Developer

Andrew Seybold: Android winners lack innovation

Andrew M. Seybold — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 08:52:15 -0400

The Google Android developer contest is over, 50 companies entered and the winners have been chosen. Let me say right up front that I have a lot of respect for people who can design and code applications, they are a special breed of people. However, I must say that in reviewing what one would think would be the best of the best when it comes to applications, I was underwhelmed with the offerings. (Click here to see the winners).

Many of the applications, or ones like them, are already available on other platforms and some were launched years ago and failed. Very few of them seem to solve a problem I might have or help me do something faster and easier.

The top applications where the winning companies were awarded $270,000 from Google are particularly disappointing to me. One is a program to help locate a cab--there are at least two other companies out there doing the same thing. I recently saw similar applications from companies that entered the SiRF Location 2.0 Summit application contest, of which I was one of the judges. Two of the applications help comparison shop by providing product reviews and finding the best prices. Been there, done that. One of the issues that may not be obvious to those who write such applications is that each major chain store--at least in electronics--has its own model numbers that are specific--not only to the equipment--but to the store chain as well. This is why you see so many ads that state, "We will beat any price for this model."

One of the Android winners tracks your mobile carbon footprint and suggests transit and carpooling alternatives, which might be interesting to a very limited number of people. One changes your phone's settings based on location and other undetermined events, which might be fun. There is also one for workout enthusiasts. One is a social media player and social networking app, one enables personalization of your pictures and sharing with friends or sending them off to photo sites and, finally, one application helps you in the event of major and minor disasters.

I was pleased to see some of the programs using location-based services, which I believe can add real value to a number of applications. There were a lot of music and several game applications and one that will help with virtual storage and remote file access so you can keep your files in the cloud, accessible anywhere (or at least where you have data coverage).

A few of the applications look as though they might appeal to a larger audience including one designed to help keep track of personal events, track severe weather and emergencies in your area. There were also many social networking applications where you can share your location, track your friends and so on. I find it interesting that diverse groups of developers seem to have the same idea and develop applications that do essentially the same thing. None of the applications I saw listed make me think that the Android platform will come out of the chute with some really great applications or services.

What I did not see were applications that would enable me to select people out of my address book and then, without having to retype their name, locate them on Google Earth, get turn-by-turn directions to their houses or businesses or find their status (online, not available, etc). Nor did I see any really good navigation and/or turn-by-turn direction programs using Google Earth, any mapping platform or claim to report real-time traffic. And not a single application listed was compelling for the business community.

I guess I am disappointed. I like the Android concept and I like the fact the platform is open to all who want to develop on it. But similar to the Apple iPhone applications, I don't see any new thinking or new ideas emerging. Since Android is a brand new platform, it should be easy to turn my calendar into a "living" calendar so when information is put into it, it controls a smart back-end that tells me, for example, what time I need to leave to arrive at my on-site meeting, if my plane is on time, if there has been a gate change, whether I got my upgrade or the weather conditions in my destination city.

Google, like Apple before it, was starting with a clean slate and I was hoping to see some integration of products and services, not simply a bunch of standalone applications. I am sure serious work is being done by other developers, but I believe many share Google's apparent belief that the browser is the first and best way to access the Internet for information, which means that most of the applications on the Android platform will be more of the same, only on a different platform. Someone please prove me wrong!

Andrew Seybold is an authority on technology and trends shaping the world of wireless mobility. A respected analyst, consultant, commentator, author and active participant in industry trade organizations, his views have influenced strategies and shaped initiatives for telecom, mobile computing and wireless industry leaders worldwide.

Guitar Hero III Mobile sales near 1 million in Q1

Wed, 28 May 2008 06:59:56 -0400

Connected games and applications developer Hands-On Mobile announced its Guitar Hero III Mobile title was Verizon Wireless' bestselling mobile game during the first quarter of 2008, ringing up close to 1 million premium downloads, including monthly subscriptions, across all operators on its way to becoming one of the fastest-selling releases in mobile gaming history. According to Hands-On, mobile subscribers play more than 250,000 Guitar Hero III Mobile songs each day, with remakes of classic rock staples "Slow Ride," "Mississippi Queen" and "Black Magic Woman" topping the hit parade. Hands-On Mobile also announced the Guitar Hero III Mobile June Song Pack, which offers subscribers the opportunity to download three new songs every month--this time around, the new additions are the original recording of Disturbed's "Stricken" and remakes of "Rock and Roll All Nite" and "Talk Dirty to Me."

For more on Guitar Hero III Mobile:
- read this release

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Skyfire Labs scores $13 million in Series B

Wed, 28 May 2008 06:59:55 -0400

Mobile browser developer Skyfire Labs announced completion of a $13 million Series B funding round led by Lightspeed Venture Partners and including existing investors Matrix Partners and Trinity Ventures. According to Skyfire, the funding is earmarked to expand the rollout of its flagship browser, a free download currently in private beta--the firm promises a complete PC browsing experience on mobile devices, with patent-pending technology enabling more efficient website rendering while reducing processing power and memory.

For more on the Skyfire funding:
- read this release

SK Telecom to build content development center

Tue, 27 May 2008 06:59:56 -0400

South Korean mobile operator SK Telecom announced a partnership with the Chinese government to jointly build a Beijing-based "International Digital Contents and Industrial Design Complex" to develop content for distribution via 3G services. Tied to Chinese legislators' efforts to promote Beijing culture and local industry, the SK Telecom facility promises to house digital content production studios and equipment as well as customer support services--the operator adds the industrial complex will foster collaboration between Korean and Chinese firms. The complex is expected to span some 200,000 square meters, with costs in excess of $1 billion, and is scheduled to open in 2013.

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- read this release

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MobiTV, UIEvolution team for in-vehicle video

Fri, 23 May 2008 06:59:58 -0400

Mobile broadcast solutions provider MobiTV announced it will collaborate with cross-platform software developer UIEvolution on The UIE Connected Car solution, enabling video-on-demand and live TV delivery to automobiles. The UIE Connected Car promises real-time information and personalized content to the driver, entertainment to the rear-seat passengers and fully-integrated, targeted advertising delivery's--while UIEvolution's Blender content aggregation and management service will enable automakers to update, add and expand services and applications, MobiTV will handle encoding and delivery, offering both unicast and multicast distribution methods via the firm's Optimized Delivery Server platform. In mid-April, Qualcomm announced its rival MediaFLO platform will also enable in-vehicle mobile TV applications.

For more on The UIE Connected Car solution:
- read this release

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Amp'd head Adderton resurfaces with Agency 3.0

Wed, 21 May 2008 06:59:57 -0400

Almost a year after Amp'd Mobile filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, the failed MVNO's founder and CEO Peter Adderton is resurfacing at the helm of digital media firm Agency 3.0, a multi-platform strategic content developer and marketing venture backed by entertainment representation giant the William Morris Agency. Agency 3.0 promises to work with content providers, advertisers and brands to design, implement and monetize digital media efforts, and will work alongside WMA's Consulting and Digital Groups to identify potential projects and opportunities. Adderton will serve as Agency 3.0's CEO and lead the company's mobile practice.

For more on Agency 3.0:
- read this release

LG and Samsung team on mobile DTV standard

Wed, 14 May 2008 06:59:58 -0400

LG Electronics and Samsung Electronics announced they will partner to develop mobile digital TV technologies, committing to a tag-team effort to persuade the non-profit Advanced Television Systems Committee to select their platform as the single common in-band mobile DTV standard for the North American market. The LG/Samsung mobile standard employs existing terrestrial digital TV broadcast bandwidth, promising minimum equipment investment and no impact on conventional digital TV platforms. The ATSC is expected to name its North American mobile/handheld DTV standard in early 2009 following completion of technology trials spearheaded by the Open Mobile Video Coalition broadcasters group.

For more on the LG/Samsung effort:
- read this release

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WWDC to include iPhone applications track

Wed, 14 May 2008 06:59:56 -0400

Apple announced its annual Worldwide Developers Conference will for the first time feature an iPhone development track, promising in-depth sessions and hands-on labs spotlighting the OS X iPhone 2.0 software, including the iPhone SDK and the App Store. According to Apple, the track will also offer mobile developers the opportunity to work side-by-side with in-house engineers to create iPhone applications. The WWDC event, taking place June 9-13 in San Francisco, will kick off with a keynote address from Apple CEO Steve Jobs; conventional wisdom indicates Jobs will seize the moment to officially confirm the pending release of the computing giant's much-discussed 3G-model iPhone.

For more on the WWDC iPhone track:
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Orb Networks debuts live TV app for iPhone

Fri, 09 May 2008 06:59:56 -0400

Digital media software and services developer Orb Networks announced a new application, OrbLive, that enables free live streaming TV across Apple's iPhone and iPod touch devices. According to Orb, the iPhone platform's "extreme limitations on supported video formats" prompted the creation of OrbLive, which promises optimized media streaming of any video format over WiFi as well as Apple operator partners' mobile networks. In addition to downloading the OrbLive app, iPhone owners also require a TV tuner card or webcam attached to their PC to view streaming content.

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- read this release

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Nokia releases SNAP Mobile SDK 2.0

Tue, 06 May 2008 06:59:58 -0400

Handset giant Nokia released the SNAP Mobile Software Development Kit 2.0, updating its end-to end solution for Java-based mobile gaming. Promising more intuitive mobile game development aided by a simpler API, faster emulation and testing tools, the free SNAP Mobile SDK 2.0 enables creation of connected Java ME mobile games for a broad range of Nokia and non-Nokia devices. According to Nokia, the SDK makes it easier for developers and publishers to create game titles boasting online community functionality like in-game user registration and log-in, unique user identification, multiplayer and massively multiplayer competition (complete with opponent matchmaking and player rankings), instant messaging and contact list building.

For more on the SNAP Mobile SDK 2.0:
- read this release

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Hands-On Mobile, Marvel launch Iron Man

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 06:59:56 -0400

Mobile games and applications developer Hands-On Mobile and comic book publishing giant Marvel announced the launch of a mobile game and personalization content based on the new feature film Iron Man, which stars Robert Downey Jr. as billionaire playboy turned armored superhero Tony Stark. The shoot-'em-up title allows players to guide Iron Man through four levels of action, collecting power-ups to increase the effectiveness of the hero's signature repulsor rays and unibeam. Hands-On Mobile previously released mobile games and content inspired by Marvel films including X-Men: The Last Stand and Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer--the two firms will reunite this summer for a mobile effort tied to the June 13 release of The Incredible Hulk.

For more on Iron Man:
- read this release

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Tellme debuts voice-enabled search on BlackBerry

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 06:59:59 -0400

Microsoft-owned voice-recognition systems developer Tellme announced the addition of local "on-the-go" information to its mobile portal, launching the revamped search service on BlackBerry mobile devices. According to Tellme, the updated service enables users to bypass keypad typing and menu scrolling, instead requiring that they speak keywords to receive Live Search results via the device screen--Tellme employs GPS technology to narrow down responses to the user's current whereabouts, delivering names and categories of nearby businesses, driving directions, traffic conditions, weather forecasts and related location-specific information. Tellme said versions optimized for MVNO Helio as well as Windows Mobile and iPhone devices are in the pipeline.

For more on the Tellme update:
- read this release

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THQ bows Dancing with the Stars mobile game

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 06:59:55 -0400

Interactive entertainment software developer and publisher THQ announced a multi-platform game based on the popular ABC television series Dancing with the Stars. Also developed for the Windows PC and online platforms, the Dancing with the Stars mobile title enables players to assume the identity of their favorite C-list celebrities as they cha-cha and jive their way through five mini-games--players may also track their success and ranking in an eight-week competition.

And while we're on the subject of Dancing with the Stars … what the hell is wrong with Priscilla Presley's face, anyway?

For more on the Dancing with the Stars mobile game:
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Study: Smartphones driving mobile browser growth

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 06:59:56 -0400

Smartphone browsers supporting capabilities like AJAX and RSS are now driving the mobile browser market according to market analysis firm ABI Research, which forecasts the open-Internet browser segment for mobile will grow from 76 million browsers in 2007 to close to 700 million delivered in 2013. According to ABI, mobile browser developers must take advantage of the latest web standards while developing solutions optimized for the overall mobile web experience, enabling consumers to access content without limitations enforced by browser constraints. However, ABI notes that the mobile web experience still lags some distance behind PC-based browsing, due largely to the absence of key plug-ins on many handsets.

"There is a lot of development momentum for web content on mobile phones," said ABI research director Michael Wolf in a prepared statement. "The move towards web-based applications means browser and web services engines will become increasingly important for mobile, whether these are in a commercial browser implementation or a customized widget. Ultimately, the long-term trend away from native applications to web-based applications means browser and web services engines will be increasingly important components in the mobile environment."

For more on ABI's mobile browser forecast:
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Frengo unveils OpenSocial Mobile Toolkit

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 07:59:55 -0400

Social media and entertainment solutions provider Frengo announced the launch of its OpenSocial Mobile Toolkit, leveraging its mobile tools for the wildly popular social networking site Facebook to enable developers to extend their web-based applications for other social networking services to the mobile platform. According to Frengo, the OpenSocial Mobile Toolkit includes SMS alerts and mobile web services like WAP site hosting, handset recognition and transcoding, promising developers an easy transition from the web to mobile as well as an intuitive user experience. Frengo also provides rich photo/image handling from the mobile device, traffic monetization, advertising brokering and premium billing services.

Frengo CEO Mahi de Silva said the company now serves about 10 million active users across a variety of channels, yielding an average of 300 million pageviews per month. "Mobile social networking is about things that keep [consumers] informed and entertained--it's about sharing ideas, social calendars and interacting with other people," de Silva said in an interview with FierceMobileContent. "It's also about engaging in things that make social networking attractive, like searching profiles, finding interesting people and making new friends. Everything you can do on the web, you can do on the phone. As other networks open to developers, we're going to see significant growth over the next year, especially as social networking goes from premium to ad-supported content."

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AT&T to unveil redesigned MEdia Mall 2.0

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 07:59:59 -0400

AT&T announced plans to redesign its mobile content shopping destination MEdia Mall, promising application developers an expanded opportunity to reach the operator's 70 million subscribers. MEdia Mall 2.0, powered by software developer UIEvolution, will offer downloads from 115 different content providers as well as single-click access to the Napster Mobile and eMusic services--among new features, the storefront will also offer ringtone previews on AT&T handsets, a service previously available only via the operator's website, alongside game screenshots and consumer recommendations. Although MEdia Mall 2.0 will officially debut in April 2008, an online mockup is already available. "We want to make MEdia Mall 2.0 the one-stop shop for customers who want to explore the universe of mobile content and applications," said AT&T Mobility vice president of consumer data Mark Collins in a prepared statement. "By remodeling our mobile storefront, we're giving customers more choices and helping developers reach an ever-growing number of mobile consumers."

For more on MEdia Mall 2.0:
- read this release

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Volantis Mobility Server goes open source

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 07:59:55 -0400

Mobile content delivery solutions vendor Volantis Systems released its Mobility Server to the open source community under version three of the GNU General Public License, in total opening 1.2 million lines of code developed over seven years. Volantis also introduced an accompanying Mobility Server Project to help developers build out the mobile platform. According to Volantis, the decision to open source its code is tied closely to its move into the enterprise market--the firm also hopes to galvanize adoption and encourage more companies to bring usable and compelling content to the mobile web, promising the Mobility Server enables more efficient and inexpensive content creation and distribution across the device ecosystem.

"The Internet grew, in large part, because it was easy to develop for the web. Not only were browsers relatively standardized, but the tools to create databases and complex systems are open and available," said Volantis CEO Mark Watson in a prepared statement. "Our goal is to bring that same openness to the mobile web. Developing for this market is difficult thanks to the splintered phone market, which will only continue to diversify. Developers need an easy-to-use tool with a proven device library in order to help their creativity come alive."

For more on the Volantis Mobility Server:
- read this release

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Opera Mini goes surfing on Helio's Ocean

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 07:59:56 -0400

Web browser development firm Opera Software announced its first U.S. mobile service provider deal with MVNO Helio, which will launch a specially-tailored version of the Opera Mini mobile web browser exclusive to its Ocean dual-slide smartphone. Opera Mini is available now as a downloadable application via Helio's web portal. "We're always looking to give our members their choice of great applications so we're excited to be the first service provider in the U.S. to make Opera Mini an on-deck option," said Helio vice president of service management Doug Britt in a prepared statement.

For more on the Helio/Opera deal:
- read this release

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Sports Illustrated, Action Engine debut MySI Mobile

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 07:59:56 -0400

Sports Illustrated Digital announced an agreement with on-device portal solutions developer Action Engine to launch MySI Mobile, a downloadable mobile application promising personalized sports content from the SI.com website. Released to coincide with the NCAA's annual March Madness basketball tournament, the ad-subsidized MySI Mobile app--developed via the Action Engine Mobile Application Platform--enables sports fans to select and track scores, schedules and standings for their favorite teams as well as view photos from Sports Illustrated magazine, read breaking sports news and set calendar alerts for upcoming tilts. Beyond college basketball, MySI Mobile coverage extends across the NFL, NBA, NHL and MLB as well as college football. The application is now available across 29 Windows Mobile-based devices--Windows Mobile is also the exclusive launch advertiser.

For more on MySI Mobile:
- read this release

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Mobile game Brain Challenge heading to Xbox

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 07:59:55 -0400

Mobile game publisher and developer Gameloft announced its popular title Brain Challenge will make the leap from wireless to Microsoft's Xbox 360 video game and entertainment platform. The first brain-teaser game to debut on the Xbox Live Arcade service, Brain Challenge offers a daily training test including mini-games challenging players in five categories: Visual, Memory, Logic, Math and Focus. The title also enables players to select a personal coach for guidance throughout the game, to complete online or offline in multiplayer mode, and tackle multitasking challenges designed to nurture coping skills during stressful challenges. "The casual games market has exploded and Xbox Live Arcade is at the forefront of that by offering quality games such as Brain Challenge," said Gameloft senior vice president of publishing Gonzague de Vallois in a prepared statement.

For more on Brain Challenge:
- read this release

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