WIRELESS AND MOBILE NEWS

Palm Pre Apps 2Day: Major League Baseball MLB Permium for Palm Pre

2009-07-03T21:03:23Z

For baseball fans with a Palm Pre, MLB.com Mobile Premium offers a new mobile-optimized live game web-app developed for the Palm Pre smartphone.You can get the MLB Palm Pre app via the mobile Web site (wap.mlb.com).

Fans stay connected to their favorite team wherever they go with these four live game components of MLB.com Mobile Premium:

MLB.com Mobile Gameday Audio - Listen to live audio broadcasts of every Major League Baseball game through the final out of the 2009 World Series. Each game will offer the choice of listening to the home or away broadcasts without any blackout restrictions.

MLB.com Gameday - Follow every pitch of every game with a detailed graphic presentation and live statistics.

In-Game Video Highlights - Get realtime, high quality video highlights delivered directly to the smartphone quickly after the play happens on the field.

Expanded scoreboard - View live statistical data from every MLB game, including linescores, current runners on base and other game details.

MLB.com Mobile Premium on the Palm Pre is available to subscribers for a one-time fee of $14.99 for the remainder of the 2009 season, including the entire postseason, or a monthly charge of $2.99.

Mobile Security Concerns Preventing New Trans, Says Cloudmark

2009-07-03T20:29:44Z

According to a Cloudmark-commissioned survey from Harris Interactive, nearly two thirds of mobile device owners are concerned about security. The survey showed security concerns are preventing many users from adopting new mobile services for financial transactions and shopping. Spam is reaching more mobile users and becoming a greater nuisance.

Survey results showed that users' perception of security is proving to be a significant barrier to their adoption, especially for mobile financial transactions:

65 percent of all mobile device owners expressed concerns about the security of their device.
Nearly half (46 percent) of these concerned device owners said that their worries about security prevented them from conducting activities on their mobile device.
Of the activities mobile device owners said they were prevented from doing because of their concerns, financial transactions such as paying bills (73 percent), conducting banking activities (71 percent) and shopping (56 percent) were named most often.
79 percent of mobile device owners said that they have never sent or received confidential information of any kind through their device, which may further illustrate their lack of confidence in security.

The survey, polled 1,812 U.S. adults who own mobile devices. ]]> Mobile devices are now an integral part of today's busy lifestyle, and new applications and services are proliferating to support the need for on-the-go convenience. Mobile operators also have a vested interest in supporting these offerings as an additional revenue stream. However, as convenient as these offerings are, the data from this study suggests that users may require additional assurance that mobile transactions can be conducted securely before they are willing to fully leverage these services.

Mobile device owners also indicated that mobile spam has established a highly visible presence on networks, with 44 percent of owners indicating that they have received spam on their mobile device. Device owners who have received mobile spam reported the following as the most common types of mobile spam they received:

Messages asking them to call another number (45 percent).
Messages containing a link to another web site (42 percent).
Messages encouraging them to disclose of personal information (29 percent).
These messages are also known as phishing, and can lead to identity theft and fraud.
Messages from a person or entity posing as a trusted contact/source (24 percent).
Only 21 percent reported that they have transmitted confidential data on their mobile device.

"The prevalence of spam will only continue to rise as financial gain for spammers continues to increase," said Jamie de Guerre, CTO of Cloudmark. "For new services to succeed, it will be imperative for mobile operators to assure their customers of a secure environment for transactions, and to ensure that mobile spam does not impact the delivery of legitimate messages."

For a full copy of the survey results and methodology, please visit: http://www.cloudmark.com/mobilesurvey

Up-to-Minute Traffic Updates on Mobi.Traffic.com

2009-07-03T20:12:18Z

NAVTEQ is now offering a new version of its free NAVTEQ Traffic.com mobile website at http://mobi.traffic.com. It could be very helpful this holiday weekend. The mobile website will let you know the traffic Jam Factor and real-time traffic information.

The website can be accessed from any cell phone or PDA with a mobile web browser is free and loaded with new features to help drivers take the latest traffic information with them on the road

The mobile website was enhanced to display traffic content for easy navigation on mobile phones and devices. It features accurate, up-to-the-minute traffic information including travel times, vehicle speeds, delay times, accident reports and NAVTEQ's unique Jam Factor, a numerical traffic measurement scale that offers a look at a route's current traffic conditions with color coded indications of worsening or improving trends. Drivers across the U.S. can access city area traffic information or their own personalized updates about current conditions and congestion trends.

Drivers can access the site by entering http://mobi.traffic.com into their mobile web browser or via their carrier portals, within information categories that help deliver content to customers such as: "Maps/Traffic," and "Travel."

]]> The real-time traffic mobile website is accessible from any web-enabled phone or device and on most major carrier portals. To further customize the mobile website information, a driver is encouraged to first register at www.traffic.com where they can name and save their daily commutes or weekend travel routes with a free MyTraffic(TM) account through an easy, step-by-step online process.

"As people become more reliant on having access to real-time traffic, drivers want convenient access when they're on the go," said Alex Wiegand, vice president, NAVTEQ. "NAVTEQ real-time traffic content is highly localized and delivered at the moment a driver needs it giving our users the relevant, valuable knowledge that helps them plan their day."

NAVTEQ Traffic.com is powered by industry-leading NAVTEQ Traffic(TM) data and services and is the #1 U.S. traffic-only website for online and mobile traffic information*.

New Ovi Map Update: Ovi Maps 3 with Night View and Download

2009-07-03T19:54:17Z

The latest version of Ovi Maps App has just been released for Nokia devices and the web. The service offers 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.

One good thing about the Ovi Map service is if you don't have an unlimited data plan you can download and save maps on your phone. Another nice feature of the mapping service is that you can get it in night mode to make viewing maps easier at night.To use the Ovi Maps app you don't have to pay any extra service fees.

Maps shows nearby ATMs, public transport, parking, hotels, restaurants, and many other places. Walk from one place to another using WALK, the pedestrian navigation with routing optimized for those on foot, providing better orientation in a city or outdoors. Or use DRIVE,the fully fledged car navigation with enhanced safety and real-time traffic information such as safety cameras and speed limits, lane assistance and localized road information like signposts, providing the largest service coverage in the world.

According to the study conducted by Frost & Sullivan of European and Russian consumers, Nokia is the number one choice for mobile navigation over other leading map services.

]]> With Ovi Maps on the web, www.maps.ovi.com, you can also search for addresses and POIs, find places and save them into Favorites, and organize them into Collections. Check the weather situation and preplan routes for walking or driving - and then save them. Your places, collections and routes can also be synchronized over-the-air between Ovi Maps on your compatible mobile device and Ovi Maps on the web.

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.

Pam Pre Apps 2day: Charge Anywere Credit Processing App

2009-07-03T19:30:13Z

Palm Pre owners who want to accept credit cards can now accept credit cards with CHARGE Anywhere. Secure mobile payment provider Charge Anywhere now offers a mobile payment solution designed for use with the Palm Pre

You will however only be able to charge your Palm Pre's battery with either a Touchstone completely wireless charger or via a USB cable.

The CHARGE Anywhere app, optimized for the Palm Pre allows merchants to accept mobile credit card payments and email receipts directly to customers.

The CHARGE Anywhere Palm Pre Mobile Payment Web Solution is the latest addition to the suite of CHARGE Anywhere's Award Winning Mobile Payment Solutions that also include PA DSS certified applications for BlackBerry, Windows Mobile, J2ME, and Mobile Web Payment Solution for the Apple iPhone. These payment solutions allow mobile merchants to accept payments anywhere, at any time.

]]> The CHARGE Anywhere team strives to provide leading edge payment solutions and continuous integration with the latest technologies, while maintaining award-winning iron-clad data security. The addition of the Palm Pre to CHARGE Anywhere's portfolio of supported mobile payment platforms extends the benefits of this new and exciting technology to CHARGE Anywhere's customers.

Michael Jackson a Hit with Sprint Music and Radio

2009-07-02T21:02:32Z

The Sprint Music Store reported its biggest single day ever, with 25 percent of the tracks sold belonging to Michael Jackson on Friday. Sprint Music Store sales have increased 21 percent on average since news of Jackson's death Thursday.

The week before his death, Jackson ranked 80^th in Sprint Music Store sales. Since he died, he's catapulted to No. 1. The most popular downloaded tracks are "Billie Jean" and "Thriller," both from the 1982 blockbuster album "Thriller." In addition, Jackson ringtones constituted 28 percent of total sales on Friday. Top three ringtones are "Thriller," "P.Y.T." and "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough."

If customers aren't sure which Jackson songs they want, then they can turn to Sprint Radio, which is offering a Michael Jackson bonus stream through the end of July. The "Who's Bad" radio stream is available for any customer with a basic data plan and access to Sprint TV. The stream includes not only Jackson's vast collection of songs, but also tracks from his early years with the Jackson 5. It also includes songs from performers inspired by his legacy, including sister Janet Jackson and Fall Out Boy featuring John Mayer doing a cover of "Beat It."

]]> Sprint Music Store and Sprint Radio are available through affordable Everything Data plans, starting at just $69.99 per month. With a Simply Everything plan, customers can get unlimited data, talk and messaging for $99.99, which offers individual customers a savings of $1,200 over the course of two years vs. a comparable AT&T iPhone plan.

Palm Pre users should note they can not use the Sprint Music Store, they have to buy music via Wi-Fi and Amazon.com

LG Wants to Be Number Two and Is Trying Harder with Smartphones

2009-07-02T20:31:58Z

LG the number two cell phone maker wants to be number two and had plans to create some very competitive products according toYonhap News Agency.

In an interview with Ahn Seung-kwon, LG mobile president. LG is planning on working their way into the number two spot in the next three years with production efficiency, and research.

LG is planning to launch a full features "Black label" series phone to with an enhanced LCD display, Internet access and "pretty" user interface.
LG "Prada" handsets are doing well and they are developing another Prada handset.
LG will focus on Windows mobile and Android smartphones with more than ten models.
LG will be venturing into the luxury phone market with an extreme premium brand, in the branding realm of Toyota's Lexus and Nokia's Vertu.

Visual Voice Mail Problems with iPhone Reported

2009-07-02T20:13:26Z

PC World reports that iPhone users are getting angry and delayed visual voice mail messages.

Sometimes the voice mail messages don't turn up for days. David Coursey wrote he had older voicemail messages he'd never seen before suddenly appear in his iPhone's visual voicemail.

One commenter noted that sometimes his iPhone voice mail is slower than snail mail. The best work-around is for users to manually check their voice messages by calling themselves which then is not visual voice mail.

The iPhone guide defines visual voice mail this way:

On iPhone, visual voicemail lets you see a list of your messages and choose which ones to listen to or delete, without having to listen to prior messages or voice instructions.

iPhone use puts a lot of stress on AT&T systems. The South By Southwest music/film/interactive festival in Austin was attended by so many iPhone users, AT&T had problems keeping the network working.

AT&T is not offering tethering or supporting MMS messaging yet on the iPhone most likely due to high data stress on their systems.

BlackBerry Storm & Palm Pre Better than iPhone for MSG and Multitasking

2009-07-02T19:35:15Z

As the battles between the Palm Pre , BlackBerry Storm and iPhone continue. There's more news about the Palm Pre The Palm Pre will be coming to UK. Consumer Reports rated the Palm Pre higher than the iPhone for multitasking. Palm Pre phones should be easier to find in Sprint and Best Buy stores this weekend.

The Guardian has reported that O2 will be the exclusive UK partner for the Palm Pre handset.

Consumer Reports in their latest smartphone study, reported that the iPhone 3G S rated higher than high-scoring competitors such as the Palm Pre and BlackBerry Storm due to a superior display, top-notch multimedia, navigation, web browsing, and battery life. While the Palm Pre, the BlackBerry Storm, and other BlackBerry models bested the iPhone in messaging, and the Palm Pre, with its new deck-of-cards handling of multiple applications, is a superior multitasker according to Consumer Reports. They've changed their rating system which lead the iPhone 3G and some other older phones have moved while the Samsung Blackjack II and BlackBerry Pearl Flip, have dropped in their ranking.

You should be able to get a new Palm Pre without waiting this weekend. JP Morgan conducted their third round of channel checks for the Plam Pre. The gap between supply and demand has closed at Sprint and BestBuy stores, waitlists are eliminated or down, and most stores now have Palm Pre devices in stock. They believe that demand at Sprint channels seems to be around 40,000 per week.
]]> Category Palm Pre.

Top Best Coolest Helpful Palm Pre Tricks Tips Suggestions.
Palm Pre Apps.
Review of Reviews: Palm Pre.
Top Ten Facts You Need to Know About the Palm Pre.
Palm Pre: Best Features - Why So Hyped, Why So Good.

Turn-by-Turn Navigators to Incresase to 26 Million by 2010 End, Says ABI

2009-07-02T19:27:55Z

While PNDs and in-dash navigation device sales continue to suffer from the economic recession, handset-based turn-by-turn navigation is boosted by the rapidly growing smartphone segment. ABI Research expects the number of paying handset-based turn-by-turn navigation users to increase to 26 million by the end of 2010 with the Asia-Pacific region experiencing the strongest growth. In the wake of a continuous stream of eye-catching touchscreen smartphone launches, navigation software developers are rushing to port their solutions to as many new platforms as possible, such as Android (ALK, Telenav) and the new Palm webOS (Telenav). According to practice director Dominique Bonte, however, "The most significant driver for the uptake of handset navigation is expected to come from the iPhone, following Apple's decision to finally enable turn-by-turn navigation on its latest 3.0 platform version." Software from TomTom, Sygic, AT&T (Telenav), and Networks In Motion is already available from the iPhone App Store, with Navigon's solution expected soon. While application stores are expected to become an important channel for the distribution of navigation software, many carriers and handset manufacturers prefer to pre-install or bundle navigation software with their phones and offer plans based on strategic partnerships with navigation developers. Examples include Verizon/NIM, AT&T/Telenav, Vodafone/Telmap LG/Appello, HTC/ALK Technologies, and Samsung/Route 66. Market leaders Nokia and Vodafone have respectively opted to acquire navigation providers Gate5 and Wayfinder, allowing tighter integration of navigation and LBS services into their portfolios. Both approaches often coexist. ]]> owever, several barriers still remain in place. "High monthly subscription fees and data roaming costs will need to be addressed for off-board navigation on handsets to reach high penetration levels," Bonte believes. Free ad-funded navigation is one possible way forward with Locationet's Amaze solution powering Technocom's SpotOn GPS platform, Huawei's new GPS phones, and Bouygues' free navigation offer in France. ABI Research's "Automotive Navigation Forecasts Market Data" provides shipments, installed base and revenue forecast data for all consumer navigation form factors including in-dash OEM, in-dash aftermarket, PNDs, on-board and off-board handset-based navigation, and new navigation form factors such as MIDs and PMPs. It is part of the Location Based Services Research Service.

First Four Winning BlackBerry Apps in 2009 BlackBerry Developer Challenge

2009-07-02T18:55:09Z

The BlackBerry Partners Fund today announced the first four (4) Finalists in the 2009 BlackBerry Developer Challenge. The winning apps include two games, a video viewer and one utility applicaiton.

Fierce Towers by Nickel Buddy - Control the field to stop the waves of attacking enemies in the first ever tower defense game for BlackBerry. Place upgradeable towers around the field as you try your best strategies to stop wave after wave of invading enemies.(Fierce Towers BlackBerry Storm Only)
Astraware Solitare by Handmark - Astraware Solitaire features 12 of the most well-known and best-loved single player card games.
Expense Manager by Total Wireless Solutions - helps keep records of daily expenses while on the move. You can generate and send customized expense reports in CSV format by email for easy integration with Microsoft Excel and export records in HTML format for printing or as a CSV file for backup on your desktop.
Vision for YouTube by Metova - Vision for YouTube provides users with easy access to online YouTube videos. Vision is a free application and there is no purchase or registration necessary. You can download Vision to your device by visiting http://vision.metova.com/download.

Finalists were selected by a panel of judges based on the following criteria: compelling product or service; clearly defined value proposition; viable business model; and technical execution.

Each Finalist will receive a prize package that includes one week on the BlackBerry App World Featured Application Carousel; one BlackBerry Developers Conference pass; one BlackBerry smartphone; and, guaranteed participation in the BlackBerry Sweet 16 Demo Event at the 2009 BlackBerry Developers Conference
]]> Four additional Finalists will be selected and announced at the end of July, August and September respectively. Over the course of the four-month challenge, a total of 16 Finalists will qualify for the BlackBerry Sweet 16 Demo Event.

Entries for the BlackBerry Developer Challenge will be accepted until September 25, 2009 at 11:59pm EDT. Contest Rules and Regulations Full contest rules and regulations are available online (www.blackberrypartnersfund.com/09contest), along with details on eligibility, judging, key dates and prize packages.

BlackBerry Storm Free Apps 2Day: Beta BeejiveIM for BlackBerry Storm

2009-07-01T23:12:01Z

BeejiveIM for BlackBerry Storm Beta is now available. They say it is the first instant messaging solution which takes advantage of the Storm's touchsreen. It saves SMS costs by using the data network. We're naming it our BlackBerry Storm App of the Day for heavier Instant Messengers.

This BlackBerry Storm app supports AIM/iChat/MobileMe, MSN/Windows Live, Yahoo!, MySpace, GoogleTalk, SameTime, ICQ, Facebook Chat & Jabber, enabling users to access all of their IM clients from one interface.

With BeejiveIM, users get the connectivity and full features of desktop instant messaging from their BlackBerry Storm easier and more cost-effectively than by texting.

Features of BeejiveIM for the BlackBerry Storm include:

Voice notes: Truly personalize your IM experience by adding voice to the equation via a smooth, direct transfer.
More chat styles: Customize your chat style with various colors whilesetting custom backgrounds and wallpapers on the chat screen.

]]>

GPS location: BeejiveIM takes advantage of the BlackBerry Storm smartphone's location features, adding a new element to chat. Send your current location with a link to Google Maps via IM.

Inline file transfer: Now more than ever, your BlackBerry can be a your remote office as you can easily receive and review different file types, including most image, audio, and video files, PDFs, Word documents, Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, and Microsoft PowerPoint documents.

Better scrolling: BeejiveIM improves BlackBerry Storm scrolling experience with much more intuitive, easy-to-use "flick" scrolling. -- Push background notifications: When your phone is idle BeejiveIM can receive notifications via push, instantly alerting you when a message comes in without being a drain on your battery.

Optimized chat screen: A new chat screen layout designed specifically for the BlackBerry Storm touchscreen increases the amount of space available for viewing you messages.

he BeejiveIM for BlackBerry Storm Public Beta is available immediately from www.beejive.com/stormbeta.

The BeejiveIM app will remain free until the paid full version comes out.

BlackBerry Storm Apps Page.

BEST BLACKBERRY STORM APPS ARTICLES:

Top Best Free BlackBerry Storm Apps this Month (MAY).
Best Free BlackBerry (Storm) Travel Apps from BlackBerry App World.
Best BlackBerry Storm Apps -Suggestions for the Holidays.

Apps of the Day and More Applications aka Apps:

BlackBerry Apps Today: RealPlayer SP.
BlackBerry (Storm, Bold Pearl, Curve, 8800) Free Sports Apps Today: ScoreMobile BlackBerry.
BlackBerry Storm App of the Day: gwabbit.
Intercall Conferencing.
Thomson Reuters App.
LogMeIn BlackBerry Storm Apps Outed at WES.
BlackBerry Storm Free App of the Day: Fee Finder Calculates, Tip, Mortgage, and Auto.
Free TetherBerry Beta Apps for Macs for BlackBerry (Storm).
Launch2Net Apps Tethers Macs to BlackBerry Storm.
BlackBerry Storm Voice Control App: Vlingo.
BlackBerry (Storm) Free App of the Day: Pocket Express.
BlackBerry (Storm) Free App of the Day: I Love BlackBerry, BlackBerry Addiction Tester.
4.7.0.141 Verizon Version of BlackBerry Storm Update Coming May Day or Later.
BlackBerry Storm Update OTA Upgrade on May Day, This Friday.
BlackBerry Storm Level Apps Checks Level
BlackBerry Storm Qik Live Video Share Apps.
Ticketmaster BlackBerry Apps.
BlackBerry Storm Funambol Cloud Sync and Pus Email Apps.
BlackBerry (Storm) and Java J2ME BOLT Mobile Browser Apps.
BlackBerry Storm Decorative Protection Unique Skins.
BlackBerry Storm Free Flying Game: Flight Path.
SitOrSquat Free BlackBerry and BlackBerry Storm Toilet-Finder Apps.
BlackBerry Storm Play Storm Piano.
Free BlackBerry Storm Artsy Theme: Art Gallery v.1.
BlackBerry (Storm) Free Apps of the Day: eReader Pro.
BlackBerry Storm Controls Race Car? Get Punked.
Hail-a-Cab Apps for BlackBerry, iPhone or Windows Mobile Phone.
BlackBerry Storm Free Music Download of the of the Day: Chris Cornell's Stop Me.
BlackBerry Storm Free App WHERE, Location and Map App.
BlackBerry Storm App: QuickLaunch.
Free BlackBerry Storm Themes BlackLight Themes.
Free BlackBerry Storm App SMS2Desk Turns SMS into Email.
Free BlackBerry Storm Download Song: Jonas Bros Remix.
Free BlackBerry Storm and iPhone Apps of the Day: GIST (Data Speed Monitor).
Free BlackBerry Storm App: StormSketch Turns Storm into Sketching Tool.
Free BlackBerry Storm App - Goolge Maps for BlackBerry Storm with GPS.
Free BlackBerry Storm App Poynt GPS Locations, Listings, Maps and Movies.
Free BlackBerry Storm App - BlackBerry Storm Light Saber.
Free BlackBerry Storm Download - Rihanna's Rehab Remix.
Free BlackBerry Storm App - Slacker Radio for BlackBerry Storm.
BlackBerry Storm Accessory : OtterBox for BlackBerry Storm.
BlackBerry Storm Game: Tiltris Teltris-Like Game.
Control Video Camera Apps from BlackBerry Storm or Bold.
BlackBerry Storm App: BeamReader.
BlackBerry Storm App: TwitterBerry.
BlackBerry App: FlyCast Free Radio with 1200 Stations.
BlackBerry Version of Slacker Radio: BlackBerry Storm Version Soon.
Manage Lights and Appliances with BlackBerry Storm, iPhone and G1.
BlackBerry Storm App: Free QuickPull Frees Up Memory.
BlackBerry Storm Wish-List 2.
Use BlackBerry Storm as Garage Door Opener.
TalkLock Turns off BlackBerry Storm's Touchscreen - Fixes Touchy Issue.
Starter Kit for BlackBerry, Storm Wish-List.
Map App for BlackBerry Storm - Google Maps.
TeleNav Mapping GPS App for BlackBerry Storm.
BlackBerry Storm YouTube App.
Best BlackBerry Storm Apps -Suggestions for Holidays.
BlackBerry Storm Must-Have Accessories Add-Ons
Weekly Update: BlackBerry Storm Which Update / Upgrade Works Best?
BlackBerry Storm Danger Warnings - Do's and Don't's.
Fun BlackBerry Storm Tilty Marble Game: Marble Trap.
BlackBerrry Storm Takes Dication with MyCaption

Informa Lowers Device Expectations Due to Downturn

2009-07-01T20:52:19Z

While more smartphones will be bought by confused consumers, the overall handset market will not be as robust as expected. The financial downturn will cause1.04 billion fewer devices sold in the next five years than had previously been expected, according to Informa Telecoms & Media's latest report, The Financial Crisis: Analyzing the impact on global mobile markets.

The global economic downturn has led Informa Telecoms & Media to revise device-sales forecasts for the next five years down 14%, but growth is expected to pick up in 2010, albeit at a lower rate than previously expected.

According to Informa, device-sales figures will once again hit 2008 levels in 2011, when year-on-year growth of 8% is expected. Sales of high-end devices are expected to grow faster than those of low-end devices after 2009, indicating a shift among users worldwide away from cheap devices to more feature-rich and expensive ones.

Users will buy 6.39 billion devices between now and 2013, according to revised figures from Informa Telecoms & Media that take into account the global economic downturn.

]]> A forecast made last year, before the extent and severity of the economic downturn became apparent, stated that 7.43 billion devices would be sold to end-users in 2009-2013, meaning that the economic downturn has caused a 13.9% downward revision in Informa's forecasts.

The revised figures forecast that users will buy 1.12 billion devices in 2009, compared with the previous forecast of 1.32 billion. Informa includes both handsets and dongles in its definition of devices.

"Although growth is forecast to slow in 2009, it is set to pick up again in 2010, when users are expected to buy 1.17 billion devices, up 4.27% year-on-year," says Paul Lambert, senior research analyst at Informa Telecoms & Media

End-users will keep their devices for six to nine months longer than in the past as a result of the economic slowdown and that operators will move away from aggressive handset subsidies.

Users are expected to be less inclined to spend disposable income on new devices, a factor that will prolong the handset replacement cycle. Each of these factors will have a negative impact on device sales in 2009.

Mobile subs record first in 2008 - fourth quarter is lowest for net adds

The mobile industry recorded a first in 2008: For the first time, the quarter with the fewest net subscriptions added was the fourth. Because the fourth is traditionally the quarter with the largest number of net additions, this could be a sign that the financial downturn is now affecting subscription growth.

The number of net mobile subscriptions added worldwide in 4Q08 fell to just under 164 million, representing a 4.5% quarter-on-quarter decline and a fall of about 17% year-on-year. By the end of 2008, there were 3.97 billion active mobile subscriptions globally, accounting for a 59% penetration rate.

The region that suffered the most in 4Q08 was Asia Pacific, where there were 68.4 million net additions, down from 87 million in 3Q08 and 87.6 million in 4Q07. The 4Q08 figure represented the region's lowest individual quarterly growth for seven quarters.

There are also clear signs of a slowdown in growth, when comparing net additions for 4Q07 and 4Q08 in Europe, North America and Latin America. However, there is still resilient growth in the Middle East and Africa. In Africa, penetration is still under 38%, and across sub-Saharan Africa the figure is much lower.

MythBuster Twitters Out of $11,000 Wireless Data Bill

2009-07-01T20:22:15Z

MythBusters' Adam Savage did not understand clearly the limitations and roaming charges for his AT&T data plan while in Canada, managed to run up $11,000 in data charges using a USB modem on a laptop computer.

How did he bust the myth "You can't win with the phone company"?

He twittered about his disgust with tweets such as "AT&T is attempting to charge me 11k for a few hours of web surfing in Canada. Pls RT!," "Almost forgot: Hey AT&T! I will fight this bull****," and then "They're claiming I uploaded/downloaded 9 million kilobytes (9 gigs) while in Canada. Frakking impossible."

Savages' twitter feed titled donttrythis has 68,000 followers on Twitter which AT&T could not ignore.

Eventually, Savage busted that phone company myth and tweeted, ""Today the tweeps became twoops. Just got off the phone with AT&T and they've taken care of everything to my great satisfaction.#twitterrules."

Before traveling to another country this summer be sure to check with your wireless carrier if you will be charged roaming charges or additional fees.

Open Source Tidal Wave of Apps Overturn Downturn, Says Juniper

2009-07-01T20:12:37Z

pen Source Operating System Research from Juniper Research found that operating systems and applications are playing an increasingly important role in the differentiation of new smartphones and a key factor in the choice of which handset choice by users. They predict Smartphones shipped with open source operating systems (OS) will increase from 106 million this year to 223 million by 2014

The last three years has seen a revolution in the OS market with market leader Symbian moving to open source and Apple leading the way in the distribution of applications through their innovative, but now widely copied, AppStore approach. The move to open-source OS has also encouraged developers to design new and attractive applications and with over 60% of the OS market is now based on open-source, and a sizeable pool of software design talent out there, there is a massive opportunity for innovation.

However, the real key is not whether the OS is open-source but whether it's easy for a developer to design an application and make money from that effort. The combined changes of Apple's open route to the market and LiMo, OHA and Symbian's open-source OS approach have generated a tidal wave-like effect which even the economic downturn has been unable to reverse.

]]> There is a clear warning for device manufacturers - the choice of OS is now critical and market share will, to a large extent, follow application development. The unexpected side effect however will be a shift in the balance of power towards application developers and end users - they will begin to play the tune!

Open Source OS Whitepaper and further details of the study, 'Mobile Open Source Operating Systems: Markets & Opportunities 2009-2014' can be freely downloaded from the Juniper Research website.