone App Discovery on Facebook

2009-11-19T19:51:54Z

Mplayit unveiled its "playable" app store not on the web, but on Facebook. The social networking will help to build mobile app discovery among consumers in a way that can potentially challenge the App Store.

Mplayit introduces "playable discovery" for the iPhone today in its new Facebook app store and said it would add Android and Blackberry in the coming months.

Rather than hunting and pecking for reviews and top lists, the Facebook page shows real "apptivity" that is going on in app stores so users can see which apps are receiving the most downloads, reviews and plays. In coming weeks, mobile users will also be able to see the "apptivity" within their social network so they can clearly see which apps their friends and family are most interested in. Integrating the "playable discovery" experience within a mobile users social network is a powerful combination that could alter discovery and interaction in the face of skyrocketing numbers of mobile applications.

]]>
The solution goes beyond just rankings and lists to offer a richer discovery experience by providing thousands of videos and simulations, so that users can see just exactly how apps or games will perform on their iPhone.

This same playable discovery experience is deeply integrated into the social networking experience. Users can link to simulations and videos of their favorite games directly on their social networking pages. And mobile users can easily share with Facebook Friends or Twitter Followers their own rankings, ratings reviews and favorites.

"The mobile content experience has become an ever increasing part of our social interactions but until now that experience hasn't really been integrated into the social graph," Powers said.

The company already helps major network operators and publishersoffer playable discovery for feature phone games and apps and has hosted more than 15 million game plays since opening that portion of its site earlier this year.

Mplayit expects to add playable discovery for Android, BlackBerry and other leading, smartphone platforms in the coming months, eventually offering mobile consumers the only one-stop mobile apps megastore for purchasing content for any mobile device.

About Mplayit

Mplayit is the leading global provider for online discovery and social merchandising of mobile games and applications. The company's proprietary software solutions enable mobile content providers to better merchandise, market, and interact with a targeted user audience of mobile consumers.

Money, LBS, Search, Lead Top 10 Apps for 2012, Says Gartner

2009-11-19T19:41:02Z

On the heels of the Xiam study that showed search as the top sites on mobile today, it looks like money will be tops in 2012. The top 10 consumer mobile apps in 2012 will include mobile money transfer, LBS, search, browsing, health monitoring, payments, NFC, ads, IM, and music reprots Gartner Inc.'s latest study.

No. 1: Money Transfer
This service allows people to send money to others using Short Message Service (SMS). Its lower costs, faster speed and convenience compared with traditional transfer services have strong appeal to users in developing markets, and most services signed up several million users within their first year. However, challenges do exist in both regulatory and operational risks. Because of the fast growth of mobile money transfer, regulators in many markets are piling in to investigate the impact on consumer costs, security, fraud and money laundering. On the operational side, market conditions vary, as do the local resources of service providers, so providers need different market strategies when entering a new territory.

No. 2: Location-Based Services
Location-based services (LBS) form part of context-aware services, a service that Gartner expects will be one of the most disruptive in the next few years. Gartner predicts that the LBS user base will grow globally from 96 million in 2009 to more than 526 million in 2012. LBS is ranked No. 2 in Gartner's top 10 because of its perceived high user value and its influence on user loyalty. Its high user value is the result of its ability to meet a range of needs, ranging from productivity and goal fulfillment to social networking and entertainment.

No. 3: Mobile Search
The ultimate purpose of mobile search is to drive sales and marketing opportunities on the mobile phone. To achieve this, the industry first needs to improve the user experience of mobile search so that people will come back again. Mobile search is ranked No. 3 because of its high impact on technology innovation and industry revenue. Consumers will stay loyal to some search services, but instead of sticking to one or two search providers on the Internet, Gartner expects loyalty on the mobile phone to be shared between a few search providers that have unique technologies for mobile search.

No. 4: Mobile Browsing
Mobile browsing is a widely available technology present on more than 60 percent of handsets shipped in 2009, a percentage Gartner expects to rise to approximately 80 percent in 2013. Gartner has ranked mobile browsing No. 4 because of its broad appeal to all businesses. Mobile Web systems have the potential to offer a good return on investment. They involve much lower development costs than native code, reuse many existing skills and tools, and can be agile -- both delivered and updated quickly. Therefore, the mobile Web will be a key part of most corporate business-to-consumer (B2C) mobile strategies.

No. 5: Mobile Health Monitoring
Mobile health monitoring is the use of IT and mobile telecommunications to monitor patients remotely, and could help governments, care delivery organizations (CDOs) and healthcare payers reduce costs related to chronic diseases and improve the quality of life of their patients. In developing markets, the mobility aspect is key as mobile network coverage is superior to fixed network in the majority of developing countries. Currently, mobile health monitoring is at an early stage of market maturity and implementation, and project rollouts have so far been limited to pilot projects. In the future, the industry will be able to monetize the service by offering mobile healthcare monitoring products, services and solutions to CDOs. ]]> The increasing consumer interest in smartphones, the participation of Internet players in the mobile space, and the emergence of application stores and cross-industry services are reducing the dominance of mobile carriers. Each player will influence how the application is delivered and experienced by consumers, who ultimately vote with their attention and spending power."

"The ultimate competition between industry players is for control of the 'ecosystem' and user experience, and the owner of the ecosystem will benefit the most in terms of revenue and user loyalty," Ms. Shen said. "We predict that most users will use no more than five mobile applications at a time and most future opportunities will come from niche market 'killer applications'."

No. 6: Mobile Payment
Mobile payment usually serves three purposes. First, it is a way of making payment when few alternatives are available. Second, it is an extension of online payment for easy access and convenience. Third, it is an additional factor of authentication for enhanced security. Mobile payment made Gartner's top 10 list because of the number of parties it affects -- including mobile carriers, banks, merchants, device vendors, regulators and consumers -- and the rising interest from both developing and developed markets. Because of the many choices of technologies and business models, as well as regulatory requirements and local conditions, mobile payment will be a highly fragmented market. There will not be standard practices of deployment, so parties will need to find a working solution on a case-by-case basis.

No. 7: Near Field Communication Services
Near field communication (NFC) allows contactless data transfer between compatible devices by placing them close to each other, within ten centimeters. The technology can be used, for example, for retail purchases, transportation, personal identification and loyalty cards. NFC is ranked No. 7 in Gartner's top ten because it can increase user loyalty for all service providers, and it will have a big impact on carriers' business models. However, its biggest challenge is reaching business agreement between mobile carriers and service providers, such as banks and transportation companies. Gartner expects to see large-scale deployments starting from late 2010, when NFC phones are likely to ship in volume, with Asia leading deployments followed by Europe and North America.

No. 8: Mobile Advertising
Mobile advertising in all regions is continuing to grow through the economic downturn, driven by interest from advertisers in this new opportunity and by the increased use of smartphones and the wireless Internet. Total spending on mobile advertising in 2008 was $530.2 million, which Gartner expects to will grow to $7.5 billion in 2012. Mobile advertising makes the top 10 list because it will be an important way to monetize content on the mobile Internet, offering free applications and services to end users. The mobile channel will be used as part of larger advertising campaigns in various media, including TV, radio, print and outdoors.

No. 9: Mobile Instant Messaging
Price and usability problems have historically held back adoption of mobile instant messaging (IM), while commercial barriers and uncertain business models have precluded widespread carrier deployment and promotion. Mobile IM is on Gartner's top 10 list because of latent user demand and market conditions that are conducive to its future adoption. It has a particular appeal to users in developing markets that may rely on mobile phones as their only connectivity device. Mobile IM presents an opportunity for mobile advertising and social networking, which have been built into some of the more advanced mobile IM clients.

No. 10: Mobile Music
Mobile music so far has been disappointing -- except for ring tones and ring-back tones, which have turned into a multibillion-dollar service. On the other hand, it is unfair to dismiss the value of mobile music, as consumers want music on their phones and to carry it around. We see efforts by various players in coming up with innovative models, such as device or service bundles, to address pricing and usability issues. iTunes makes people pay for music, which shows that a superior user experience does make a difference.

Additional information is available in the Gartner report "Dataquest Insight: The Top Ten Consumer Mobile Applications for 2012." The report is available on Gartner's website at http://www.gartner.com/resId=1205513.

Mobile Users Aren't Finding Satisfaction in Search, Says Xiam

2009-11-19T19:16:57Z

Users rely on search engines to discover content but it often doesn't come up with the goods notes a new Mobile Content Discovery Report from Xiam Research by TNS Global. Users are have having trouble accessing content, getting in quickly, search engines are preferred by mobile web browsers and they would buy more it was easier to get.

The study shows there are many indications that their mobile content usage is being limited by problems experienced. Here's the summary of problems experienced.

80% report some difficulty or problem when trying to access content.
Most frustrated by time required to access the content they want - slow page loads, the need to click through too many pages, and having to navigate through irrelevant content.
Overall, the provider's content store/portal is used less often than other methods to obtain content but is used more by downloader's and apps fans.

]]>

Mobile web browsers prefer to use search engines, bookmarked sites or to enter URLs directly.
There is a great opportunity to increase time and money spent on mobile web browsing and content by facilitating personalized content discovery. 63% say they would spend more time and/or money if content was personalized and easy to get to.
Users tend to access the same categories of content repeatedly, rather than branching out to new categories/applications but are open to recommendations within categories.

Google and Yahoo are the top sites used followed by carriers, weather.com, Facebook, CNN, MSN, phone-makers, ESPN, and MySpace.

Download the report.

60% of Internet-Connected Devices Sold Through Carriers in 2013, Says In-Stat

2009-11-19T00:29:25Z

Carriers are becoming a significant channel for all Internet-connected mobile devices, including netbooks and mobile PCs, because of the revenue potential of the associated services.

In-Stat (http://www.in-stat.com) anticipates that the number of devices sold through the carriers will continue to increase as services are bundled for multiple devices and service prices decrease due to increased bandwidth from new communications technologies and increased competition between carriers. By 2013, In-Stat anticipates that over 60% of all the Internet-connected mobile devices sold will be through carrier channels.

"In the US, carriers are charging up to $60 per month for a two year contract with the subsidized purchase of a netbook," says Jim McGregor In-Stat analyst. "While the subsidy costs the carrier $50-$100, it generates $1,440 or more in service fees over the life of the contract."

Carriers in the EU and Asia are also offering netbooks with a data contract, but typically at lower prices than in the US. As a result of the recent success of selling netbooks, carriers are now venturing into offering notebook PCs. Carriers in Asia have been offering MIDs and UMPCs for some time.

Recent research by In-Stat found:

The total available market (TAM) for Internet-connected devices is projected to grow at a 22.3% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) through 2013.
78% of Internet-connected devices will be using processors with integrated multimedia acceleration, including 85% of mobile PCs, by 2013.
In-Stat projects that nearly 31% of notebooks will be sold through carriers in 2013.
The innovation of the mobile market is being driven by four key factors: richer content, network access for communications and content, increased bandwidth to enable this access, and new technologies.

]]> The research, "Mobile Graphics & Multimedia Review" (#IN0904446SI), covers the worldwide market for mobile graphics and multimedia silicon including:

Examination of mobile multimedia hardware and software solutions.
Standards & proprietary platforms impacting multimedia acceleration.
Identifies how media-rich Internet content, increased communication bandwidth, and new technologies drive both innovation in multimedia acceleration and the mobile device market.
Forecast of Market Value TAM of Silicon Functions in Mobile Devices Using Merchant Market Processors through 2013, and PC Forecast for Integrated & Discrete Graphics through 2013.

For more information, contact sales: http://www.instat.com/sales.asp.

To purchase it, please visit: http://www.instat.com/catalog/wcatalogue.asp?id=68.

CTIA Approves FCC's Approval of "Shot Clock"

2009-11-19T00:22:41Z

Today, CTIA-The Wireless Association® President and CEO Steve Largent issued the following statement after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to approve a "shot clock" for tower siting applications:

"On behalf of CTIA and the wireless industry, I would like to thank the Commission for moving ahead with this item. The Chairman's leadership and the efforts of the other Commissioners have given us a foundation for our continued deployment of wireless broadband.

"Tower siting is a vital piece of our industry. It enables mobile services, including voice and broadband, for consumers, public safety, and businesses. Both Congress and the Supreme Court recognized the importance of taking concrete steps to ensure that the zoning process does not become a barrier to the reasonable deployment of, and competition among, diverse wireless networks.

]]> "In early October at our International CTIA WIRELESS I.T. & Entertainment Show, the Chairman declared his support for CTIA's request for a tower siting 'shot clock' that would require state and local zoning authorities to act within a reasonable, fixed timeframe on wireless tower siting requests. Fast forward to today's meeting when the Commission provided much-needed certainty to the process by setting a reasonable review period and clarifying that a zoning authority may not deny an application filed by one provider based on the presence of another wireless provider in the area. We sincerely appreciate the Commission and the Chairman for quickly acting to fulfill this promise.

"CTIA and the wireless industry look forward to continuing to work with the Commission, state and local zoning authorities and others involved in tower siting to provide more Americans with the most advanced wireless services and technology on the planet."

CTIA is the international association for the wireless telecommunications industry, representing carriers, manufacturers and wireless Internet providers.
www.ctia.org

Free WinMo Apps Today - Opera Mobile 10 Beta Mobile Browser

2009-11-18T23:40:56Z

Opera Mobile 10 beta for Windows Mobile phones is now available for immediate download on a smartphone near you. This version for Windows Mobile users elevates mobile browsing to a desktop-like experience, helping people to search, socialize and stay connected while on-the-go.

The Opera Mobile 10 beta for Windows Mobile looks and feels similar to the Opera 10 desktop browser and Opera Mini 5 beta. Opera is creating more cohesion between its products by introducing a unified look across many of its platforms. Opera maintains its powerful arsenal of features in this beta, including Speed Dial, tabbed browsing, a password manager and its super, server-side compressor, Opera Turbo.

"We are unifying our products, so that users get the same experience, no matter the device or which particular Opera browser they are using," said Jon von Tetzchner, CEO, Opera Software. "With Opera Mobile 10, we are raising the expectations of how a a mobile browser should perform. Today, users require a browser as powerful as the Web, one that can handle their daily tasks as well as their computers. That's Opera."

]]> 10 ways that Opera Mobile 10 works for you:

1. Intuitive new interface - Opera has thrown out the clutter and is keeping it simple in terms of aesthetics. Less is more when it comes to mobile browsing.

2. Speed Dial - Speed Dial serves as your personal table of contents for the Web. Your favorite sites welcome you upon launching Opera, and in one click, you are there.

3. Tabbed browsing - Open new links in multiple tabs to bounce between sites easily.

4. Password manager - Save those annoying passwords with Opera's password manager, or if you are feeling vulnerable, simply and swiftly delete all.

5. Touchscreen or keypad navigation - Whether your Windows Mobile smartphone is touchscreen or keypad-based, Opera Mobile 10 beta is customized for your navigation style. 6. Save images - Select and save your friends' Facebook pictures to your phone for offline viewing later.

7. Opera Turbo - Offload your page rendering to one of Opera's servers, and reduce your data costs.

8. Advanced compatibility - Since Opera Mobile 10 beta is based on Opera's browser for desktop computers, it maintains advanced Web-site compatibility and ensures that nearly any site is accessible from a mobile phone.

9. Smooth surfing - Pan, zoom and smoothly scroll your way through the Web.

10. It is free! - Opera Mobile 10 beta for Windows Mobile is available as a free download at http://www.opera.com/mobile/ or m.opera.com/mobile/ (for phone download).

Pizza Hut Delivers @ Mobile Marketing Awards - Winners Announced

2009-11-18T23:33:55Z

The Mobile Marketing Association (MMA), a global organization leading the way in promoting the development and sustainability of mobile marketing, announced the winners of its Fifth Annual Global Mobile Marketing Awards during the Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony on November 17 at the Mobile Marketing Forum in Los Angeles.

As the MMA's highest honors, these awards recognize companies and their campaigns for spearheading the adoption of the mobile channel for marketing purposes.

"The MMA, its members and the entire mobile marketing community come together each year to honor our industry's exemplary campaigns and remarkable leaders throughout the world," said Mike Wehrs, president and CEO of the MMA. "We congratulate this year's winners and finalists on their outstanding achievements, and look forward to their continued success as they help advance the mobile marketing channel's evolution in the years to come."

Each year, the MMA's highly anticipated awards ceremony serves as the conclusion of the Mobile Marketing Forum (www.mobilemarketingforum.com). The MMA received hundreds of submissions in 12 categories from companies across the globe. Winners are selected by the MMA Awards Selection Committee comprised of global industry leaders from wireless carriers, technology and content providers, agencies and industry publications.

]]> The 2009 MMA award winners, by category and region, are:

Mobile Display Campaign

North America • Pizza Hut iPhone App, Pizza Hut; Inc.

Central & Latin America • Trident Fresh, F.biz

Europe, Africa and Middle East • LMfootball.mobi, Livemobile (Pty) Ltd • Soccer stars in your pocket, Mobiento

Asia Pacific • PUMA F WAN, PHONEVALLEY

Global • The Virtual Zippo Lighter App, Moderati, Inc.

Mobile Messaging Campaign

North America • Creating a Safety Movement by Encouraging Conversation: Just Look for UL, MS&L

Central & Latin America • Carefree Mobile Campaign, pontomobi interactive

Europe, Africa and Middle East • Kraft Foods Turkey / Patos, Mobilera

Asia Pacific • Because We Can, The Hyperfactory

Global • Obama SMS Speech Excerpts Sent to Cairo and Ghana Regions, Clickatell

Emerging Technology Campaign

North America • Pizza Hut iPhone App, Pizza Hut; Inc.

Central & Latin America • Jeito Chiclets; Jeito Lhama, F.biz

Europe, Africa and Middle East • Fanta More Play, The Hyperfactory

Asia Pacific • Cadbury Be The Gorilla, The Hyperfactory

Multi-Mobile Channel Campaign

North America • Rogers/Live Nation - Wireless Box Office, MyThum Interactive

Central & Latin America • ClubMovistar - Mobile Loyalty Program, Movistar Chile, AndinaTech

Europe, Africa and Middle East • Pepsi Makes Your Day, RABARBA ILETISIM HIZMETLERI

Asia Pacific • Sony Quantum Code, AURA Interactive

Global • Coca-Cola Global Mobile Festive 2008, The Coca-Cola Company

Social Impact

North America • Real Housewives of New York City: Ultimate Virtual Viewing Party, Bravo Digital Media

Europe, Africa and Middle East • The Fastest on Facebook, Mobile Dreams Factory

Asia Pacific • Sony Quantum Code, AURA Interactive

Cross-Media Integration Campaign

North America • UPS jobs - Problem Solved, UPS & TMP Worldwide

Central & Latin America • TIM Father's Day: Gift Express, TIM, McCann Erickson & Mobext

Europe, Africa and Middle East • Who Killed Summer 09 (Vodafone Group), OMD Mobile

Asia Pacific • Go For It, Tribal DDB India

Global • Ad Council That's Not Cool, R/GA

Best Mobile Campaign Overall: (three-way tie) • TIM Father's Day: Gift Express, TIM, McCann Erickson & Mobext • UPS jobs-Problem Solved Mobile Media Campaign Delivers Hires, UPS & TMP Worldwide Advertising • Who Killed Summer 09 (Vodafone Group), OMD Mobile

The award winners for the 2009 MMA Industry Awards are:

Mobile Innovation: Creativity • Pepsi Makes Your Day, RABARBA ILETISIM HIZMETLERI

Mobile Innovation: Reach • SCORECENTER, ESPN

Social Impact • Text ALIVE Mobile Donations, Mobile Accord Inc.

Award for Overall Excellence • Fanta Stealth Sound System, Ogilvy Advertising

The award winners for the 2009 MMA Academic awards are:

Academic of the Year Individual • Margherita Pagani, Bocconi University

Academic of the Year Institution • Ball State University, Ball State University

About the Mobile Marketing Association (MMA) The Mobile Marketing Association (MMA) is the premier global non-profit trade association established to lead the growth of mobile marketing and its associated technologies. The MMA is an action-oriented organization designed to clear obstacles to market development, establish mobile media guidelines and best practices for sustainable growth, and evangelize the use of the mobile channel. The more than 700 member companies, representing over 40 countries around the globe, include all members of the mobile media ecosystem. The Mobile Marketing Association's global headquarters are located in the United States and it has regional chapters, including North America (NA), Europe, Latin America (LATAM), Middle East & Africa (MEA) and Asia Pacific (APAC) branches. For more information, please visit www.mmaglobal.com.

Verizon Free Feature Phone Apps 2day: The Social Beat Goes On with Social Beat for Facebook, MySapce & Twitter

2009-11-18T23:20:35Z

Verizon is now offering Social Beat, a free social media application that allows Verizon Wireless customers to easily interact with their mobile social networking with a single app on their LG enV , LG Chocolate or feature phones.

Social Beat makes it easy for Verizon Wireless customers to connect to popular social media sites, including Facebook, MySpace and Twitter. Social Beat also displays more than 50 customer-selected feeds from the hottest names in news, sports and entertainment sources, which can be viewed in one central location. Customers can easily view and manage their social networks through live feeds and real-time notifications.

When customers sign in to Social Beat, they can easily view friends' activity, news feeds, status updates and new photos. Customers can even post new status messages and tweets, send comments and messages, and receive updates from their personalized news section through a single stream on their mobile phone in real time.

Social Beat is available now to Verizon Wireless customers as a free download on more than 20 feature phones, including the LG enV, enV2, enV3, the LG Chocolate, and Chocolate 3, as well as many other popular Verizon Wireless handsets. Customers can download Social Beat from their wireless phones by selecting Get Going in the Media Center/Get It Now®, by texting SOCIAL to APPS (2777) or by visiting the online media store at http://www.mediastore.verizonwireless.com or http://bit.ly/socialbeat.