Santa is Heavy into Mobile

Posted by msato on December 28th, 2007

The days after Christmas see a dramatic increase in mobile Web activity.

Skweezer LogoIRVINE, Calif., December 28, 2007—Greenlight Wireless Corporation today announced that usage of its Skweezer mobile browsing service has dramatically increased since December 26th, which appears to support industry speculation that mobile handsets were a popular item under the Christmas tree.

Aggregated mobile Web traffic data from the Skweezer portal and Skweezer Private Label implementations indicate the following:

– An average month-to-month growth rate of 11% between January and November 2007
– A 21% increase in worldwide traffic from December 25th to December 26th 2007
– Traffic from North America experienced the highest post-Christmas increase in traffic at 28%
– Mobile Web traffic from Blackberries, iPhones, Blackjacks, and other “smartphone” devices increased 19%, indicating that high-end handsets received as gifts may be responsible for the increased mobile Web usage

While Skweezer traffic has been growing steadily month-to-month, this year’s post-Christmas spike is the most dramatic increase on record. Past years have seen a similar yet more modest average increase of 17% in Skweezer page views immediately following the holidays. While usage historically corrects itself after the initial spike in traffic, 71% of post-holiday traffic is maintained after the second week of January.

Greenlight Wireless has been accumulating and analyzing demographic and behavioral data from Skweezer users in over 175 countries since 2003 and there is historical evidence that trends uncovered in Skweezer closely mirror trends in the overall industry.

Skweezer is a free service that optimizes Web pages and searches for use on PDAs and cell phones. Mobile Internet users access Skweezer by visiting www.skweezer.net, then use the portal as a “wireless gateway” to browse and search the Web. Skweezer compresses and reformats content being downloaded, so that it loads faster, looks better, and is easier to navigate. Skweezer has introduced many mobile browsing innovations and has won several awards in 2007, including a Gold Star in the Mobile Star Awards and Best Web Compression Service in the Smartphone and Pocket PC Magazine Best Software Awards. Skweezer is completely platform-independent and can be accessed from Pocket PC, Palm, MS Smartphone, Blackberry, iPhone, Symbian, PSP2, and WAP 2.0 compliant devices. Skweezer is also available as a “private label” solution for wireless carriers, search engines, and content providers.

About Greenlight Wireless:
Greenlight Wireless is a leading innovator of wireless technologies, providing mobile solutions for enterprise-level businesses, Web portals, and wireless carriers. Greenlight Wireless’ consumer-oriented Skweezer service optimizes Web content for handheld devices, providing a richer browsing experience and adding value to wireless data offerings. Greenlight’s Advertizer product is a cutting-edge advertising program for operators, search engines, and publishers who want to monetize their content in the mobile environment.

On the Net: Greenlight Wireless site: www.greenlightwireless.net
Skweezer site: www.skweezer.net

Posted by Monica Sato

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Apple Tablet: A Good Idea or a Bad One?

Posted by Wireless Mobility Blog on December 28th, 2007
An interesting video was posted yesterday on TheStreet.com, in which staff reporter Scott Moritz and gadget columnist Gary Krakow discuss Apple’s reportedly upcoming release of a tablet computer with touchscreen.
 
Krakow’s conclusion was that maybe Apple will come out with a product compelling enough for people to buy it, but given the history of table computers the odds are against Apple.
 
“Ask any other manufacturer: tablets do not sell,” Krakow said in the video. He noted that people like the idea of working on a flat surface, but when it comes time to type a letter, tablets fall short.
 
“Apple might be able to make it work with some interesting features,” Krakow said, looking skeptical.
 
Moritz noted Apple has already conceded that its table wouldn’t be a mass market product, but rather a specialty one designed for the educational market. But Krakow pointed out that quite a bit of that market may already be taken by the One Laptop Per Child device, which is not just a laptop computer but also a tablet.
 
“They’re going to have to do something very interesting,” Krakow said of Apple’s designs on tackling the tablet market. “Leave it to them; I’m sure they’ll find it.”
 
What do you think; can Apple successfully launch a tablet computer, or is this market too tough a nut for even iPhone’s creator to crack?

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Apple Rumors: Fox Movie Deal, 3G iPhone, Asia iPhone Deals

Posted by Wireless Mobility Blog on December 27th, 2007
With the Macworld Conference & Expo only a few weeks off, yours truly thought it might be a good time to head on over to AppleInsider and see what’s on tap for current Apple-related gossip. It’s kind of funny how much fuss was made last year leading up to Macworld 2007, mostly speculation about iPhone, and how relatively quiet the rumor mill is this year.
 
One very likely announcement from Apple at Macworld might be a deal with 20th Century Fox to rent movies on-demand through iTunes. AppleInsider reports that such a deal is in the works, according to a recent Financial Times article quoting “a person familiar with the situation.” Sounds like a credible source to me!
 
The service would supposedly work like this: users could download a complete movie from iTunes, for a rental fee, but it would only last a set amount of time before “expiring.” Fox would also provide DVD copies of the movies that are copy protected to an extent; these copies would allow the movies to be transferred to a device (e.g. iPod, iPhone) for viewing.
 
Who knows, AppleInsider said—it’s possible not only Fox but other studios as well may be on hand at Macworld to announce similar deals.
 
Of course, all of this is speculation since none of the parties mentioned here—Apple, Fox, other studios—have confirmed that such deals are even in the works.
 
Another possible announcement at Macworld might be exclusive iPhone distribution deals between Apple and mobile service providers in China and Japan. (China Mobile? DoCoMo?) Also, Apple probably will say something about releasing a 3G-enabled iPhone in 2008 (AT&T’s CEO let this slip in November.)
 
It remains to be seen what effect any such announcements would have on Apple’s continued business success. The company is pretty highly valued, if stock prices are any indication; on Wednesday shares of the company topped $200 for the first time, closing at $198.95. Would you pay $200 for a share of Apple?

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Nicholas Ciarelli Bows to Apple, Agrees to Shut down ‘Think Secret’ Web Site

Posted by Wireless Mobility Blog on December 21st, 2007
One of the biggest stories of this Friday-before-Christmas was a report that Apple and Nicholas Ciarelli, master of the Think Secret Apple rumors Web site, have reached an amicable agreement in which Ciarelli agreed to shut down the site. The site was a source for leaks about Apple product releases, but because it was run by an independent publisher it ultimately was put in a different category than traditional journalistic outlets.
 
Apple sued Ciarelli in January, 2005, for publishing trade secrets from the company, and now almost three years later the heart of the matter has finally been sorted out. New York Times reported that Ciarelli, a senior at Harvard, was satisfied with the outcome.
 
This is a victory for Apple that goes against two precedents—cases in which courts ruled the company could not stop journalists from exercising First Amendment rights to publish information.
 
No specifics about the settlement were released. Whether you view it as a victory for the cause of business to protect trade secrets or a loss for protection of information dissemination/the public debate depends on your perspective. What do you think?

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ABI Predicts RIM Will Finish Second Behind Nokia for 2007 Smartphone Sales

Posted by Wireless Mobility Blog on December 20th, 2007
When it comes to smartphone market share, no-one can touch Nokia. But it looks like Research in Motion (RIM), maker of BlackBerry devices, will come pretty close for 2007. That’s the conclusion reached by ABI Research in its research brief, Research in Motion Strategic Review, released Thursday.
 
ABI is predicting that RIM will end 2007 with 10 percent of the smartphone market, making it the second largest such vendor in terms of device shipments—second only to Nokia. RIM’s market share, ABI reported, has risen steadily during the past five quarters (from 7.2 percent in the third quarter of 2006 to 9.5 percent in the third quarter of 2007).
 
So how can RIM capitalize on its current winning streak?
 
“In addition to operator partnerships, RIM needs to grow both its R&D and manufacturing capabilities to expand and increase its presence in markets beyond North America and Europe,” advised ABI analyst Shailendra Pandey, in the research brief. “Considering the growing opportunities in the Asia Pacific region, a manufacturing and R&D presence in India or China can help RIM in shipping more devices and reducing overall costs.”
 
ABI also noted that one of RIM’s strengths is a consistently high and stable average selling price (ASP) for its devices. For 2007, ABI estimates that RIM’s ASP for smartphones is $345, significantly higher than the overall industry average of $248. This demonstrates that, if the feature set is right and the device is well-executed, consumers and carriers are willing to support higher prices.
 
What do you think—will RIM catch up with Nokia during 2008?

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FCC Releases Full List of 700 MHz Spectrum Auction Applicants

Posted by Wireless Mobility Blog on December 19th, 2007
The envelope, please. RCR Wireless reports today that the U.S. Federal Communications Commission has released a full list of companies that applied to participate in the 700 MHz wireless spectrum auction due to begin January 24, 2008. The FCC reportedly received 266 applications—from big companies like Google and small, regional phone companies like Inland Cellular Telephony Company serving Eastern Washington State and North Central Idaho.
 
RCR Wireless reports that the FCC has assigned an “Accepted” status to 96 applicants, with a further 80 applicants given an initial filing status of “Incomplete.” On the incomplete list are Alltel, Cox Wireless and Qualcomm. Google is represented on the accepted list under Google Airwaves, Inc., and Microsoft under Vulcan Spectrum LLC.
 
The RCR Wireless report noted that 62 megahertz are up for grabs in the auction, divided into 1,099 wireless licenses of various sizes. Google and Microsoft are among those companies vying for the open access 22MHz “C” block. Altogether, the FCC is reportedly expecting to bring in $15 billion from the auction.
 
Among the bidders in the auction are AT&T Mobility, Verizon Wireless, Alltel, Leap Wireless and MetroPCS. Cable TV and broadcasting bidders include Bright House Networks, Cox, Cablevision, EchoStar, Public Broadcasting Service and Catholic Church Brooklyn (under the name Trans Video Communications, Inc.). Notably absent from the list are T-Mobile and Sprint Nextel.
 
Those companies whose applications were dubbed incomplete have until January 4 to resubmit with corrections.

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Strategy Analytics: 2008 Will Be a Significant Year for Fixed-mobile Convergence

Posted by Wireless Mobility Blog on December 18th, 2007
Predictions, predictions. This time of year, people love to make predictions. Today’s example comes from Strategy Analytics, in the form of some wireless enterprise strategy projections for 2008. The firm’s year-end market outlook predicts that unlicensed mobile access (UMA) and Call Redirect will dominate the business fixed-mobile convergence (FMC) market next year.
 
The firm also thinks that mobile device management (MDM) solutions will experience strong growth during 2008, with sales of dual-mode smartphones reaching 66 million.
 
“2008 will see significant traction on MDM as smartphones surge and GPS handsets become more closely aligned with Enterprise LBS solutions and begin to resonate with enterprise customers,” predicted Strategy Analytics analyst Andrew Brown, in a Tuesday report. “Embedded modules will gain a foothold in business as a result of flat rate data plans while USB modems will continue to grow dramatically.”
 
Brown also predicted that prosumer e-mail will be the new battleground during 2008, yet secure e-mail will continue to offer higher revenue potential.
 
“Microsoft will raise its profile and credibility as an end to end mobile solutions vendor with SCMDM (System Centre Mobile Device Manager) as applications become more closely aligned to core business processes,” Brown added.
 
Another analyst at the firm, David Kerr, concurred, saying that enterprise mobility will be a “critical” profit center next year.
 
“In 2008, mobile email and line of business applications will post strong growth as the ranks of mobile workers continue to surge and businesses seek enhanced security and access controls to their critical human and capital assets,” Kerr said.
 
In its report, Strategy Analytics also predicted that mobile enterprise apps will become better aligned with core business processes (thanks to adoption of SOA and SaaS), USB modems will be in strong demand (for both professionals and prosumers), and that IT departments will start to soften their attitudes toward laptop computer WAN connectivity.
 
What do you think—is Strategy Analytics on the money or missing the mark? We won’t know for sure until this time next year.

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Good and Bad Legal News for Apple and iPhone This Week

Posted by Wireless Mobility Blog on December 5th, 2007
Legal-wise, this week has been a mixed bag so far for Apple and its iPhone. The “good” news first: on Tuesday, TMCnet contributing editor Susan Campbell reported that T-Mobile won a case in Germany involving the sale of Apple’s iPhone. A German court reversed an injunction against the carrier that would have required it to sell an unlocked version of iPhone.
 
Now, T-Mobile is free to remain the exclusive provider of iPhone in Germany, offering it only as a locked device with a two-year contract. iPhone is locked with a SIM card that prevents users from using the device with any other operator’s network.
 
Campbell reported that the injunction was brought by T-Mobile competitor Vodafone.
 
In response to its win, T-Mobile turned around and announced that it will offer an unlocked, contract-free iPhone for $1,481, quite a price hike compared with the locked device that sells for $581.85.
 
In her report, Campbell noted that Apple, too, must be breathing a sigh of relief over the ruling. That’s because the company “offers specific partners exclusive iPhone selling rights in exchange for a percentage of the monthly subscription rights. It has been estimated that Apple enjoys as much as 10 percent of the proceeds.”
 
So far Apple is sticking to its exclusive partner strategy as it makes iPhone available in different parts of the world. In the U.S., iPhone is available only through AT&T. In Britain, the carrier is O2, in Germany it’s T-Mobile (division of Deutsche Telekom) and in France it’s Orange (an arm of France Telecom).
 
Okay, so for Apple that’s the good news. The bad news is that when one lawsuit is satisfactorily resolved, another one pops up. Next in line: a suit (filed in Federal Court, Eastern District of Texas by law firm Dovel & Luner) brought by Klausner Technologies, claiming Apple and AT&T are violating its visual voicemail patents.
 
In question are U.S. Patents 5,572,576 and 5,283,818. These involve “visual voicemail” features that allow users to selectively retrieve voicemail messages using visual, onscreen navigation. TMCnet editor Patrick Barnard reported that Klausner's technology has been licensed by companies like Time Warner AOL and Vonage to enable their visual voicemail systems.
 
Klausner said it has successfully litigated against infringers of the involved patents on two occasions, and intends to do the same with Apple and AT&T. Klausner seeks damages and future royalties (estimated at $360 million) from both companies.
 
It appears that Klausner is currently on a suing spree. Barnard reported that, also this week, the company filed suits against eBay’s Skype unit, Comcast and Cablevision. A couple months ago, Klausner also settled a suit out-of-court that it brought against Vonage.

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Verizon: Maybe Android Isn’t So Bad After All

Posted by Wireless Mobility Blog on December 4th, 2007
In a move that left consumers and wireless industry analysts gasping with surprise, Verizon Wireless let the world know Monday night that it has changed its mind about Google’s mobile Android platform. That’s right, the carrier that never stops working for you has admitted maybe it was wrong about Android and open standards, and would now like to be part of the future, thank you very much.
 
Sensing a bit of snarkiness in the paragraph above? Yep, that’s right. It seems to me that, given Verizon Wireless’ announcement last week that it plans to open its network to outside developers and manufacturers next year, the announcement about Android is hardly that surprising.
 
The story about Android was apparently broken by BusinessWeek, in a report quoting Verizon Wireless CEO Lowell McAdam as explaining that the Android announcement culminates a year’s worth of evolution in the company’s strategy. The company’s new outlook on life was borne out of many meetings with FCC officials and executives at co-parent Verizon Communication (Vodafone also owns a stake).
 
Why the change of heart? Apparently Verizon Wireless, despite being so successful, sees the writing on the wall: the future of mobile and wireless lies with open standards and open networks, not proprietary practices. Things might be rosy now for the company, but it seems to think that might change if it doesn’t get on board with the trends of the future.
 
Smart move, in my opinion. By deciding to open its network, and by embracing Android, Verizon Wireless may well be known as the carrier that helped lead the way to a more open wireless market in the U.S.
 
What do you think—is Verizon Wireless being smart or just bowing to industry pressures?

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Aruba Networks Welcomes 100th PartnerEdge Program Participant

Posted by Wireless Mobility Blog on December 3rd, 2007
One hundred is a nice, round number. It also happens to be the number of companies now participating in Aruba Networks’ PartnerEdge program. Not too shabby for a program that was only launched this past September.
 
Aruba, a provider of network and secure mobility solutions, designed its PartnerEdge program to be compelling for companies interested in joining—thanks to sales and marketing resources, comprehensive training and cash rewards. Apparently, given the numbers, the proposition is a pretty appealing one. No doubt this is because the program affords participants the opportunity to generate new business and boost margins by offering differentiated solutions backed by a solid distribution program.
 
“This program has legs and it delivers results,” said Paul Black, President of Comm Solutions, a Malvern, Pennsylvania-based network integrator and platinum Aruba partner, in a statement. “Aruba has got it right – they provide meaningful incentives, mature program management, and a continuing rollout of innovative products and programs. By partnering with Aruba, Comm Solutions has successfully grown our wireless practice and overall business, to the benefit of both our clients and our bottom line.”
 
Aruba divided its PartnerEdge program into three tiers: Silver, Gold and Platinum. Partners can participate at whatever level appeals most to them, depending on how much sales and support resources they can devote and where they set their sales targets.
 
“Our program is tailored to highly motivated partners that want to stimulate sales growth by teaming with a global leader in secure mobility solutions,” said Julia McConaughy, Aruba’s Director of Global Channel Marketing, in a statement.
 
It appears that, thanks to careful planning and solid results, Aruba is well on its way to outstanding long-term success for its PartnerEdge program. Way to go!

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