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Leading Operators Unite to Unleash Global Apps Potential

Twenty-four leading telecommunications operators have formed the Wholesale Applications Community, an alliance to build an open platform that delivers applications to all mobile phone users.

App Lounge at the Mobile World Congess in Barcelona

Next-Generation Multimedia Services Set to Become a Reality as GSMA Outlines Progress with RCS Initiative

The GSMA today reported significant progress with its Rich Communication Suite (RCS) initiative, a service that provides mobile operators with a feature-rich portfolio of interoperable communication services, enabling customers to access a wide range of advanced messaging applications direct from their handset’s contact list.

Tons of News were presented by GSMA during their Press-Conference in Barcelona

Sony Ericsson announced Xperia X10 mini and X10 mini pro – compact versions of Xperia X10

Sony Ericsson grows its family of Communication Entertainment phones with compact versions of Xperia™ X10 for the first half of 2010. Xperia™ X10 mini and X10 mini pro define a new user experience – ultra-compact – whilst still offering best-in-class communication entertainment performance .

GSMA Announces Winners of the 15th Annual Global Mobile Awards

February 16th, 2010

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The GSMA announced the winners of the coveted Global Mobile Awards at the 2010 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. This year the new two-part format comprised an afternoon awards presentation hosted by writer, actor and self-confessed technophile Stephen Fry, followed by an evening celebration party where winners were entertained with a showcase set from one of the world’s most famous and successful bands, Duran Duran.

“A remarkable 500 entries from across the global mobile ecosystem were submitted this year, all of an extremely high calibre, and the winners should be incredibly proud of their achievements,” said Rob Conway, CEO and Member of the Board, GSMA. “The demand for new ways to use mobile technology continues to evolve and accelerate at a breathtaking speed, and it is genuinely inspiring to see such inventive thinking and exciting ideas showcased at Mobile World Congress.”

Sybase 365 Enhances Mobile Customer Relationship Management (mCRM) Services to Enterprises Worldwide

February 16th, 2010

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Sybase365, a subsidiary of Sybase, Inc. , the global leader in mobile messaging and mobile commerce services, today announced the availability of an expanded portfolio of mCRM tools and services, enabling enterprises to engage customers throughout the entire customer lifecycle, using the mobile channel.

In a recent global study commissioned by Sybase 365, when asked to identify the services they would most value, 40 percent of respondents said receiving offers and coupons delivered by mobile. This was the second most desired choice, after emergency alerts (55 percent) with buying cinema/theatre tickets via the mobile in third place (39 percent).

Comsys Mobile Announces Baseband Development Platform for LTE UE SoC

February 16th, 2010

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Comsys Mobile, a leader in communication processors for 4G mobile devices, today announced availability of a new platform, the ComMAX LT8000DP, for the LT8000 LTE UE baseband at Mobile World Congress, Barcelona. LT8000DP is a pre-silicon development platform for integration of Comsys Mobile’s ComMAX LTE technology with ecosystem partners’ IP, for a comprehensive LTE solution in shorter time to market. It supports eUTRA FDD and TDD as well as LTE CAT4 with sustained data throughput up to 150Mbps.

The ComMAX LT8000 is a UE baseband SoC designed for mobile devices, incorporating Comsys Mobile’s patented FlexArc SoC architecture for optimized power consumption and flexibility, with a scalability that enables support for 3GPP LTE release 8 and release 9.

T-Mobile USA’s HTC HD2 to Bring a Never-Before-Seen Mobile Experience to Entertainment Fans Across the U.S.

February 16th, 2010

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T-Mobile will start mobile entertainment with the HTC HD2 in USDuring a press conference at Mobile World Congress today, T-Mobile USA, Inc. announced the creation of a comprehensive mobile entertainment experience for the upcoming HTC HD2, available exclusively in the U.S. from T-Mobile this spring. Offering the largest touch screen on a smartphone in the U.S., the new HTC HD2 will come ready with access to millions of eBooks, movies, television programs and more.

The slim and sleek HTC HD2 comes equipped with an industry-leading, high-resolution 4.3-inch capacitive touch display, a blazing-fast 1GHz Snapdragon™ by Qualcomm processor, and support for T-Mobile’s high-speed 3G network for a fast mobile data experience. Designed by HTC, the HTC HD2 is also the first Windows phone with HTC Sense™.

“T-Mobile is committed to offering innovative solutions to connect, inspire and entertain our customers through the power of mobile technology,” said George Harrison, vice president, marketing product innovation, T-Mobile USA. “By combining leading innovation in the world of entertainment with the large screen and processing power of the HTC HD2, we’ve created a unique and powerful mobile entertainment experience.”

Consumers will have access to a complete entertainment package consisting of pre-loaded content and new pre-installed applications. In addition to the device’s array of built-in multimedia applications, the HTC HD2’s top entertainment features include the following:

Barnes & Noble eReader application puts the world’s largest eBookstore in your hand with access to more than a million eBooks, newspapers, magazines and your Barnes & Noble digital library everywhere you go. Enjoy reading on the largest screen available for eReader smartphone software.

BLOCKBUSTER on Demand® application is for discovering and downloading the hottest new releases on the go. Blockbuster’s first-ever video download application on a smartphone allows consumers to buy a movie on one device and watch on another connected device through Blockbuster’s library.

MobiTV mobile application offers consumers access to live and on-demand TV on their phone — including news, sports and entertainment. Favorite channels such as MTV, NBC, COMEDY CENTRAL, ESPN and more are available for HTC HD2 consumers to watch at home or away. Plus, when HTC HD2 consumers subscribe to MobiTV, their first 30 days of service are free.

Paramount Pictures’ popular films “Transformers” and “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” come pre-loaded on the device’s memory card and optimized for viewing on the HTC HD2’s high-resolution screen.

Gogo® Inflight Internet service offers consumers who purchase the HTC HD2 an added bonus: up to six months of free in-flight Wi-Fi access on their device, with Internet access on 2,500 daily flights in the continental U.S. and growing.

Accuris Networks Provides AccuRoam Data Offload Solution to Operators through Acision’s Innovation Network

February 16th, 2010

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Accuris Networks, a leading provider of Inter-Standard and converged solutions, has announced a partnership with Acision to provide its AccuROAM Data Offload solution as part of Acision’s Innovation Network.

“Operators with mobile broadband offerings are striving to maximise efficiency in their networks to prevent the cost of delivering these services from rising above the associated revenues,” said Gilbert Little, Chairman, Accuris Networks. “With AccuROAM Data Offload solution customers are able to enhance network efficiency while keeping control of their subscribers when they are on Wi-Fi Networks.”

novero Showcases the Modern Man’s Bluetooth Headset

February 16th, 2010

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novero Lexington (Image: novero)

novero, a company passionate about creating stylish wireless products, today announced the upcoming availability of Lexington, a clean and confident Bluetooth solution for men. The debut of Lexington embodies novero’s vision to develop products that embrace both style and superior functionality. Designed to flawlessly compliment one’s mobile lifestyle, Lexington is crafted in brushed steel and piano black finish – a refined, understated headset, embracing the modern man’s aesthetic. The handsome novero product goes beyond its sharp appearance and provides an unprecedented 20 hours of talk time thanks to its accompanying charging case, wrapped in fine Italian Napa leather. novero will be selectively showcasing Lexington and its growing portfolio of products behind closed doors at the Mobile World Congress.

“novero is a company that creates intelligent lifestyle solutions that have brilliant and unique personalities. Our customers are sharp people and Lexington is inspired by the philosophy that true style is forever – an idea that fails to exist with current Bluetooth offerings,” said Razvan Olosu, CEO, novero. “With Lexington, you no longer have to compromise fashion for technology; you can indulge in the best of both worlds.”

Lexington features a dual-microphone sensor with noise cancellation to ensure crisp, clear audio whether in the office, driving down the coast or traversing the loudest of terminals. The stylish carrying case holds up to four additional charges for the headset before it needs to be plugged in again – perfectly suited for the man always on the move. Accented by a brushed steel clip, Lexington can be worn discretely by sliding it on the lapel of a suit or the pocket on a pair of slacks. To further extend its versatility, Lexington also includes a car charger and in-car mount, a wall charger with universal wall plug adaptors, universal USB cable, and eight interchangeable ear loops to ensure a tailored, comfortable fit.

Lexington will be available in April through premiere online and retail outlets.

BoxTone Software Certified for New BlackBerry Enterprise Server Express; Enhances Mobile Management and Support

February 16th, 2010

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BoxTone, the expert in mobile user management, today announced that its mobility management software suite has entered the certification process for the new BlackBerry Enterprise Server Express.

This announcement comes just hours after Mike Lazaridis, President and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Research In Motion, unveiled the BlackBerry Enterprise Server Express at the 2010 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain.

Kenya Wins GSMA Government Leadership Award for Progressive Mobile Broadband Strategy

February 16th, 2010

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The GSMA today presented His Excellency Mr. Samuel Poghisio, Minister for Information and Communications for Kenya, with the mobile industry’s prestigious annual Government Leadership Award. The Award recognises the leadership role played by Kenya in extending the benefits of mobile technology to more consumers by cutting tax on mobile phones and information communication technology (ICT) equipment and promoting the early roll-out of mobile broadband.

During 2009, Kenya eliminated both import duty and sales taxes on mobile phones and other ICT equipment, making access for consumers more affordable. The Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK) has also demonstrated an established and ongoing programme of modernisation of the telecoms sector. The CCK facilitated the landing of two fibre optic cables, TEAMs and SEACOM, heralding a new era of abundant broadband capacity for Kenya and the East African region. The CCK also enabled the development of a vibrant mobile broadband market by licensing new spectrum and by launching a number of ICT/mobile projects aimed at promoting education and health in rural communities. This programme of initiatives will boost the Kenyan economy and improve the well-being and future prosperity of its citizens.

GSMA and the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women Publish ‘Women & Mobile: A Global Opportunity’ Report

February 16th, 2010

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The GSMA and the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women, a charity that supports women entrepreneurs today published ‘Women and Mobile: A Global Opportunity’. The report, the first detailed global study of its kind, attempts to understand the nature of women mobile subscribers in low and middle-income countries such as Kenya and India, and highlights the barriers facing women’s adoption of mobile technologies. It also shows that, by extending the benefits of mobile phone ownership to more women, a host of social and economic goals can be advanced.

The report reveals for the first time the extent of the gender gap in mobile usage in many low and middle-income countries. It shows that a woman in a low or middle-income country is 21% less likely to own a mobile phone than a man. Closing this gender gap would bring the benefits of mobile phones to an additional 300 million women, empowering and enabling them to stay better connected with family and friends, improving their safety, and helping them obtain paid work, in line with the third UN Millennium Development Goal on gender equality. The mobile phone as documented in the report is an effective productivity and development tool which creates education, health, employment, banking and business opportunities.

Intel and Nokia merge software platforms for future computing devices into new Meego Platform

February 15th, 2010

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In a significant development in the convergence of communications and computing, Intel Corporation and Nokia are merging their popular Moblin and Maemo software platforms. This will create a unified Linux-based platform that will run on multiple hardware platforms across a wide range of computing devices, including pocketable mobile computers, netbooks, tablets, mediaphones, connected TVs and in-vehicle infotainment systems. Called MeeGo, the open software platform will accelerate industry innovation and time-to-market for a wealth of new Internet-based applications and services and exciting user experiences. MeeGo-based devices from Nokia and other manufacturers are expected to be launched later this year.

This announcement strengthens the Nokia and Intel relationship, and builds on the companies’ broad strategic collaboration announced in June 2009. Intel and Nokia now invite participation in MeeGo from existing Maemo and Moblin global communities and across the communications and computing industries.

Nokia passes key milestones as services business continues strong momentum

February 15th, 2010

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With a great user experience, an aggressive global rollout plan and a focus on local relevance, Nokia truly put its services on the map – and the strong momentum continues.

“Our recipe for success has some pretty simple ingredients: delighting consumers. Yes, we are in more places, serving more people, with more great content and services. True, more than a million apps are being downloaded a day from our store; Comes with Music is now available in over 25 markets; and every second of the day, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, another person downloads our new Ovi Maps app. These are great achievements, but our goal is to delight hundreds of millions of consumers around the world – and we are well on our way,” says Niklas Savander, head of Nokia’s services business.

Leading Operators Unite to Unleash Global Apps Potential

February 15th, 2010

Markus

Twenty-four leading telecommunications operators have formed the Wholesale Applications Community, an alliance to build an open platform that delivers applications to all mobile phone users.

América Móvil, AT&T, Bharti Airtel, China Mobile, China Unicom, Deutsche Telekom, KT, mobilkom austria group, MTN Group, NTT DoCoMo, Orange, Orascom Telecom, Softbank Mobile, Telecom Italia, Telefónica, Telenor Group, TeliaSonera, SingTel, SK Telecom, Sprint, Verizon Wireless, VimpelCom, Vodafone and Wind are committed to create an ecosystem for the development and distribution of mobile and internet applications irrespective of device or technology.

Mighty partners form the Wholesaleappcommunity to break Apple's dominance in apps

Together, these operators have access to over three billion customers around the world. The GSMA and three of the world’s largest device manufacturers – LG Electronics, Samsung and Sony Ericsson – also support this initiative.

Next-Generation Multimedia Services Set to Become a Reality as GSMA Outlines Progress with RCS Initiative

February 15th, 2010

Markus

The GSMA today reported significant progress with its Rich Communication Suite (RCS) initiative, a service that provides mobile operators with a feature-rich portfolio of interoperable communication services, enabling customers to access a wide range of advanced messaging applications direct from their handset’s contact list. The initiative is now supported by more than 90 leading organisations from across the mobile industry and has gained considerable momentum across a number of areas, including the launch of a pilot in Japan with five leading operators; the delivery of the RCS Release 3 specifications*; the winners of the GSMA’s DevChallenge competition; and demonstrations of RCS at the Mobile World Congress.

“The pilot in Japan and the momentum we are seeing sends out a clear message on the market potential and the willingness of mobile operators to launch next-generation multimedia services,” said Michael O’Hara, Chief Marketing Officer at the GSMA. “Users want to be able to access and share rich content between their mobile phones and their PCs, and RCS enables this through a variety of interoperable and feature-rich applications. In Japan especially, where mobile messaging is very popular, RCS will offer a value-added communications tool to consumers already used to innovative services.”

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Presss Conference GSMA Mobile World Congress 2010

Tons of News were presented by GSMA during their Press-Conference in Barcelona

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Japan’s leading mobile operators E-MOBILE, KDDI, NTT DoCoMo and SOFTBANK, together with fixed operator NTT Corp., have joined forces to start technical work on an interoperable RCS pilot in Japan. KDDI, NTT DoCoMo and SOFTBANK will build the RCS pilot solution and then test IMS interoperability from the end of March 2010. The RCS pilot will be based on technical specifications developed by the GSMA, such as the use of a broadband access client and support for a multi-device environment, which will enable consumers to access applications on both mobile phones and PCs for a seamless messaging experience.

Mobile Contactless Payments Trialled Live at Mobile World Congress 2010

February 15th, 2010

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Today the GSMA, Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., Telefónica, and Visa, together with Giesecke & Devrient, Ingenico, ITN International and La Caixa, announced the arrival of contactless mobile payments at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona this year. The companies unveiled the result of months of collaboration and have brought the first ever SIM-based NFC payments pilot to Mobile World Congress.

The participating companies have provided more than 400 NFC handsets to guests for use at the Congress. The Samsung Star NFC handsets contain Telefónica SIM cards from O2 pre-loaded with €60 airtime credit as well as a La Caixa Visa Mobile Payment Application. Participants can use their NFC phones to pay for food and drink up to a value of €75 at over 30 merchant locations around the Congress.

OneAPI Gains Momentum as GSMA Announces Commercial Pilot with Leading Mobile Operators in Canada

February 15th, 2010

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The GSMA today announced the launch of a commercial pilot in Canada as part of its OneAPI (Open Network Enabler Application Programming Interfaces) initiative, working with the country’s leading mobile operators Bell Mobility, Rogers Communications and TELUS to demonstrate the viability and benefits of providing developers with standardised application programming interfaces (APIs) for mobile networks. Through the OneAPI initiative, the GSMA is promoting the adoption of a common, lightweight and web-friendly set of APIs to provide application developers with easy access to mobile operator network capabilities. The pilot in Canada marks the first time developers are able to gain commercial access to the network assets of multiple operators, from a single gateway, in a consistent and simple way using OneAPI.

“A common set of APIs will benefit the entire mobile industry by making it much more attractive for developers to create innovative applications and services by utilising the capabilities and information provided by operators about their networks,” said Michael O’Hara, Chief Marketing Officer at the GSMA. “Our OneAPI initiative will help eliminate fragmentation and aid the growth of the mobile applications ecosystem, resulting in a larger addressable market, encouraging innovation, enhancing the customer experience and creating new revenue opportunities for mobile operators and developers alike.”