Sybase 365, a subsidiary of Sybase, Inc, the specialist in mobile messaging services, today announced the release of SMS Locator Service at Mobile World Congress.

SMS Locator Service is the world's premiere intelligent SMS geo-location service with advanced geographic information enabling mobile subscribers to request turn-by-turn directions of locations closest to their current position.  SMS Locator Service interface with natural language software guides users through the process, providing prompts when necessary and allowing the user to make requests using their own words by supporting abbreviations, acronyms, nicknames and common misspellings.

The company's mobile banking suite – Sybase mBanking 365 – now offers the SMS Locator Service, enabling customers to find their closest bank branch or ATM location, anytime, anywhere.

Financial services are not the only industry where SMS Locator Service technology can be effectively used.   Enterprises, including retail chains and government agencies can include the SMS Locator Service as part of their mobile services strategy.

"SMS is still the most effective way for enterprises to reach the most users anywhere in the world," said Matthew Talbot, Vice President, mCommerce for Sybase 365.  "SMS Locator service is an effective, real time offering for enterprises who want to enrich their end users' experience by providing fast, convenient information no matter where they are or where they want to go."

SMS Locater Service is created using Sybase iAnywhere® Answers Anywhere^TM platform and the ESRI geographic information system service, that handles the complexity of geocoding by matching addresses into latitude and longitude for accurate information. Combined with the Sybase 365^TM global messaging operator-grade network, this delivers a unique, value-added service for enterprises worldwide. 

Keynote Systems, a specialist in on-demand mobile and Internet test & measurement solutions for continuously improving the online experience, has announced the addition of leading smart phones to the company's on-demand global network for testing and monitoring the performance of mobile applications, content and services.

The Apple iPhone, BlackBerry, LG Dare, Samsung Instinct and Nokia N95 have been installed within Keynote's on-demand test and measurement network in London, New York and San Francisco.  Additional smart phones will be added to Keynote's global network over time.  Currently Keynote has the capability to test and measure the performance of mobile apps, content and services on actual wireless devices across leading carrier networks from 18 cities worldwide.

Keynote is the only company to provide for the on-demand testing and monitoring of mobile content and Web sites using both actual mobile devices and emulated device profiles.  Keynote Mobile Device Perspective (MDP) enables companies to test and monitor the true end-to-end subscriber experience of mobile quality service from actual mobile devices.  It allows mobile developers to validate service availability, delivery times, throughput, as well as accuracy of content and services.  Keynote Mobile Application Perspective (MAP) allows companies to monitor mobile content, applications and services using a library of over 1,600 device profiles.

"Smart phone adoption has grown massively over the last year, especially throughout Europe – by adding the iPhone and others to our infrastructure of real devices, we're able to keep on top of the needs of our customers.  As these devices become the norm and more applications are developed for them, ongoing test and measurement will be essential – it's too complicated and too much of a risk to miss out this crucial step," said Manny Gonzalez, senior director of mobile technology at Keynote Systems.

Keynote and its subsidiary Keynote SIGOS provide customers with the ability to test mobile performance on over 200 mobile networks across more than 70 countries.  Keynote's global network is comprised of real and simulated devices, user-provided SIMs and wireless modems, providing an unparalleled and customisable view into the performance of mobile content, applications and services.

Companies that have mobile applications, content, and services across the globe can use Keynote to monitor these services to provide a better customer experience to more people.  Keynote's on-demand global test and measurement network can be used to monitor the response time, availability, and delivery of content from the subscriber's perspective.  Companies also can use their results to benchmark against competitors to understand how to build a more compelling and responsive experience and pinpoint areas to improve and reduce subscriber churn.  Keynote believes that optimisation of the user experience is the key to success for any company looking to establish themselves on the Mobile Web.

NEC and NetCracker Technology have announced today a joint solution aimed at helping operators streamline their operations and optimize their investments in wireless broadband. This joint solution is said to exemplify the commitment made to the market by the two companies to jointly bring new capabilities that enable service providers to quickly exploit the opportunities offered by the rising demand for wireless broadband. The solution leverages NEC's expertise in the area of Femtocell, WiMAX, and LTE, and NetCracker's next-generation OSS capabilities.

Wireless broadband is the foundation of delivering innovative services such as video streaming, rich media content, and multi-media gaming. With these new opportunities come the challenges of rolling out new infrastructure in the most cost-effective manner, operationalizing it quickly, and managing it optimally. These challenges can only be met when the hardware component of the infrastructure comes well-integrated with the Operations Support Systems (OSS) for service management.

The joint solution is on display this week at the Mobile World Congress.

"Wireless Broadband offers unprecedented opportunities to enter new markets, offer a diversity of services, and meet the bandwidth and quality needs of mobile customers," said Mr. Masanobu Yamaguchi , NEC's Vice President and Executive General Manager

"NEC's cutting-edge Femtocell, WiMAX, and LTE innovations, combined with NetCracker's decade-long experience enabling mobile operators to maximize their return on investment, ensures that wireless broadband can become the foundation for growth for service providers around the world."

Vodafone is trialling a new product designed to improve 3G mobile signals in areas of homes and offices which may have lower levels of network coverage.
 
Trials are currently underway in a number of Vodafone markets to assess the potential of the new product.
 
The product is based on technology which consists of a powered booster box connected to a small antenna that amplifies existing 3G signals from the wide area network to offer enhanced reception over a range of up to 9 metres.
 
The antenna is positioned where the mobile 3G network signal is strongest, either inside or outside the home or office and the booster is located inside where an improved signal is required.
 
During initial trials in Vodafone Egypt, users reported improvements in network performance including enhanced voice call reception and improved 3G data speeds within parts of the building which had previously only been able to offer low coverage levels.
 
"The trials are part of Vodafone's ongoing commitment to develop new and innovative ways to enhance our customers' mobile experience." said Global Networks Director Andy MacLeod. "This product may help to improve performance in areas where customers may experience isolated spots of low coverage within the home or small office. Initial results are encouraging and we are now looking to get wider feedback from a broader set of customers."
 
The product differs from a femtocell in that it strengthens the signal from the existing network rather than creating a new dedicated coverage zone. Vodafone is looking at both technologies to see how they can each meet the individual needs of customers.
 
In December, Vodafone Spain announced a pilot of femtocell technology with Vodafone Access Gateway. These access gateways connect 3G devices to the core network via broadband DSL and the pilot scheme was rolled out to a limited number of enterprise customers to assess its effectiveness in delivering wireless high-speed data and voice services.

At the Mobile World Congress, Accumulate is launching its new mobile technology platform – Mobile Everywhere (ME). The platform is based on patented technology that enables new payment and identification solutions on the mobile device. The first product to be released from the Accumulate ME-platform is Check ME, which extends security and control features of the mobile phone, so that consumers can comfortably conduct credit card transactions over their device.

"When online fraud increases, it hinders business opportunities. With the Accumulate ME-platform, card issuers and online shop owners can increase their business while greatly minimizing  the fear many end-users have when using credit cards for online transactions", says Stefan Hultberg, CEO of Accumulate. 

Check ME is based on the ME-platform and secures online credit card transactions using the mobile to verify and authenticate the user. Customers are typically credit card issuers such as banks. Key benefits are:

    a.. Mobile is always with you – increasing accessibility
    b.. As secure as token generators – eliminates need for extra device
    c.. No external storage of credit card data
    d.. Works with almost every mobile phone
    e.. Easy to use

An example Check ME's usage: A consumer makes a credit card purchase online, and authenticates her identity with a pin code provided to her via Check ME on her mobile.

"The launch of the ME-platform and Check ME will be followed by additional new, innovative and cost-effective identification and payment services using the ever present  mobile phone", says Stefan Hultberg.

ME-platform – the technology
The core components of the ME-platform consist of a mobile client that is distributed to users and a back-end transaction server system. The ME-platform offers 3D security and uses a standard mobile phone as a security device, making truly secure authentication accessible for the masses.

For each transaction two separate lines of communication are established – simultaneously – between the customer and the service provider, using two different communication systems: the mobile phone and computer-to-computer communication via the Internet. The end users use their regular computer and standard cellular phone. The service provider sends encrypted information – and receives encrypted reconfirmation – using their web server, and an external transaction service.

The ME-platform products currently work on all major mobile platforms including Android, Blackberry, iPhone, Java, Linux, Nokia Series 40/60 and Windows Mobile.

AIRCOM International, an independent network planning and optimisation consultancy, announces today a partnership with iBwave Solutions, a specialist in in-building wireless standard software, to deliver improved in-building network planning and design solutions to operators across the globe. 

The deal will see iBwave's in-building wireless network design software integrated into AIRCOM's ASSET solution, the network optimisation tool.  It will allow AIRCOM to offer all-encompassing radio network planning and optimisation services, adding enhanced in-building functionality into its ENTERPRISE tool suite. 

"In-building coverage is fast becoming one of the most important considerations for network operators, so we needed to find a best in class solution provider to help service our customers and provide seamless in-building planning as part of the radio network design," says Margaret Rice-Jones, CEO of AIRCOM International.  "It was clear that iBwave was the company to help achieve this, so we look forward working with them to strengthen our position as the in-building industry's network solution provider of choice."

iBwave is an international in-building software company that specialises in providing unique in-building network planning and design solutions to more than 150 customers including operators, integrators and equipment vendors across five continents.  The deal will extend AIRCOM's solution portfolio, allowing both companies to offer an integrated network solution to their combined customer base.

Commenting on the shared interface Mario Bouchard, CEO and President of iBwave says that "The mobile operator community is a key target market for iBwave and this integration is our commitment with our partners to deliver best of breed indoor and outdoor wireless networks."

The integration between iBwave's software and AIRCOM's ENTERPRISE is complete and the new network optimisation indoor/outdoor feature will be available upon RF-vu's new 4.2 version that is planned to be released on February 23, 2009.  

Mobile phone manufacturers risk losing their customers as they race to incorporate touchscreen features into their phones in a bid to copy Apple's success, according to feedback from shoppers collated by customer review website, www.reevoo.com.

More than 19,000 buyers of phones were asked by Reevoo.com to score and assess 226 phones against a range of criteria, including style and function.  Reevoo.com's analysis of feedback from customers shows that 5 out of ten phones in the bottom ten are touchscreen models [see top and bottom rated phones in the tables overleaf].

In contrast, only 2 of the top ten phones are touchscreen.  The top-rated phone with a score of 8.8 out of ten is the Nokia 5220 XpressMusic.  The phone features a conventional key pad. Apple's iPhone is the highest scoring touchscreen phone with a score of 8.3 out of ten. 

Jo Reale, mobile phone category manager from Reevoo.com said:  "Manufacturers are keen to jump on the touchscreen bandwagon but most of the current efforts are just not pushing the right buttons for shoppers. We love the look of touchscreen phones, and the ability to watch videos on a large screen, but touchscreen phones are hard to get right and many shoppers are complaining that touchscreen interfaces are just too fiddly."

Reviewers offered the following criticisms of current touchscreen phones:

"Touchscreen is a little hard to use if your fingers are not slender and pointy."
"The 'virtual' keyboards are rubbish, takes ages to type anything…you could always employ a five year old with small fingers. They should have used a stylus."

"Jerky software, not fluid. Crashes often."
"If you have nails can be a bit tricky on the keypad as it is heat sensitive and so must be pressed with the finger tip as a nail will not make it work."

"I found the touchscreen hard work and the physical 'pressing' was made more difficult by the fact that your finger, however slim or fat, tends to 'spread' when you have to press."

While manufacturers invest millions of pounds and R&D resources into faster mobile web browsers, and more intuitive software, the average consumer is still in the main just looking for a good looking phone, claims Reevoo.

The most important phone feature is its style, according to respondents, with 15.3% rating style highest.  Next most favoured characteristics are being compact (14.1%), having a good camera (10.4%) and being good for music (7.7%).  Lowest ranked criteria for customers are web browsing (1.5%) and email functionality (1.2%).

Jo Reale added: "If mobile phone manufacturers want to make an impact in the touchscreen arena, they need to listen to what consumers want and address the issues shoppers have with current touchscreen models."

The top ten phones by customer score:

1.      Nokia 5220 XpressMusic
2.      Nokia E71
3.      Sony Ericsson W595
4.      Nokia 2680
5.      Nokia 3110 Classic
6.      Samsung M150
7.      Apple iPhone 3G 16GB – touchscreen
8.      LG KC910 Renoir – touchscreen
9.      Nokia 6600 Slide
10.    Nokia 3600

The bottom ten phones by customer score:

  1.. HTC Touch Diamond – touchscreen
  2.. Sony Ericsson T303
  3.. Samsung Armani – touchscreen
  4.. Sony Ericsson C702
  5.. Nokia 6124 Classic
  6.. BlackBerry Storm 9500 – touchscreen
  7.. Samsung i900 Omnia – touchscreen
  8.. Nokia N96
  9.. Samsung U600
  10.. Samsung F490 – touchscreen

Together with the Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI), Rohde & Schwarz is demonstrating the latest developments for the LTE TDD standard at MWC. 

In the setup at the Rohde & Schwarz booth, an R&S AMU200A baseband signal generator will generate a base station's LTE TDD MIMO signal received by the user equipment (UE) implementation jointly developed by ASTRI and Innofidei. The signal contains an encoded video stream that is decoded by the UE. The R&S AMU200A is already equipped with two signal sources and one internal two-channel fading simulator. In the demonstration, it will include the option for LTE MIMO fading. This will enable the instrument to add 2×2 MIMO realtime fading in order to assess the effects on the receiver. The unique concept of the R&S AMU200A offers in one box all functions that are required to perform measurements on 2×2 MIMO receivers.

The 3GPP Release 8 specifications include both an LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) mode and an LTE time division duplex (TDD) mode. Both are essential for the commercial deployment of LTE. Although the two modes have been technically harmonized, solid test solutions are needed.

In addition to the setup in the demonstration, ASTRI also uses test solutions from Rohde & Schwarz to verify a femto base station implementation for LTE TDD. This involves using two R&S FSQ signal analyzers that assess the RF characteristics of the base station's MIMO signal.

The LTE TDD test solutions for signal generation (options R&S AMU-K55 and R&S SMx K55) and signal analysis (options R&S FSQ-K104 and R&S FSQ-K105) are available from Rohde & Schwarz.
 

Velti, a mobile marketing and content services technology provider, and Blyk have partnered to launch the mobile operator's new content portal – On Blyk. The new service is built primarily on messaging and is now available to all Blyk users in the UK.

Currently most mobile content services are built on the assumption that users will find what they want by browsing to it. On Blyk is based on the insight that messaging is the simple dominant mobile behaviour for 16-24 year olds and that messaging can drive the discovery of relevant content.

The new portal acts as a conduit for Blyk members interested in content from relevant brands or lifestyle choices; which moves away from the traditional mobile portal business model.

On Blyk enables content providers to host their content and then align pricing and promotional activities in line with their objectives. Content spanning areas such as video, chat, wallpapers, games and ringtones are delivered through On Blyk, from established providers including Player X, Saffron Digital and Jumbuck, amongst others.

"We liked the proposition On Blyk offered us and joined the service when we realised the flexibility of the Blyk network. We can control price points, promotional activities and the discovery of our content, in a more efficient way than other operator offerings," said Tony Pearce, Player X CEO.

On Blyk was developed in partnership with Velti, using elements of its Mobile Marketing Platform (MMP) to deliver highly targeted content to the network's 16-24 year old members.

"On Blyk is a great illustration of how Velti's technology can ensure the relevance of mobile communications, based on lifestyle or brand choices made by individuals. As Blyk members use the portal we will be able to use this behavioural insight to deliver the most compelling, relevant and timely content to them," said Velti CEO, Alex Moukas. "On Blyk's use of our personalisation technology is a key element in determining what content members will be receptive to and delivering a valued experience."