Mobiles

Linux, which has been much maligned by Symbian and Microsoft as a non-starter in the handset operating system market, is set to see strong growth as issues with framework fragmentation and silicon requirements are alleviated. The growing momentum behind the LiMo Foundation initiative, as well as the marketing boost that has been realized from the entry of Google’s Android solution has been further enhanced by Nokia’s support of the Maemo solution and its purchase of Trolltech. ABI Research believes that by 2013, nearly one out of every five mid- or high-end mobile devices will use a Linux operating system.

ABI Research vice president Stuart Carlaw notes that, “Clever choice of public license support, along with software engineering that isolates proprietary items from open source items, allows operating system vendors to generate revenue from a very cost-effective OS solution.” He goes on to add that, “Linux OS solutions will be far more cost-effective than incumbent solutions, even when silicon requirements are taken into account, given that a fuller application layer will be included in the standard package and that the burden of customization falls mostly on the independent software vendor.”

A new ABI Research study has found that Linux solutions will be at the center of the drive to bring more content-rich environments to users who currently utilize mid-tier devices. More importantly, it looks increasingly likely that mobile Linux solutions will be an important building block in enabling an application domain that embraces Web-based applications and blended Web/native applications.

abiresearch

EB and TerreStar Networks has done their first dual-mode satellite-terrestrial HSPA reference design handset in a PDA form factor. The slim smartphone will allow users to seamlessly and securely stay connected to both the satellite and terrestrial components of the TerreStar network.

Additionally, EB and TerreStar are working to enable device manufacturers to rapidly bring to market the world’s first quad-band GSM and tri-band WCDMA/HSPA smartphone with integrated all-IP satellite-terrestrial voice and data capabilities. Initial commercial availability of the reference design is planned for H1 2009. This reference design also includes:

• IP-based satellite phone using high-speed packet data;
• first satellite-terrestrial smartphone with a touch screen and a full QWERTY keyboard;
• first satellite-terrestrial smartphone based on Windows Mobile operating system, with competitive service offerings, including: SMS, MMS, IM, Email, Push to Talk and Location Based Services (LBS).
• End-user memory: 100 MB
• Compact form factor: 4.7 inch x 2.5 inch x 0.8/0.6 inch
• Integrated Bluetooth, WiFi, USB and GPS connectivity

via [phonemag]

Burger King Corp. (NYSE:BKC) announced today the availability of BK CITY, a new mobile multi-level game with three distinct worlds and 12 dynamic, progressively challenging mini-games developed and released by Mobliss, Inc., a licensee of Burger King Corp.

The game was announced last October and will now be promoted nation wide in Burger King restaurants.

Designed to appeal to the gamer in everyone, the BK CITY game is supported by a variety of national carriers and available exclusively for download by texting “KING” to 90210 for a monthly subscription fee of $2.99.

The downloadable mobile game features an engaging range of gameplay from one-of-a-kind mobile concepts integrating the King, to clever variations of classic puzzle favorites reminiscent of Concentration and Space Invaders. Players vie to earn a place in the King’s exclusive entourage by progressing through a series of challenges within each virtual world. From recalling WHOPPER sandwich builds to squirting ketchup through the air, gamers navigate through the King’s three favorite hangouts – a BURGER KING restaurant, the King’s mansion and BK CITY to earn points and unlock advanced levels.

“We are dedicated to constantly evolving our mobile platform to provide original and creative programs that reflect the BURGER KING brand, engage our guests and offer value for the money. The licensing agreement with Mobliss supports our efforts in this important area,” said Brian Gies, vice president of marketing impact, Burger King Corp. “The games offer a chance to engage with the King in a new way and we’re confident that BK CITY offers a gaming world unlike any other available to mobile users today.”

The introduction of BK CITY is part of an exclusive licensing agreement with mobile content provider Mobliss Inc., to blend the irreverent nature of the BURGER KING brand into an evolving gaming experience. Based on some of the most popular casual gaming genres – puzzle, arcade, trading, action and more, BK CITY is suitable for all ages. The game package is compatible with nearly 200 different cellular phone models and is available across a variety of national carriers. BK CITY also features community offerings, including leader boards, user profiles, buddy lists and user-to-user text messaging to challenge friends and family. The $2.99 monthly subscription fee includes automatic game changes and upgrades.

Burger King Corp. has a history of innovation in gaming, including the development of three branded XBOX games as well as the integration of BURGER KING branded content into top-selling, video games like “Fight Night”, “Need For Speed” and “NFL Street.”

Tomorrow is Earth Day, and what better time for us to announce our new Eco-Friendly laptop totes by Mobile Edge. Scheduled to be delivered in June, these new Casual Laptop Totes are made with natural cotton canvas. We understand that it is our responsibility to do our part to better the environment, and with this new line of stylish laptop totes we are working towards that goal.

This new Collection of Eco-Friendly laptop bags come in three luminous color combinations. Our design team has outdone themselves with these environmentally friendly women’s totes. Your choices are Sky Blue, Forest Green or a Tan/Brown combination. All three computer totes accommodate laptops with screens up to 15.4”. The removable computer protection compartment makes this tote convertible. The removable sleeve gives you more room for your belongings.

The interior is made of a soft satin liner with contrasting colors that match each tote. This makes it easier for you to find your gear inside each tote. Using natural cotton is just one of many choices Mobile Edge plans to use in their new laptop bags. Being socially conscious about the environment is the responsibility of everyone, and we applaud those companies that have made a difference.

In addition to caring about the environment, we also care about the health and well being of our customers. As a corporate partner with Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the Boomer Esiason Foundation, we donate 10% of sales of each Caring Case back to the respective Foundation. Being socially conscious is part of our ethos here at Mobile Edge.

Check back soon for updates on this new Eco-Friendly line of laptop totes.

Continuing to produce best-in-class casual games for the mobile mass market, GOSUB 60, an independent innovator, publisher and marketer of mobile entertainment, today announced the availability of House Flipping Frenzy. Challenging skills in the real estate market, House Flipping Frenzy takes players across the nation from neighborhood to neighborhood purchasing, remodeling and selling homes to make the maximum profit.

Strategic decision-making and fast acting-fingers work together to make House Flipping Frenzy an exhilarating game experience. In the fix-it stage players make purchasing and remodeling decisions based on the current market of a particular neighborhood, while in the flip-it stage players have to act fast in order to capitalize on the highest bid. Ultimately, players seek to increase bankroll and achieve the highest measure of status and real estate success in exclusive Beverly Hills.

“As one of the top ten U.S. mobile game publishers, we attribute our success to creating the highest quality casual games and House Flipping Frenzy is no exception,” said Josh Hartwell, CEO of GOSUB 60, Inc. “Leveraging the popularity of house flipping and design shows, the game combines two of the most popular casual game mechanics – strategy and fast twitch – to create a unique experience that can be appreciated by fans of both methods.”

Starting in a small Maine town, House Flipping Frenzy comes fully loaded with 5 cities, 25 neighborhoods and hundreds of different remodeling options. With GOSUB 60’s iCUBED dynamic content engine, players can expand game play even further by downloading additional cities and themed neighborhoods such as “Sportstown” at no extra cost.

House Flipping Frenzy is available now nationwide through major carriers. For a monthly subscription, the price is $2.99. For unlimited access, the price is $6.99.

Read the full story here.

While Nokia has had a number of different external blogging efforts going on, Nokia now has an official blog called Nokia Conversations. It is written by Nokia employees, or people paid by Nokia, to articulate the stories going on throughout the company.

Nokia Conversations will not only highlight the great stories inside the company, but it will highlight some of the conversations going on around the blogosphere. There is a del.icio.us bar along the side with a number of references to other blog entries written about Nokia. People are also encouraged to comment, of course.

Given that the site has been under development for a while, there is a huge archive of articles already available on the site. Have a look and join the conversation! See full article.

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Want Free Nokia N76? Join Now! - 13 April 2007

New From Nokia: A Battery Full Alert - 13 May 2007

A Pop Group Sings About The Nokia N81! - 30 August 2007

Will the Nokia N95's Camera Hold Up Under Low-Light Conditions? - 14 December 2007

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Easy-to-Use Solution Offers Businesses Collaboration, Security and Control Of BlackBerry Smartphones
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Antenova extends range of high performing embedded antennas with 4mm low profile penta-band antenna for ultra-thin mobile phones
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Alltel has announced that it will begin offering the Research In Motion BlackBerry Curve 8330 smartphone on May 1st. This QWERTY-equipped smartphone features a 2 megapixel camera and built-in GPS receiver.
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