Android to accelerate convergence in consumer electronics
By Editor on February 23, 2011 · Leave a Comment
A recent research has revealed that there will be an installed base of 140 million Android portable devices, including smartphones and tablets, by the end of 2011. Research has found that the recent unveiling of Google’s Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) operating system for tablets, along with enhancements to the Android Market website, will do much to enhance growth prospects for this segment.
According to researchers, this provides an exciting opportunity for pay-TV operators, which have traditionally been tethered to the living room, to expand the reach of their brands to multiple portable platforms with apps development.
In total, Apple OS and Android OS were present in nearly 125 million connected devices shipped in 2010 and this is only expected to increase in 2011. Such reach into consumers’ hands means more operators will be developing apps that enable subscribers to purchase and consume content on new portable platforms and explore new convergence applications, such as controlling your on-demand service on the TV set via the smartphone.
Handset vendors are expected to make a number of smartphone announcements at Mobile World Congress, as well as demonstrate new tablet devices. These devices are critical to the multi-screen strategies that mobile network operators and content providers are hoping will encourage widespread uptake by consumers.
Filed under Mobile · Tagged with Android, Android 3.0 Honeycomb, Android Market, Android OS, Android portable devices, Apple OS, Google, Mobile, Mobile World Congress, Operating System, pay-TV operators, smartphones, tablets
Nokia Siemens CEO confident about progress in 2011
By Editor on February 22, 2011 · Leave a Comment
Nokia Siemens Networks, Chief Executive, Rajeev Suri stated that he is very confident about the company’s prospects and reiterated its plans to finalize the acquisition of Motorola Inc.’s network equipment assets in the first quarter of 2011.
According to him, overall, they have a lot of confidence and conviction about furthering their progress in 2011. The company feels extremely strong about their portfolio, which is stronger than it has ever been before. Through this, NSN is as strong as it has ever been.
NSN is a joint venture between Finland’s Nokia Corp. and Germany’s Siemens AG.
As per Suri, a week before the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, their owners stated that on their behalf there will be slight growth in industry revenue, which means they see just a little bit of growth, and that given the trend in mobile broadband and services, they believe that the company will outgrow the market and that non-IFRS operating margin will be above break-even.
NSN’s current guidance excludes the Motorola acquisition. Suri added that they will update their outlook when the Motorola acquisition is complete.
Suri also stated that NSN hopes to finalize its planned acquisition of most of Motorola’s network equipment assets in the first quarter of this year.
If the deal closes, NSN will get an important inroad into the lucrative U.S. market.
Suri also commented on interest from private equity firms in buying a stake in NSN from its parent companies. He stated that their shareholders have been talking to a few private equity players and time will tell them how talks progress and which player that will be.
Filed under Mobile · Tagged with Barcelona, Chief Executive, Finland, Germany, Mobile, Mobile World Congress, Motorola Inc, Nokia Corp, Nokia Siemens Networks, non-IFRS, Operating Margin, Rajeev Suri, Siemens AG, U.S
Vodafone launches Webbox for TV-based web browsing using Opera
By Editor on February 21, 2011 · Leave a Comment
Vodafone has revealed that its Webbox product which is a keyboard, bringing the ability to browse the Internet on users’ TVs connects through a wired RCA connection and needs Opera Mini 5.1 to provide a web link.
As the device comes from a phone carrier, it also supports mail messaging and built-in SMS, as well as an FM radio, a music player and a photo gallery too.
The keyboard connects to the GSM/EDGE network of Vodafone, although the carrier claims it should be fast enough, thanks to the 90% compression Opera provides for most websites. There are bookmarks preloaded for news, weather, games, social networks, a dictionary and some applications.
The Webbox is meant to ship to emerging markets first and will arrive in South Africa before other regions throughout this year. The device comes bundled with a 2GB SD card. Data is bought on prepaid SIM cards and a small credit is included. The price is equivalent to $102. The device has been shown at the Mobile World Congress.
Filed under Mobile · Tagged with a music player, built-in SMS, dictionary, EDGE, FM Radio, games, GSM, mail messaging, Mobile, Mobile World Congress, news, Opera, Opera Mini 5.1, photo gallery, RCA connection, SIM Cards, social networks, South Africa, TVs, Vodafone, weather, Webbox product
STC Demonstrates Thought Leadership At Mobile World Congress
By Editor on February 21, 2011 · Leave a Comment
As Platinum Sponsor of the Ministerial Program at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, STC participated with government ministers and global CEOs in a roundtable discussion on the impact of the telecom industry on the economy and the role of policy makers in encouraging further investment in this field.
Group CEO Engineer Saud Al Daweesh and Ghassan Hasbani, CEO International Operations, represented STC in the discussion.
“We believe that telecommunications services are key contributors to economic development and policy should focus on providing clarity and stability in regulatory frameworks to encourage higher levels of investments in the sector,” said Al Daweesh, commenting on the key points raised in the meeting.
In addition, STC addressed an audience of global industry leaders and policy makers at the Leadership Summit held during the Mobile World Congress.
The speech focused on the role of regulators and policy makers in ensuring that the industry continues to attract investments through fair regulation and usage of infrastructure, allowing access to a wide subscriber base with appropriate classes of service that suit their usage patterns at affordable cost.
STC presented a paper demonstrating the direct impact of innovation in telecommunications on global economic cycles and outlining the key challenges for the sector today.
On the third day of the Mobile World Congress, Ghassan Hasbani, Chief Executive Officer of STC International Operations, presented the company’s view on global Mergers and Acquisitions developments in which he indicated a revival of investment in the sector, although not at the same levels seen in 2006. He also expected further consolidation in the industry, with increased competition, substitution of main revenue sources and pressure on cost management.
During the panel discussion, Hasbani shared the experience of STC in operating across multiple markets.
STC also participated in a World Economic Forum Telecommunications Global Agenda meeting held in Barcelona in parallel with the GSMA Congress. It was attended by a large number of industry leaders and discussed issues related to mobile banking and mobile health services among other topics such as personal data exchange policies.
STC is a telecom industry partner with the World Economic Forum and has a seat on the Global Agenda Council among leading organizations from the industry.
“This Council serves to provide an industry view to global leaders and it is very important that our region is well represented through STC’s membership,” said Ghassan Hasbani, who represents the organization on the Council.
Executives from STC held several meetings with telecom ministers, technology vendors and telecom operators at which various operational and strategic matters were discussed including policy, regulation and technology evolution.
Ericsson and Novatium bring simple and convenient computing for the masses through the cloud
By Editor on February 14, 2011 · Leave a Comment
Ericsson and Novatium announce the global launch of PC as a Service. By making use of a cloud based operating system, PC as a Service removes the complexities of virus protection, software updates, application installation and maintenance. These features are moved away from the user to the cloud. The service, including client hardware, is remotely managed end-to- end by experts.
The concept gives a superior and convenient computing experience at a really great value reaching out with an optimal solution for the next billion users, especially in emerging markets.
PC as a Service is an operator offering and includes a managed monetized PC desktop and brings the strengths and advantages from mobile prepaid to the personal computer by allowing flexible recharging and diverse subscription models.
By offloading the overhead of running the operating system to the cloud, a PC as a Service device is able to perform tasks like media consumption and Internet browsing in a far quicker and responsive manner. Thanks to this radical innovation, the PC consumes less energy which means better battery life, reduced temperature of the device as well as minimizing the load on a telecom network without compromising the user experience.
The service holds tremendous promise for telecom operators globally looking at ways to monetize their mobile broadband infrastructure, while ensuring subscriber value. Several leading telecom service providers in India have already deployed the concept under their brand names.
“PC as a Service is a first-of-its-kind concept and a natural evolution of telecom and computing. Today, when every transaction is moving to the Internet, we are confident that cloud based computing will transform the way we use computers, tablets and smartphones today,” says Daniel Freeman, Head of Multimedia Innovation, Ericsson. “Additionally, PC as a Service offers telecom operators new ways to expand their broadband business. We see it driving mobile broadband penetration in emerging as well as developed markets as it motivates investments in rural as well as urban infrastructure.”
“With hyper competition and the continued rollout of Mobile Broadband networks, telecom service providers are looking for new services which offer a way to not only acquire but retain valuable customers. PC as a Service is one such revolutionary disruption,” says Mr. Alok Singh, CEO, Novatium solutions. “We believe PC as a Service is the future of telecom and computing convergence and telecom operators globally can now leverage the same with a trusted partner like Ericsson,” he added.
Gone is the time people have had to wait for a PC to start. A typical device is up and running 5 seconds after you turn it on. You never risk losing your data as it is mirrored in the cloud.
Ericsson and Novatium will be demonstrating their PC as a Service offering at the Ericsson Hall (Hall 6) at Mobile World Congress, Barcelona.
Notes to editors:
Video of the demo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GewXOwAczWo
Our multimedia content is available at the broadcast room:
www.ericsson.com/broadcast_room
Ericsson is the world’s leading provider of technology and services to telecom operators. Ericsson is the leader in 2G, 3G and 4G mobile technologies, and provides support for networks with over 2 billion subscribers and has the leading position in managed services. The company’s portfolio comprises mobile and fixed network infrastructure, telecom services, software, broadband and multimedia solutions for operators, enterprises and the media industry. The Sony Ericsson and ST-Ericsson joint ventures provide consumers with feature-rich personal mobile devices.
Ericsson is advancing its vision of being the “prime driver in an all- communicating world” through innovation, technology, and sustainable business solutions. Working in 175 countries, more than 90,000 employees generated revenue of SEK 203.3 billion (USD 28.2 billion) in 2010. Founded in 1876 with the headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden, Ericsson is listed on NASDAQ OMX, Stockholm and NASDAQ New York.
www.ericsson.com
www.twitter.com/ericssonpress
www.facebook.com/technologyforgood
www.youtube.com/ericssonpress
About Novatium Solutions Pvt Ltd
Novatium is the leader and pioneer in PC as a Service in India with its superior, convenient and great value offerings. Novatium’s innovation is in the area of research and development of user environment, technologies, infrastructure and support for providing easy to use everyday computing for all. This involves providing computing services based on ‘Pay as you Use’ model. The underlying principle is that users subscribe only to the required applications and resources for a desired period. Novatium provides home and small company computing service across India. Its simplicity of computing provides unique value, coupled with ease of navigation, data security and freedom from the hassles of application and software maintenance and upgrades.
Filed under Mobile · Tagged with 2G, 3G, 4G, Alok Singh, Barcelona, CEO, cloud based operating system, Daniel Freeman, Ericsson, Head of Multimedia Innovation, India, Mobile, Mobile World Congress, Novatium, Novatium solutions, PC, Sweden
NSN launches Suite of Core Products based on ATCA
By Editor on February 9, 2011 · Leave a Comment
Nokia Siemens Networks has launched a suite of products based on off-the-shelf ATCA hardware. The company claims that its Open Core System delivers higher processing capacity and can ensure a seamless evolution to all-IP core networks with minimal footprint and power requirements.
According to Jukka Luoma, head of product management, voice & IP transformation at Nokia Siemens Networks, they are witnessing a steady growth in new smart devices that are being introduced in the market along with growing demand from end-users for advanced services. Their Open Core System decouples application software from the underlying equipment, providing more flexibility to operators in adjusting their networks according to the demand. In addition, the use of a single, commercial, off the shelf platform for all core products brings efficiency gains for the operator that directly impact operational and capital costs.
Operators can install the Open Core System as part of an expansion of their existing fixed and mobile networks as well as over their existing systems. Existing Nokia Siemens Networks’ customers, using proprietary hardware can also install the Open Core System and maintain feature parity due to the same application software being used in both platforms.
The other important aspect derived from the HW/SW decoupling is the possibility of redefining the function of the Open Core System units according to the traffic demand. This means that if an operator, for instance, experiences a decrease in mobile voice traffic and an increase in IMS traffic, the MSS blades can be reconfigured and transformed into IMS units, redistributing processing capacity according to the real domains. This is done by just updating the application software on the HW units.
The Open Core System comprises of the Open MSS (mobile softswitch); Open MGW (multimedia gateway); Open IMS (IP multimedia subsystem); Open VoIP Server; Open PCS (policy control server); Open HSS (home subscriber server); Open SAM (signaling application manager); Flexi NS (network server incorporating serving GPRS support node and system architecture evolution gateway); Flexi NG (next generation, incorporating gateway GPRS support node and packet-switched gateway); and HLR (home location registry). All these products handle the operators’ voice and multimedia services and use the same hardware platform that is based on the commercial off-the shelf ATCA architecture.
Open MSS will be the first to be shipped commercially in the first quarter of this year followed by Open MGW. Flexi NS and Flexi NG, which are also a part of the portfolio, have been available since 2010. The new Open Core System is being launched at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.
Filed under Mobile · Tagged with ATCA hardware, Barcelona, Flexi NG (next generation, Flexi NS (network server incorporating serving GPRS support node and system architecture evolution gateway), Flexi NS (Network Server), head of product management, IMS, incorporating gateway GPRS support node and packet-switched gateway), IP core networks, Jukka Luoma, Mobile, Mobile World Congress, MSS, Nokia Siemens Networks, Open Core System, Open HSS (home subscriber server), Open IMS (IP multimedia subsystem), Open MGW (multimedia gateway), Open MSS (mobile softswitch), Open PCS (policy control server), Open SAM (signaling application manager), Open VoIP Server, suite of products, voice & IP transformation
Ericsson unveils antenna integrated radio unit: AIR
By Editor on February 9, 2011 · Leave a Comment
- Innovative design integrates antenna unit into radio unit
- Field tests indicate 42 percent power consumption reduction and 30 percent reduction of integration and installation time
- Only necessary to swap antennas when adding new 3G/4G technology on site
Ericsson announces the launch of its ground-breakingEricsson AIR (antenna integrated radio) solution at the Mobile World Congress 2011 in Barcelona. The radio solution, based on a unique design compactly integrating the antenna into the radio unit, will cut energy consumption and installation time drastically.
The compact, multi-standard solution ensures highly efficient and smooth introduction of new technologies, both 3G and 4G. A new standard or a new frequency band can easily be introduced by simply adding AIR and swapping the existing antenna. Mobile operators will also benefit from reduced costs due to shorter installation time, because AIR has fewer units and fewer interconnections compared to traditional site solutions. Field trials in customer networks proved a reduction of integration and installation time of up to 30 percent.
In addition, the field trial demonstrated that the solution provides reduced power consumption of up to 42 percent, mainly due to reduced feeder loss and simplified cooling.
Ulf Ewaldsson, Vice President and Head of Product Area Radio at Ericsson, says: “AIR is the fruit of in-depth discussions with customers about their future requirements for highly efficient radio access solutions. AIR will not only cut operational costs substantially, but it will also ensure a smooth introduction of new technologies and frequency bands.”
As gaining access to new sites becomes increasingly difficult, site design and appearance is becoming more important. AIR has been carefully designed to blend into the environment and its sleek appearance is close to that of a traditional antenna.
Ewaldsson says: “We are experiencing a tremendous take off in mobile broadband and the user expectations on speed and coverage are increasing the demands on the networks. In order to cope with the future capacity demands, we have a clearly defined small cell strategy. I am proud to announce that the AIR architecture is the first stepping stone towards a heterogeneous network.”
This completely new design of a radio solution is the result of an innovative strategic partnership between Ericsson and the antenna market leader Kathrein.
The AIR solution will be commercially available in the second half 2011 and will contribute to a sustainable world and a profitable mobile network.
Filed under Mobile · Tagged with 3G, 4G, Barcelona, Ericsson, Ericsson AIR (antenna integrated radio), Mobile, Mobile World Congress, Ulf Ewaldsson, Vice President and Head of Product
Qualcomm to Demonstrate New Peer-to-Peer Technology at Mobile World Congress
By Editor on February 9, 2011 · Leave a Comment
Reflecting its continuing research and development into new connectivity models, Qualcomm Incorporated (Nasdaq: QCOM) will demonstrate its newest advancement in peer-to-peer wireless technology at the GSMA Mobile World Congress, Feb. 14-17 in Barcelona. The Company’s technology innovation, called FlashLinqâ„¢, enables devices to discover each other automatically and continuously, and to communicate, peer-to-peer, at broadband speeds without the need for intermediary infrastructure.
FlashLinq advances a concept known as proximal communications, whereby users can continuously connect, disconnect and communicate directly with other mobile users at broadband speeds based on their physical proximity. The technology is designed to complement traditional cellular-based services and serve as a scalable platform for new types of applications.
“By expanding the operator model of managed services to the frontier of proximal communications, Qualcomm continues to demonstrate its leadership in wireless technology and innovation,” said Ed Knapp, senior vice president of business development and engineering for Qualcomm. ”FlashLinq’s direct discovery and distributed communications allows operators to naturally extend their cellular networks. The technology can efficiently support new and enhanced services in areas such as direct local advertising, geo-social networking and machine-to-machine communications.”
FlashLinq is a synchronous TDD OFDMA technology operating on dedicated licensed spectrum and is distinguished by its high discovery range (up to a kilometer), discovery capacity (thousands of nearby devices) and distributed interference management. By enabling the simultaneous discovery and communication of thousands of proximal devices, FlashLinq can effectively create a “neighborhood-area network,” where fixed and mobile peer applications can interact directly.
Qualcomm plans to collaborate with SK Telecom to trial FlashLinq in South Korea and explore potential commercial uses.
“Throughout its 27-year history, SK Telecom has always embraced cutting-edge technologies because we are committed to giving our customers the most advanced capabilities and user experiences,” said Dr. Jong Tae Ihm, SK Telecom’s senior vice president and head of the Institute of Network Technology. “We see Qualcomm’s FlashLinq technology as a key enabler to a range of new and innovative services based on proximal networking.”
Qualcomm’s FlashLinq P2P technology will be demonstrated at Barcelona’s Fira Convention Center in the Company’s exhibit, located in Exhibit Hall 8, #8B53.
About SK Telecom
SK Telecom (NYSE: SKM, KSE: 017670) is Korea’s leading telecommunications provider with more than 25 million subscribers, which accounts for more than 50% of the total market. The company, established in 1984, reached KRW 12.46 trillion in revenue in 2010. SK Telecom was the first to launch and commercialize CDMA, CDMA2000 1x, CDMA EV-DO and HSDPA networks, and it currently provides cellular, wireless Internet, mobile media, global roaming service and more. For more information, please visit www.sktelecom.com or email press@sktelecom.com.
About Qualcomm
Qualcomm Incorporated (NASDAQ: QCOM) is a world leader in 3G and next-generation mobile technologies. For 25 years, Qualcomm ideas and inventions have driven the evolution of wireless communications, connecting people more closely to information, entertainment and each other. Today, Qualcomm technologies are powering the convergence of mobile communications and consumer electronics, making wireless devices and services more personal, affordable and accessible to people everywhere. For more information, visit Qualcomm around the Web: www.qualcomm.com
Filed under Mobile · Tagged with 3G, Barcelona, Ed Knapp, FlashLinq P2P technology, GSMA, Korea, Mobile, Mobile World Congress, Qualcomm Incorporated, Senior Vice President, SK Telecom, TDD OFDMA technology, USA
Globitel to participate in Mobile World Congress 2011
By Editor on February 7, 2011 · Leave a Comment
Globitel, the telecom solutions provider, has announced its participation in the Mobile World Congress 2011 to be held on the 14th to the 17th of February in Barcelona, Spain.
The Mobile World Congress 2011, bringing 50,000 senior mobile leaders from 200 countries, will feature a thought leadership conference, an awards program highlighting the most innovative mobile solutions, and an exhibition with more than 1,300 companies displaying their cutting-edge products and technologies that will define the mobile future.
As a pioneer of telecom solutions, Globitel’s participation in the Mobile World Congress 2011 is a continuation of its strategic plans, where the Company will be displaying its technologies and products in a fully-branded booth for the 5th Year. Representing Globitel at the Mobile World Congress 2011 is Mr. Sharif Nabulsi, Globitel’s CEO, Mr. Samer Halawa, President of Globitel, Mr. Fadi Qutaishat, Vice president – Sales and Marketing of Globitel, and other key team members.
Commenting on this participation was Mr. Fadi Qutaishat, Vice president – Sales and Marketing of Globitel, “Our participation in the Mobile World Congress 2011 comes as part of our strategic plans to grow and expand in the market. The Mobile World Congress 2011 is the world’s best venue for industry networking, business opportunities and potential ventures. We are delighted to take part in the Congress where we will be displaying our innovative products and technologies to a worldwide audience.”
It is worth mentioning that Globitel, headquartered in Amman, Jordan, was founded in the 90′s and is one of the few companies offering a wide range of telecom solutions. Offering an array of products covering the needs of both telecom operators and call centers in more than 35 countries, Globitel has a global footprint with local presence in Saudi Arabia and a strong network of partners covering Middle East, Africa & Eastern Europe among other hub countries throughout the world.
Filed under Mobile · Tagged with Africa, Barcelona, CEO, Eastern Europe, Globitel, Jordan, Middle East, Mobile, Mobile World Congress, Mr. Fadi Qutaishat, Mr. Samer Halawa, President, Saudi Arabia, Spain, telecom solutions provider, Vice president - Sales and Marketing
Ericsson soon to offer Mobile Banking Services
By Editor on February 3, 2011 · Leave a Comment
Ericsson will be introducing its own mobile payment platform- Ericsson Money Services in a couple of weeks at the Mobile World Congress.
The launch of this new business follows two years of preparation and proof of concept in Europe and Asia. As part of this establishment, Ericsson has developed an end-to-end solution and associated business and operational model, fulfilling all necessary regulatory, legal and security requirements, in cooperation with its operator customers and innovative players in the financial sector.
Through Ericsson Money Services and its Money Interconnect Service, mobile operators, financial institutions and other service providers, wishing to extend their offering with mobile money services, will be connected to a real-time, cross-border, cross-currency switching network.
According to Semir Mahjoub, Head of Ericsson Money Services, Ericsson, a new market is opening up consisting of consumers whose first meeting with banks will take place over a mobile phone and who may never own a plastic credit card. People who may never enter a bricks-and-mortar bank now have the opportunity to walk into a virtual bank using their phone. They will also benefit from more reasonable fees for routine transactions such as transferring funds.
Filed under Mobile · Tagged with ASIA, Cross-Border, cross-currency switching network, end-to-end solution, Ericsson, Ericsson Money Services, Europe, financial institutions, Head of Ericsson Money Services, Mobile, Mobile Operators, mobile payment platform, Mobile World Congress, Money Interconnect Service, real-time, Semir Mahjoub
