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As expected, Opera Software has released the Opera Mobile 9.5 beta for Windows Mobile. The long-awaited web browser now looks more like Opera Mini or the iPhone's Safari, allowing users to view the entire web page and instantly recognize the site. In addition, there's a new, improved user interface, pan and zoom option, improved standards [...]

EU Telecoms Commissioner Viviane Reding has outlined plans to cut the costs of cross-border text messages by more than 50 percent. According to the EU proposal, cross-border text fees will drop from their current 29 cents (46 cents U.S.) to between 11 and 15 cents (17 to 23 cents U.S.). The legislation is expected to be introduced in October and may come into law as early as summer 2009. Reding had previously instituted a July 1 deadline for operators to either cut costs of their own accord or face legislative restrictions. She argues the 2.5 billion text messages sent annually by customers roaming in EU member states cost more than 10 times the amount spent to send a message locally. The Commission has also said it will seek an end to "bill shock" by calling for greater transparency on mobile web roaming fees. Europe's mobile operators are vehemently opposed to the legislation, warning that regulation is limiting their capital spending and profit margins. The GSM Association global trade body says carriers' capital spending has already fallen from 13 percent of revenues in 2005 to 11 percent a year ago and could fall even further, arguing the drop contradicts Reding's claim that roaming services are a source of excessive profits. The GSMA adds that some operators have already made substantial cuts to their data roaming fees, with T-Mobile UK slashing charges by 80 percent and Vodafone cutting its price per megabyte by 45 percent. For more on the EU proposal: - read this TimesOnline article Related articles: EU to launch investigation into ringtone sites EU launches inquiry into mobile data roaming fee

Instead of news about the iPhone 3G, how about news over the iPhone 3G? Global news network the Associated Press announced the launch of its free Mobile News Network native application for iPhone and iPod touch. The multimedia portal promises to automatically detect a reader's location, provide navigation customization and allow browsing of full stories while out of network reception range. The Mobile News Network also boasts a "Send Report" feature that allows citizen journalists to report their first-hand accounts of breaking developments and transmit their photos directly to AP editors. For more on the AP's Mobile News Network: - read this release Related photo slideshow: Denver consumers line up to buy the iPhone 3G

A group of international mobile operators announced their participation in BONDI, a new initiative spearheaded by the Open Mobile Terminal Platform consortium intended to create a blueprint and roadmap for galvanizing mobile application development. OMTP members AT&T, T-Mobile, 3 Group, Telenor, Telefónica, Telecom Italia and Vodafone will take part in BONDI, which promises to provide a consistent and secure web services interface for use by developers across multiple device platforms--according to the OMTP, BONDI will harmonize various open and proprietary ongoing initiatives in an attempt to minimize the potential for technology fragmentation while contributing toward ongoing standardization efforts. BONDI handset software will also seek to block fraudulent and malicious activity via unauthorized access to services or personal information. For more on BONDI: - read this release Related article: IBM seeks to accelerate mobile web development

Japanese mobile content providers agreed to institute a series of safeguards to protect young consumers after authorities ignored details of a mass-murder plot posted to the mobile web. Content providers this week agreed to a list of 22 criteria that would allow brands to label their mobile websites suitable for minors--sites wishing to adopt the seal of approval must closely monitor user posts and report suspicious messages to authorities. The knee-jerk reaction follows a recent spate of bad publicity across Japan as a segment of users have turned to the mobile web to arrange group suicides or announce their plans to commit crimes--last month, 25-year-old Tomohiro Kato killed seven people and injured 10 others by swerving his truck into a crowded pedestrian area and then stabbing random passers-by, a tragedy he foreshadowed in a series of web messages. Authorities were roundly criticized for failing to spot Kato's warnings, with the Japanese government agreeing to research new technologies designed to filter similar web messages. For more on Japan's mobile web crackdown: - read this AFP article

A group of international mobile operators announced their participation in BONDI, a new initiative spearheaded by the Open Mobile Terminal Platform consortium intended to create a blueprint and roadmap for galvanizing mobile application development. OMTP members AT&T, T-Mobile, 3 Group, Telenor, Telefónica, Telecom Italia and Vodafone will take part in BONDI, which promises to provide a consistent and secure web services interface for use by developers across multiple device platforms--according to the OMTP, BONDI will harmonize various open and proprietary ongoing initiatives in an attempt to minimize the potential for technology fragmentation while contributing toward ongoing standardization efforts. BONDI handset software will also seek to block fraudulent and malicious activity via unauthorized access to services or personal information. For more on BONDI: - read this release Related articles: Study: Men dominate mobile web browsing 9 to 1 Study: Users want practical mobile applications