[Opera Turbo browser compresses bandwidth consumption and processes data being sent to a mobile phone or PC by up to 80 percent reducing network traffic and saving on data transmissions.]
Oslo, Norway — Just when you thought browsing couldn’t get any faster, Opera unveils its latest innovation for better browsing, Opera Turbo. This all-new, turbo-charged way to surf will make its exclusive appearance at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona from February 16-19, 2009.
To be available for business customers on Opera Desktop, Opera Mobile and Opera Devices SDK, Opera Turbo compresses bandwidth consumption. By processing data being sent to a mobile phone or a PC by up to 80 percent, operators will be able to reduce network traffic and save on data transmissions. This helps to extend the longevity of their mobile network investments. For device manufacturers, Opera Turbo provides a faster browsing application that can leverage device capabilities and utilize hardware resources more effectively. By leveraging Opera Turbo, operators and OEMs can provide a faster browsing experience to their end-users, independent of network constraints or hardware limitations. Opera Turbo offers full support for dynamic Web technologies such as Ajax and Flash.
Due to Opera Turbo’s advanced compression technology, even devices with limited hardware capabilities show improved page download rates and better overall performance. By leveraging its experience with server-side optimization solutions such as Opera Mini, Opera Software is extending optimization to encompass other Opera browser products. Moreover, Opera Turbo is able to reduce the size of the transferred page without transcoding the page.
Opera Turbo supports Opera’s belief in “One Web”, providing equal access to the Internet regardless of the device or network quality. Opera has focused on a way to improve performance and the overall speed of its browser under any condition, whether surfing from a limited mobile phone in a remote location or with an early model desktop computer on a dial-up modem. To Opera, One Web means being able to take the one true Web and make it available to people on their own terms. Opera believes that circumstances should not dictate how its browser performs, and Opera Turbo is a way to ensure the best browsing possible anytime, anywhere.
“We are living in a time and place where access to the Web should be a universal right to all. Technology has advanced us to the point that we can very nearly access the Internet anytime and anywhere from a growing number of devices,” said Jon von Tetzchner, CEO, Opera Software. “As part of Opera’s commitment to provide the best experience on any device, Opera has developed the Opera Turbo solution. The Mobile World Congress serves as a forum for us to educate others on the wonders of Web technology.”
See it to believe it at Opera’s Mobile World Congress exhibit (Hall 2, Stand 2B77). Mobile World Congress participants will also have the ability to experience Opera on a variety of devices: Opera Mobile on smartphones such as HTC HD, Samsung Omnia and Sony Ericsson Xperia, free downloads of Opera Mini, improved Web browsing on gaming consoles and the ARCHOS Generation 5 Media players will be just a few of the exciting features of Opera’s 2009 exhibit. 211d
[LiMo announces on-time completion of R2 technology contributions that support features such as advanced multimedia, location-based services, device management and enhanced security.]
London & Tokyo — LiMo FoundationTM, a global consortium of mobile leaders delivering an open handset platform for the whole industry, today announced that all technologies specified for the R2 release of the LiMo PlatformTM have been contributed on time and that LiMo members are introducing reference implementations that will further ease the deployment of sophisticated and differentiated LiMo devices.
“The on-time completion of R2 technology contributions and the introduction of reference implementations demonstrate the deep collaboration amongst mobile industry leaders within the LiMo ecosystem. Cooperation of this nature is unprecedented within the mobile industry and is fostered by LiMo’s unique governance frameworks which promote balanced contributions and influence over the LiMo Platform,” said Morgan Gillis, executive director of the LiMo Foundation. “The LiMo Reference Implementations will reduce time to market for LiMo devices while providing ample scope for deep customisation at the user interface and application layers.”
The LiMo Reference Implementations will include code specified within both LiMo Platform R1 and LiMo Platform R2. This code includes source code contributions from members as well as components originating from open source communities. LiMo Reference Implementation contributors include ACCESS CO., LTD., Azingo, LG Electronics, Purple Labs and Samsung Electronics.
The latest technologies in the LiMo Platform include support for features such as advanced multimedia, location-based services, device management and enhanced security. The latest documentation on the LiMo Platform as well as other technical resources can be found on LiMo’s website at www.limofoundation.org.
“ACCESS is fully committed to LiMo’s vision of a collaboratively developed middleware platform and we were pleased to make a very significant code contribution to help ensure that LiMo meets this goal in a rapid manner,” said Dr. Tomihisa Kamada, president and co-CEO of ACCESS CO., LTD. “The LiMo Reference Implementations coupled with new technologies contributed in the R2 Platform will usher in a variety of highly compelling mobile devices and applications.
“Azingo is pleased to contribute mobile Internet technologies to the LiMo Platform to help accelerate the delivery of advanced Web 2.0 experiences,” said Mahesh Veerina, CEO, Azingo. “Azingo is committed to actively participate and work with other members to realize LiMo’s core mission.”
“LiMo is driving convergence and preventing fragmentation by enabling managed collaboration to take place under the security of LiMo’s IP safe harbor and related governance constructs,” said Alice Ryu, vice president, LG Electronics. “LG is pleased to have been alongside other LiMo members to implement reference implementations that will bring tangible benefit to all LiMo members and the broader mobile community.”
“Samsung is pleased to work within the growing LiMo community to collectively create a reference implementation that can be used by all companies in the mobile industry that are keen to create and distribute a LiMo-based mobile device,” said SP Yoon, vice president, Software Center, Samsung Electronics. “For the true promise of Mobile Linux to be realized, companies must work together to create a common set of technologies that can be equitably implemented across an array of devices, while still leaving room for a differentiated user experience.”
Launched in January 2007, the LiMo Foundation is open to all vendors and service providers in the mobile communications marketplace, including device manufacturers, operators, chipset manufacturers, independent software vendors, integrators and third-party developers.
The latest LiMo Platform technologies are being showcased in handsets and toolkits at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, February 16-19, 2009 in booth B135, Hall 8 and booth A125, Hall 8. 202a
[The MOTO W233 Renew offers a plastic phone housing made of recycled water bottles and is entirely recyclable.]
Bellevue, WA — T-Mobile USA, Inc., and Motorola today announced the retail availability of the MOTO W233 Renew, the ideal mobile phone for eco-conscious consumers. A first of its kind, and initially exclusive to only T-Mobile® customers, the plastic phone housing for the Renew is comprised of recycled water bottles and is entirely recyclable.
The Renew, available for $9.99 with a two-year service agreement, is an affordable option for T-Mobile customers committed to making a difference and reducing their carbon footprint. Through an alliance with Carbonfund.orgâ„¢, Motorola offsets the carbon dioxide required to manufacture, distribute and operate the phone through investments in renewable energy sources and reforestation, making it the first carbon-neutral mobile phone.
To save time — and energy — the Renew delivers a superior battery life experience with up to nine hours of talk time. In addition, the phone packaging and included in-box materials are printed on 100 percent post-consumer recycled paper. Also included in the box is a prepaid shipping envelope for customers to use to recycle their old device.
“We know that many of our customers are concerned about the environmental impact of the products they choose, and we share that concern,” said Glenn Zaccara, senior manager of corporate responsibility, T-Mobile USA. “T-Mobile is working to find ways to make it easier for our customers to limit their impact on the environment, and our partnership with Motorola to exclusively offer the Renew is a positive step along this journey.”
“We are excited to offer T-Mobile customers the first opportunity to purchase a mobile phone that takes the environment into account - from the product’s design using recycled plastics, to reducing the packaging material by 22 percent, as well as our partnership with Carbonfund.org,” said Jeff Miller, vice president, sales, Motorola Mobile Devices. “Priced affordably, Renew makes it easy for consumers to think about their impact on the environment when purchasing a mobile phone.”
In addition to Renew, T-Mobile also offers customers the option to sign up for paperless billing. In 2008, T-Mobile partnered with the Arbor Day Foundation to plant trees for customers who signed up for this option and, to date, has planted more than 500,000 trees. T-Mobile also provides easy recycling options for all wireless users via its Handset Recycling Program. Handsets, wireless PDAs, wireless computer cards and wireless accessories can be dropped off at any T-Mobile retail store or can be mailed using a prepaid label that can be printed from T-Mobile’s Web site at www.t-mobile.com/handsetrecycling.
One hundred percent of net proceeds from T-Mobile’s Handset Recycling program are used to support the company’s social investments through its T-Mobile Huddle Up program. For more information, visit www.t-mobile.com/huddleup.
Motorola also accepts any mobile phone or accessory for recycling, which helps recover valuable materials for reuse and reduces environmental impact. Simply print a postage-paid label at www.motorola.com/recycle to return older products to Motorola. A portion of the proceeds generated from returned mobile phones is distributed to schools participating in Motorola’s Race to Recycle program. To learn more, visit www.racetorecycle.com. Motorola’s recycling program is part of the company’s overarching commitment to sustainability. 211c
[Virgin Mobile USA to donate $5 from the purchase of each limited edition LG Pink Flare to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure breast cancer organization.]
Warren, NJ — Virgin Mobile USA (NYSE: VM - News) announced today that it is joining the fight against breast cancer with the launch of the LG Pink Flare limited edition handset, available exclusively at Best Buy stores nationwide.
Five dollars from the purchase of every Pink Flare handset, each priced at $29.99, will benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, the world’s largest breast cancer organization, funding life-saving breast cancer research and community health programs. Virgin Mobile USA is committing to donate a minimum of $150,000 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s programs.
“We couldn’t be more excited to bring this partnership to our customers by offering such a great way for them to get involved in this important cause,” said Joel Silverman, Vice President of Sales, Virgin Mobile USA. “It’s our experience that Virgin Mobile USA customers look to actively support causes that they care about and this partnership with Best Buy and LG provides a new, visible opportunity for them to do so.”
“Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s partnership with Virgin Mobile USA and Best Buy offers consumers a visible and effective way to support our mission to end breast cancer forever,” said Katrina McGhee, vice president of marketing at Komen for the Cure. “The electric-pink phone enables consumers to make their support known and encourages them to use their voice in the breast cancer movement.”
In 2008, an estimated 180,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer were diagnosed in women and more than 40,000 women died from breast cancer in the United States.
“These numbers are unacceptable,” said McGhee. “We have come a long way in the breast cancer movement, but there is still more work to be done. With the help of Best Buy and Virgin Mobile USA, we are moving closer to our vision of a world without breast cancer.” 2123
[A new report from Strategy Analytics states US cellular growth will remain strong despite the economic situation.]
Boston — The Strategy Analytics Wireless Network Strategies service report, “US Wireless Market Outlook: 2009 Key Trends,” predicts that US cellular subscriber growth will remain strong despite the economic situation, although growth levels will scale back slightly from 2008. US cellular service revenues will also continue to grow, albeit at a slower growth rate of 3.9%, down from 7.5% in 2008.
Strong data ARPUs (average revenue per user), driven by flat-rate data plans and increasing adoption of smartphones and mobile broadband datacards, will not be enough to keep total ARPUs from dropping minimally in 2009.
In the current economic climate carriers must address tightening consumer wallets. “Rather than just pushing prepaid as the perfect recession-proof tariff, carriers will work to make postpaid plans more attractive to budget-conscious customers who are re-examining their cellular spend,” explains Phil Kendall, Director of the Strategy Analytics Wireless Network Strategies service.
Strategy Analytics predicts more positioning for value rather than straight out price competition. “All-you-can-eat operators MetroPCS and Leap Wireless should fare well and present a challenge, especially to T-Mobile USA. Strategy Analytics expects that Sprint will continue to struggle,” predicts Susan Welsh de Grimaldo, Senior Analyst at Strategy Analytics and author of the report. “The year 2009 will see heightened competition between AT&T Mobility and the new number one, Verizon Wireless—fresh from its acquisition of Alltel. These two will jockey for technology leadership on Long-Term Evolution (LTE), push wireless connectivity in consumer electronics devices and increasingly represent a larger share of total subscribers and service revenues.” 2125
[Product innovations to be showcased at CeBit by Fujitsu Siemens include a zero-watt PC, the ESPRIMO Mobile Thin Client, and the ESPRIMO MA catering to the needs of health care workers.]
Munich — Fujitsu Siemens Computers will present its “Dynamic Infrastructures” products for Webciety, public sector clients and Green IT at CeBIT in the Public Sector Parc in Hall 9 and at Green IT World in Hall 8. The product innovations that will be on display include the first zero-watt PC, which consumes absolutely no power in standby mode, a PRIMERGY server for small businesses that has optimized energy savings, as well as service packages covering all aspects of IT infrastructure.
ESPRIMO Mobile Thin Client
The ESPRIMO Mobile Thin Client offers business customers a new mobile platform for connecting end-users to virtualized environments. After all, many application scenarios do not need a fully equipped notebook. For example, in the case of Windows Terminal Server, the applications themselves run on the server, while the notebook simply serves as an input and output device. To avoid data losses, the data is stored securely on the server. The ESPRIMO Mobile Thin Client’s operating system is stored in a flash memory and protected against unauthorized changes. Intelligent administration tools make it easy to update the client. WLAN, Bluetooth and UMTS can be configured on an optional basis, depending on individual requirements.
ESPRIMO MA: a flexible solution for the healthcare sector
Already presented in prototype form at CeBIT 2008, the ESPRIMO MA is now going into serial production. The mobile device makes the work of doctors, nurses and paramedics easier and caters for the needs of a diverse group of people with a single mobile information system that is part of the hospital routine. Fanless and fully sterilizable, the ESPRIMO MA is also suitable for use in sterile environments. Functions like integrated Highspeed 3G/UMTS and WLAN make digitally archived patient data available anywhere anytime and brings the vision of the paperless hospital one step closer to reality. Two smartcard readers ensure that sensitive patient data is secure. ESPRIMO MA fits seamlessly into Fujitsu Siemens Computers’ “Dynamic Infrastructures” as well as in clinics existing IT infrastructures.
Anti-theft protection
Fujitsu Siemens Computers is showing a notebook from the LIFEBOOK series at CeBIT that has a new kind of anti-theft protection, using technology from Intel and Absolute among others. By integrating this security solution, Fujitsu Siemens Computers is responding to the growing need among its customers for effective security concepts and protection for business data. Anti-theft protection offers two essential functions: tracking lost or stolen hardware and the option to store data on the hard disk centrally in the system via remote control, if necessary. In addition, the notebook can be locked - also using remote access. Fujitsu Siemens Computers offers the entire security solution package from a single source. Announced in November 2008 at the VISIT IT conference, this innovation will be unveiled to the public at large for the first time at CeBIT. Anti-theft protection will be available beginning in April 2009 as an option in the business notebooks in the ESPRIMO Mobile series and in the LIFEBOOK E8420 and LIFEBOOK T5010. 2122
[The Fujitsu F-01A, the world’s first fingerprint-sensor waterproof cell phone is now availablbe in NTT DoCoMo’s PRIME series lineup.]
Melbourne, FL — AuthenTec, the world leading provider of fingerprint sensors and solutions, today announced that NTT DOCOMO is now offering subscribers the world’s first fingerprint-enabled waterproof cell phone, the Fujitsu F-01A. This feature-rich phone is the first to use a fingerprint sensor using AuthenTec’s revolutionary new TouchStoneâ„¢ packaging. In addition to convenient and easy-to-use security, the phone incorporates AuthenTec’s TrueNavâ„¢ technology for touchpad-like navigational control via AuthenTec’s AES1711 fingerprint sensor.
The F-01A is the 17th Fujitsu phone to leverage the convenient security of an AuthenTec fingerprint sensor and the second Fujitsu phone to use AuthenTec’s TrueNav™ user navigation capability. The F-01A is based on a Symbian operating system and features a 3.5-inch widescreen VGA touchscreen display, 5.2 megapixel camera with Autofocus, built-in GPS using Mobile Google Maps with Street View, e-Wallet mobile payment capability, and a 1Seg mobile TV tuner. More than 9 million mobile phones today include an AuthenTec sensor to enhance privacy by securing the device’s personal and corporate data (e-mail, photos, contact lists, etc.), provide advanced navigation and personalization functions and support secure m-commerce.
“We’re pleased to now offer this unique waterproof mobile phone which combines next generation, all-inclusive entertainment with the convenient security of an AuthenTec fingerprint sensor in the new docomo PRIME series™ phone,” said Katsumi Takada, general manager for the Mobile Phone Group of Fujitsu Limited. “Users of the new F-01A not only enjoy the peace of mind offered by its waterproof capability but also by the integrated fingerprint security which helps protect its stored files and personal information.”
“Thanks to a collaborative effort with longtime partner Fujitsu, we were able to utilize our new TouchStone packaging technology in a first-of-a-kind phone that we believe will help create a new segment of highly convenient and secure waterproof cell phones,” said Art Stewart, AuthenTec vice president of Wireless Products. “The smooth and conformal TouchStone packaging will enable a new user experience for the AuthenTec fingerprint sensor. When combined with our TrueNav navigational capability, the sensor’s features and functions are enhanced by offering F-01A users very fluid, touchpad-like navigation.”
Fujitsu’s F-01A is the first product to use AuthenTec’s TouchStone packaging technology. Future TouchStone packages will include smaller form factors and multiple color variations.
The leading cause of cell phone returns not covered under warranty is damage from exposure to excess moisture or immersion in water such as in pools and hot tubs. Fujitsu’s F-01A waterproof cell phone meets IPX5 and IPX7 specifications, making it capable of submersion in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes. AuthenTec’s TouchStone package allows for easy integration into various waterproof industrial design configurations by providing the durability and water resistance required for this new class of handsets.
AuthenTec’s TouchStone is a durable, thin profile fingerprint sensor packaging technology which expands aesthetic and product integration options for makers of cell phones, laptop computers, and other consumer electronics. TouchStone technology combines all the features of AuthenTec’s patented TruePrint technology with thin, durable, easy to integrate, waterproof and surface-mountable packaging for today’s stylistic cell phone designs.
Unlike all other semiconductor components embedded within a cell phone or other consumer electronic device, fingerprint sensors must be durable enough to withstand the common wear and tear experienced on the outside of the phone. TouchStone technology extends the already proven durability of AuthenTec sensors by tripling the protective coating over the fingerprint sensor die.
uthenTec’s AES1711 low power, small form factor sensor for the wireless market is based on TruePrint technology, AuthenTec’s patented and unique solution that reads below the surface of the skin to the live layer where a person’s true fingerprint resides. This patented subsurface approach enables AuthenTec sensors to read virtually every fingerprint, every time — a critical requirement in any fingerprint-enabled device. The sensor also combines AuthenTec’s TrueNav menu navigation features, TrueFingerâ„¢ anti-spoofing security, and TrueMatchâ„¢ pattern matching to ensure the industry’s highest level of security, usability and convenience. 211c
[T-Mobile USA’s Senior Vice President of Engineering and Operations, Neville Ray is newly elected 2009 Chairperson of the 3G Americas’ Board of Governors.]
Bellevue, WA — Neville Ray, Senior Vice President of Engineering and Operations for T-Mobile USA, is the newly elected 2009 Chairperson of the 3G Americas’ Board of Governors. Mr. Ray succeeds Kristin Rinne, Senior Vice President of Architecture and Planning for AT&T who will continue representing AT&T on the Board of Governors.
“HSPA Mobile Broadband deployments continue to progress throughout the region providing great opportunities for our industry and we look forward to Neville Ray’s vision, wisdom and leadership as Chairperson of 3G Americas’ Board of Governors,” stated Chris Pearson, President of 3G Americas. “It is our privilege to have him serve as our Chairperson in 2009.”
Neville Ray added, “It is an honor to be elected as Chairperson at 3G Americas. With the support and accomplishments of 3G Americas, the GSM family of technologies has tremendous momentum in the Americas region, and as Chairperson of 3G Americas I plan to continue those successes.”
A professional in the telecommunications industry for more than 20 years, Neville Ray has specific experience in the design, deployment and operational management of GSM and WCDMA networks in the United States and worldwide. Mr. Ray is responsible for the management of the national T-Mobile® network in the USA, covering in excess of 260 million pops, serving 32 million customers and encompassing 43,000+ cell site facilities. HSDPA services were launched in 2008 across virtually all major metro areas of this network. Prior to assuming his current national role at T-Mobile USA, Mr. Ray held the position of Vice President of Network Engineering and Operations for the Northeast region of T-Mobile USA where he led the network through the 9/11 terrorist attacks, receiving significant recognition from the New York Police Department, New York state agencies and the Federal Communications Commission. Mr. Ray’s U.S. career began with Pacific Bell Mobile Services in 1995, where he held the position of Vice President of Network Operations in San Diego, California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Prior to joining Pacific Bell, he worked for PA Consulting in both Europe and the U.S.
Elected as treasurer of 3G Americas is Jean-Louis Carrara of Gemalto, who has served on the 3G Americas Board of Governors for five years. Mr. Carrara, who joined Gemalto in 1995, is currently Vice President of Telecom, North America at Gemalto and is responsible for new telecom product lines and service businesses in North America. 211d
[The Nokia E63 messaging device set to arrive in the US in the coming weeks. The handset combines a QWERTY keypad, 3G and operates on the Symbian S60 3rd Edition platform.]
Las Vegas — At the Consumer Electronics Show today, Nokia announced it will bring a US optimized version of the Nokia E63 to the North American market. The Nokia E63 will be available in the coming weeks for the estimated retail price of USD 279.00 allowing consumers the ability to own this great messaging device for an affordable price.
“Consumers have stated loud and clear that there is a demand for devices with a QWERTY form factor that are optimized for the United States,” said Alessandro Lamanna, Vice President of Sales, Retail, Nokia Americas. “Building on the success of the award winning Nokia E71, Nokia E63 brings a fully featured QWERTY smartphone to an entry level pricepoint.”
The Nokia E63 combines a QWERTY keypad, 3G network speeds and the mature open source operating system Symbian S60 3rd Edition, allowing consumers the ability to download third party applications, choosing from thousands, to customize their device however they’d like. With a variety of services and applications to choose from, the Nokia E63 is more than just a QWERTY smartphone - it’s a computer in the palm of the hand.
The Nokia E63 also comes with the ability to switch modes with the press of a button - allowing consumers to customize two separate home screens, one for work and one for play. Each home screen can be personalized with their favorite applications including a digital music player, video player, camera functionality, games, corporate or personal email including Mail for Exchange, Lotus Notes and a variety of standard consumer ISPs. A full HTML browser with Flash support rounds out the feature set of the Nokia E63, letting consumers check their favorite websites, blogs and social networks.
The Nokia E63 also comes with a Files on Ovi subscription of 1GB of online file storage for free. Files on Ovi is a service where people can get remote access to their PC files even when their computer is offline. The “Anytime Files” feature provides the user the opportunity to keep the most current version of each file synchronized so that it is available to be accessed by a remote device. For more on Nokia’s suite of services, visit: http://www.ovi.com
The Nokia E63 will be available in ruby red or ultramarine blue and purchased unlocked through various retail channels in the United States including www.nokiausa.com, Nokia Flagship Stores in New York and Chicago as well as a number of independent retailers and e-tailers.
[Carriers prepare for an explosion of cell phone use inauguration day in Washington D.C.]
By Cecilia Kang (Washington Post) — “When President-elect Barack Obama takes stage in a few weeks to deliver his inauguration address, no doubt many of the estimated 2 million people expected to gather on the Mall will simultaneously hold their cellphones aloft to snap and send photos, call friends and family, and send text messages like, “omg, yes we did!” “
