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  • Mobile Content Bits: EA Mobile; Mobile Ads; Nokia Geotagging; Android Flickr App; iPhone In Russia

    -- EA Mobile releases 'Spore Origins' for iPhone: EA Mobile released "Spore Origins," its latest game for the iPhone and iPod Touch, today along with news that nine more titles are already in development for the platform. Yahtzee Adventures, EA Mini Golf, Lemonade Tycoon, Mahjong, Monopoly: Here & Now The World Edition, SimCity, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09, Need for Speed Undercover and The Sims 3 are all slated for eventual launch on the platform, the company announced. -- Most customers still adverse to mobile ads even with incentives: Despite all the hype surrounding mobile advertising, recent data from ABI Research indicates that barely a third of mobile subscribers who've received such ads would be interested in receiving more if they got something free in return. Only 37 percent of mobile subscribers that have received text-based ads told ABI Research they're more likely to respond if an incentive such as a retail coupon, free song or ringtone is included in the offer. Incentives wouldn't have any impact on 11 percent of those surveyed. The most positive response was reserved for "real-world discounts and coupons for retail storefronts," the firm wrote. More than 60 percent of those surveyed said they were either neutral or open to text-message marketing that included an incentive, but hadn't received such an offer yet. ( Release ). -- Nokia launches geotagging application LifeviNe: Nokia ( NYSE: NOK ) is gearing up to release LifeviNe, a geotagging project out of Nokia Beta Labs , that will log and track pictures, music and video on a map or timeline, the company announced . The widget, which is based on Sports Tracker, will geotag media and can also push media online for sharing with others. It will also keep track of where you've been and plot your journey to let others see what you've been up to, if you're into that kind of thing. Nokia plans to launch LifeviNe in beta later this month. -- Android adds...
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  • Mobile Web Usage Up 29 Percent; Carrier-Driven Traffic Continues To Decline: Report

    Mobile web usage grew 29.4 percent from Q1 to Q2, a period that saw a spike in searches for Barack Obama that was second only to "movies/movie listings," according to new data from Crisp Wireless . The quarterly report looked at traffic patterns to determine the busiest periods of mobile web usage, a valuable data point for advertisers. Crisp Wireless, which is able to monitor mobile Web traffic through its content platform for media companies and publishers, concluded that traffic driven from carrier decks is falling while mobile search traffic is on the upswing. Nearly 9.5 percent of all mobile web traffic is driven by search engines, of which Google ( NSDQ: GOOG ) enjoys an 82 percent market share. ( Release ). Some content-related highlights from the Crisp Wireless Index: -- Local news is viewed most heavily in the mornings while national news is dialed up throughout the day. -- Sports scores and highlights are often checked during games with peak periods occurring on evenings and weekends. -- Women typically surf the mobile web at night and early in the week (similar to their online habits) while young girls usually browse later at night, especially on weekends. -- Entertainment services get the bulk of their traffic at night and on the weekends. Related Gen Y Mobile Surfing Habits: Sports Scores, Social Check out the best business jobs in digital media. Go here for paidContent.org Job Board.
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  • Chrome Will Make Its Way To Later Version Of Android, Says Google's Sergey Brin

    Google ( NSDQ: GOOG ) co-founder Sergey Brin told CNET that he expects the company's new Chrome browser to end up on the Android platform in a later version of the yet-to-be-released mobile phone operating system. Brin said Android and Chrome were developed separately but that a "subsequent version of Android is going to pick up a lot of the Chrome stack." Like Chrome, Android's existing browser uses WebKit, an open-source project for HTML code. Of course, it was assumed that Google would add it to its own mobile operating system, but will any other phones adopt it? Or will consumers be compelled to download it to their phone when there are so many other mobile browser options out there already, such as Microsoft's ( NSDQ: MSFT ) IE, Opera and the emerging Skyfire? Related Google To Launch New Browser Tomorrow; Mobile Version Likely Our mobile application for Blackberry and other Smartphones brings you the latest headlines when you're on the go. Go here to download .
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  • Citi Tech Conference: Google's Armstrong On Mobile Ad Revenue: Keep Waiting

    Citibank analysts don't think mobile will be a material source of ad revenue in the U.S. this year, but perhaps it will in Asia. Tim Armstrong, Google's ( NSDQ: GOOG ) president, Advertising & Commerce, North America, appearing at the Citi Investment Research Technology Conference in New York, when asked how Google regards the potential of mobile advertising to grow significantly this year sounded a cautious note and declined to offer any stronger predictions along the lines of "wait until next year—maybe." Among the issues he identified as holding Google and marketers back from greater mobile ad activity was scalability. He also wondered whether the iPhone will grow more quickly and if that will translate to more mobile ads sooner rather than later. Armstrong: "I think the non-iPhone analog devices will see search grow. Typically, we don't scale all of our resources until we see movement on the consumer side. We've been selling ads on mobile for the last 18 months. You should expect to see more over time. But it took a number of years for search to get going, and it will be the same for mobile to pick up as well, from an ad revenue perspective." Armstrong didn't have mucb to say about Android or the possible mobile version of Google's new browser, Chrome, but he did discuss the state of the search ad business and the quality (or lack thereof) of YouTube videos. More from Armstrong's Q&A at the conference is here on our sister site, paidContent.org. Related Google To Launch New Browser Tomorrow; Mobile Version Likely Social Media Deals Report: This 199-page report, filled with charts and data, examines the categories, number and size of VC and M&A deal in social media from 2007 through 2008. Visit the ContentNext Reports page
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  • Microsoft May Be Building A Windows Mobile App Markeplace

    You might ask what took them so long Microsoft ( NSDQ: MSFT ) may be joining Apple ( NSDQ: AAPL ) and Google ( NSDQ: GOOG ) in the mobile "apps store" market, according to Cnet . This isn't usually enough to confirm anything, but a job posting spotted by Istartedsomething.com says Microsoft is getting ready to launch a store called "Skymarket" this fall for the Windows Mobile platform. Join the crowd, following Apple, Google's Android and even T-Mobile USA . The thing is, if stacked up against the iPhone App store, Microsoft will clearly win hands-down. That's because there are already 18,000 applications built for the platform, compared to the iPhone, which has only about 2,000. The problem is that people typically don't know where to find the apps, and that will continue to be a problem if Microsoft doesn't make it as accessible as the App store, or sets up an easy to understand business arrangement for developers. The ad, which was posted Sunday on Computerjob.com, calls for a Skymarket senior product manager. The person will head a team that will "drive the launch of a v1 marketplace service for Windows Mobile. Key responsibilities include: defining the product offering, pricing, business model and policies that will make the Windows Mobile marketplace "the place to be" for developers wishing to distribute and monetize their Windows Mobile applications. A Microsoft spokesperson didn't return calls to Cnet. Related Wireless Carriers Are Increasingly Interested In An App Store-Like Business, GetJar Says Social Media Deals Report: This 199-page report, filled with charts and data, examines the categories, number and size of VC and M&A deal in social media from 2007 through 2008. Visit the ContentNext Reports page
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  • Google To Launch New Browser Tomorrow; Mobile Version Likely

    On a holiday Monday comes the news that Google ( NSDQ: GOOG ) is launching a new browser tomorrow, called Chrome, hitting directly at the heart of what Microsoft ( NSDQ: MSFT ) is dominant in. More details on our sister site paidContent.org here . Nothing significant about whether this browser will be ported to mobile phones, or to stretch this further, whether this will be integrated within Google-backed Android phones, but it is likely...it does hint it in the comic-book it released announcing Chrome launch...check it here on page 12 . Social Media Deals Report: This 199-page report, filled with charts and data, examines the categories, number and size of VC and M&A deal in social media from 2007 through 2008. Visit the ContentNext Reports page
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  • Wireless Carriers Are Increasingly Interested In An App Store-Like Business, GetJar Says

    GetJar , which distributes free mobile applications to consumers on the Internet and over the phone, said it is branching out its business by building application storefronts for wireless carriers. A few months ago, that would have been unheard of because carriers typically want to own the relationship with their subscribers. But with the success of Apple's ( NSDQ: AAPL ) App store, which Steve Jobs said made $30 million in its first four weeks, copycats are really starting to take off. For example, earlier this month, I reported that T-Mobile will create an open storefront this Fall that would allow developers to sell their applications freely to their subscribers, and yesterday Google ( NSDQ: GOOG ) announced the Android Market, a store for Android phones when they become available later this year. Of course, there's other app stores too, including Handango, which sells apps to smartphone users. When I met up with Bill Scott, GetJar Network's VP of sales and business development in Seattle this week, he said GetJar is seeing the same trend and is starting to work with carriers to distribute free apps on their decks. The numbers are convincing. So far, GetJar claims that consumers have downloaded 300 million applications in total from its site, with a monthly average of about 13 million downloads worldwide and more than 500,000 in the U.S. It distributes everything from Google Maps and Yahoo's ( NSDQ: YHOO ) Go to nifty, but also less useful items, such as Disco Light, which makes your phone flash, and Battery Drainer, which makes your phone flash and beep until it's dead. Adult entertainment is also fair game. The company initially had no intentions of being an app store, but Founder Ilja Laurs of Lithuania stumbled into it. As a game developer, he always had a hard time getting his games tested. One day he posted it on a Web site, asking people to download it for free and report any bugs (That also explains the company's name...Jar is the suffix...
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  • Google Picks Winners From Final Round Of Android Developer Challenge

    To drum up support for its operating system that won't be available for sale until later this year, Google ( NSDQ: GOOG ) concocted the Android Developer Challenge, which encourages developers to create applications for cash awards. In the first round that ended April 14, 50 of the most promising entries received $25,000 to fund further development. Today, Google announced the 20 finalists , of which 10 will receive the top award of $275,000, and 10 will receive the lesser award of $100,000. Yesterday, Google confirmed it will launch a beta version of Android Market to provide a way for developers to distribute their applications. There's a list of all the finalists here , but here's highlights from the winners: $275,000 Award winners: -- cab4me, the application helps you easily call a cab from any location worldwide, without having to know the phone number. The app also provides you with your current location. -- GoCart: Let's you compare prices by taking a picture of a barcode. It recommends online prices and stores nearby. -- Ecorio: The app tracks your carbon footprint, and suggests transit and carpooling alternatives to help you offset your trips. -- TuneWiki: Is a "social media player" that let's you synchronize lyrics for audio or video. It also shows music maps, which displays songs playing in the same area. $100,000 Award Winners: -- BreadCrumbz: The navigation tool shows you real pictures of your route as you follow directions. -- Maverick: This is a Google Talk compatible instant messenger and a Google Blogger publishing tool for Android. -- Rayfarla: Play music-based games and make music with your phone using virtual musical instruments. -- Teradesk e-Storage: This on the practical side of things. Teradeks is virtual storage and remote file access allowing people to keep their files in the cloud and make the accessible anywhere. Related Google Announces Its Version Of The App Store Called Android Market Google Lists Top 46 Android...
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  • Google Announces Its Version Of The App Store Called Android Market

    Google ( NSDQ: GOOG ) shared its plans today for how it will distribute applications mobile phones running its Android operating system, and it sounds startlingly similar to Apple's ( NSDQ: AAPL ) App store. Google wrote today on the Android developer blog that it will be called Android Market, "an open content distribution system that will help end users find, purchase, download and install various types of content on their Android-powered devices." Of course, the marketplace is designed to solve a critical problem that developers face—getting in front of the consumer. It will work like this: Google will make the content available on an open service hosted by Google, and create a feedback and rating system similar to YouTube. To get your content in the market, developers will have to follow three steps: register as a merchant, upload and describe content, then publish it. On the issue of calling it a "market" instead of a "store", Google took a jab at Apple by explaining: "we feel that developers should have an open and unobstructed environment to make their content available." Google also said it will provide developers with an analytic dashboard to track how their app is doing. On the business side of the house, details are foggy. Google said that the first phones will have a beta version of Android market, and at the minimum, it will support free applications. After launch, Google will work towards adding paid content and more features, such as being able to upload a new version of the application. But who knows what kind of revenue splits we are talking about. Currently, Apple splits revenues 30/70 with the developer, and T-Mobile USA, which is expected to launch a store soon, plans to base its revenue split on how much bandwidth the application uses. Social Media Deals Report: This 199-page report, filled with charts and data, examines the categories, number and size of VC and M&A deal in social media from 2007 through...
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  • Sprint Integrates Location-Based Services Into Its WiMax Network; Announces Content Partners

    Sprint ( NYSE: S ) announced today that it has integrated location-based services into its XOHM WiMax wireless broadband network. The company also announced a slew of content relationships that will provide location-based services to customers when the network launches. In the release, the company stressed the importance of developers and customers being able to tap into this information, which sounds more open than most relationships with wireless carriers today. The location services can be utilized in all sorts of devices, including laptops, mobile Internet devices, media players, cameras and car navigation. Rick Robinson, vp of Xohm Services: "The Xohm mobile broadband experience will be largely location-centric. We're creating a new dimension to online presence, making points of interest near your current location easy to identify and access. This 'geobrowsing' effect provides location context and will give Xohm members a richer personal broadband experience when they're mobile." As a reminder, the company will launch its Baltimore network commercially this September with other cities expected in the fourth quarter. I can imagine if and when Sprint and Clearwire ( NSDQ: CLWR ) merge, they'll adopt these services, rather than have to rebuild them from scratch. Here's some of the services that will be available from the Xohm Portal at launch: -- uLocate Communications: The company will be the backbone of its service, and provide its WHERE platform, and friend-finding app Buddy Beacon. Users will also have access to restaurant reviews, news, events and weather through partners such as Yelp, Eventful, Topix, NAVTEQ ( NYSE: NVT ) and Accuweather. -- Google: The company is contributing Local Search along with additional features and functionality from Google ( NSDQ: GOOG ) Maps. -- Openwave ( NSDQ: OPWV ) Systems: The company is providing the location platform that enables XOHM partners to use location to provide valuable services. -...
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  • Visual Voicemail Patent Holder Sues Verizon Wireless And Eight Other Companies

    If there is a lock on visual voicemail, Judah Klausner holds the key. The inventor has protected a series of patents he holds with tenacity and a track record to back it up. This time he's going after Google ( NSDQ: GOOG ), Verizon Communications ( NYSE: VZ ), LG Electronics (SEO: 066570), Comverse Technology, Citrix Systems, Embarq, Cox Communications, PhoneFusion and RingCentral, Reuters reports . Klausner filed his latest patent infringement lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Tyler, Tex. Tuesday, involving "visual voicemail" patents he holds in various countries dating as far back as 1992. Verizon has filed its own pre-emptive suit in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York earlier this month. Two months ago, Apple, *AT&T and eBay* all settled a similar suit filed by Klausner in December. He's also sued and won settlements from Time Warner, AOL ( NYSE: TWX ) and Vonage Holdings. Comcast settled on a licensing deal with Klauser, he told Reuters, and he remains in talks with Cablevision. Sprint Nextel made no mistake about it; without ever being sued the carrier signed a licensing deal with Klausner that covers the voicemail features on its Samsung Instinct. In a barrage of suits filed last December, Klauser said he was seeking $360 million in damages and royalties from seven companies. The new lawsuit targets nine companies. Related Apple and AT&T Settle Patent Lawsuit Over Visual Voicemail Check out the best business jobs in digital media. Go here for paidContent.org Job Board.
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  • Mobile Ads Will Be Worth $12 Billion By 2011; Carriers Must Work Hard To Get A Piece: Report

    The worldwide mobile advertising market will be worth more than $12 billion by 2011, Gartner forecasts, but cautions that carriers must be careful if they want to get a piece of the pie, especially since well-established players such as Nokia ( NYSE: NOK ), Google ( NSDQ: GOOG ), Yahoo ( NSDQ: YHOO ), MySpace and Microsoft ( NSDQ: MSFT ) are all pursuing the mobile revenue opportunity as well. King-Yew Foong, a Gartner research director, said operators should take advantage of their position, and use SMS and MMS, email, mobile search, location-based services to deliver targeted advertising messages, while at the same time regulating spam and a user's privacy. The report also found that they have to convince advertisers and marketers of how they are different from the internet search giants such as Google, Yahoo and Microsoft, and other traditional advertising mediums, such as newspapers and TV. The report concludes that right now, carriers are not credible players, but they can successfully leverage their relationships with customers, knowledge of local markets, extensive customer databases, network control and multiple channel access. Release. Social Media Deals Report: This 199-page report, filled with charts and data, examines the categories, number and size of VC and M&A deal in social media from 2007 through 2008. Visit the ContentNext Reports page
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