10 Bonus Ringtones
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Mobile phones replacing wallets, keys, credit cards
Mobile phones just keep getting more versatile in Japan. With cellular phone in hand, Japanese consumers can purchase from vending machines, buy train tickets, order a bowl of noodles, trade stock, bid at online auctions and change channels on a TV set. Just this month, in several metropolitan areas, users with the latest video-capable mobile phones could start watching seven television channels on their screens for free. What's more, the latest phones are able to digitally record television programs. "You can record 30 minutes of programming," said Taisei Hirai, a 39-year-old mulling a model of a mobile phone at a big Tokyo electronics store, his family beside him. Consumers buy 45 million cell phones a year in Japan, and newer models are laden with all kinds of functions, including navigation tools, video cameras, digital music players and a multitude of e-wallet features that limits the need for cash and credit cards. But what makes Japan the leader in creative uses of mobile technology is the variety of applications. It's not unusual, for example, to see pedestrians sidle up to concert posters and use their mobile phones to read small bar codes. Their mobiles process the bar codes, automatically taking them to Web sites for more information. Viewing their mobiles, users can see prices, pick out seats and buy tickets. Magazine ads, publicity fliers and bus stops often have bar codes that allow mobile users to arrive at Web sites to make purchases or see information. "You're reading a catalog in the bathtub, and you say, `Oh, I want to buy this.' And you read the bar code," said Jeffrey Funk, a commentator on the Japanese mobile phone market and professor at Hitotsubashi University in Tokyo. Last summer, Japan began to allow off-track and on-site betting on horse races from cellular phones. Gazing into his cell phone screen near the paddock of Tokyo's Nakayama racetrack, Hiroyuki Takahashi said he was checking data about a thoroughbred online before placing a bet on his phone. "I can find the most recent odds on the phone," Takahashi said, visiting the Web site of the Japan Racing Association. Fans don't lose their precious seats in the stands or waste time at teller windows. Winnings are deposited automatically into their bank accounts. Mobile betting is surging. For the 12 events on April 16 at Nakayama, one of three big annual race days, mobile betting totaled $74.5 million, said Kimio Ito, a spokesperson for the Japan Racing Association. Online auction sites have gotten an extra boost from mobile users. "If I want to sell this chair at my office," said Shunichi Kita, an industry expert at Nomura Research Institute, "I take a picture with the cell phone (camera), post it with my cell phone number, and I can sell it right away." Mobile users have buoyed action on the stock markets.
Telstra seeks govt clarification on 3G
Telstra has asked the federal government to clarify if it will regulate the telco's proposed $1 billion third generation, or 3G, mobile phone network.
The office of Communications Minister Helen Coonan told AAP there might be regulation of Telstra's new 3GSM 850 network.
"The government is continuing to work constructively with Telstra ... to ensure a smooth transition from CDMA to 3G," the spokeswoman added.
Telstra's 3G network is currently under construction and the telco plans to close its present mobile network, known as CDMA, in January 2008.
The office of Communications Minister Helen Coonan told AAP there might be regulation of Telstra's new 3GSM 850 network.
"The government is continuing to work constructively with Telstra ... to ensure a smooth transition from CDMA to 3G," the spokeswoman added.
Telstra's 3G network is currently under construction and the telco plans to close its present mobile network, known as CDMA, in January 2008.
Skype eBay Ringtones
Skype, eBay's Internet telephone subsidiary, announced a deal with music publishers that would make audio clips from artists such as Madonna, Green Day and Red Hot Chili Peppers available to its users as ringtones, an Associated Press report said.
Clips from Madonna songs, including "Like A Virgin" and "Vogue" would be available for $1.50 each, with other artists to follow, the report said.
The report said Luxembourg-based Skype signed license agreements with EMI Music Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing, Warner/Chappell Music and the MCPS-PRS Alliance, the British association for author and publisher rights.
While the deals gave the rights to songs from the publishers' catalogs, it did not give rights to artist's renditions of the songs, the report said.
So far, Skype only had a performance-rights deal with Warner Music Group, the home of Madonna, the report said.
Clips from Madonna songs, including "Like A Virgin" and "Vogue" would be available for $1.50 each, with other artists to follow, the report said.
The report said Luxembourg-based Skype signed license agreements with EMI Music Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing, Warner/Chappell Music and the MCPS-PRS Alliance, the British association for author and publisher rights.
While the deals gave the rights to songs from the publishers' catalogs, it did not give rights to artist's renditions of the songs, the report said.
So far, Skype only had a performance-rights deal with Warner Music Group, the home of Madonna, the report said.
Firm to Broadcast World Cup On Mobile Phones
Optima Sports Management International (OSMi), sports media, marketing and management company, has been given the new media license to broadcast FIFA World Cup Germany 2006 on mobile telephones in Africa.
Addressing newsmen, OSMi's Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Rotimi Pedro, said the company has been appointed as the new media right partner for mobile telephony transmission of the World Cup for Africa.
"We are doing this, in conjunction with a joint venture called MTech to make it a reality. OSMi is the right holders while MTech is our technical suppliers. What that means in practical terms is that you will be able to see the world cup in the GPRS format in Nigeria when you subscribe to the facility. When you download, the goals of the world cup in your phones with four minutes highlight will be distributed to your mobile phone. If your telecom networks subsribed to us, you will be able to see the goals and highlights of the world cup on your mobile phones." Pedro said.
The company's chairman said the Company has been discussing with all the telecom networks in Nigeria in terms of subcribing to the facility and allowing their subcribers to actually benefit from the world cup.
Addressing newsmen, OSMi's Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Rotimi Pedro, said the company has been appointed as the new media right partner for mobile telephony transmission of the World Cup for Africa.
"We are doing this, in conjunction with a joint venture called MTech to make it a reality. OSMi is the right holders while MTech is our technical suppliers. What that means in practical terms is that you will be able to see the world cup in the GPRS format in Nigeria when you subscribe to the facility. When you download, the goals of the world cup in your phones with four minutes highlight will be distributed to your mobile phone. If your telecom networks subsribed to us, you will be able to see the goals and highlights of the world cup on your mobile phones." Pedro said.
The company's chairman said the Company has been discussing with all the telecom networks in Nigeria in terms of subcribing to the facility and allowing their subcribers to actually benefit from the world cup.
Freecellphonesunlimited.com Offers Free Cell or Camera Phone For Signing Up
Freecellphonesunlimited.com is offering a free cell or camera phone for signing up for wireless service. Consumers have their choice of all major cell or camera phone brands, plus shipping is free. Most calling plans include bonuses, like free long distance, free nationwide roaming, unlimited night and weekend calling, extra anytime minutes and more.“Life is getting so expensive,” says Willie Tomlin, owner of Freecellphonesunlimited.com. “The price of gas is fast approaching record levels. Rent is sky high and so is electricity. Here's an opportunity for people to finally get something for free – a free cell or camera phone through us at Freecellphonesunlimited.com.”Consumers can choose from the latest wireless plans offered by Cingular, Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint PCS, Nextel and others. Many plans offer signing bonuses, as high as $185.00 cash back. And, consumers can select a free cell or camera phone - the latest wireless devices by Motorola, Nokia, Samsung and LG.
Sling Media Offers Mobile TV
Sling Media Inc. made good on a plan to offer TV viewers a way to watch shows and recorded video on their cellular phones, announcing the official launch of “SlingPlayer Mobile.”
The San Mateo, Calif.-based company released the mobile-software client product in beta version earlier this year. Owners of “Slingbox” TV devices -- which already allow them to view their TV content from a computer outside of the home -- can now stream that content onto mobile devices based on Microsoft Corp.’s “Windows Mobile Pocket PC 5.0” or “Windows 2003 Second Edition” operating systems.
A version for non-touch-screen devices based on “Windows Mobile Smartphone” is due out later this quarter.
The SlingPlayer Mobile software is now available for download from the company’s Web site (www.slingmedia.com) for a free 30-day trial. Customers who bought and registered their Slingbox on or before April 26 will receive a free license for the mobile extension software, while new customers can opt to pay $29.99.
The San Mateo, Calif.-based company released the mobile-software client product in beta version earlier this year. Owners of “Slingbox” TV devices -- which already allow them to view their TV content from a computer outside of the home -- can now stream that content onto mobile devices based on Microsoft Corp.’s “Windows Mobile Pocket PC 5.0” or “Windows 2003 Second Edition” operating systems.
A version for non-touch-screen devices based on “Windows Mobile Smartphone” is due out later this quarter.
The SlingPlayer Mobile software is now available for download from the company’s Web site (www.slingmedia.com) for a free 30-day trial. Customers who bought and registered their Slingbox on or before April 26 will receive a free license for the mobile extension software, while new customers can opt to pay $29.99.
PayPal Going Mobile
eBay owned PayPal has announced that it is starting a new text service that will allow users to make payments from their phones. The service called PayPal Mobile will let users donate to charities, purchase items and send money via their mobile devices. Over the next month PayPal will be rolling out the service in the US, UK and Canada. To use the service, PayPal users will have to register their mobile device through their online PayPal account.
Smart SMS Corp. Launches "LA Clippers SMS Club" and Sam Cassell's Text & Win Contest
According to Smart SMS Corp. CEO Gordon Lee, "The LA Clippers SMS Club provides a new way for fans to connect with the team through text-messaging services. There's no cost to join the LA Clippers SMS Club. Everyone who joins has the opportunity to participate in the Sam Cassell Text & Win Contest. This exciting contest starts today and runs until June 22, 2006, which is the last day of the playoffs."
Lee continues, "Every day, prizes will be awarded, including autographed jerseys, basketballs, and more. Everyone who enters the contest will automatically participate in the drawing for the Grand Prize, a chance to try to shoot a basket from half-court, soon after June 22nd at the Clippers' practice facility. If the half-court shot goes through the basket, the Grand Prize Winner drives away with Sam Cassell's new Bentley GT. This is a truly exciting contest with the LA Clippers, who have provided all the fans with an incredibly exciting season and play-off series."
Lee continues, "Every day, prizes will be awarded, including autographed jerseys, basketballs, and more. Everyone who enters the contest will automatically participate in the drawing for the Grand Prize, a chance to try to shoot a basket from half-court, soon after June 22nd at the Clippers' practice facility. If the half-court shot goes through the basket, the Grand Prize Winner drives away with Sam Cassell's new Bentley GT. This is a truly exciting contest with the LA Clippers, who have provided all the fans with an incredibly exciting season and play-off series."
Smart SMS Corp. Launches "LA Clippers SMS Club" and Sam Cassell's Text & Win Contest
According to Smart SMS Corp. CEO Gordon Lee, "The LA Clippers SMS Club provides a new way for fans to connect with the team through text-messaging services. There's no cost to join the LA Clippers SMS Club. Everyone who joins has the opportunity to participate in the Sam Cassell Text & Win Contest. This exciting contest starts today and runs until June 22, 2006, which is the last day of the playoffs."
Lee continues, "Every day, prizes will be awarded, including autographed jerseys, basketballs, and more. Everyone who enters the contest will automatically participate in the drawing for the Grand Prize, a chance to try to shoot a basket from half-court, soon after June 22nd at the Clippers' practice facility. If the half-court shot goes through the basket, the Grand Prize Winner drives away with Sam Cassell's new Bentley GT. This is a truly exciting contest with the LA Clippers, who have provided all the fans with an incredibly exciting season and play-off series."
Lee continues, "Every day, prizes will be awarded, including autographed jerseys, basketballs, and more. Everyone who enters the contest will automatically participate in the drawing for the Grand Prize, a chance to try to shoot a basket from half-court, soon after June 22nd at the Clippers' practice facility. If the half-court shot goes through the basket, the Grand Prize Winner drives away with Sam Cassell's new Bentley GT. This is a truly exciting contest with the LA Clippers, who have provided all the fans with an incredibly exciting season and play-off series."
iMagic Mobile, New Mobile Phone Game Company Launched
The new company, iMagic Mobile, will focus on multiplayer technologies, massively multiplayer games, and mobile games where players can compete against large number of players for great prizes and awards. iMagic Mobile expects to launch the first of its new multiplayer games over the next two months and to initiate some additional interesting Patents on Massively Multiplayer Mobile Phone gaming.
"iEntertainment Network has always focused it efforts on massively multiplayer video gaming. We even own an important Patent to enable massively multiplayer gaming. We will take this same focus, some important new Patents, and new products to the mobile market," says JW "Wild Bill" Stealey, CEO of iMagic Mobile and iEntertainment Network.
iMagic Mobile will develop its own massively multiplayer Mobile Phone games using its video game properties, license other new multiplayer Mobile Phone games, and develop some new unique Mobile Phone properties that will also be launched on video game platforms.
iMagic Mobile is being assisted in this new effort by Lighthouse Partners of Durham, NC, a well connected and Mobile Phone savvy consulting and venture capital company with more than 25 years of combined Venture investing.
"iEntertainment Network has always focused it efforts on massively multiplayer video gaming. We even own an important Patent to enable massively multiplayer gaming. We will take this same focus, some important new Patents, and new products to the mobile market," says JW "Wild Bill" Stealey, CEO of iMagic Mobile and iEntertainment Network.
iMagic Mobile will develop its own massively multiplayer Mobile Phone games using its video game properties, license other new multiplayer Mobile Phone games, and develop some new unique Mobile Phone properties that will also be launched on video game platforms.
iMagic Mobile is being assisted in this new effort by Lighthouse Partners of Durham, NC, a well connected and Mobile Phone savvy consulting and venture capital company with more than 25 years of combined Venture investing.
Nokia expects more unique mobile content
While mobile telecommunications providers worldwide are spurring on content providers to target the mobile space, Nokia is expecting that half of web content accessible to mobile phones would be user-generated.
Nokia Asia Pacific Multimedia Experiences director Jawahar Kanjilal said much of the streaming content that will appear on Internet-ready mobile phones would be created by the phone users themselves. Likewise, the other half of the content would be transactional -- meaning services offered by the telecommunications firms and their service provider partners.
Kanjilal said that many countries worldwide are already deploying 3G (third-generation) networks, which have a higher bandwidth capacity, allowing richer multimedia content to be uploaded and distributed to many users.
Just as with the home computer, Kanjilal said that browsing and e-mail would still be the most popular types of activities on the mobile phone, but as widespread adoption of mobile technology becomes prevalent, users would start using the Internet to post their own unique content.
Among the most sought-after features of new mobile phones are the camera and music playback functions, which allow people to take and upload photos or videos, as well as play a user’s choice of music.
"It’s personal empowerment, especially when mobile phones become commodities and people prefer to use them over their PCs. With their phones, they could share photos, videos and post these on their blogs. The more the devices and services are available, the more user content can be generated," Kanjilal said.
A Nokia-sponsored research conducted last year, which covered 5,500 respondents in 11 countries, showed that 44 percent want to replace their standalone digital cameras with phones that have integrated cameras.
Another 67 percent want to use their phones to download music and browse the Internet.
Nokia Asia Pacific Multimedia Experiences director Jawahar Kanjilal said much of the streaming content that will appear on Internet-ready mobile phones would be created by the phone users themselves. Likewise, the other half of the content would be transactional -- meaning services offered by the telecommunications firms and their service provider partners.
Kanjilal said that many countries worldwide are already deploying 3G (third-generation) networks, which have a higher bandwidth capacity, allowing richer multimedia content to be uploaded and distributed to many users.
Just as with the home computer, Kanjilal said that browsing and e-mail would still be the most popular types of activities on the mobile phone, but as widespread adoption of mobile technology becomes prevalent, users would start using the Internet to post their own unique content.
Among the most sought-after features of new mobile phones are the camera and music playback functions, which allow people to take and upload photos or videos, as well as play a user’s choice of music.
"It’s personal empowerment, especially when mobile phones become commodities and people prefer to use them over their PCs. With their phones, they could share photos, videos and post these on their blogs. The more the devices and services are available, the more user content can be generated," Kanjilal said.
A Nokia-sponsored research conducted last year, which covered 5,500 respondents in 11 countries, showed that 44 percent want to replace their standalone digital cameras with phones that have integrated cameras.
Another 67 percent want to use their phones to download music and browse the Internet.
BlackBerry wins security approval for use with 'Restricted' Government data
Following the first phase of the evaluation, CESG released guidance that allows government customers to start deploying BlackBerry devices to their mobile staff. The guidance covers email, attachment viewing and access to application data through the BlackBerry Mobile Data System(tm). "The BlackBerry solution provides a security architecture that is trusted by corporations and governments around the world to enhance their operations, productivity and responsiveness," said Mike Lazaridis, President and Co-CEO at RIM. "The CESG approval further demonstrates that RIM meets the stringent security requirements for government use in the UK."The BlackBerry Enterprise Solution allows users to access their information wirelessly, while seamlessly protecting data against attack. The solution uses the Triple Data Encryption Standard (Triple-DES) and Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) encryption methods to encrypt data for wireless transmission, and AES encryption to protect data stored on the device. AES and Triple DES are both widely trusted encryption technologies that are considered computationally infeasible to break. The BlackBerry Enterprise Solution is designed so that data remains encrypted during transit between the BlackBerry Enterprise Server and a BlackBerry handheld device, allowing for the secure transmission of "Restricted" data.
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