Network operators are once again pushing the idea of a “mobile wallet” in an effort to grab a slice of purchases for virtual and physical goods. But they would be wise to view themselves as potential extensions of existing payment systems — not replacements of them. Read more »
Research In Motion, Samsung and Viewsonic are a few of the manufacturers looking to make a splash with seven-inch tablets. Apple has, in the past, eschewed the idea of a smaller version of its iPad, but here’s why the Cupertino gang should consider making one. Read more »
Sony is said to be working on a “PlayStation phone” that would bring a more immersive, sophisticated gaming experience to the mobile gaming community and beyond. While the market is ripe for such a device, Sony must deliver on a few key challenges to succeed. Read more »
A few months ago, it seemed there still was plenty of room in the tablet market despite the runaway success of the iPad. But no real threat has yet come to market, and potential competitors are stumbling with delays, less attractive offerings, and sky-high price tags. Read more »
The third quarter saw the continuation of important trends in mobile, from the astounding growth of Android to soaring sales of Apple’s iPad. Perhaps the biggest trend, though, is the march towards 4G, which will have a tremendous impact on the industry in the coming months. Read more »
Microsoft’s Windows Phone won’t hit the shelves until next month, but the OS is already drawing accolades from many. If the operating system really does restore Microsoft’s lost relevance in mobile, which handset makers will it affect and who will the eventual winners and losers be? Read more »
A lack of easy discoverability plagues the mobile app world with each new title that comes to market. But operators who can help solve that problem have a chance to regain their relevance in the exploding space — if they keep in mind four useful tips. Read more »
There’s been a flurry of activity lately in local mobile advertising, often dubbed the Holy Grail of marketing. Players like Google and Facebook have a distinct competitive edge thanks to their sheer size, but smaller guys can succeed they keep a few key things in mind. Read more »
Mobile carriers have seen their role as content distributors diminish as app stores from Apple, Google and others gain traction. But the emergence of cloud-based content sales could help carriers like Verizon Wireless and others regain their importance in the world of mobile content distribution. Read more »
T-Mobile USA said its new pricing for business-to-consumer text messages won’t affect companies like Facebook and Twitter, which have direct relationships with the carrier. For countless others who use messaging aggregators, though, the pricing change will go ahead as planned. Read more »
ChaCha said it will stop delivering text messages to T-Mobile USA customers if the carrier moves ahead with a plan to charge businesses for texts. ChaCha probably won’t be the last company to take such a drastic step in response to the proposed toll. Read more »
In a move that could impact text messaging offerings like tweets, bank alerts and sports scores, T-Mobile USA is planning to charge an additional toll to businesses to send texts. The charges could begin on Oct. 1 and cost a quarter of a penny per text. Read more »
Crown Castle completed its $115 million acquisition of NewPath Networks last week, which builds and operates distributed antenna systems (DAS) networks. The deal underscores the increasing importance that technology will play in the future deployment of mobile services. Read more »
Sprint has begun offering femtocells on a case-by-case basis to users who complain about in-home coverage problems. With market expectations huge, that’s a long-overdue move that will further boost carrier revenues and should be mirrored by Sprint’s competitors. Read more »
Apple is stepping up its battle against iPhone jailbreakers with an updated version of its mobile operating system and the pursuit of a patent. But in all likelihood, the folks in Cupertino are pouring resources into a battle they shouldn’t be fighting at all. Read more »
The hype surrounding Microsoft’s upcoming Windows Phone 7 is due largely to the platform’s tight integration with Xbox Live and its focus on gaming. But Microsoft could further alienate its dwindling base of enterprise users in pursuit of this niche market of unknown gamers. Read more »
Much of the data regarding how we used our handsets to keep up with the 2010 World Cup has been released. Here’s what we can take away regarding how we use our handsets and how prepared network operators are to deliver the goods. Read more »
A wave of new connected devices — from cameras to heart monitors to your refrigerator — will present a host of security concerns as the Internet of things begins to get legs. But those same issues will mean big opportunities for vendors of mobile security software. Read more »
The emergence of the iPhone and other consumer-targeted smartphones is forcing IT departments to rethink corporate policies regarding mobile devices. And end users are increasingly at the center of these new policies where the lines between work and play are blurred. Read more »
The iPad may lead the tablet market by leaps and bounds right now, but Apple’s device isn’t without its shortcomings. Which means the door is still open for vendors who can build a better — or less expensive — mousetrap. Read more »
This week, Research In Motion is expected to trot out an upgraded version of its flagship operating system. But is BlackBerry’s dated OS simply too antiquated to compete in the era of the superphone? Read more »
The underpinnings are already being laid for an Internet of things that will bring connectivity to everything from consumer electronics to pets. But a wide variety of challenges from privacy to platforms, must be met as we move toward an always-on, always-connected society. Read more »
Rumors surfaced last week that T-Mobile USA — not Verizon Wireless — will soon offer the iPhone as AT&T loses its exclusivity. The move makes sense on a number of levels, and it would disrupt the mobile industry in a big way. Read more »
The second quarter of 2010 was an especially eventful one for the fast-moving mobile space, and amid the rise of LTE and WiMAX, speculation about Palm, and the end of unlimited data plans, the biggest story to emerge was the ever-escalating battle between Apple and Google. Read more »
Mobile music has long failed to gain traction despite a tremendous amount of hype, but recent announcements about cloud-based services have reinvigorated the space. But as carriers and record labels should know, the only certainty in mobile music is that old business models don’t apply. Read more »
