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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 .

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.”

GSMA Leads Mobile Industry Towards a Single, Global Solution for Voice over LTE

February 15th, 2010

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The GSMA today announced it has adopted the work of the One Voice Initiative* to drive the global mobile industry towards a standard way of delivering voice and messaging services for Long-Term Evolution (LTE). The GSMA’s Voice over LTE (VoLTE) initiative has the backing of more than 40 organisations from across the mobile ecosystem, including many of the world’s leading mobile operators, handset manufacturers and equipment vendors, all of whom support the principle of a single, IMS-based voice solution for next-generation Mobile Broadband networks. The GSMA will also lead the development of the specifications that will enable interconnection and international roaming between LTE networks, and will complete that work by Q1 2011.

“The GSMA recognises the importance of a single, industry-wide solution for voice over LTE and by adopting the work of the One Voice Initiative, we will advance the creation of a global, next-generation wireless ecosystem,” said Alex Sinclair, Chief Technology and Strategy Officer at the GSMA. “With the support of the world’s leading players in mobile, VoLTE will generate economies of scale similar to those provided through the ubiquitous availability of GSM-based networks and devices. As mobile operators begin to deploy LTE, it is essential their networks are aligned around one, common standard for voice and messaging services, for the benefit of the mobile industry and consumers alike.”

China Telecom, KDDI and Verizon Wireless Join the GSMA as Mobile Operators around the World Commit to LTE

February 15th, 2010

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The GSMA today announced that China Telecom, KDDI and Verizon Wireless have gained membership to the GSMA following their commitment to deploy commercial services based on Long-Term Evolution (LTE), the next-generation wireless technology for Mobile Broadband. China Telecom, KDDI, and Verizon Wireless are three of the world’s largest CDMA operators and will begin the commercial deployments of LTE as early as 2010. LTE, when combined with the expansive footprint of these operators’ existing Mobile Broadband services, will deliver high-speed services to more than 150 million* customers over the next three years. Qualcomm has also joined the GSMA as an associate member and will work with the operators to aid the smooth integration of LTE with existing Mobile Broadband technologies.

“With its compelling, high-speed and cost-effective network architecture, LTE is bringing the GSM and CDMA communities together. We are delighted that China Telecom, KDDI, and Verizon Wireless have joined the GSMA along with Qualcomm, and will be among the first operators to launch commercial LTE services,” said Alex Sinclair, Chief Technology and Strategy Officer at the GSMA. “The rapid rise in demand for Mobile Broadband devices, applications and services is driving both GSM and CDMA operators to evolve their network infrastructures and embrace new, cutting-edge technologies, and LTE is widely regarded as ‘the’ Mobile Broadband technology that will be adopted by the vast majority of mobile operators globally.”

“As the largest state-owned operator in China, China Telecom is very excited to join the GSMA, which will enable us to extend our reach and network across the global mobile ecosystem,” said Mr. Cao Lei, Director of Technology, China Telecom.

GSMA Outlines Potential for Embedded Mobile: Enabling a World of Connected Devices

February 15th, 2010

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The GSMA today announced several important updates to its Embedded Mobile initiative, a programme to accelerate the global adoption of wireless connectivity in a wide range of devices in key vertical markets such as consumer electronics, healthcare, automotive and utilities. First, the GSMA has published a set of industry guidelines to reduce design complexity and fragmentation, to in turn deliver cost-effective modules for the embedded mobile market. In a second development, the GSMA has announced a partnership with the Continua Health Alliance, a non-profit, open industry organisation of healthcare and technology companies, to promote innovation and drive the use of embedded mobile solutions in healthcare. Finally, the GSMA has announced the winners of its Embedded Mobile Competition, for the best device and the best end-to-end service.

“The global potential for connected devices is huge – it’s more than just mobile phones and laptop PCs. It can be anything that has a mobile connection embedded in it such as a camera, a music player, a car, a smart meter or a health monitor,” said Alex Sinclair, Chief Technology and Strategy Officer at the GSMA. “Predictions around how many devices will be connected to mobile networks vary, but we expect to see up to 50 billion connected devices over the next 15 years, finally making the prospect of a truly connected lifestyle a reality. Reducing the cost of innovative healthcare solutions, lowering carbon emissions and substantially improving energy efficiency are just some of the significant societal benefits connected devices will provide the world over.”

Sony Ericsson Vivaz pro: Combining QWERTY Keyboard and Touchscreen for optimal messaging

February 14th, 2010

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Sony Ericsson Vivaz pro announced today, adds a QWERTY keyboard to the touch screen offering, delivering a user experience optimised for messaging and entertainment. The full QWERTY keyboard allows consumers to communicate quickly and efficiently via email, SMS or social networking updates.

Sony Ericsson's Vivaz pro allows messaging with direct connection to social comunity networks. (image: Sony Ericsson)

Just like flagship phone Sony Ericsson Vivaz, announced in January, Sony Ericsson Vivaz pro allows consumers to produce and broadcast their best experiences in HD video. The open platform also allows users to personalise their entertainment experience by downloading great applications through PlayNow™ and the Symbian Developer Community.

“Having announced Sony Ericsson Vivaz in January we are now adding a sister phone that includes a QWERTY keyboard along with the touch screen for a superior messaging and entertainment experience,” said Daniel Sandblom Marketing Business Manager, Sony Ericsson. “Sony Ericsson Vivaz pro meets the increased consumer demand for QWERTY devices without compromising on any entertainment features.”

Sony Ericsson Vivaz pro features the new design philosophy ’human curvature’, which will become a consistent feature of the Sony Ericsson portfolio going forward. Designed to mirror the shape of the human body, and at the same time delivering a precise and compelling way of interacting with the phone, Sony Ericsson Vivaz pro is instantly recognisable.

Sony Ericsson Vivaz pro:

Full slide-out keyboard for faster typing
Stay in touch through email, Twitter™, Facebook™, blogging and chat
View everything on the 3.2” 16:9 wide touchscreen
Capture the action in HD resolution – upload to YouTube via Wi-Fi™
PlayNow – immediate online access to applications, games and music.

Sony Ericsson Vivaz™ pro supports UMTS HSPA 900/2100 and GSM GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900, UMTS HSPA 850/1900/2100 and GSM GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900.

Sony Ericsson Vivaz™ pro will be available in selected markets from Q2 in the colours Black and White.

Sony Ericsson is also unveiling the Hi-Fi Stereo Headset MH710. Enjoy best-in-class clear audio while on the move and handle music and calls with just one touch.

Sony Ericsson starts new cooperative Platform “Creations”

February 14th, 2010

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Sony Ericsson today announces its vision for the future of mobile entertainment – ‘Co-creation’ – using the launch of new online platform Creations™.

What is Co-creation?

Co-creation focuses on facilitating the evolving needs of consumers, content publishers and developers, creating a community and a movement where they come together to personalise, share and continuously evolve and co-create mobile content.

Delivering on the vision that everyone can create

Creations™ delivers upon Sony Ericsson’s Co-creation strategy by enabling mobile phone users to create and publish their own content such as video, audio and imaging to be shared, explored and remixed using content-creating mobile applications and tools. Content will no longer be static as Creations™ allows content creators to produce content on the move from their mobile phone.

It is an open platform accessible using a range of mobile handsets, as well as on the desktop. Sony Ericsson is engaging with application developers to deliver content tools and applications.

Developers are also invited to join the Creations™ network and play a vital role in enabling co-creation and co-innovation on the mobile web, as the service prepares to support applications in the coming months.

Delegates are invited to experience co-creation in action with Sony Ericsson on Creation Day (Wednesday 17th February 2010) within App Planet (in Hall 7). See the power of co-creation as artist and music producer Tom Middleton facilitates a live demonstration of Creations™ using content contributed by delegates.

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

February 14th, 2010

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Today sees the announcement of Xperia™ X10 mini and X10 mini pro, compact versions of Xperia™ X10, which will deliver powerful and application packed mobile phones into the industry. By introducing mobile phones that are both compact and clever, Sony Ericsson is challenging the norm and defining a brand new offering that combines high specification features with a version of Sony Ericsson’s powerful UX platform specifically designed for smaller devices.

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Make it smaller: Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 mini pro (Image: Sony Ericsson)

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Xperia™ X10 mini and X10 mini pro with slide out QWERTY keyboard offer an open and intuitive communication entertainment experience and build on the human curvature design philosophy debuted by the Sony Ericsson Xperia™ X10. Combining the Android platform with signature applications and a customisable UX platform, communication truly becomes entertainment with these new mobile phones. To enhance the experience, pick and choose from a multitude of applications at Android Market™ and co-create a mobile phone experience that is entirely unique. Users can go one step further and customise the home screen’s four corners and widgets to access the most needed applications for limitless possibilities.

The two sister mobile phones incorporate the signature application Sony Ericsson Timescape™ which brings all communication together in one place so users can see at a glance text messages, missed calls, and Facebook™ and Twitter updates, without having to open lots of different applications. The interactive music player also uses the “infinite button” to pull together all music content from the music store and YouTube™ – a smart way to search for new tracks from a favourite artist.

“There has been an enormous buzz around Xperia™ X10 so it is really exciting to be already unveiling compact versions of this powerful proposition.” Said Rikko Sakaguchi, EVP and Chief Creation Officer, Sony Ericsson. “With the X10 mini and X10 mini pro we have pushed the boundaries of what is possible with smaller devices and are giving consumers exactly what they want; two high performance mobile phones with a fully customisable user experience platform and a stunning ultra-compact design.”

Xperia™ X10 mini and X10 mini pro

Sony Ericsson Timescape™ - brings together all communication in one place
Four corner control – applications, calls, web, the consumer decides. Four customisable icons for ultimate control
5 megapixel camera and video – share creations via the web
Music player links to music stores and YouTube™ – access the world of music
Android platform – with Google™ services and Android Market™
QWERTY keyboard – slide and text for quick and easy messaging (Xperia™ X10 mini pro only)

X10 mini and X10 mini pro supports HSPA 900/2100 and EDGE 850/900/1800/1900, HSPA 850/1900/2100 and EDGE 850/900/1800/1900.

The X10 mini will be available in selected markets from Q2 in the colours Pearl White, Black, Pink, Lime, Red and Silver. The X10 mini pro will be available in selected markets from Q2 in the colours Black and Red.

Sony Ericsson is also introducing the Portable Stereo Speakers MS450, to deliver rich on-the-go sound and the Hi-Fi Headset MH810 with remote with superior audio and remote media and call handling.

SonyEricsson appoints Kristian Tear as Head of Global Sales and Marketing

February 8th, 2010

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Kristian Tear, new Head of Global Sales & Marketing for SonyEricsson (Image: SonyEricsson)

Sony Ericsson today announces that Kristian Tear, Sony Ericsson Head of Western Europe Region and Head of Global Customer Accounts is appointed Head of Global Sales & Marketing effective 1st April. In his new role Kristian Tear succeeds Anders Runevad, who will return to Ericsson. Kristian Tear will report to Sony Ericsson President Bert Nordberg.

Commenting on today’s announcement, Kristian Tear said, “I am very excited to be taking up this new role, especially during these very dynamic times in our industry. I believe that my experience working closely with global operator customers, as well as my knowledge of consumer preferences worldwide, will help strengthen our sales and marketing programmes going forward.”

Bert Nordberg, President, Sony Ericsson, said, “Kristian brings a wealth of experience in the telecoms industry to his new role. At Sony Ericsson he has been driving our strategic partnerships with global operator customers in addition to leading one of our largest and most important sales regions around the world, and I am very pleased that he will be joining my global executive management team. At the same time, I wish to take this opportunity to thank Anders for having led the Sales & Marketing function successfully the past three years and wish him every success for his future.”

Kristian Tear has more than twenty years of international sales and marketing experience in the telecoms sector, including posts in South America, Europe and Asia. He joined Sony Ericsson in 2005 from Ericsson, where he held a number of executive management positions in Asia, Europe and Latin America.

A native of Stockholm, Kristian Tear is married with three children. He has a Masters Degree in Science from the Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden and completed the Ericsson Executive MBA programme at Columbia University in New York.

Kristian Tear’s successor, in his position of Head of Western Europe Region and Head of Global Customer Accounts, will be announced in due course.

New Ovi Maps with free navigation races past 1 million downloads in a week

February 3rd, 2010

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Nokia has today announced that since the 21 January 2010 launch of the new version of Ovi Maps with free walk and drive navigation, there have been over 1.4 million downloads. The one million mark was reached just one week after the launch.

“We’re averaging a download a second, 24 hours a day,” said Anssi Vanjoki, Executive Vice President, Nokia. “When we announced free walk & drive navigation we knew it would be a game-changer. The number of people now using their Nokia for navigation, and as a result looking for more location-aware software, is growing faster than even we predicted.”

The success of the new version Ovi Maps is a key part of Nokia’s strategy to lead the market in mobile maps, navigation and location-based services. By leveraging its investment in NAVTEQ, Nokia has been able to remove the costs associated with navigation for drivers and pedestrians and is quickly activating a massive user base to which it can offer new location features, content and services.

Vodafone and RIM Launch the BlackBerry Bold 9700 Smartphone in India

January 28th, 2010

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Now avaiable in India: Blackberry Bold 9700 (Image: RIM)

Vodafone Essar , and Research In Motion (RIM) today announced the launch of the BlackBerry® Bold 9700 smartphone for Vodafone customers in India.

The sleek and stylish BlackBerry Bold 9700 smartphone delivers powerful communications and multimedia applications with outstanding performance, giving Vodafone customers an exceptional mobile experience. The new smartphone is expected to be available at Vodafone stores across India on January 29, 2009 and priced at Rs. 31990*.

“Further to the immense success of the BlackBerry Bold 9000 launch, we are delighted to introduce the latest BlackBerry Bold 9700 to Vodafone customers in India. This launch reiterates our commitment towards providing our customers with superior products and services, which enables them to balance their professional and personal lives,” said Kumar Ramanathan, Chief Marketing Officer, Vodafone Essar Ltd.

“We are very excited to introduce the BlackBerry Bold 9700 in India. This best-in-class smartphone will certainly appeal to Vodafone customers, offering a sleek and elegant design packed with powerful communications and entertainment features,” said Frenny Bawa, Vice President, India, Research In Motion.

The BlackBerry Bold 9700 supports 3G HSDPA networks around the world and is equipped with a performance enhancing next-generation (624 MHz) processor and 256 MB on-board Flash memory. The exciting new BlackBerry Bold 9700 features built-in GPS and Wi-Fi, a 3.2 MP camera with video recording and a sharp, dazzling display. The dark chrome frame and leatherette back add to the new smartphone’s sleek and elegant look, while the narrow profile, balanced weight and soft-touch sides allow it to feel incredibly comfortable in one hand.

The BlackBerry Bold 9700 also supports BlackBerry App World which features a broad and growing catalog of mobile applications developed specifically for BlackBerry smartphones. Categories include games, entertainment, IM and social networking, news, weather, productivity and more.

Hello mobile world!

January 17th, 2010

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Economy is changing. More and more the mobile economy is changing our lives. Things are different from some years ago. This site will serve you with important news about the mobile economy. I still remember times, when I had to install my carphone in the trunk. If I wanted to use it mobile I had to build together the handheld with the base-station. Joining a new company meant fighting for a new phone. “Thats a board-decision”, said the Assistant to our CEO, when I asked to get a mobile-phone. I got one, but it was a big privilege. 15 years later the mobile phone has conquered the world and is on its way to be the most used internet-access-device.

Apple has changed the mobile market forever, their iPhone made the way for mobile apllcations and its success is beyond the most optimistic expectations. Three billion app-downloads within 18 months – and it has just begun. Mobile-Economy.com will serve you with the most interesting news, press-releases, interviews, statistics and insights on one page. You can keep on track with being informed via RSS – and our app will start shortly.

You are invited to submit your information and your news – lets make Mobile-Economy the place, where people start to inform themselves on mobile economy.