iTWire - LG ‘snapps’ into action with ‘App Store’ live beta

iTWire - LG ‘snapps’ into action with ‘App Store’ live beta: "Promising “quality-controlled applications” designed its range of “feature and smart phones”, LG has understood at last that it needs to offer its customers access to a proper range of third party applications delivered through an official LG “App store”.

Seemingly unable to come up with a snazzier name at this time, the store’s official title is the “LG Application Store”, available from www.lgapplication.com. While it will first launch in Asia, LG promises the service will expand to 24 countries including Australia."

Will Google Lead the way in app innovation?

This research note outlines Google’s strategy to unleash the next wave of mobile innovation, particularly with respect to mobile apps. These efforts will create extraordinary new opportunities, not just for Google, but also for developers, OEMs, end-users and other mobile players. The changes that result also pose significant risks to legacy companies, who could be relegated to a supporting or niche role, or like the retailers who failed to adapt in the face of change brought by Wal-Mart, disappear altogether. Of course, there is no guarantee that Google will succeed, but the logic of its strategy is sound, compelling and likely to unfold in some form.

Read more: http://pro.gigaom.com/2009/05/will-google-unleash-the-next-wave-in-mobile-apps-innovation/#ixzz0OMPEo5gY

Key Points:
- Until recently, apps used by only technically savvy users
- Apple changed that model: 60,000 Apps developed, 300 apps downloaded daily; 1 billion downloads
- example: Shazam - started in 2002, limited usage; within 6 weeks of iPhone appstore launch, 1.5 million new users downloaded shazam; 35 million downloads in 6 months;
- Apple removed challenges of complex UI's and download capability; intiutive user-experience for users to run the applications;
- Developers: Tools to build, test, scale, publish apps.
- Success fundamentals: findability, accessability, usability, cost.

- Google's building blocks: Android OS; partner with OEM's for embedding Google apps in devices; enable developers to build rich apps;

- Mobile Innovation: apps in the cloud; offline access to mobile apps.

What does not work for apple today:
- Too many apps, dilute the most important ones: Cnet shared a top 35 apps
* Users end up browing the apps on the PC itunes store.
- Apple targets high-end markets, which has less growth potential than the low-end market in growing economies. Having said that, the high-end market is where the smart devices are more relavent.

What service providers need to do:
- Bet on a dual strategy: Web as a Platform for Agnostic access. Tools to make User Interfaces available on multiple platforms(Windows Mobile, Andriod, apple, Palm webos, Blackberry, qualcomm).
Facebook demonstrates this nicely. m.facebook.com
once there you can download the binary to download the applications...
- Collaborate and/or Integrate with Social platforms

The 35 Best iPhone Apps Of The Year (So Far) - washingtonpost.com

The 35 Best iPhone Apps Of The Year (So Far) - washingtonpost.com: "We are just past of a year since the App Store launched and there are more than 60,000 applications released for the iPhone and iPod Touch. When we wrote our 2008 year-end app wrap-up, we had just surpassed the 10,000 app milestone. In early June 2009, the store reached 50,000 apps. At present, we are looking at a staggering 300 new applications being released every single day. How does the average iPhone user find the gems in this deluge?

Unfortunately, the process is entirely overwhelming for the average iPhone user. The bulk of consumers use iTunes? Top and front page listings. Since placement on the top lists is derived entirely from unit sales, there is a disturbing skew towards the $.99 applications. This not only discourages big developers from putting high budgets and serious resources towards development of really useful applications and games, but also does a disservice to us, as iPhone users. If all we see are ninety-nine cent gimmicks and toys, how will we realize the true potential of our device? Apple attempts to offset this with editor?s picks, but this simply isn?t enough to make sense of the App Store.

There are new third party services and tools coming onto the scene to help show how to best navigate the App Store. AppVee has been doing in-depth reviews of applications since the launch of the App Store and will soon celebrate our one-year anniversary with nearly 1,000 video reviews of the top applications. We?re often asked if we are overwhelmed with the number of applications currently released and the number we are capable of covering. The answer is no. 90% of apps currently out there are of no use to anyone. There are a massive number of clones, one-off gimmicks, volumes of books and reference material, and a never-ending supply of uninteresting games. So, we try to act as a filter for consumers, directing them to what is worth their time and money.
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The following is a round-up of our top picks so far this year:

Most practical

1. Slacker Radio

A fantastic alternative to Pandora, which carries a larger catalog and offers Premium accounts that offers something we?ve always loathed about Pandora ? unlimited song skips. (Similar: Pandora, WunderRadio, Last.fm)

2. Hey Where Are You

A beautifully simple application that takes advantage of Push Notification, by letting users ask and answer the question ?Hey, Where Are You?? (Similar: Loopt)"

Gartner: SOA out of 'trough of disillusionment,' cloud on hype peak | Service-Oriented Architecture | ZDNet.com

Gartner: SOA out of 'trough of disillusionment,' cloud on hype peak | Service-Oriented Architecture | ZDNet.com: "Gartner recently released its latest “hype cycle” diagram for 2009, which shows service-oriented architecture to be well past the “trough of disillusionment” and climbing the vaunted “slope of enlightenment.”

Cloud computing, however, is now at the pinnacle of hype (no surprise there, right?), and ready to plunge into the trough. Interestingly, Web 2.0 now seems to be emerging from the disillusionment trough.

Being on the slope of enlightenment is typically the stage where vendors, analysts, and pundits are no longer gushing about how wonderful and world-shattering the technology/methodology is. Nor are they ranting on about what a flop the thing is. Instead, it’s the roll-up-your-sleeves stage, when companies and their technology professionals are getting down and making the stuff actually work.

Next stop: The “plateau of productivity!”"

Open Source Solution for Multiple Mobile Platforms | Linux Magazine

Open Source Solution for Multiple Mobile Platforms | Linux Magazine: "The Challenge

Developing software for mobile devices is a bit of passion of mine — or perhaps I should call it a pathology. Unfortunately, I sometimes have some difficulty deciding which platform to spend time working on as they each have intrigue and merit, and over time my clients ask for applications on different platforms so I cannot simply ignore the question. With my product manager hat on where I am concerned about which platforms are viable and likely to stick around for a while, some platforms are simply more attractive than others from this commercial perspective — BlackBerry and iPhone come to mind.

Research in Motion, the folks behind the BlackBerry family of devices, have sold tens of millions of their addictive devices, and an argument could be made that up until the most recent device launches their devices have been mediocre — but that has not stopped them from dominating the enterprise business marketplace. Then there is the “too sexy for my pda” iPhone which boasts over a billion application downloads recorded at the iTunes App Store in just a year — mostly consumer oriented applications, though the enterprise market has been penetrated by the Caped Crusaders from Cupertino. Look out McDonalds, the folks at Apple might be stealing your “Billions and Billions Served” signs. Add in the legions of Android developers and the growing rumors of potential new Android-powered devices and we just cannot ignore Android.

Of course, Palm just released the WebOS SDK to developers — hoping this innovative operating system will gain enough momentum to make headway in a market that just may have already gotten away from them. Microsoft Windows Mobile has a respectable marketshare, though despite arguably the best integration with the Enterprise, they tend to get ignored in many discussions of viable mobile platforms. And, for those not in North America, Symbian is the biggest fish no one has ever heard of. From a marketshare perspective, they are huge, however North American developers have little knowledge and dare I say interest in developing for Symbian — because we rarely see them!

A couple of years ago at a Handango conference I attended someone from Nokia told me that Symbian wasn’t big in the U.S. because the networks were inadequate for their devices and therefore there just wasn’t a big push to sell them here. I couldn’t tell what to make of that response. I think the look on my face said the same thing. Any way, I am not sure if I should admit this, but I have actually developed applications on all of these platforms, some more than others of course. While every one of these platforms is of interest to me, as a (professional) software developer I’ve got to choose where to put my development energies as I still need to feed my kids. So despite my penchant for getting distracted by shiny objects like gps, touchscreens and accelerometers, I’ve got to pursue profitable activites and not spend all of my time climbing the learning curve of each of these platforms.

That challenge here is that the tool chains for these platforms of course vary, not to mention the code structures, coding framework, and we cannot forget testing! Table 1 lists some rudimentary information about each of these mobile platforms and their tool-chains. Try to find the similarities:
Platform Tool Chain Open Source
Android Java, Eclipse & Android Tools Yes
BlackBerry Java, Proprietary JDE, Eclipse alternative No
iPhone Objective-C, X-Code, Cocoa Touch Framework No
Palm pre/WebOS HTML, CSS, Javascript, Mojo Framework, Eclipse with plugins Hybrid
Windows Mobile C/C++/C#/vb, Visual Studio Version 200X No
Symbian C++,Java, Visual Studio, Codewarrior, GCC Yes & No, moving target

There is a mixture of C/C++, Java, .net languages and a variety of development environments and emulators. What if I want to target my application to numerous platforms but I don’t have the resources to write (and support) six different applications all at once? And let’s assume that the application I want to write doesn’t need to be a fast OpenGL graphical interface with killer graphics, sound effects and Wii-like controls. Heck, I don’t even need a compass for the application I need to write for my market! Maybe I should just write a web application and make everyone connect back to my server? That makes code distribution a snap, but I really don’t want a browser based app — it’s not the right solution for many mobile applications. I cannot ignore the problems of spotty connectivity and browser differences from platform to platform. In fact, everytime I click on one of those applications on my BlackBerry that launches the browser and I have to wait for my EDGE network to load some sign-in page, I just cancel out and hide the icon because I don’t want to stumble upon that application again.

I want the application to be local and responsive — not a connection to the mothership-for-every-screen kind of application. OK, so I know I want a native application, but please tell me I don’t have to master Eclipse with Android, Eclipse for webOS, X-Code/Objective-C/Cocoa Touch, BlackBerry’s IDE, Visual Studio version latest and whatever the latest tool I need for Symbian. Is there a happy solution to my greedy goal of writing quality mobile software without feeling like I’ve entered the decathlon? Do I have to learn all of these languages, frameworks, and toolchains? And support them over time? Perhaps there is an answer!

Source or Binary Compatibility?

A couple of weeks ago we looked at the XMLVM project and their technique of taking the code output of your project, namely Java byte codes or .net’s common language runtime (CLR), and magically turning that into code that can run on other platforms. It is a very cool technology however due to the black-box approach of converting one platform into another, a lot of work needs to be done inside of the black-box in order to effectively port all of those frameworks. They are making progress, but it is a tall order and something we should keep our eyes on as it matures. So, what other choices do we have? This brings us to another open source project that might be able to help us at the source level. And that source is? HTML, CSS and JavaScript. No, I’m not talking (explicitly) about WebOS, but good guess. I’m talking about PhoneGap.

Introducing PhoneGap

PhoneGap is an open source project aimed at mobile software developers who need to thread the needle between the extremes of device specific projects and proprietary toolchain knowledge on one hand and browser based, mobile optimized web applications on the other. With PhoneGap, developers write code in HTML and Javascript. The code they write is actually written in whatever toolchain is required by the platform (i.e. Eclipse for Android, X-Code for iPhone, etc.), however all of the code written is done in HTML and Javascript files. The toolchain is required for packaging and signing of applications. The premise is that we are willing to invest enough in the platforms for packaging and deployment, but we want to spend our energies writing application logic and layout in common and familiar tools. HTML and Javascript certainly meet those objectives in terms of high quality layout control and appearance while also providing a more than adequate coding capability in the JavaScript language.

OK, so how does it work you ask? Each of the supported platforms, which at present include iPhone, Android and BlackBerry, have an HTML5 capable browser which can be embedded into a “native” application as a widget or a control of some sort. The native application launches, creates an Activity (Android),UIView (iPHone),Screen (BlackBerry) and wires a browser window to the native application. A developer-modified index.html file is loaded into the “browser” and the application is up and running. That index.html file is deployed along with the application — no home runs to a webserver are necessary. In fact, the application bundle may contain multiple HTML and Javascript files which contain the complete user interface and logic for the entire application.

Any time something is needed to take place on the device itself, for example playing a sound or performing a GPS lookup, a “link” or button on the page triggers native code in the project. This native, device specific code is supplied in source form in the PhoneGap download. Over time, the PhoneGap team has been enhancing which native features are supported. The goal of the project is to allow application developers to be concerned with only application features and not have to mess with integrating with device specific interfaces. Sounds like it is on track with the things we have in mind of not having to become intimately knowledgeable with multiple platforms!

Using PhoneGap is very straight forward. You download the latest archive from their website, unzip it and open it in the environment of your choice. For example, for iPhone, you would open the project in X-Code. In fact, clicking on the project file will automatically open the PhoneGap proejct. Once in that project, modify the code in index.html. Rinse and repeat until the application logic is to your satisfaction. Is it that simple? Yes and No. Yes, those are the steps needed but No, not everything you want to do on all platforms is available yet. However many applications have been written and deployed with PhoneGap and more are yet to come. The PhoneGap team seems motivated to bring this functionality to fruition and I think the mobile developer community will be the better for it.

What about Palm

I cannot finish without making a comment about the fact that Palm has concluded the super-secret early access SDK program and made the Palm WebOS SDK available to all registered developers. This is an important milestone and will begin to reveal the story about how well WebOS will be received by the developer community at large. What I find interesting is how similar WebOS’s approach is to PhoneGap’s approach. Both are relying on HTML/CSS and JavaScript to carry the day. I think they’ve got a good model here and I am eager to see how things play out in the future. Speaking of the future, my plan is to write a couple of applications with PhoneGap across the supported platforms and report back here on my progress"

Smartphone segment keeps growing, but not for Windows Mobile or Symbian

Smartphone segment keeps growing, but not for Windows Mobile or Symbian: "The smartphone market is still seeing solid growth, despite a weak global economy that has consumers cutting back on non-essential goods. Gartner is reporting that Global sales of smartphones in the second quarter of 2009 increased 27% year-on-year, accounting for more than 40 million units sold. Meanwhile, mobile phone sales in general slid 6.1%, compared to Q2 2008. It’s clear that smartphones are becoming increasingly more popular as consumers more openly embrace higher-end mobile phone features. That being said, the growth of the smartphone segment has helped some, while hurting others. Smartphone platforms like Windows Mobile and Symbian continue to lose market share as the iPhone, Android and BlackBerry (NSDQ: RIMM) platforms gain more and more ground. Considering Microsoft (NSDQ: MSFT) just recently saw Android surpassing Windows Mobile’s market share, this has been a bad week for Windows Mobile.

The Windows Mobile operating system, which now lays claim to just 9% of the smartphone market, has been taking hits from other platforms that offer a more compelling user experience and a more finger-friendly user interface. Indeed, touchscreen technology is high on the list of gotta-have features that are helping to drive smartphone adoption across the board. Microsoft will likely continue to see their market share eroding until they can release their overhauled Windows Mobile platform, which we really should be referring to as the “Windows Phone,” hits market.

In the end, friendly smartphone platforms will continue to outperform industry incumbents. Unfortunately, Gartner doesn’t expect Palm (NSDQ: PALM)’s WebOS to gain enough traction outside the US to ensure Palm’s survival. It’s looking more and more like iPhone and Android are the smartphone platforms to beat!"

Top Wireless Companies, Wireless Startups, Wireless Entrepreneurs, Wireless Emerging Companies - FierceWireless

Top Wireless Companies, Wireless Startups, Wireless Entrepreneurs, Wireless Emerging Companies - FierceWireless: "FierceWireless' Fierce 15 - 2008
Tools

* Bluepulse
* Carrier IQ
* Celltrust
* Cequint
* ChaCha



* DeviceAnywhere
* Firetide
* Loopt
* mFoundry
* Pelago



* Sequans Communications
* SkyCross
* Ubiquisys
* uLocate
* vLingo



A medley of smart startups and engaging entrepreneurs


Despite wireless carrier consolidation and an 84 percent penetration rate, the U.S. wireless industry remains vibrant and highly competitive. Much of its continued success can be attributed to the entrepreneurial startups that flock to this industry in hope of success.

Every year FierceWireless editors evaluate dozens of the most innovative and smart emerging companies in the wireless industry. Our final selection--the top 15--are listed here as part of the FierceWireless' annual Fierce 15 list.

The winners this year are very diverse. A few are home to some of the best and brightest engineers who have developed interesting solutions to some of the most confounding wireless problems--like how to solve antenna interference issues in the handset or how to deliver better in-home coverage. Others are creative application firms that have come up with what we believe will be very compelling consumer services guaranteed to increase carrier ARPUs.

One thing all our Fierce 15 companies have in common is a bright executive team and the potential to advance the wireless industry. Here are the firms that we think will become great success stories."

Verizon challenges Apple with Vcast app store : News : Software - ZDNet Asia

Verizon challenges Apple with Vcast app store : News : Software - ZDNet Asia: "Verizon challenges Apple with Vcast app store

Verizon Wireless is jumping on the application store bandwagon and taking on Apple and its App Store with its own Vcast application store, which it announced at its first ever developer conference in San Jose, Calif., Tuesday.

The new Vcast application store will launch in the fourth quarter of 2009. Lowell McAdam, CEO of Verizon Wireless, said it will offer application developers a quick and simple way to distribute and monetize their applications while providing wireless subscribers with an easier way to discover and buy new applications for their smartphones.

Executives from Verizon Wireless--which has been criticized in the past for restricting devices, disabling features and blocking applications from its phones--say they recognize the industry is changing. And the new application store is one way the company can maintain its relevancy in the wireless market while also fostering innovation in the developer community."

China market: China Mobile to open online app store in mid-August, say sources

China market: China Mobile to open online app store in mid-August, say sources: "China Mobile will have a subsidiary begin operation of Mobile Market, an online software store supporting its customized handsets based on Ophone, Symbian and Windows Mobile platforms in mid-August, according to industry sources in Taiwan.

China Mobile conducted trial operations of the Mobile Market for three days in early July and for several hours again on August 11 in preparation for the official launch of the online software store soon, the sources noted.

The trial operations in July showed that the planned software store had already accommodated more than 500 digital games and several hundreds of applications, the sources indicated."

Press Announcements - mBlox - The World's Largest Mobile Transaction Network

Press Announcements - mBlox - The World's Largest Mobile Transaction Network: "mBlox Launches Cross-Operator Free To End User Message Service in the US

New Business Model Creates Win/Win Proposition For Content Providers and Consumers - Aug 04, 2009

Sunnyvale, California - August 4, 2009- mBlox, the world's largest mobile transaction network, today announces the launch of its cross operator Free to End User (FTEU) message service in the US. mBlox's FTEU service enables businesses to communicate with consumers using SMS text messages which are entirely free of operator charges to the consumer. This ground-breaking business model for the US mobile messaging industry allows content and service providers to absorb the cost of the messages on behalf of the consumer."

Future of Mobile Web

Paul Golding presented some interesting ideas on current state and future role of web to support mobile apps: http://wirelesswanders.com/_bpost_1677/Future_of_mobile_web_is_real-time_mobile_web_applications